Tire recomendations for standard Chim wheels
Discussion
Prepping my 93 Chim for Spring here in the USA. Need new tires for sure. The lumps on it when I imported it last fall have very old dates, even though there is quite a bit of tread remaining.
Clearly, there are not many options for performance tires fitting15/16" wheels here in the US. Any recommendations on what are being purchased in the UK?
I see Nitto markets NT450's in 15" & 16" sizes as an entry level ultra performance tire and they are available here, but I cannot find any reviews where they were mounted on anything close to a Chim.
Yoko S-drive's and Dunlop Direzza DZ102's have terrible reviews here, but are also available.
Thoughts?
Jerry
Clearly, there are not many options for performance tires fitting15/16" wheels here in the US. Any recommendations on what are being purchased in the UK?
I see Nitto markets NT450's in 15" & 16" sizes as an entry level ultra performance tire and they are available here, but I cannot find any reviews where they were mounted on anything close to a Chim.
Yoko S-drive's and Dunlop Direzza DZ102's have terrible reviews here, but are also available.
Thoughts?
Jerry
I've got Toyo T1Rs on mine and have had several sets of the same. I'm very happy with them I know some don't like them.
Others that I've heard people use - Uniroyal RainSport 3s - not available in the exact sizes but in close enough equivalents
Depending on where in the US you are (e.g. somewhere drier than the UK), you could get away with one of the more track focused but road legal options. I think Toyo R888 and Yokohame (not sure the model) have been recommended before.
Others that I've heard people use - Uniroyal RainSport 3s - not available in the exact sizes but in close enough equivalents
Depending on where in the US you are (e.g. somewhere drier than the UK), you could get away with one of the more track focused but road legal options. I think Toyo R888 and Yokohame (not sure the model) have been recommended before.
Colin RedGriff said:
I've got Toyo T1Rs on mine and have had several sets of the same. I'm very happy with them I know some don't like them.
Others that I've heard people use - Uniroyal RainSport 3s - not available in the exact sizes but in close enough equivalents
Depending on where in the US you are (e.g. somewhere drier than the UK), you could get away with one of the more track focused but road legal options. I think Toyo R888 and Yokohame (not sure the model) have been recommended before.
I would like to try the Uniroyals, but they are only available in 16 for the rear and the non PAS front fitment ??Others that I've heard people use - Uniroyal RainSport 3s - not available in the exact sizes but in close enough equivalents
Depending on where in the US you are (e.g. somewhere drier than the UK), you could get away with one of the more track focused but road legal options. I think Toyo R888 and Yokohame (not sure the model) have been recommended before.
Having read Matthews thread, I should add that I have used the R1R a lot in the past.
Not on the TVR, but other cars.
Very impressive, both road and track, hot and cold.
They may start with only 6 mm tread, but the tread blocks are huge.
Not saying there is anything wrong with the T1R, only that the R1R is also a good tyre. Not sure on current availability though.
Not on the TVR, but other cars.
Very impressive, both road and track, hot and cold.
They may start with only 6 mm tread, but the tread blocks are huge.
Not saying there is anything wrong with the T1R, only that the R1R is also a good tyre. Not sure on current availability though.
I'd suggest Yokohama Advan Neova AD08R, I believe they are available in your required sizes, well in the UK anyway, don't know about the U.S. I've used these for 3 years now with no problems, they're a decent wet track/road tyre and a medium compound with added slica for good grip.
Good Luck
Good Luck
Thanks for all of the feedback/input within 24 hrs. I found a source in the US for the Yoko AD08R's that match the sizes Matthew listed in his link. However, that would mean the fronts would become 205/50/15's, which have an OD that is 20mm smaller than the standard fitment 205/55/15's used by TVR factory. In the US, we don't have any insurance interference with car modifications, but I am unsure how the handling will be impacted.
So, my question for Matthew (if you're still following this thread) . . .is the smaller OD an issue? Or, must I adjust the front ride height at the time the 205/50's are installed?
Jerry
So, my question for Matthew (if you're still following this thread) . . .is the smaller OD an issue? Or, must I adjust the front ride height at the time the 205/50's are installed?
Jerry
You're correct that the overall diameter of a 205/50 will be 20mm (approx.) less than a 205/55. However, on each side of the wheel that is 10mm, so the car will only sit 10mm lower. And given that a very worn 205/55 may only have 3mm tread left opposed to a new tyre with 8mm tread, you're now only 5mm lower. I wouldn't consider that to be worth altering for, unless you're a sprint racer or track day enthusiast.
One of the reasons I went for Toyos was to have the same make front and rear and I know the fastidious, of which I am one, like to have the same make all round, but you don't HAVE to. Different makes front and rear is another solution.
The chimaera had recommended 205/60 x 15 on the front until about 1996 when the availability of ZR rated OE Bridgestone tyres in that size dwindled.
The PAS 500 models had 225/50 x 15 on the front and there's always (but rare) 215/50 x 15? I had a Lotus Excel that used that size and the only other car I saw that used that size was the Audi Quattro in the 1990s.
One of the reasons I went for Toyos was to have the same make front and rear and I know the fastidious, of which I am one, like to have the same make all round, but you don't HAVE to. Different makes front and rear is another solution.
The chimaera had recommended 205/60 x 15 on the front until about 1996 when the availability of ZR rated OE Bridgestone tyres in that size dwindled.
The PAS 500 models had 225/50 x 15 on the front and there's always (but rare) 215/50 x 15? I had a Lotus Excel that used that size and the only other car I saw that used that size was the Audi Quattro in the 1990s.
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