TVR Wedge Tyres

[wedgeinald]

Just looking at tyres for my 280i soft top wedge.

Wondered if anyone can advise what the SPEED rating should be (i.e. what speed rating did TVR fit from the factory?) I'm looking at changing from 14" rims to 15" rims and have calulated the width/sidewall etc but wanted to double check what speed rating they should be just to make sure i'm on the safe side (have no intentions of doing track days just want to make sure i don't have any issues with insurance etc).

Cheers in advance.

Norman

[FlipFlopGriff]

At a guess i'd say V rated. Is a guess but failry sure.
FFG

[Trickie Dickie]

I checked a while ago and even the 400s are only V rated
although mine did originally have Z rated tyres

HTH

Richard

[grahamw48]

Whatever rating 130mph is...make sure the bonnet is locked properly and the nearside rear hub nut is tight though, otherwise you might be 3 wheels on my wagon, admiring the underside of your soundproofing

[peaktorque]

grahamw48 said:

Whatever rating 130mph is...make sure the bonnet is locked properly and the nearside rear hub nut is tight though, otherwise you might be 3 wheels on my wagon, admiring the underside of your soundproofing

My hub nut has no 'failsafe' split-pin or similar fitted and my bonnet doesn't lock.

Should I be worried?

[wedgeinald]

Cheers for that I have no intention of doing THAT fast in it (especially as I have calculated online that the top end will be reduced by 9-10% with the new diff/tyre combo, speedo will over read too so should be no worries with speedlimits etc...but plan to "re-calibrate" asap)...just don't want to get a claim disallowed for the want of the right tyres on the new wheels.

I should get a few % extra acelleration as a result though?

Norman

[grahamw48]

peaktorque said:

grahamw48 said:

Whatever rating 130mph is...make sure the bonnet is locked properly and the nearside rear hub nut is tight though, otherwise you might be 3 wheels on my wagon, admiring the underside of your soundproofing

My hub nut has no 'failsafe' split-pin or similar fitted and my bonnet doesn't lock.

Should I be worried?

lol!....nope...just fit an ejector seat.

[grahamw48]

wedgeinald said:

Cheers for that I have no intention of doing THAT fast in it (especially as I have calculated online that the top end will be reduced by 9-10% with the new diff/tyre combo, speedo will over read too so should be no worries with speedlimits etc...but plan to "re-calibrate" asap)...just don't want to get a claim disallowed for the want of the right tyres on the new wheels.

I should get a few % extra acelleration as a result though?

Norman

I reckon you'd best give them details of all changes to standard. You know how they try to get out of paying up.

[KelWedge]

Hi

I have 'W' on the back and 'V' on the front! Ok so I will go 'W' all round when I next change. If I was you, you need 'V' or above, its not just a speed thing its how you drive, and lets face it, you will not drive you car like a normal car will you.
As for what make I can only say I have found Avon's dont last long.

Kelvin

[Grady]

wedgeinald said:

I'm looking at changing from 14" rims to 15" rims

There was some discussion on this but I can't find the thread...

280i-s originally came with a tall-ish (70-185?) 14" tires so you didn't need power steering or gorilla arms for low speed turns. The high profile also added some "give" to the ride. (BTW - Over here we have a plate with the original tire size riveted to the door jam.)

The point was as you increased the rim size and deceased the tire profile it required proportionately more muscle, less "road bounce absorption" and better handling. A trade off.

My 280i has 16" x 245s which look fine but result in very hard turning - particularly when stopped - and a very stiff ride that on less than perfect roads is jarring to me and the car. I'd say it's really too low a profile for my roads.

Just a thought as you change profiles.

[grahamw48]

'Standard' tyres for 14" 7.5J rims on 280 were 205/60 (UK spec)

15" on 350i were also 205/60 I believe, and 15" 390/400SE 8J+ wheels, 225/50

[SEvans]

wedgeinald said:

Cheers for that I have no intention of doing THAT fast in it (especially as I have calculated online that the top end will be reduced by 9-10% with the new diff/tyre combo, speedo will over read too so should be no worries with speedlimits etc...but plan to "re-calibrate" asap)...just don't want to get a claim disallowed for the want of the right tyres on the new wheels.

I should get a few % extra acelleration as a result though?

Norman

When you do come to re-calibrate the speedo you may find this useful.
http://www.speedycables.com/page34aaaaa.html
I used this method to get mine re-calibrated after engine upgrade, different gearbox, different diff and 14" to 15" wheels. As compared to my satnav the TVR speedo is now more accurate than the one in my Honda!! If you do choose to go down this route, take your time and do a few runs until you are happy the results are consistent. Cheers Steve

[GRIFFONMARK]

My 1988 350i was fitted with 205/60R15 tyres which I replaced with Toyo Proxes R 205/55R15 V rated tyres. These were an unusually cheap option in the Toyo range. Go outside this and the cost increases dramatically. I got 4 fully fitted via Blackcircle.com for £250 at a local dealer. The tyres transformed the car. Incredible grip in the dry. They don't squeal, but you do get some warning as the car starts to slide and they recover instantly. I've only managed to lock the fronts once, and that was on a damp road. They are wearing out though, but at this price I'm happy to buy a new set every year. The slightly lower profile hasn't been a problem - I may have lost a bit of top end (I don't know as I don't want to go over 120mph) but the car feels very fast and is still economical if I want it to be.

Regards

Mark