Series 1 etype wheels / tyres question

[jon-]

Hi,

I've a friend with a beautiful series 1 etype which he likes to track. Me having the tyre reviewing site he's asked me a few wheel related questions I'm stuck on answering.

He had 205/70/15 on the stock 5 1/2 rims but he's bought a set of 7 inch wide replicas for some track rubber. To keep the rolling radius the same I'm thinking 225/65 or 245/60 but I'm not sure a) what works on an etype and b) what tyres to recommend bearing in mind this is a track car.

I'm presuming these came on cross ply originally?

If anyone has any pointers for me I'd appreciate it,

Thanks

Jon

[jon-]

Anyone, or could someone point me in the direction of a good etype resource?

[a8hex]

jon- said:

Anyone, or could someone point me in the direction of a good etype resource?

There is a good E Type forum on www.jag-lovers.org, at least they've always been very helpful when I've straid over from the XK (1948->1961) forum.

[lowdrag]

You don't mention the year of the E type but they were originally fitted with Dunlop RS5 crossplies from the launch in 1961 until later in the Series 1 production when they went to Dunlop SP Sport radials - 185/15. Putting on much wider wheels will cause problems; I assume that since he has already fitted 205/15 tyres from the series 3 he has modified (or removed) the rear bump stops. The other problem will be the fouling of the front arches on full lock. I'd suggest you contact John Burton, president of the JDC E type register for advice on this before carrying out the mods.

[falcemob]

You want 225/60X15. These are now getting quite diffcult to get hold of in anything that is grippy for track days or racing. I use Yokohama 032Rs, I think you can still get them although you may have to shop around.