Felix Posted June 30, 2004 Report Posted June 30, 2004 i'm up for a new set of tyres for my ke15 but not sure which way to go. originally they run 12 x 4" rims with 155/80? x 12's (SL models had 4.5" rims) currently running 13 x 5.5" mazda 626 RWD steel rims with taller 175/70R13 tyres. i need 13's to clear the ke30 disc's on the front. with the current wheel/tyre combo there is not much clearance between the tyre and strut. i can't fit my pinky between the two. they fit just inside the guard at the front looking down. at the back i still get some scrubbing when loaded up on the guard lip, which has been rolled out a bit. would love to go something shorter sidewalled. ideally 185/60r13s but think they would scrub even more and foul the strut :sad: could always fit spacers and work the guards more, although it's not something i really want to do. maybe 175/60r13s? tyres this size are like $120 ea and hard to find. possibly 165/65r13s? guess they would have a fairly stiff sidewall, especially mounted on a 5.5" rim. have a similar diameter to the 175/60s and be close in dia to the original 12s. the best quality tyres in this size would be a lot cheaper than 60's. seeing as a ke15 is a touch over 700 kg's i don't think tyre width is overly important. with the current engine traction can be a problem in the wet, especially with the 4.5. slightly skinnier tyres would help. also i have a set of rear lowering blocks needing a new home. maybe the 165/65r13s? arghh! what to do? anyone have tyre brand/model recommendations for 13" tyres in above mentioned sizes? or in similar sizes? guess i'm looking for the best allround performance orientated compromise, without spending a fortune. it is a daily driver. need to be good in the wet. $400 tyres and alignment is the budget. Quote
Super Jamie Posted June 30, 2004 Report Posted June 30, 2004 looking at fairly skinny tyres, you're not going to be able to get REALLY good ones. i personally would fit longer wheel studs (4 bolts, 8 knocks with the hammer, easy) and run spacers and get 185/60/13s. you can get yoko A539s in this size. everyone i've spoke to who'd ever run FM901s thinks they are the best tyre they've ever had, not sure if they're available in corolla sizes. when i eventually get decent rubber. it'll be a tossup between those two Quote
irokin Posted June 30, 2004 Report Posted June 30, 2004 I dunno what I'm gonna do... I wanna put wider tyres (like 195s or so) but the 175s already scrub badly... Quote
demuire Posted June 30, 2004 Report Posted June 30, 2004 Erm... Maybe give Craig Hornibrook a call? His number's in the HSCCQ newsletter... Given the options you've listed I'd probably be inclined to go with the 165/65R13's, probably hard to find anything "performance" oriented in that size but given the budget I guess that's kinda out of the question anyway... Why not go to 14" rims? Much easier to find tyres reasonably cheap and reasonably good... Quote
Redwarf Posted June 30, 2004 Report Posted June 30, 2004 If you want to test fit some 185/60 13's give me a yell, as I have a couple of sets. Stick 'em on and take it for a drive...... R Quote
Super Jamie Posted June 30, 2004 Report Posted June 30, 2004 hard and/or expensive to find 14s in mazda stud pattern. there are some 14" performance b45-looking-things on ausrotor at the moment for $450 Quote
demuire Posted June 30, 2004 Report Posted June 30, 2004 Ah, I forget about the mazda stud pattern thing... Quote
Redwarf Posted June 30, 2004 Report Posted June 30, 2004 Correct... I had to get my 14's from Sydney. I'll sell you my 14x6 Simmons and 175/60 14 Azenis' for the price of a small African nation if you'd like? :) Quote
Peter Posted June 30, 2004 Report Posted June 30, 2004 trade you for a twin webber manifold and a 4.4 diff Quote
Peter Posted June 30, 2004 Report Posted June 30, 2004 but seriously, it all comes down to what you want to use them for, road use only track work dirt etc. find yourself an affordable set of road tyres and look at what else you want to do. for motorkhanas, old scrubbers to start with ( unless of course your budget extends to the 032r azenis etc.) yeah I'd love to spend $1k plus on tyres but we were not known as NO BUDGET RACING for nothing. an interesting option is to give Trevor Hamilton at BIG TYRE pty ltd in Toowoomba a call and talk to him about recap slicks. soft compound, can be grooved for street use, but , repeat, but, don't expect taxi mileage from them. performance wise, if any one can find the article from 'Street Machine' jan/feb 2000, page 116, you can read about their performance on a drag car. bon apetite. Quote
irokin Posted June 30, 2004 Report Posted June 30, 2004 slick recaps...interesting... Thats accually what I'm looking for really.... Quote
Felix Posted June 30, 2004 Author Report Posted June 30, 2004 thanks guys. the more i think about it the more i want 185/60's. they may not be such a problem with strut clearance with the shorter sidewall. hopefully not as bulgy in the sidewall as my current tyres. sure i can make them fit. wonder what the cheaper nankang and sumitomo 185/60s are like, maybe kumhos? anything has to be better than my bob jane high performance all rounders, which are aren't to healthy, especially on the back. they actually handle rather well in the dry. they can get scary in the wet. Quote
irokin Posted June 30, 2004 Report Posted June 30, 2004 After getting a pair of sumitomos on the rear of my car...I will most certainly be on the lookout for them again... They have taken a hell of a beating from all the scrubbing..and they arent showing signs of packing it in yet... Quote
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