Tyre sizes

[Stuart]

I bought my MKII with 165/R12 71H,to my opinion ....they look very good .
What's the reason , besides the look , that many people want to get bigger wheels ?

Some owners don't like the look of the 12" wheels

the bigger 175/50x13 do give more outright grip, but in my opinion spoil the handling in all other areas.
Just stick with what you have, although 165/60x12 tyres may just suddenly go out of production if demand is low.

[DavidL]

165/60x13 tyres (the original Midas factory recommended size for the Mk 3) are already very difficult to find. I've fitted 175/60x13 tyres but the wheel arch clearance becomes critical. I don't want to fit anything resulting in a smaller overall diameter because I live at the end of a rough track, so maintaining a reasonable ground clearance is important to me.
Also, going from a modern vehicle with a high ratio brake servo to a Midas with a 1980s brake servo shows you how far brakes have improved, and if a bigger rim is used, there's more scope for fitting larger diameter front discs (if a suitable disc is available).

[kelvink]

I tend to agree that it's mainly a fashion thing. Unless you take your Midas onto the race track they perform superbly on the original spec wheels and tyres. Once you are on a race track then yes something a bit more sticky and with less tyre wall give might help you out run some of the race tuned cars on the circuit but how many of us are looking to do that?

[fozzza]

I am considering changing the wheels on my MK 2 but unsure what size to go for. I do like 12" wheels but a little concerned regarding the very point that Stuart made regarding the continuing availability of tyres, and also concerned about any clearance issues using 13" wheels.

[goldeneye]

i use 12" with yokohama A539 (165/60 R12 71H) on my MkII

No problems on clearance.

[DavidL]

i use 12" with yokohama A539 (165/60 R12 71H) on my MkII

No problems on clearance.

Wouldn't expect any clearance problems, that's the original recommended size for the Mk 2!

[Stuart]

i use 12" with yokohama A539 (165/60 R12 71H) on my MkII

No problems on clearance.

Wouldn't expect any clearance problems, that's the original recommended size for the Mk 2!

(Pedant alert) 165/60x12 tyres only appeared around 1992 ish I believe. I had some rather dreadful Pirelli P700's in that size.

The choice or recommendation was either 155/70x12 and later another option of a 165/60x13. Former being Goodyear Grand Prix S and later the Goodyear NCT seemed a popular choice by Harold.. Funnily enough I have both such tyres, a brand new unused Grand Prix S, and some NCT's and NCT2's. The rubber on the Grand Prix S is a little on the hard side.







nasty horrible tyre

[DavidL]

i use 12" with yokohama A539 (165/60 R12 71H) on my MkII

No problems on clearance.

Wouldn't expect any clearance problems, that's the original recommended size for the Mk 2!

(Pedant alert) 165/60x12 tyres only appeared around 1992 ish I believe. I had some rather dreadful Pirelli P700's in that size.

The choice or recommendation was either 155/70x12 and later another option of a 165/60x13. Former being Goodyear Grand Prix S and later the Goodyear NCT seemed a popular choice by Harold.. Funnily enough I have both such tyres, a brand new unused Grand Prix S, and some NCT's and NCT2's. The rubber on the Grand Prix S is a little on the hard side.







nasty horrible tyre

My mistake then, it seems I can't rely on my memories from those days!

[Stuart]

My mistake then, it seems I can't rely on my memories from those days!

I wish I could remember things from last week just as well, I think I peaked back in the eighties

[Inim666]

My build manual said about fitting 12 inch rims and 13 inch rims and as mine came with 13 inch rims when I got it and they seem to look fairly good on the car I want to keep them