Tyres & Pressures
Discussion
Now more and more people are switching to ‘non-standard’ wheel and tyre sizes I’m just wondering what sizes and tyre pressures people are running?
I’m in the process of changing to 17’s all round, the fronts already have 205/40’s on which I’m leaving on for now as they seem to be an OK size, although when time and cash allow I’ll probably upgrade to a better spec tyre in 215/40 size.
For the rears I’m thinking 225/45/17’s but these I need to buy, so what makes are people rating, car is used mainly in the dry, and usually quite spirted.
And considering the standard wheels ran with what could be considered a low pressure, does this carry over to 17’s? I’m happy to play about a little but if someone has a good starting point it might save a bit of time.
I’m in the process of changing to 17’s all round, the fronts already have 205/40’s on which I’m leaving on for now as they seem to be an OK size, although when time and cash allow I’ll probably upgrade to a better spec tyre in 215/40 size.
For the rears I’m thinking 225/45/17’s but these I need to buy, so what makes are people rating, car is used mainly in the dry, and usually quite spirted.
And considering the standard wheels ran with what could be considered a low pressure, does this carry over to 17’s? I’m happy to play about a little but if someone has a good starting point it might save a bit of time.
I think it varies considerably on the actual tyre brands Steve. I would guess the low pressures originally quoted were for the 'stiff as a pbrick' Bridgestones, and they were quite high profiles.
Experimentation is a lot easier if you have a laser thermometer, a quick scan across the tread is all thats needed to get close IMHO.
Dave
Experimentation is a lot easier if you have a laser thermometer, a quick scan across the tread is all thats needed to get close IMHO.
Dave
As Dave says there isn't an answer because the tyre choice will have a significant bearing.
My advice would be to start at something like 24/26 and drive it on a country road to feel how compliant the car feels. Be aware that new tyres may need to be scrubbed in so they may feel a little squirmy. If they do then I would suggest waiting before trying to get the optimum settings.
The front tyres are simple to set. Take the car on a swift country drive. If you feel the front tucking under or dipping when cornering then the pressure is too low, if you feel the front bumpsteering or tramlining then the pressure is too high. Alter the fronts 1 psi per adjustment until you are happy. Tyre pressures are set on cold tyres, if you make adjustments as you drive around then the actual pressures will read higher than you expect. Don't worry about that, when they feel right just drive home and let the tyres cool. Once the fronts have cooled down you can take a pressure reading.
The rear tyres are more difficult to get right but most people find that the Chim/Griff chassis runs best with the rears set 2 psi higher than the fronts.
Hope that helps
Bob
My advice would be to start at something like 24/26 and drive it on a country road to feel how compliant the car feels. Be aware that new tyres may need to be scrubbed in so they may feel a little squirmy. If they do then I would suggest waiting before trying to get the optimum settings.
The front tyres are simple to set. Take the car on a swift country drive. If you feel the front tucking under or dipping when cornering then the pressure is too low, if you feel the front bumpsteering or tramlining then the pressure is too high. Alter the fronts 1 psi per adjustment until you are happy. Tyre pressures are set on cold tyres, if you make adjustments as you drive around then the actual pressures will read higher than you expect. Don't worry about that, when they feel right just drive home and let the tyres cool. Once the fronts have cooled down you can take a pressure reading.
The rear tyres are more difficult to get right but most people find that the Chim/Griff chassis runs best with the rears set 2 psi higher than the fronts.
Hope that helps
Bob
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