advice on tyres Margate

[vintagevulture]

Hi everybody,

This is my first post and am based in Margate Kent. I have always run on 145x14s or 155x14s but I am sure someone has told me that 135x14s are a possibility on standard Minor rims. This does surprise me as I would have thought that with less rubber on the road it might improve and lighten the steering but might not keep the car affixed to the road, especially in the wet? or on vigorous cornering Any thoughts anyone? Or could I go for Minilites/Wolfrace and smaller wheels, wider tyres if modifying.

Regards Vintagevulture

[bmcecosse]

The 145 x 14 seems to get universal approval. I had 155 tyres on standard rims and even with 30+ pressure, it was bit wobbly. I now have them on the wider van rims and they are MUCH better. Are 135 tyres available? In theory they are probably the best size equivalent of the original 5.00 X 14 crossply tyres. And yes -wider wheels will take wider and better tyres , but at a price of course.

[beero]

Welcome to the forum. This is the first mention I have heard of 135 tyres so there are probably very few using them (now we get a load of replys from people with 135s to prove me wrong!)
As BMC says stick with 145/155 on standard wheels unless you want wider wheels. Remember though your insurance company wants to know about any mods.

[mike.perry]

Here we go again!
I find that I get better handling on 155s at 26psi, below that I can feel the sidewalls flexing, above 26psi the tyres feel as though they are skipping across the road surface.
It seems to be a case of finding what suits the make of tyre and your style of driving.

[ashleywakeling]

ahhh this is finally something I can give advice on!
The cars were orginally sold with 145s, but the vans started to have 155s and the handling was reportedly better, the steering is LIGHTER with 155s on the front, when stationary, but lighter when moving. This is due to the weight of the engine being placed over a smaller surface area on a 145. 135s are availiable and do fit, however, steering when stationary (dry steering) becomes VERY heavy, and roundabouts become hilarious fun if you have them on the back and they start to slip even if the ground is slightly damp. i run 145/14 on the front at 38psi and 155 on the back at 34psi, and she handles lovely... i would avoid 135s as theyre likely to be more expensive due to fewer companies making them now, im having hell finding 155s at the moment and theyre meant to be the most common tyres...

Hope that helps

[irmscher]

Found that quite interesting

[bmcecosse]

I have to disagree strongly with the steering comments.... the 145 tyres are lighter steering and the 155 are heavier. And you should never be turning the steering when the car is not moving........ I have to say 38 psi on 145 tyres is VERY high but I agree with the 34 psi on the rear 155s. As far as I know Minors were never sold fitted with radial tyres - unless perhaps at the very very end of production? The 155 tyres are much better fitted on the wider van wheels.

[dalebrignall]

155s are easy to get use any of the moggy supliers or go to your tyre place and order them you will get them the next day 30 psi is fine .

[mrmorrisminor]

Using 145s on the front at 34 psi..... and 155s on the rear again on 34 psi. 155s give a better rolling radius closer to the original cross ply (I believe) and therefore is better for gearing, engine revs etc. I have found the 145s currently available seem to have very flimsy side walls and gave me handling issues on the rear with firmer tyres (firestones) on the front which made the steering very responsive and the back end very sloppy..... I'm looking into the newly reproduced van wheels..... very tempting

[mike.perry]

[quote="bmcecosse"] As far as I know Minors were never sold fitted with radial tyres - unless perhaps at the very very end of production?
My speedo chart lists SN4423/12 for cars fitted with 145/14 radial tyres. I believe this info came from "Original Morris Minor"

[vintagevulture]

Thanks for all your help on this, I'll have think but have to have the convertable welded up first, so that's another story............