Hi John,
"If" the tires were tubeless, you would stand a good chance of the
tire bead losing seal with the wheel at such low pressures.
Even with tubes, I don't think that radial tires like to be run "flat".
It will likely feel unstable with 23.
The older bias ply tires would hump up in the middle of the tread & lose
side tread contact if pressure was too high. Radials don't have this
problem, but the sidewalls get too flexible with lower pressures.
I would suggest something like 32 front 30 rear for a start. Adjust
front to rear balance to suit your driving preferences.
Dave Russell
BN2
John Snyder wrote:
> Hello List,
>
> What is the collective wisdom out there on the best tire pressure to use in
> 185/70-SR15 Vredestein tires mounted on reproduction MiniLite wheels running
> w/ 23 psi pressure? The idea was that since these tires are wider than
> original and have a higher load rating, they should be run at a lower pressure
> than normal. My freshly restored BT7 MK2 has this set-up. It has what I
> would describe as a "bouncy" or "jiggly" ride on pavement that is less than
> smooth. The entire front suspension has urethane bushings, but this feel
> seems to come from the rear as much, or more, then the front. All four shocks
> have less than 1600 miles on them.
>
> This ride became more noticable to me when as an early Christmas present to
> myself I took back to back drives in the above car, my freshly restored BN7
> MK2 and my BT7 (MK1). Both those cars have 60 spoke wires and 165 tires.
>
> Any suggestions would be appreciated. TIA
>
> John Snyder
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