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[Healeys] Different Feel from Different Tires

To: <healeys@autox.team.net>
Subject: [Healeys] Different Feel from Different Tires
From: Reid Trummel <editor_reid@hotmail.com>
Date: Thu, 31 Mar 2011 18:56:20 -0700
All of this discussion about Vredesteins and other tires reminds me of how
very different my two BN2s drive with their very different tires.

The 100M has a set of the repro Dunlop RS5 (on 48-spoke wires), and it feels
very light and quick on its feet.  It also breaks loose VERY easily and you
have to remind yourself that you're driving on skinny bias-ply tires or she'll
try to swap ends on you.

The 100 with Le Mans Kit rides on a set of Avon CR6ZZ (on cast wheels that
look like Dunlop pressed-steel wheels of the 1950s), and it feels so very much
heavier and "slow on its feet," but the handling is about as good as it gets
for a street tire, even rivaling many race tires.

A photo on this page shows the difference in the height and width of these
tires: http://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/page/Austin_Healey_Tyres.  Note that
the Dunlop is tall and oh-so-skinny, while the Avon is short and wide with
relatively little tread.

The result is that the Dunlops give you a real 1950s driving experience, but
the Avons give you a much safer ride, including much shorter stopping
distances.

By the way, you can see the Dunlop wheels on this page by clicking on the red
spot on the wheel (not the red spot on the knock-off):
http://www.cape-international.com/100.php

<PSA> If anyone needs an original Shelley jack for their late 3000 (Mark I),
3000 Mark II or Mark III, I'm auctioning one right now:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150582998561
I'm jus' sayin'... :) </PSA>

Reid TrummelPortland, Oregon, USA
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