Tyres tires (again)

[jason156v6]

I have recentley bought a 1976 1600 GT junior

The car is going great and after a suspension rebuild I need new tyres (Tires)> I'll need to do more engine work in the future and probably (almost certainly) some bodywork going forward but right now I am in need of new tyres.

The car is running on 14" GTA replicas and here in Hong Kong tyre choice is limited on 14".

The current best options immediately available are:

Dunlop LM 702 or;

Goodyear LS 2000

They maybe not the ideal tyre but due to availability I would really appreciate your opinions. Are they any good or should I do a special order?

The size of the old tyres is 195/60/R14

I like authenticity rather than low sidewalls, what's the best compromise?

Any suggestions and advice on what would be a suitable and relatively easy to obtain (importing may cost $$$) mainstream manufacturer's tyre to go for??"

Any feedback would be appreciated and I apologise for no pictures posted as yet - I promise to upload some soon

Thanks

Jason

[Andrew]

185/70-14 is probably the most common size for 60s-80s post-Giulietta Alfas in the US. I have 165-14 on my 1967 Super, which was the stock size for 70s cars with steel wheels, and I'm very happy with them.

Andrew

[AndrewO]

Hi Jason,

The 14" GTA replicas are nice wheels.
I use 195/60/R14 and I like them. Have a look in the thread on what wheel suits a 105 series and you'll find tons of photos. Also have a look in the area of suspension and wheels for discussion of tyre choices.

The 185/70/R14 will probably look more "period" and have lighter steering at slow speeds but a lot of it also depends on the brand since not all of them are exactly the dimension printed on the side.

I don't know either of your choices but I was using Yokohama C-drives and they were better than the older Goodyear NCT, but I like driving it around corners. I know other people prefer the skinny tyres because they get a better "feel".

How wide are your wheels? If 5" maybe the 185 will fit better, if 7" then the 195 might fit better, but if 6" then you can choose.

Sorry there isn't an easy answer, but the good news is that it is hard to go wrong.

Oh, I just thought it might be best to speak to your local tyre seller and let them know the car, wheels and your driving style and they should be able to help you pick the best of those two.

[rockiemosley]

Ive got to say the Falken Azenis 614- 195/60/14, that I just bought are awesome handling tires. Maybe not the most original, but hey they are lots of fun, and that is what it is all about.

[yvesmontreal]

Hello everybody

Tyres and tires are not the same

I mean that products available in different parts of the world are adapted to local needs and tastes. In the US, the trend towards wide/low profile tires has eradicated the availability of quality performance tires in any profiles above 60. In Europe, it is still possible to buy good quality 185/70R14 tyres with an H rating.

The tire size and type can transform how the car feels. It all depends on your tastes and what you use the car for. 165s (which are an 82 profile) will give you a light steering and agile feeling, which is what Alfas were known for when new. Beware, the choice in that size is slim; stay away from the chineese crap. Vredestein Sprints or repro Michelin XAs were both good tires in the 70s, albeit not cheap now - especially the latter.

195/60 offers a wide selection of high performance choices, including some streetable race radials. They do lower the car somewhat (about 3/4"), and the engine will rev 6% faster at any speed with an equivalent error on the speedo. This is definitely the way to go if you want to use the car on the track. Some people claim the extra stresses of very wide, sticky tires can cause the Burman steering box to develop cracks. I've also found on my car that wider tires have more of a tendancy to track in deeply rutted roads, such as we have over here with the heavily loaded trucks that are everywhere.

A quality 185/70 is a good compromise when available. I would stick with an H rated tyre as this is a good way to filter out the more mundane brands intended for mundane vehicles. On this side of the ocean this size is frequent on Honda Civics and half dead Ford Tempos - nothing exciting. I've got some poorly choosen tires on my car now and the sidewalls are so soft I felt the difference within 1/4 mile of driving out of the tire shop. They will be replaced soon.

Ideal choice is a set of XAs on original wheels AND a set of racing rubber on GTA mags.

[Fletch]

Jason, I have the same problem here in Jakarta. It's difficult to find 185 or 195 70 X 14" that are a high performance tire. Check the ratings for speed. I eventually fitted a local brand taxi radial 185s as they were the only ones available with 70 height and rated up to 180 kph.They had a nice supple ride which was perfect for poor roads. Plenty of flex in the tire wall though, so you will never feel as well planted on the road as you would with 185 or 195 high performance 60s.

Photos of my old junior, sits a bit high to save the sump from ridiculously oversized sleeping policemen... so 14 X 185 70s would usually fill the wells at bit more.

Now if you get bored with those GTA rep wheels, just let me know

Good luck,
Fletcher.

[jason156v6]

Thanks for all your replies.. they have all been helpful!

I'll go over to the tyre shop tonight and discuss the options and I'll keep you all updated.

Regards

Jason

[reuven]

Just mount the Yokohama c.drive 195/60/14 and I am very hapy with them.

[yvesmontreal]

One ti(y)re that's appeared here recently is the Achilles Platinum which is an H rated 70 series. I put a set on my 98 Camry with good results, it took some of its mushiness away.

It's made in Malaysia if my memory is right, probably easier for you to get some.

Edit: actually made in Indonesia by a company called Multistrada Arah Sarana.

[cptn WOW]

i JUST fitted GTA 14x6" replicas and pirelli 'dragon' 195/60 R14 tires.
What Wheels Best Suit a 105???
i think they look and feel great.