More tires

[jsaylor]

I checked on michelin rainforce and was told that they have an "S" rating.  (195-70-14)  Dunlop makes a "performance tire" [Dunlop SPA 2]  (195-70-14)  with an "H" rating  As I understand it the S vs H rating refers to sidewall stiffness, H being stiffer.  Any input would be appreciated.
Aloha,

Jim Saylor
Kauai, Hawaii
'65 230SL

[hauser]

The S & R are speed ratings.  The SR is good up to 112 mph and the HR is rated at 130 mph.  Sidewall stiffness is mostly determined by the tire's profile.  The lower the profile the stiffer its sidewall.  The original Phoenix had a different construction alltogether. The stiffer sidewall was incorporated into this 80 series tire to aid in its handling characteristics.  

You can read more into the different ratings by visiting www.tirerack.com

1969 280sl 5 spd        1999 ML320          Gainesville,Fl.

[Naj ✝︎]

To avoid speedo discrepencies, I believe the nearest replacement tire size should be 195/75 x 14  or 205/70 x14

naj

65 230SL
68 280SL

[n/a]

Any recommendations for SL tires with a whitewall? I am removing late model 14" alloys from my 280 and recently located some 14" x 6" steel wheels i can use with original equipment wheel covers, but i would like to add whitewalls. The only ones I've been able to find are some BF Goodrich P195/75R 14 and P185/75R 14. Not having a high speed rating, I don't have a warm & fuzzy putting these on my car, as I often make short duration jumps with my '69 280 to over 120MPH....I know, I live dangerously. (Not as bad as when I was young and really foolish some 25 years ago when in my 20's....took a Jag 12 cylinder on a deserted highway in Connecticut and hit 149 MPH....couldn't make it to 150 goal!)
Must say, these SLs really still have some torque left at high speed...she was still pulling at the 120 mark, no smoke and this with 115K on the clock. Damn strong engines!
Appreciate any tire suggestions...have Pirellis now.
Thanks. Regards, Joe Bango  

[hands_aus]

Hey Joe,
I was looking today at the Michelin site.

They have a new tyre, ENERGY XM1

In the 80 Series there is a 185/80R14 tyre with a load index of 95 = 690kg/tyre, and a speed index of T = 190Km/H

These are fairly close to the original 185 HR 14, 8 ply radials fitted to the cars.
The H speed index = 210 Km/H

I priced them here in Australia at $144.00 + 10% GST, each.

Comments about the new tyres....

They don't seem to have the original wheel trim  protecting ridge around the side wall.

They don't show a whitewall tyre, although it might be an option.

Bob Smith (Brisbane,Australia)
RHD,1967 early 250 SL, auto

[mdsalemi]

quote:Originally posted by Joe Bango

Any recommendations for SL tires with a whitewall? I am removing late model 14" alloys from my 280 and recently located some 14" x 6" steel wheels i can use with original equipment wheel covers, but i would like to add whitewalls. The only ones I've been able to find are some BF Goodrich P195/75R 14 and P185/75R 14. Not having a high speed rating, I don't have a warm & fuzzy putting these on my car, as I often make short duration jumps with my '69 280 to over 120MPH....I know, I live dangerously. (Not as bad as when I was young and really foolish some 25 years ago when in my 20's....took a Jag 12 cylinder on a deserted highway in Connecticut and hit 149 MPH....couldn't make it to 150 goal!)
Must say, these SLs really still have some torque left at high speed...she was still pulling at the 120 mark, no smoke and this with 115K on the clock. Damn strong engines!
Appreciate any tire suggestions...have Pirellis now.
Thanks. Regards, Joe Bango  

Joe, read my earlier post.  I bought the Coker Phoenix which is a reproduction of the original half-radial Firestone Phoenix and Conti RA60 tires.  You can read the post here under "Tire Nirvana"

http://index.php?topic=2168

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored

[230SL67]

I have Bridgestone Turanzas in whitewall, 197/75-14, T speed rating on my 230SL. They look good, ride is great and they are quiet.

Chris