Tyre choice for 13" wheels

[willmac]

Sorry for raising this subject, as I am sure most are fed up with it, but unfortunately the search on PH is not that great.

Current tyres I have are too low a profile and as such have scraped sump a couple of times already. Current tyres are 175/55/13 on minilites , so would I be right in saying that for a 2001 model Academy / Roadsport with wide track upgrade the original size would have been 185/70/13 ?
If I go to this size what would be best tyre for a mix of road and track work ? I know a lot comes down to personal preference at the end of the day but any advice will be gladly received

Thanks

Edited by willmac on Thursday 1st September 23:13

[iain a]

Hi
Your tyre tyre size sounds correct. I'm guessing CR500s? If so, they are excellent.

I'd look at the suspension height setting. Hopefully you have adjustable spring platforms? If not they are retrofittable on standard Bilsteins.
Just make sure that you keep the rake & corner weights right.. There are companies who can help with this if needed.

[Seven Smiles]

The search on Blatchat is excellent and will tell you more than you ever wanted to know about tyre choices but briefly, you're right, 185/70 13. A halfway house choice is 185/60 13. Which tyre depends on type of and amount of road use - the best all year round / all conditions tyre in those sizes is the A021R but they won't last long on a dry track. A048R and R888 are other favourites but less suited to rain-soaked roads.

Can't you get enough clearance by adjusting the springs?

[Noger]

Yes, the A021s in 70 profile are a very nice road tyres. Sump peace of mind and the sidewall flex mean they are quite comfortable and don't mind a bit of rain.

However a fairly different feel to 50 profile Cr500s ! R888s in 60 may be a good compromise.

Can you raise the engine up on the mounts at all ?

[cambuscat]

AO21's in 185/70 also a lot cheaper from George Polley than the other sizes. circa £40ea from memory.

David

[willmac]

Thanks for all your replies so far.
Yes I have the Bilstein adjustable suspension, so could go down that route. But the car has been previously corner weighted so would rather not muck with it at the moment.

One mistake I did make is on the tyre size. The profile is actually 50 and not 55. Oopps, think I need to visit specsavers ! So they are 175/50/13.

They are Yokohama 048's that are fitted at the moment. I may well have a word with Polley's and see what they may have available and what they would recommend.
I may even look at purchasing a second set of wheels and have some road tyres fitted I suppose then maybe carry the Yoko's when I travel to track days ? Would this be a sensible option or needless expense ?

Cheers

[Noger]

Polleys are very helpful, and in my experience have always provided good solid advice.

[Risky]

cambuscat said:

AO21's in 185/70 also a lot cheaper from George Polley than the other sizes. circa £40ea from memory.

David

You must have a long memory. I think you'll find they are now around £55 plus carriage.

[Number31]

Yoko A048 specs

170/50r13 dia 505mm
185/60r13 dia 550mm (so car rides 22.5mm (45/2!) higher)

Std Avon CR500 for Roadsports

175/55r13 dia 527mm (so car rides 11mm higher)

Std Avon CR322 for Academy

185/70r13 dia 589mm (approx, so car rides 42mm higher)

[Tom_C76]

I run my Academy 7 on 185/70 A021 yokos. They are the same size as the original fit Academy tyres, and are great all weather tyres, but you might still want to look at adjusting the platforms depending on how you find the car with them. Corner weight shouldn't be the only consideration, mine is set up for adequate sump clearance 2 up with luggage, which involved raising the back quite a bit. Makes for less understeer/more oversteer when she stays home though...

[willmac]

Thanks for all your helpful posts. Much appreciated.