tyre recommendation

[paulr]

Hello
I know that this is a topic that has been covered thoroughly and I have had a search through the posts yet I can't put them together into something I can get the answer from. My question is this:-
I have a 1970 280sl and I would like to replace the old and odd tyres that I have. I drive everyday at no more than 70mph. the tyres I have don't have a size mark on them but they look tall on the car and let the refined look of the car down. I would like something very slightly wider and with a very slightly lower profile than the Michelins that many of you favour. I am not very good at the tyre size equations and wondered if any of you have any ideas or recommendations. I do not want to change the look of the car much and certainly don't want a muscle car, this is a very subtle tweek. I am sorry to bring this up again.
Enjoy your days.

paulr

[hands_aus]

The original tyres supplied on the car were 185 HR 14 in size.

Modern tyres have equivalents.

The main consideration to make is keeping your overall tyre circumference the same so that your speedo and odometer remain true. If you vary it too much you will be constantly worrying if you are doing the correct speed.

here are a couple of links to tyre size calculators
http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html
http://www.1010tires.com/TireSizeCalculator.asp?action=submit

Something to consider.... If you put on a tyre too wide it will rub on the frame of the car when cornering.
The Power steering boxes were designed to work for the 185HR 14 tyres so maybe extra strain could be placed on the Power steering box with wide tyres.

I had 205 ?? 14 on the car and it was a very solid feel on the road, however i have shiny marks on the inside of the front frame from rubbing and the power steering box was rebuilt in 1997 and 2002.

There are now Michelins on the car 185 R 14, like you I will never do 210Km/h.

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

[paulr]

Thank you for the links, they are really useful.  205 would appear to be too wide then, so am I to assume that 195 would be the best compromise?  So, hypothetically of course, and assuming 80 is the correct missing number, a 195/75/14 would be perfect would it?
I knew someone would be able to help. I love this site.

[rwmastel]

quote:Originally posted by paulr

I would like something very slightly wider and with a very slightly lower profile than the Michelins that many of you favour.

Paul,

Hi.  You will not be able to use a lower profile (more narrow side wall) because that will make your tire smaller and make your speedometer and odometer wrong.

Here in the USA (maybe in the UK?) the old tires were all an 80 profile, then later 78 was a common profile ratio.  Now you can order your profile ratio (195/75 vs. 195/70 are different ratios).

I use the 195/75r14 size and they are fine.  It's personal taste as others want the original size & style while others go for the wider 205/70 tires.

By all means, if your existing tires done have any size markings on them then replace them.  I can't imagine why the markings would not be there?

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[nick350]

WARNING!!!!!!!

according to the tyre comparison chart a 195/75/14 vs a 185/80/14 is a 0.5% speedo difference, making it .03 of a mile an hour difference at 60mph. ( 60.3 mph vs 60mph )

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED !!!!!('[:0]')

Nick350
r107 SL red