Wheel/Tyre Advice
Hi... New member (and 1 yr G Owner) looking for some advice plse.. I have a 85 300GD manual with arch extensions - previous owner has put some 15 inch wolfrace alloys on which IMO do not suit the vehical...
I am thinking of going the (merc) alloys or perhaps even back to (original) steel wheels... Any thoughts on what size (especially offset etc) I need to look for - don't want to mix my 460's with 463 alloys!! - I am assuming 16 inch with 6/7 inch rims?? and what size tyres.
I want something that works with the arches and does not reduce me to a complete crawl on the M42...
Thoughts appreciated..
Many thanks
Simon
PS I am on the BF Goodridge AT page in terms of tyre choice.
what do your alloys look like mate- I might be after some if they are 8j wide
The stock alloy on my 1987 SWB is a 16inch, 5 spoke alloy. Don't go for steel, whatever you do - soooo ugly.
The original typres are M+S coded Semperit tyres, 205(x70) R16. Semperts are hard to come by, but I like them, and ATS could source them for about £90each.
The 463 tyres are fatter, but I think the 460 SWB drives like a car on the 205's.
Steel wheels will take a 235/70x16 tyre just about but they will do their job.
Them alloys will look real good with 31/10.50x15 BFG A/T tyres on.
For road BFG Macadams 255/70x15.
These sizes are also available in many other brands (cheaper) so cut your cloth according to your measure after that.
Regards,
Mike
Hi..
Thanks for the feedback. Have been away for a few days, but back to it now..
Sort of coming round to keeping the wheels.. will the 31inch BFG's put the ratios out?? or put it another way will the (300GD) engine still turn the wheels!! I think the originals were at about 30 inch so I suppose not!! provided I got that original calc right!
So that just leaves what to do about the spare... or lack of it.. I am right in thinking that there needs to be virtually no difference in rolling circumference or it does the transmission no favours - the original 16 inch is fitted. So I guess I need a 15inch spare?? rather than try to get a close match with a different size 16inch tyre.
Ta
Simon
Go with the 31" tyre combination of whatever brand you can afford or like the look of.
Alot of people on this forum (me included) mention BF Goodrich as being their brand of choice and we have good reasons for this (experience teaches fools) but try go for a premium brand if you can.
The spare will look a bit weird if the rim is a different style if exposed but if you have a cover then no issue.
A 205x16 tyre will get you out of trouble if you need to use it when punctured or go with a 235/70x16 tyre if you want something 'bout as wide as the 31" to look the part.
Regards,
Mike
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Update - took some quick pics.. if they help.. still not sure on the rim width though.. current tyre size is 235/65 R15 6.PR - Put the last bit in but do not think it relates to rims size.
If I change wheels then obviously I will put these up for sale in the appropriate section.. slight prob with only having 4 and an original, and flat 16inch steel spare - which I do not want to use due to risk on transfer gears etc..
Hope the pics come out!!
Hi Cozz
I will try and get some pics done.. and get the tape out... Cant find them on the wolfrace website anymore - they had wolfrace centre caps so I am sure they are genuine.. so nothing to give the specific rim size away...
More when I have warmed the camera up.. but I am away at the mo so it might be Sunday..
Ta
Simon