[Healeys] (no subject)

Tue May 6 16:47:08 MDT 2025

FWIW, I'm on my 4th (5th?) set of Vredestein Sprint Classics 185/70R-15 
on my BJ8. I've run them for well over 100K miles and have never had an 
issue; they're a good all-around (all-season) tire that is more than 
adequate for all but all-out racing. They are good in the rain, adequate 
in snow, grip well on pavement, have a smooth ride and are good for 
20-25K miles (they'll 'age out' before most owners put that many miles 
on them).

I run 6-inch Dayton 72-spoke stainless/chrome wires I bought from Bruce 
Erfer when he sold out of his garage in Soquel, before he opened his 
shop (British Wire Wheel). If I ever buy new wheels, I'd probably go 
with 5.5" rims as the wheels protrude a bit more from the sides than 
ideal, and the sidewalls look a little 'splayed'. The only rubbing I had 
was a R/R wheel that rubbed against a rebound bolt on hard left corners 
(but caused no appreciable damage). I have had problems with tubes 
leaking due to chafing (yes, I talced the tubes). I got a new set of MWS 
painted for the BN2 shod with 165/80 Vredesteins from Tom Monaco (the 
mounting was perfect but Tom said it was a lot of work). These are 
sealed wheels which, IMO, are the only way to go.

I haven't priced any Michelins, but if they're a lot more expensive I 
can't see the value (IIRC the Michelins require tubes but I don't know 
for sure). Note Michelin is otherwise my go-to; I have Cross Climate 2s 
on the Lincoln and Pilot Sport 4Ses on the Mustang. Years ago, the NA 
director for Vredestein owned a BJ8, and there was a red one on their 
pamphlets but I don't know for a fact it was his.

Bob

On 5/6/2025 2:49 PM, Stephen Hutchings wrote:
> Harold, that chart is really useful.
> What I’m wondering, is if you opt for the 165 15 size- what height 
> ratio works best?
> I mean, some of the brands like Continental have a specification like 
> 165 65 15.
> I noticed that you said you find the Vredestein Classic 185/70 HR 15 
> look out of place…so you find the 70 height ratio too small?
> I don’t want any rubbing.
>
> Stephen BJ8
>
>> On May 6, 2025, at 11:52 AM, Harold Manifold <manifold at telus.net> wrote:
>>
>> Mitchell,
>>
>> Tires are a somewhat contentious issue in the Healey world. I do have 
>> a background in the automotive world and started with the basics to 
>> pick a tire. Originally my car had 4" wide rims which limited the 
>> tire choice to a 165 HR 15. I upgraded to 4.5" wide rims which opens 
>> up a number of possibilities. The second consideration is to match 
>> the sidewall height of the original tires for a couple of reasons. 
>> The profile of the wheel well on our Healey is basically the same for 
>> all models. The tires should have an OD close to the 
>> original Roadspeed 5.90H15 to maintain the right look. Another 
>> consideration is the tire is a part of the suspension system and the 
>> sidewall of the tire influences the ride. A lower sidewall tends to 
>> produce a stiffer and harsher ride.
>>
>> I chose the Michelin XAS 180 HR 15 and am very happy with the look, 
>> ride and performance. If your BJ8 is a phase 2 with the raised 
>> suspension in my opinion the 165 HR 15 has too small a diameter and 
>> doesn't look at home within the wheel well profile. For the same 
>> reason I think the 185/70HR15 profile tires look out of place as well.
>>
>> For comparison this is the table I put together to help pick out 
>> tires. All of these will fit a 4.5" - 5" wide rim. The wider tires 
>> could have clearance issues but reports are they do fit.
>>
>> Tire 	Size 	 Inflated Diameter 	 Inflated Width
>> Road Speed RS5 	5.90H15 	26.0 	6.4
>> Michelin XAS 	165 HR 15 	25.4 	6.6
>> Michelin XAS 	180 HR 15 	26.8 	6.9
>> Vredestein Sprint Classic 	165HR15 	25.4 	6.6
>> Vredestein Sprint Classic 	185HR15 	26.7 	7.4
>> Vredestein Sprint Classic 	185/70HR15 	25.2 	7.4
>>
>>
>> Hope this helps. The list has been quiet for a while so maybe this 
>> post will start a tire controversy!
>>
>> Harold
>>
>>
>>
>> On Mon, May 5, 2025 at 6:34 PM Hank Leach via Healeys 
>> <healeys at autox.team.net> wrote:
>>
>>     I use that tire on my BJ8 as it is closest to the original bias
>>     590s. The 180 may affect your speedometer reading and could rub
>>     the sidelight wires but many use that size no matter. Anything
>>     bigger for sure will rub. Here is the look of the 165 with 60s in
>>     the the wheel well. Hank
>>     --------------------
>>
>>     From: "Mitch Simmons" <simmonsmitch23 at gmail.com>
>>     To: <healeys at autox.team.net>
>>     Sent: May 5, 2025 at 4:50 PM PDT
>>     Subject: [Healeys] (no subject)
>>     Hello,
>>     anyone have recent experience with .....Michelin XZX 165SR15
>>     tires? I am considering them on my 66 BJ8......LMK....I have
>>     Dayton 60 spoke rims......Also considering Michelin XAS
>>     180HR15...BUT not sure they will work with 4.5 inch wide rims
>>     (any experience with those would be appreciated ..as well
>>     Thanks
>>     Mitchell
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>
>
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