Tuscan 2S Front Tyre Size change?

[MrChips]

Ahead of another "I've changed my Chim for a Tuscan" thread that i'm looking forward to writing

I need a bit of advice/input on the front tyre sizes on a mk2'S'. I've seen most people say to downsize from the original 255/35 to either a 235/40 or 225/40.

Has anyone on here driven cars with both of these smaller options, was there any difference/preference? I've been recommended to go down to 225/40 but these look to be quite a stretch for the wheel width, although they do match the rolling diameter a little closer to the originals.

Any experience of how these tyre sizes differ in terms of grip/handling/tramlining? The car will be getting a full geo before I collect, so whatever I go with, the car will be set up accordingly.

If it helps, i'm currently looking at either T1R's, or F1 Asymetrics (possibly the new mk2 version if I can get hold of them).

Cheers in advance!
MrChips

[F1CCF]

Hi Dave, glad to hear you finally got one, have you got any photo's?

Sorry I can't help about tyre down size, althought mine is going in to my local TVR specialist in a couple of weeks, and one thing I want to discuss is the twitchiness of the handling, might be some thing to do with tyre size, or could be shocks.

I'll be interested on what others have to say about your thread.

[glow worm]

I've got 225s on the front and kept 255s on the rear on my 'S' convertible.. Far less tramlining and generally a better feel. No problem with tyre wall and exposure of the rim, I've got the original Goodyear F1 FSDs on (be it Chinesse ones, German on the rear). I think its the type of tyre construction rather than the width that exposes the rim with Spiders.
Great improvement with mine by raising the steering rack and raising the front ride height... So I think Jasons (STR8SIX) mod maybe worth considering.

Edited by glow worm on Thursday 10th March 06:12

[R11ysf]

I had 2 new front tyres put on at STR8SIX and I asked Jason this very question. He recommended keeping the 255's on as that was what they left the factory with and unless I had noticed a major problem with tram-lining (I hadn't) then it was best to leave as they were.

I haven't noticed a problem with 255's as he set up the geo and all is well there.

[glow worm]

Odd remark from Jason.. They left the factory without his bump steer mod too

Mk2 Tuscan was designed for 225 tyres ...just Peter Wheeler preferred the look of fat tyres , so the designer had to do as he was told . But Jason was building engines then

[fredd1e]

225/40s look fine on the 8.5" stock spiders. its the 225/35 profile that looks stretched.

[MrChips]

Cheers for the replies.

Sounds like there are different opinions all round... but generally not many negatives with either of the sizes so that's a good sign. I've driven one late mk2'S' recently that simply blew me away with the steering response and handling, yet it didn't tramline at all and felt very steady. It was still on the 255's which did suprise me somewhat as the others i'd driven felt a little unsteady, hence the thought of changing.

I'm going to search for some Eagle Asymmetric 2's as I may as well go for the latest tyre if i'm getting all of them done as I only do 4-5k miles a year.

Cliff.... strangely enough it's Topaz Spectraflair.. so i've made the same move as you have!
The paintwork is a little odd as much of the rainbow effect seems to have faded, and the car now looks halfway to Crystal Topaz, so much so that there's a chance it has actually been resprayed at some point, but either way it still stands out. Are you going to Chatsworth? If so it's be good to see how different the colours are.

Here's a sneaky preview. I'll be doing a full write up once i've picked up the car, and may even start another "Year in the life" thread in tribute to it's first owner

Edited by MrChips on Friday 11th March 22:55

[lady topaz]

Yay!!

Congratulations Dave.

Glad she's gone to a good home and nice for me to see her again. Hope she gives you as much fun as I had.

I will sort out those in-build pics for you.


Di

[Driving god]

i have a mk2 s and had the 255s all round at first and on country lanes and poorer road surfaces it did track a lot especially under braking. i have since changed to the mk2 tvr wheel as often seen on sags, the 19's, which now has 265 rear and 235 front and i must say the difference is amazing, a lot less road noise on motorways and she definitely feels a lot better both on turn in and under heavy braking.

[F1CCF]

[quote=MrChips]Cheers for the replies.

Cliff.... Are you going to Chatsworth? If so it's be good to see how different the colours are.

Dave, yes me and the missus are going to Chatsworth, and will be staying the Friday and Saturday night. Also, doing the Saturday run out. It would be good to meet up; if you want to PM me I'll give you my mobile number. Hope to see you there!