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MG MGB Technical - Tyre sizes for V8

Hi all,

I am about to get a new set of tyres for my factory V8. I am replacing the old ones because they are now 12 years old! The new ones that I buy will no doubt last a long time as well.

I am looking at either the standard size of 175/80/14 or going for 185/70/14 on the standard V8 Dunlop wheels. I know that the circumference of 185 is slightly less by around 3.5% so it will make a very slight difference to the accuracy of my speedo, but most out not accurate anyway, so I am not too concerned. I will have them for a long time, so I want to get it right!

Any thoughts or advice?

Cheers, David
David JM

If it was my car I'd go for a Michelin 175/80, but I like my cars mostly original.

You will find that the 185/70 is available in more brands and types, so better choice (but don't ask me which brand/type is the best on the V8.

The 175/80 was standard fitment on the "economy" VW Golf so should be available in Continental or Michelin.

Willem vd Veer

Then there is always the 195/65 14, which is very close to the original circumference and available in Yokohama A Drive or Michelin Energy. The difficulty of choice! But I must get them before I go to Spa in 2 weeks time.
David JM

195 size tyres can sometimes rub on the rear left guard lip. It also depends on wheel offset. It happens with 15" Supalights but may be OK with standard V8 wheels.
J Tait

David-
I don't know what tires are available in your market, but if you're going to fit a tire of 185 or larger size, I have to recommend that you install a Panhard rod in order to control body movement over the rear axle, otherwise the sidewalls of the tires will rub against the inside of the wheelwell apertures whenever you take a corner with any speed at all.
Stephen Strange

Thank you all for your feedback and comments. I have decided to stay with the standard 175/80 14. I have ordered Continental Ecocontact 3, which get very good feedback from other users.

Now I just need to sort the clearance on the new anti-roll bar!
David JM

Hello David,

Use that tire size calculator to find proper size.

http://stuegli.com/tiresize.htm



Cheers.

Jean G.
Jean Guy Catford

My 195s didn't rub but I couldn't shut the cover (V8 GT) over the spare. Now have 185s.
PaulH Solihull

This thread was discussed between 19/05/2011 and 27/05/2011

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