tyres for 14in slot mags

istoo

Well-Known Forum User
I am looking to replace the tyres on my car, have a very sketchy drive in the wet yesterday, Nexens are past their best, 0809 going on the date stamp.

I have toyed with Rota RKRs and some good modernist tyres but I would really like to keep the car nearer original spec. So sticking with slot mags, they have really grown on me.

Tyres! The choice wasn't overwhelming to be honest. A few budget tyres in 14s with correct or close to correct profiles then a colossal jump up to Michelin/Vredestiens classic tyres which come in at 250/corner. Are these any good for spirited driving?

A pal recommended Cooper Tyres,
Profil_cobraradialgt_WM.jpg

However the size for these isn't OEM, options are
215/70 R14
235/50 R14

anyone have experience of these sizes, i want to avoid rub.
 

Rob Gaskin

Treasurer
Staff member
Site Administrator
Yes, need to know how wide your wheels are. Also wide tyres are going to be worse in the wet - what size were your Nexens?

Your comment brought a smile to my face:

"but I would really like to keep the car nearer original spec." really 235/50/14!
 

kev64

Well-Known Forum User
I bought a pair of dunlop street response 195/70/14 they seem okay for £56 each this was a couple of years ago mind you !
 

datsfun

Club Member
You don't want to over-tyre the slots ...what is the width of the current alloys and also tyre spec?
 

istoo

Well-Known Forum User
Superb, choices!

Right the car is currently on wolfrace slot mags:
Rears - 7x14x .34 out on 205/60 (corrected)
Front - 6x14x .105 out on 195/60

Tyres are Nexen presse classics.

From a bit of looking myself (and I have spent hours) there are Dunlop/Michelin/Vredestien offer classic tyres. £175 a bit closer to expectation, first sets I found where £500 each! Was anticipating around £100 a corner, but if 175 is where it’s at so be it.

I do prefer well regarded/premium brand, not being snobbish, it is the contact point for our devices to work!

Slightly OTT what tyres did these come with from new?




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Last edited:

Rob Gaskin

Treasurer
Staff member
Site Administrator
................

odd that you've smaller wheels on the front(diameter)

Especially as the title of the Thread is 14".

Anyway I'd stick with the sizes you have now. I've used Uniroyal and Vreds - both good wet tyres.
 

istoo

Well-Known Forum User
So speaking out loud, my head is at the big three, answers a few questions ie its modern compounds in a historic style tread.

I have never had Dunlop’s, last decade for the fleet has been vred/conti/Michelin and Yokohama.

I am not old enough to remember 1973 (child of 74) so wondering what was factory tyre of the era? Dunlop seems to stick in my mind. Maybe as the local garage had a big Dunlop sign, but I am from the highlands so choice wasn’t a thing, still isn’t!

Rob is on vred, anyone else using historic style tyres in OEM ish sizes.

Also lastly, mine are staggered so I would like to maintain sizes.

Currently 60 profile, will 70 still clear in 195/205 F/R configuration

Thanks


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

chrisvega

Well-Known Forum User
The 240Z on steel wheels were fitted with 175R14 tyres when new.
R equates approx. to 80 (well 78 actually)

14 x 6J Wolf Race/American Racing wheels dealer fitted to the cars when new look best on 195/70/14 if you are trying to maintain the period look.

You are retaining the correct sidewall/radius/diameter (and speedo reading)
Sidewall 5.4 inch
Radius 12.4 inch
Diameter 24.7 inch
 
Last edited:

istoo

Well-Known Forum User
The 240Z on steel wheels were fitted with 175R14 tyres when new.
R equates approx. to 80 (well 78 actually)

14 x 6J Wolf Race/American Racing wheels dealer fitted to the cars when new look best on 195/70/14 if you are trying to maintain the period look.

You are retaining the correct sidewall/radius/diameter (and speedo reading)
Sidewall 5.4 inch
Radius 12.4 inch
Diameter 24.7 inch

Thanks.
Mine have staggered F/R was going to maintain the 205-195, do you know if 205 70 14 clears the arches without rub on stock suspension?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

chrisvega

Well-Known Forum User
I would imagine that tyre technology is much further advanced nowadays compared to when the cars were new in the 70's.
Hence even the cheapest budget Chinese rubber will be equal to or better than the best premium tyres available that were available back in the day.
Just hypothesising.......

Assume you are thinking on your 7s for the 205x70x14 - on the rear, should fit OK on stock car. Will add just over half an inch to diameter over 195x70x14.
 

AliK

Vehicle Dating Officer
Staff member
Club Member
FWIW after my recent falling off the road antic I started to look at alternate tyres in the 14” range and the best reviews I could find for wet and dry handling seemed to be The Bridgestone Turnaza T005. THe uniroyal rain experts get good reviews for wet but trail the bridgestones for dry handling and braking. You pays your money ...

I don’t think any tyres sub £170 in this size are particularly performance focused without compromises elsewhere. Most are fitted to Dawoo Matiz type cars and Vans from what I can tell (ducks for cover)!

My Michelin’s are a pile of dung and score dead last in the Autoexpress tyre tests for wet handling but top the range for wear! Guess what, they are van tyres! ;)
 

istoo

Well-Known Forum User
Indeed chris, same thoughts, I am also hypothesising. Knowledge I have on classics, experience I do not, thus the fishing questions, appreciate the patience and shared wisdom.

I am beating myself up with tedious detail which probably doesn’t matter that much.

How many folk running staggered rims and was it a factory/period choice?

Jon, cool!

Thank you for all the responses. Great help.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Top