Tamora tyre choices

[Martin B Tam]

Starting to look at improving the Tams handling now I have had the car for a couple of months.

First change must be the tyres, checking the date codes the fronts are from 2004 and the rears from 07

I have read the latest threads regarding tyres but these are not Tam specific so I don't know if I can run a slightly higher profile on the fronts without rubbing on the arches ? Are all T cars using similar chassis but guess the bodywork is the limiting factor

Is there an issue with using wider rears, they are 235 as standard but many seem to use Toyo R1Rs as 225/40 fronts and 255/35 rears.

Not intending taking the Tam on track at the moment (been there done that with previous Caterhams) so are R1Rs too track focused anyway ? How much tread do you start with, I remember Kumho V70 Ecstas had less than 5mm from new which doesn't help longevity, how many miles would a set of R1Rs last.

What alternatives are there, the Goodyear Eagle Asymmetrics seem well regarded but Camskill for example list a raft more. Would like one with a compliant sidewall as the roads around Surrey are becoming more suitable for carts than cars.

Appreciate any help


Martin

[fredd1e]

255/35 rears are the ideal size imho. Whether 225/40s will fit is a maybe. How much clearance do you have with the stock tyres on full left and right lock to the outer front arches (and inner near headlamp access panel)? the 225/40 could be 15mm taller at this point so if you only have say 10mm clearance the taller tyre will rub.

[Zippee]

I'm running BF Goodrich G-Force profiler 2s (long name, great tyre) all round on my T350 and will be fitting them again when the time comes. Not the cheapest but good feedback and grip and IMHO very underrated in the TVR world.

[Buzz Billsberry]

Hi Martin

The R1R are the right way to go and you shouldn't have any rubbing issues on the front assuming your suspension is standard factory setting. I'm going down the same route/size with my Tamora for next year. I have a 2 friends with Tamoras who have run the same size fronts but one of the them went to 265 on the rears but 255 is really the max width you want to be running on that width of rim. The likes of the 888's V700/V70 48R's and the like are really a waste of money for just general driving, however, they are soon to be banned from sale for road use and that’s one of the reasons toyo brought out the R1R.

The R1R has 5% more tread pattern across it section (17% in case of 888 etc) and a deeper tread which all-in-all will help the tyre's wet weather driving ability. The 888's will still be available but will have 'FOR COMPETITION USE ONLY' on them. If you currently have them on your vehicle I'm not sure what the procedures for having them replaced or what date the ban will be coming in,all I know its scheduled 2012 sometime. I'm still waiting for an email from my former work colleagues at Pirelli

Buzz

Edited by Buzz Billsberry on Tuesday 13th September 10:18

Edited by Buzz Billsberry on Tuesday 13th September 10:19

[Mattt]

I'm very happy with the Eagle F1 Assymetric 2, in 255 section, on the rear of mine.

[Buzz Billsberry]

Mattt said:

I'm very happy with the Eagle F1 Assymetric 2, in 255 section, on the rear of mine.

Ditto they're not a bad tyre I have them on the front and the turn in and initial grip is pretty good I just wish they were on the back but the rears are the prehistoric T1R's which are old hat and old technology. They’re not a real performer for me they brake traction easily especially on roundabouts but they're predictable and they werebrand new with car when I bought it back in April. They WILL be up for sale in the winter when the car comes off the road. The T1R’s are like stabiliser tyres for 1st owners of TVR’s until you get used to the handling characteristics… a bit like a child’s 1st proper bike! Then you replace them with performance rubber

Buzz

[Martin B Tam]

Many Thanks for the replies all

I am thinking of a set of R1Rs but have 2 concerns, if they are the same compound as 888s I did go through a set of these in 1500miles in my 7, anyone had a set of R1Rs on their car for a few 000 miles and can comment on wear, secondly as a more "motorsport" biased tyre the sidewall will be relatively unforgiving resulting in a harder ride.

The Goodyears and BG look good choices too, any more reviews would be helpful.

Buzz, be interested in the "For Competition Use Only" story, have a fair few friends running these on their cars at the moment, guess there must be a period of grace or there will be a lot of tyre smoking the day before the regs change !!

Martin

[scotty_d]

Mattt said:

I'm very happy with the Eagle F1 Assymetric 2, in 255 section, on the rear of mine.

Run them all round on the Cerb 1st class and progressive on the limit and that was on the track as well.