John278 Posted August 18, 2023 Share Posted August 18, 2023 It is now time to begin tire purchasing. The originals had a diameter of 26.5 inches and a width of 7.28 millimeters, or 185R15. Currently, I am unable to rationalize spending $380 for a single tire of that size. Which current standard size is best? The most probable sizes are 195/70R15 (25.8 x 7.68) or 205/70R15 (26.3 x 8.07). Despite the 205 being the closest diameter, I've heard that installing bigger tires might have a negative impact on steering and handling. Is there any practical use for an extra 3/4" of width? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Screwdriver_1 Posted August 18, 2023 Share Posted August 18, 2023 I have no idea what you're looking at that costs $380 per, but many people, myself included, agree that the Vredestein Sprint Classics at 185/15 cannot be beaten. Tires like that can be found just about everywhere, and in my opinion, the best brand is Coker. Spend $173 to reach the top. https://www.summitracing.com/search...dMatch&SortOrder=Ascending&keyword=vredestein I got mine from Euro-Tire (their website is https://www.eurotire.com/); they can get you an updated pricing quote through email. It is possible to use bigger tires on certain vehicles, but this requires thorough research because of potential rear clearance difficulties. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John278 Posted August 18, 2023 Author Share Posted August 18, 2023 I appreciate your reply. The 185HR15 Dunlops I got online for $370 were more expensive than the 185VR15 Pirellis I had a few years ago by $9. I'm not acquainted with Vredestein, but I'll investigate your recommendation. The vehicle originally came with steel wheels, so I don't believe the additional 3/4" of rear clearance is a problem, but I'll double-check. Please accept my sincere appreciation Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Screwdriver_1 Posted August 18, 2023 Share Posted August 18, 2023 Okay, we'll throw in some steel/disc wheels to give you some variety. Some vehicles with bigger tires tilt the rubber bumper forward, allowing for somewhat additional space behind the axle. The original'skinny' tires had a classic appearance and handled well, so I prefer them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithmerc220 Posted August 18, 2023 Share Posted August 18, 2023 One thing I will mention. My Series 1 was formerly equipped with 205s. It wasn't an issue most of the time, but I noticed that the front tires might grab at the rear of the wheel well and bend the sheet metal if I hit a bump or otherwise caused the suspension to flex while turning. This was on the other side of the well from where I was turning. In these cases, the broader front was a concern, but the wider rear was never an issue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John278 Posted August 18, 2023 Author Share Posted August 18, 2023 It seems that there are no Vredestein 185R15 tires available in the United States; I checked with Coker, Summitracing, Universal, Lucas Classic, etc. I've been told variously that we don't know when they'll arrive, that it'll be a few months, and that manufacturing problems mean I won't be able to buy them until midway through 2017. Now it appears like I'll have to settle with tracking down some 185/70R15 tires. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Screwdriver_1 Posted August 18, 2023 Share Posted August 18, 2023 Oh, wow, what a bummer. If you haven't already, check out a "tire calculator" on the internet to see how big of a drop you'll have with the 185/70 on your E-Type. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Screwdriver_1 Posted August 18, 2023 Share Posted August 18, 2023 A piece of advice from a fellow E-Type owner:This issue of Universal Tires: https://www.universaltire.com/185hr15-universal-sport-blackwall.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John278 Posted August 18, 2023 Author Share Posted August 18, 2023 Funny, I was just about to inquire about the Universal brand and its familiarity with the public. 185HR15s were the largest size I could find, and I didn't recognize the brand. I appreciate your help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
p00rmansp0rsche Posted August 18, 2023 Share Posted August 18, 2023 My E-Type now has Vredesteins (along with fresh SS Dayton wires). They fit perfectly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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