T350/Tamora Front tyre size, steering lock and geometry
Discussion
I had a quick search, but nothing seems to fully cover this.
The front tyres on a T350 or Tamora are 225/35/18.
This is an unusual size. To get front tyres in this size, and rears in 235/40/18 there are only a few makes available. None of the big names do this combination, and of the decent makes, only the following seem to cover those sizes.
- Toyo T1R
- Falken 452
- Avon ZZ3
Tyres such as Toyo R1R, 888, or Pilot Sport Cups (if I feel wealthy) are not available in the 225/35 size.
However, there is a lot of choice in 225/40/18. But this would have the effect of increasing the front wheel diameter by 2.25cm with associated changes to ride-height and possibly steering lock.
- The steering lock seems bad already (coming from normal cars). Larger tyres may not help that.
- It could be enough of a difference to require the geometry to be done
- It would reduce the available suspension travel
- Does the speed sensor come from the front or rear?
Maybe with the correct geometry, rubbing could be avoided and steering-lock maintained. The car might just ride a little higher.
Does anybody have experience of doing this?
The front tyres on a T350 or Tamora are 225/35/18.
This is an unusual size. To get front tyres in this size, and rears in 235/40/18 there are only a few makes available. None of the big names do this combination, and of the decent makes, only the following seem to cover those sizes.
- Toyo T1R
- Falken 452
- Avon ZZ3
Tyres such as Toyo R1R, 888, or Pilot Sport Cups (if I feel wealthy) are not available in the 225/35 size.
However, there is a lot of choice in 225/40/18. But this would have the effect of increasing the front wheel diameter by 2.25cm with associated changes to ride-height and possibly steering lock.
- The steering lock seems bad already (coming from normal cars). Larger tyres may not help that.
- It could be enough of a difference to require the geometry to be done
- It would reduce the available suspension travel
- Does the speed sensor come from the front or rear?
Maybe with the correct geometry, rubbing could be avoided and steering-lock maintained. The car might just ride a little higher.
Does anybody have experience of doing this?
Having recently changed the tyres on my Tam I can report that 40 profile front rubber fits....just
Doesn't impede steering lock but does raise the front by approx 20mm
I see no reason for this to alter steering geometry.
I am intending to change the shocks and corner weight the car over the winter to bring back the required rake whilst keeping a reasonable ride height, haven't decided on which shocks yet though.
I fitted Toyo R1Rs and they are brilliant in wet and dry conditions, for the mileage I will be doing they seem a good compromise.
I do think 225 profile tyres are a little stretched on Spiders though, the 8.5" width was really TVR being lazy and keeping the same size wheels all round, they are prone to rubbing and pothole damage, as a wheel they do seem susceptible to being knocked out of true by our current road conditions. For these reasons I have fitted my new tyres on a spangly set of SP12s 8" front & 9" rear
Martin
Doesn't impede steering lock but does raise the front by approx 20mm
I see no reason for this to alter steering geometry.
I am intending to change the shocks and corner weight the car over the winter to bring back the required rake whilst keeping a reasonable ride height, haven't decided on which shocks yet though.
I fitted Toyo R1Rs and they are brilliant in wet and dry conditions, for the mileage I will be doing they seem a good compromise.
I do think 225 profile tyres are a little stretched on Spiders though, the 8.5" width was really TVR being lazy and keeping the same size wheels all round, they are prone to rubbing and pothole damage, as a wheel they do seem susceptible to being knocked out of true by our current road conditions. For these reasons I have fitted my new tyres on a spangly set of SP12s 8" front & 9" rear
Martin
Gassing Station | Tamora, T350 & Sagaris | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff