Tyre advice please

[Sworkskid]

Sorry if this is an old question but I'm fairly new to the world of TVR. I have a 95 MK1 400 fitted with Toyo proxes T1r tyres in 205/55/15 front and 225/50/16 rears, but struggling to find replacements. But I can get 225/50/15 fronts and 245/45/16 rears from Adam & page. I believe these are the 500 size but will I get away with the wider tyres on a mk1 400? Thanks for any guidance.

[QBee]

The wheel arches are the same size on all Chimaeras, it's the engine that varies between models.
So if your 500 size info is correct, then there should be no problem.

if you have any doubts then see if someone will let you try their wheels with tyres in those sizes on your car.
I would be the first to volunteer, indeed I have done so for someone else in the recent past, but my car is on 215/45 17 and 235/45 17 Rainsport 3s, sorry.

I have heard comments to the effect that the tyres you mention are not the best for grip, particularly in the wet.
Also be aware that you need to try the correct tyres as a test - tyres do vary in width, despite claiming to be the same size as each other.

[bobfather]

My understanding is that the smaller fronts were non-PAS. The larger tyre being difficult to steer when manoeuvring

[Sworkskid]

Pas models had 205 and 215 depending on what was available at the factory. I was under the impression that the MK1 had a different rear suspension and brake set up compared to later models which went to the 500 set up. Or am I mixing things up which is a possibility 🤪

[SILICONEKID 357HP]

[V8fan]

Sworkskid said:

Pas models had 205 and 215 depending on what was available at the factory. I was under the impression that the MK1 had a different rear suspension and brake set up compared to later models which went to the 500 set up. Or am I mixing things up which is a possibility ??

You're correct about the brakes. The Chimaera 500 introduction in late '94 brought larger front and rear discs which were fitted to all models from 1996. However, the wheels and their offset remained the same throughout production apart from the very last models in 2002 receiving 16" wheels on the front. The suspension geometry remained the same and also does not affect wheel fitment.

I have had 3 Chimaeras in the past and one had 245/45 x 16 on the rear. These were fine although many online 'guides' suggest 245 is too wide on a 7.5" wheel. 225/50 x 15 on the front may catch on the outriggers on full lock in reverse, they did on one of my cars! The wheel arches may all be the same, but the body fitment isn't. Definitely do not go up to 225 IMHO unless you have power steering. It was common practice for the Estoril wheels on the 500 to have 225/50 tyres on the front, the owners manuals changed through the years to suit. The first cars had 205/60 x 15 on the front and this was changed when Z rated tyres became unavailable in this size.

Edited by V8fan on Tuesday 16th June 07:47

[Sworkskid]

Brilliant thank you for the reply very informative and exactly what I was after regarding the size and fitment issues very much appreciated.

[LLantrisant]

you should tell us if you have a PAS car or a non-PAS? most likely it will be a non-PAS.

this said, if you go wider in the front you will increase the already high forces needed for the steering while stationary.
also you should take car that you dont go bigger in diameter, as this would interfeer with the wheel arch

i´m using 205/55/15 Hankook, as the 205/55 arent available anymore. so i lost a few millimeres in diameter (from 607 to 586mm)

this said, the 205/55 have slightly rubbed in the passenger side wheel arch. so with the new siez i also came around this Problem

[Winged_Avenger]

I recently got a set in the correct sizes from Camskill

Uniroyal Rainsport 5, seem to be regarded as the tyre to use on the Chimaera

205/55/15 front and 225/50/16 rears

Very Reasonably priced and just got my local tyre place to fit them.

[Sworkskid]

Cheers for the information. I can get the Uniroyal in the same sizes but would have preferred to stay with the proxes but needed info regarding fitment of the wider tyres that are still available and were fitted to the 500 models. Mine is a Pas model so harder steering is not a problem and 205 on the front is not a problem for catching when on full lock but wasn't sure with the 225