After 5K miles, my lovely Yokohama ao21R tyres are just about at the end of their life. I've tried to buy some more but they are now marked Not For Road Use. Don't want to risk fitting them and falling foul of Plod or the insurance company.
Current size is 185 80 R13 H rated fitted to 5J Minilite reps. There are a number of tyres available but many are either unknown make or those from the major makes appear to be concerned more with fuel economy than grip.
Have you any any advice/ guidance on choice?
13" Tyres recommendations
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Westfield 129
- Posts: 867
- Joined: Sat Jun 04, 2011 4:20 am
Re: 13" Tyres recommendations
You can use 185/70/13. This will give you a larger number of tire manufacturers, including any vinttage tires that work well on pavement. This size is realtively common, and offered by Pirelli, Michelin and Avon. Kumho also offers the size in road tires, and it is likely that there are off brands offering the tire size. The off brand tires are usually quite inexpensive, and work surprisingly well on a 1000 lb car at about 18 psi of pressure. They will last far longer than 5000 miles.
They will clear everything without problems, but will give the car what may be a bit too much grip if you like to slide around on public roads. You will find that the car will handle predictably, but you will be going faster.The experience is more Caterham than Westfield 11.
The tire height is about the same as a 165/13. so side wall height is not a problem.
You can use a 165/13 or 165/80/13, or 165/85/13 as well.
I have been using an off brand 185/70/13 on my own car (Primwell, a Bridgestone/Firestons product), and have found that the tire is stable, predictable and works well on my early chassis with the long dampers, Westfield front anti sway bar and TranX LSD.
They will clear everything without problems, but will give the car what may be a bit too much grip if you like to slide around on public roads. You will find that the car will handle predictably, but you will be going faster.The experience is more Caterham than Westfield 11.
The tire height is about the same as a 165/13. so side wall height is not a problem.
You can use a 165/13 or 165/80/13, or 165/85/13 as well.
I have been using an off brand 185/70/13 on my own car (Primwell, a Bridgestone/Firestons product), and have found that the tire is stable, predictable and works well on my early chassis with the long dampers, Westfield front anti sway bar and TranX LSD.
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StephenH
- Posts: 25
- Joined: Sat Oct 31, 2015 8:28 pm
Re: 13" Tyres recommendations
But the O/P is looking for sticky trackday tyres!
Some Khumho V70A tyres are still available, but not in your size. Can you raise the suspension a bit to use 175/70x13" tyres? If so, have a look at the Camskill website, and if you think they may be able to help give them a ring.
You may find 175 section tyres feel nicer on 5" rims than 185, and may even give as much or better grip as they would heat up quicker on trackdays.
Some Khumho V70A tyres are still available, but not in your size. Can you raise the suspension a bit to use 175/70x13" tyres? If so, have a look at the Camskill website, and if you think they may be able to help give them a ring.
You may find 175 section tyres feel nicer on 5" rims than 185, and may even give as much or better grip as they would heat up quicker on trackdays.
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Westfield 129
- Posts: 867
- Joined: Sat Jun 04, 2011 4:20 am
Re: 13" Tyres recommendations
Note that the tires were to be used on the road.
No need to raise the chassis to fit a 175/70/13 as a 185/70/13 is taller and will fit without any problem.
Also, Michelin makes the TB-15 range in 13", 20/53/13 (175/60/13)< 20/53/13 (185/55/13). Maybe a little short in sidewall height.
I have been driving 185s for a decade or so as a replacement for a 165 tire. No real difference in feel, and the 185s have been super predictable and easy to go fast on. 5" is the measuring rim width for most 185/70/13 tires.
They may feel a bit different on introduction, but after a drive on twisty roads, or a few laps, they feel just fine...
No need to raise the chassis to fit a 175/70/13 as a 185/70/13 is taller and will fit without any problem.
Also, Michelin makes the TB-15 range in 13", 20/53/13 (175/60/13)< 20/53/13 (185/55/13). Maybe a little short in sidewall height.
I have been driving 185s for a decade or so as a replacement for a 165 tire. No real difference in feel, and the 185s have been super predictable and easy to go fast on. 5" is the measuring rim width for most 185/70/13 tires.
They may feel a bit different on introduction, but after a drive on twisty roads, or a few laps, they feel just fine...