[Healeys] (no subject)

Tue May 6 19:23:56 MDT 2025

The Michelin XAS 180 HR 15 requires a tube. I have them mounted on a 5.5” seventy-two spoke Dayton rim. The only rubbing is when I turn the steering wheel to a full lock. Rubbing does not occur under normal driving conditions.

John

From: Healeys <healeys-bounces at autox.team.net> On Behalf Of Bob Spidell via Healeys
Sent: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 3:47 PM
To: healeys at autox.team.net
Subject: Re: [Healeys] (no subject)

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  <mailto:manifold at telus.net> <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 <mailto: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 <mailto:simmonsmitch23 at gmail.com> > 
To: <healeys at autox.team.net <mailto: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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