Front tyres for my 1998 chim 225 55 15

[blaze_away]

Whats current situation with getting a pair of these. Just been googling and dont see anything available ???

[Belle427]

That's an odd size which is probably why nothing is coming up.
I was under the impression the standard fronts were 205/55/15, maybe someone put wider tyres on in the past?

[BoostedChim]

You've got the profile wrong it should be 225 50 15, but even then theres not a huge choice. I would have a look at 205 55 15 you should have more luck there.

[blaze_away]

Thanks folks.....its official I am a plonker.....225 50 15 is much easier to find.

Now which is best I wonder......

[trev4]

I have 225 on my front track wheels but find 205 better for road use, to much tramlining with the wider tyres.

Edited by trev4 on Thursday 3rd November 21:11

Edited by trev4 on Thursday 3rd November 21:12

[TVRJAS]

I just got these from a club and PH member that had these surplus to requirements as he put it. I know it goes against what your after but this is the size I've been running but Toyo's TR 1's

I've not put them on yet so can't comment on how they drive.

I don't know where he got them from but if you like the idea of them I'll give him a call and ask.

I've had RS 3's 225/50 16" Y rated on the rear for almost 2 years 9,000 miles and I really like them ( Road use only no track days)

Edited by TVRJAS on Thursday 3rd November 20:47

[blaze_away]

TVRJAS said:

I just got these from a club and PH member that had these surplus to requirements as he put it. I know it goes against what your after but this is the size I've been running but Toyo's TR 1's

I've not put them on yet so can't comment on how they drive.

I don't know where he got them from but if you like the idea of them I'll give him a call and ask.

I've had RS 3's 225/50 16" Y rated on the rear for almost 2 years 9,000 miles and I really like them ( Road use only no track days)

Edited by TVRJAS on Thursday 3rd November 20:47

Thats very kind of you, I would welcome that info.

If I chuck my reg into blackcircles it comes back with
225/50R15 W 91 for the fronts. I think thats what I have, to dark to go look right now, toyo T1R's. I see those you have are 88V so I think insurance should be informed/asked just incase.

[TVRJAS]

I'll try and contact him tomorrow for you.

My toyo's on the front have been on for 10yrs,3 yrs by me and are 205/55 R 15 Y rated. By the look of things other posters seem to think 205 is the way to go,i think I would trust them more than Blackcircles . I'm just putting the size what's been on for 10yrs,I've been happy with the way it drives so that's what I've gone for.
I do have the change in rating but 'V' is rated to 149mph and with me only doing road driving I can't see a problem.

I'll post back if and when I hear from him. The Rainsport 3's do get very good reviews,quite a few owners running them now.

[BoostedChim]

I would be careful using tyres that are 10yrs old. A lot of manufacturers recommend changing them at 7yrs, even if they have plenty of tread they'll be well past their best.

[TVRJAS]

BoostedChim said:

I would be careful using tyres that are 10yrs old. A lot of manufacturers recommend changing them at 7yrs, even if they have plenty of tread they'll be well past their best.

Yes.... This is why I've just purchased the above tyres

[QBee]

A few thoughts.
When I got my 1999 Chim it had 205/60 15 fronts and 225/55 16 rears.
The handling was appalling, but soon sorted by a Hunter computerised 4-wheel alignment at my new TVR service centre.
I hear a lot of very good reports about handling on Rainsport 3s from long term owners who know how a Chim should handle. I have them on a Saab and can confirm they are superb.
10 year old tyres are potentially hard and therefore dangerous.
The 88, 87 etc are the load rating and relates to the weight the tyre can carry. You can find a chart on-line. Because the Chimaera is light weight, it shouldn't be an issue I think.

[TVRJAS]

Have been contacted back and he's pretty sure they came from TyreLeader.

Although I've had a quick search and couldn't find them showing on their site so maybe a phone call. Tyre Guru shows them having stock though.

[blaze_away]

TVRJAS said:

Have been contacted back and he's pretty sure they came from TyreLeader.

Although I've had a quick search and couldn't find them showing on their site so maybe a phone call. Tyre Guru shows them having stock though.

Thanks for that. Have now managed to find some via local dealer. Just called them and booked in for wednesday. Went for 205 50 15 T1R.

Thanks for all the helpful endeavours.

EDIT.....205 55 15 T1Rs

Edited by blaze_away on Saturday 5th November 21:06

[QBee]

blaze_away said:

TVRJAS said:

Have been contacted back and he's pretty sure they came from TyreLeader.

Although I've had a quick search and couldn't find them showing on their site so maybe a phone call. Tyre Guru shows them having stock though.

Thanks for that. Have now managed to find some via local dealer. Just called them and booked in for wednesday. Went for 205 50 15 T1R.

Thanks for all the helpful endeavours.

What size are your rear tyres?

[quattrophenia]

TVRJAS said:

I'll try and contact him tomorrow for you.

My toyo's on the front have been on for 10yrs,3 yrs by me and are 205/55 R 15 Y rated. By the look of things other posters seem to think 205 is the way to go,i think I would trust them more than Blackcircles . I'm just putting the size what's been on for 10yrs,I've been happy with the way it drives so that's what I've gone for.
I do have the change in rating but 'V' is rated to 149mph and with me only doing road driving I can't see a problem.

I'll post back if and when I hear from him. The Rainsport 3's do get very good reviews,quite a few owners running them now.

I think I can beet that!. I have new ones on the back, but the fronts are 2004. I constantly inspect them for any wear but they still feel supple and there are no cracks and they still have around 4mm on them. I'd guess they have done over 20k miles in that time.
Maybe this could be used as a potential selling pitch, as it proves it's not been on a track or driven excessively?? But then again it might also make people think I havn't spent a penny on it in 7 years and that would be worrying with TIV's being what they are!

[blaze_away]

QBee said:

What size are your rear tyres?

245 45 16 SO2. Bought last year new old stock.

[ukdj]

225 was to PAS equippedcars cars, 205 was for manual racks

[QBee]

TVR intended the rolling diameter of front and rear to differ by about one inch = 25mm

The rolling diameter is the wheel diameter, plus 2 x the sidewall height.

Your chosen 205/50 15 front gives you:
15 inches wheel diameter, which is 381mm, plus 205mm x 50% sidewall height times 2, which is 205mm. Total 586mm

Your existing 245/45 16 rear gives you:
16 inches wheel diameter, which is 406mm, plus 245mm x 45% sidewall height times 2, which is 221mm. Total 627mm

Difference 41mm, or 1.6 inches

So overall slightly more than TVR intended. But as your rears are already part worn, you will be less difference than this.


225/50 15 at the front would give you a diameter of 606mm, so 21mm difference, or about 0.85 inches, very slightly less than TVR intended. And the rears alteady being worn will make this worse.

You pays your money and makes your choice. Either would be fine, to be honest. Either would fit a TVR front wheel width too, which is the other factor you have to bear in mind when choosing tyres.