The 'E' Type Forum

My 2+2 came fitted with 15 year old Vredstein 205 tyres on the front and Avon's on the rear. Although they had very little wear I noticed that the fronts were 15 years old and, in any case, the steering was very heavy at low speeds. I had some Pirelli Cinturato's fitted today and I am very pleased with the improvement in the handling, the car is much more responsive at slow speeds. When the rears were removed it was obvious that they had been rubbing too so they were too large for the car really. Now I just need to sell the unneeded tubes that came with the tyre deal, my car has steel wheels.

Ian

The tires that you found to be to large. Can you tell me what the aspect ratio is on those? And were they rubbing due to width or height? I'd like to go a bit larger than standard next tire change but I won't if it rubs.

I'm sorry but I don't recall, I'm still very pleased with my new tyres, the handling is so much better than it was with the 205's.

Ian

Don't even think about going to larger tyres on any 6 cylinder E type : you will ruin - and I mean ruin - the feel of the car, and gain absolutely nothing in return

I need to change my tyres and I have two Yokohama 205/70 R15s (A321 code) that came with the car - now obsolete (the tyres I mean) - that I don't want to discard. Is there a current tyre that would match with these? Should I just chuck them? I am a not a racer! Regards, Peter.

If they are more than six years old (there should be a date code on them) discard them and buy a new set of 185's. Pirelli Cinurato's are very good, Dunlop SP Sport make the car look as if it is shod with much wider tyres, Michelin XVS give the ultimate in handling/grip but the soft rubber means they do not last long and the Vredestein's seem to have a good following although they are not VR rated (not only affects top speed but the load rating - try to stay with VR rated tyres if you can). The 185's will not only give you more ground clearance but as Christopher says will give you the ultimate in handling, ride and steering feel. Check out Longstone Tyres as Dougal has done a video comparing all the tyres available for the E-Type along with comments on each. Longstone will courier the tyres to you if you are not within reach of Bawtry.

I have the wider 6 inch wheels - will the 185s sit OK on these and/or look daft? Regards, Peter.

The 185 tyres are approved for 5", 5.5" and 6" wheels and many contend the wider wheels improve handling because the side walls are stretched out slightly making them stiffer, albeit with a small compromise in ride comfort. Don't hesitate - buy a set of 185's and you will be amazed how good the E-Type really is!

Hi Peter

Look daft! I think not, you get great handling and no heavy steering and looks right IMHO. Here you have XVS 185's on 6 inch rims;



John H.

I once installed some 205/75 Pirelli rubber on my '65 and found that it gave the car a "nervous" feel, and they made the car follow the rain grooves found on California freeways. They also rubbed the rear bump stops on freeway roundabouts. When I replaced the wheels with 5" Daytons, I installed a set of 185-15 Avons and life was good. I hadn't thought of going with 6" rims and 185 rubber, but it looks good!