7,s RS ALLOYS

[JASE-MK2]

Very interested in this thread.
I too plan to get the copy 7" wheels that are selling in PLR/JMC.
On my standard RS alloys, I have 185/60/13. Am I right in saying they were originally 175/70/13?
Anyway, I think they look daft when they have 205/60/13, on 7" even on the 6.5".
I have also been told, that 205's are worse handling due to "roll"
So I was thinking of keeping with the 185/60/13 on new 7" stretched that extra half inch, is that ok

It wont really be that bigger stretch, 205s just wont fit on an Escort running 7's without big arches (standard Capri fitment) I would have no issue at all in fitting 185 60's to it, as before check arch to wheel clearance, lets face it most people fit 175's to 7.5's so you will have no worries. Yes 175/70's were standard and looked balloon like compared to 185,60's, also there is something to be said for the extra grip from 10mm of tread.

Jase

[JASE-MK2]

if this was a reference to any of my comments, see Banishit's comment above.
I was stating the case in Germany, BTW here tyres that are 7 years old must be replaced for the TÜV (MOT) as that is their life expectancy.

You can indeed get away with allsorts according to UK law, whether or not it makes any sense to endanger your and others lives is of course another matter, as I'm sure you're aware, tyre sidewalls are intended to be loaded vertically and not horizontally.

I don't say I haven't taken the odd risk when it comes to motors but when it comes to safety items like brakes and tyres I would give some considerable thought to whether or not fitting of the 7s or having the arches pulled were not better and safer options

Fair comment, cant argue with that

Jase

[RStu]

plenty of clearance on 185's,
185's it is then
Cheers Jase

[rwdrs]

I have limited experience of 7's buddy but try this theory:

195 = width of the tyre tread from shoulder to shoulder

45 = Percent of the above

13 = Wheel size

So if you have 185's on it now, the rolling circumference difference will be neglegible but the way I would do it would be to measure you arch against you 185's and see if you have enough room for 5mm on top of the existing tyre width between the arch and tyre, remember going up from 185 to 195 is only 5mm wider on each side of the tyre. I work it out to 4mph faster than you are actually travelling, on the speedo.

Alternatively come down and I will fit some and you can try them, always the best way!

Jase

The STD wheel and tyre size being 175/70/13 or for 7s 205/60/13, this is the STD gearing and therefore speedo ratio setting.

The difference from 175/70 to 195/45s is what you need to calculate and conuteract by changing the speedo drive pinion in the gbox

[JASE-MK2]

I agree 100% with RWDRS, that is of course if it has a standard diff and gearbox matched to the speedo head, and yes your right it can be over come with gearing.

However I find its usually an issue of actual physical fitment as apposed to speedo reading that most people have problems and concerns with.

Just remember guys when lowering the profile you only ever make the speedo read faster so no fear of speeding tickets although the mileage will clock up quicker.

Jase

[JASE-MK2]

The STD wheel and tyre size being 175/70/13 or for 7s 205/60/13, this is the STD gearing and therefore speedo ratio setting.

The difference from 175/70 to 195/45s is what you need to calculate and conuteract by changing the speedo drive pinion in the gbox

Indeed, I was working on the difference between 185/60 against 195/45 based on most people running 186/60's.

Jase

[JASE-MK2]

Obviously in my work I refer to Michelin Technical for any info I need but you guys may find this online guide helpfull although I firmly believe in trial and error as I once had 7.5 on an Escort running 175/50's that rubbed no matter what I did but other people I know have no problems at all.

Jase

http://www.club80-90syncro.co.uk/Syncro_website/TechnicalPages/TRC%20calculator.htm

[BB49Twink]

175/50/13's on a 7" rim are available as a package from Midland Wheels and a lot of cars seem to be running them without problems.

7 inches is about 177mm after all!

You also have to watch the brand of tyre you choose as not all tyres of the same supposed width actually are!

[JASE-MK2]

You also have to watch the brand of tyre you choose as not all tyres of the same supposed width actually are!

VERY VERY true, they have a tolerence of (+4 mm to - 4mm) to work to, this is much more apparent in road going sports bike tyres but never the less well worth considering if you have clearence issues.

Jase

[Aled]

Anyway, I think they look daft when they have 205/60/13, on

Oh noooo....you never said my car looks daft !

[RStu]

Oh noooo....you never said my car looks daft !

lol, rib Berwyn all the time, with his "moon buggy's"

[marky4]

i got 185/60/13 tyres on my 7 inch ml's and they look great, handle great and don't look at all stretched but one of the back arches rubs abit and has taken the writting of the side wall so i was wondering about fitting a very slightly stretch tyre like say a 185/55/13 as don't want to go down the 175/55 route but would a 185/55 give me that couple of mm more clearance

[JAVAGREENGUF]

thanks for all the interesting comments people!!!