Tyres for MGB

[Mactheknife]

Its time for new tyres for the MGB. As the original size is now obsolete (165R14)and I have wire wheels I always seem to find there is some sort of issue when I go to the tyre fitters, some won't touch them at all, others will but won't let me have my choice of tyre with an inner tube etc.

If any one has any recommendations for a decent tyre suitable for fitting to a 14 inch x 4.5 inch wire wheel I would be interested to hear them!

Thanks.

[Richard Moss]

Standard radials have an aspect ratio of 82% which means that a 185/70 x 14 would have a similar circumferance to the standard 165 x 14 tyre.

I found 185/70 x 15s hard to come by for my MGC (which had 165 x 15s fitted as standard) so it now runs on 185/65 x 15 tyres and I just have to accept the slight lowering of the gearing overall.

This tyre size calculator is useful: http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

[Mactheknife]

Thanks Richard.

[alfa pint]

I run 185/70 x 14 on my B on fairly standard size aftermarket wheels. Not a massive difference at the speedo, but much more stable in corners.

My old B ran with continentals on which worked really well. I've inherited my dad's B which has ceats on it - he praised them, but I have never driven a car with a tyre with less wet grip. They're coming off after I return from my skiing holiday!

[MarkVIII]

Try the MG owners Club http://www.mgocspares.co.uk/

They will have recommendations for size and have a range of makes if you can get there for fitting

[Mactheknife]

Thanks for the info, I'll try the 185/70s!

[dhugal]

I know it may be a bit late if you've spent your money but the mgbhive have Uniroyal 165 x 14 in stock, very reasonable price, light steering and no aqua plaining

[cml]

The last time I took my old MG to a high street place they did the tyres okay, just no inner tubes, and so next morning they were flat as a pancake.

[Mactheknife]

Ok niow I am back in the UK I'm getting 185/70R14 Dunlop SP30s fitted on Friday, I'll post up what they are like.
I have 175/70 dunlops on the front already and they are fine in the corners although the size is wrong. The Matadors on the rear end are hopeless in corners.

[Mactheknife]

Well the new Dunlop SP30s 185/70s are on, they fill the arches properly and the handling is much improved. Very pleased with them.
Thanks for all the suggestions and advice.
I also had wire wheel balancing done with a set of cones I had made up based on some drawings I got (pm me for them if you want them) (cost about £80). This has made a huge difference as modern balancing machine taper cones don't hold the wire wheels on the correct surfaces.