Lokis like I am just about to need 2 new tyres. I am currently running 185 60 14s with 6" rims, and for a while have been toying with either getting some wider tyres/wheels or spacers for the rears, because the current setup looks a bit lost under the rear arches. 2 of the tyres are nearly down to the markers, so they definitely need changing. The other 2 have a few mm extra of tread so I can hopefully put off the evil day when I have to fork out for more tyres.

I was thinking of keeping the current tyre size on the front, then going for something like 205 55 14s (if that actually exists) on the back to fill out the arches a bit more (and maybe give a bit more grip).

I have used my trusty Excel spreadsheet to calculate theoretical tyre diameters and found:

185 60 14 = 57.76cm
195 55 14 = 57.01cm (does that size even exist?)
205 55 14 = 58.11cm - looks like the best equivalent diameter and 2cm extra of tread width.

Any comments on:

- tyre size options
- will 205s be OK on 6" rims
- specific makes/models of tyres to look for
- sources

I use the car almost exclusively for road use, only the occasional track day (say once a year) so I am not looking for gummi bear sticky tyres. Needless to say, I want a good compromise between performance and locostness too

Cheers,

Simon

Morning Simon.

according to Fast Car artical on performance tyres most 205's can be used on 5.5 to 7.5 rims.

Cheers Mike

Simon -

If you check on the manufactures site you will see that they have optimum and min-max rim sizes for each tyre.

e.g. http://www.kumhotyre.co.uk/Motorsports/ecstav70a.html

Cheers,
Nick

Toyo R888's are available in that size
http://www.camskill.co.uk/products.php?plid=m12b0s2769p0

On a light car they should last ok if you get the mediums, though not going to be cheap.

There isn't as much good rubber in 14" as there are for 13" or 15" sadly.

These aren't too expensive and close in size, no idea what they're like to drive on.
http://www.camskill.co.uk/products.php?plid=m4b0s402p12879

Toyo concur that 6" rims are safe for their 205's

Thanks guys, I;ll have a look at those sites,

I know 14" is not so common, but unfortunately my budget doesn't stretch to new wheels as well, and the ones I've got are in quite good condition.

Simon

How about the Toyo Proxes T1-R in 195x55x14 for £52.50 on mytyres.co.uk

I started on Faulken ZE 512 tyres which were a lot of fun at reasonable speeds on track. The replacement ZE 912 are around £35 each but not in the 55 profile.

Otherwise around £70 each for R888s or AO48s

Fitting would be extra to the above prices