The 'E' Type Forum

Dear all,

On my US import i have the following tyres fitted

front; 205x70x15

rear; 185 x 70 15 snow tyres.

spare; 185 x 15

all on 6" wheels.

i want to replace all the tyres.
Which size is correct[and safe]?

my preference is for a wide profile tyre,

many thanks
Bill
Series 2. 2+2 1969

Standard tyres were 185VR15 which will fit on 6" wheels giving a slightly firmer ride than on (standard) 5" wheels but with improved steering feel and handling. Michelin XVS, Pirelli Cinturato or Vredstein are available in that size but do try and get VR rated. The rating is not just about maximum speed but also cornering forces and other handling factors. Give Dougal at Longstone Tyres a call.

Try Goodyear Advantage tires. They make a 205 / 70 /15. Great tire . Does everything you will ask of it well, and long lasting to boot. Reasonably priced as well. Enjoy.

JJ

Hi JJ.......Google search has zero results for Goodyear Advantage here in the UK.....Steve

My mistake...Goodyear Assurance, very sorry. However, my review stands....for the Assurance !! LOL

JJ

Get rid of any 205 tyre . These only work on V12s. On any 6 cylinder car they make it feel like driving a lorry, and in addition there are often problems with fouling the front wheel arches on full lock, and an inability to get the rear wheels on or off the car without deflating the tyre

Christopher Wrote:

Get rid of any 205 tyre . These only work on V12s. On any 6 cylinder car they make it feel like driving a lorry, and in addition there are often problems with fouling the front wheel arches on full lock, and an inability to get the rear wheels on or off the car without deflating the tyre

Hello Christopher,
2nd that. Further, depending on Rim Offset, the tyre will interfere with the Rear Suspension Bump Stops. Many who go the wide tyre route have the Bump Stops removed and the Mounting for the Rubber Stop cut off; a mutilation of the vehicle in my opinion.

Regards,

Bill

And if you cut off the bump stops they must be installed in the shock absorbers otherwise they will bottom out. Good luck with finding the correct size, material and resistance to match the Boge's (Koni's are a poor match for the E-Type).

angelw wrote: ↑

Sun May 05, 2019 10:04 am

Christopher Wrote:

Get rid of any 205 tyre . These only work on V12s. On any 6 cylinder car they make it feel like driving a lorry, and in addition there are often problems with fouling the front wheel arches on full lock, and an inability to get the rear wheels on or off the car without deflating the tyre

Hello Christopher,
2nd that. Further, depending on Rim Offset, the tyre will interfere with the Rear Suspension Bump Stops. Many who go the wide tyre route have the Bump Stops removed and the Mounting for the Rubber Stop cut off; a mutilation of the vehicle in my opinion.

Regards,

Bill

On my series 1 1964 4.2 I have been running 205 70 15 Pirelli for ever , it does not feel like driving a lorry , and does not rub on inner front wheel arch, the rear bmp stops as removed , these tyres sit on a 6" centre laced rim and the car is lowered an inch all round , it looks better in my opinion and drives fine , ive had the car since 2001 oh and I do not have to deflate rear tyre to remove wheel

I use Sumitomo 205/70 on the rear and 205/65 H/V rated on the front. Dayton six inch, center/hub laced wheels. The rears clear the bump stops, although I installed rubber stops on the shocks as I was hoping to use 215/65 on the rear. Unfortunately, the 215/65s on center laced wheels rubbed on the outer fender lip and on the inner fender well. They would fit on bead laced six in wheels (with the bump stops removed). I trial fit both 215/65 and 205/70 on the rear with the shocks/springs removed and jacked the mounted rear wheel/tire through full travel to check for clearance, so I'm not speculating. Neither the 205/65's nor the 205/70's rub at the front. With a small Nardi steering wheel the effort is high at a standstill. It is a delight once the car is moving.

christopher storey wrote: ↑

Sun May 05, 2019 9:01 am

Get rid of any 205 tyre . These only work on V12s. On any 6 cylinder car they make it feel like driving a lorry, and in addition there are often problems with fouling the front wheel arches on full lock, and an inability to get the rear wheels on or off the car without deflating the tyre

Or Not. 215/60s on MWS 15x6. No issues front or back, bump stop shaved (not removed), no mounting/removal issues. I understand that there are no drivability issues or negatives.


This may not hold true if you change the inset / outset so it is worth discussing the rim/tire combo vs just the tire.