Healey Tire Information
Excerpts from the Healey Mailing List
British Wire Wheel quoted the following information.
The original Healey tire was 5.90 x 15 with a diameter of 26". Compared to the 26" original, what ever you loose in diameter on an installed tire you loose half of that from ride height.
BWW gave the following diameters for other tires:
175 x 15 - 26" (diameter)
165 x 15 - 25.3"
185/70 x 15 - 25.5"
195/70 x 15 - 25.8"
195/65 x 15 - 24.8"
So if their info is correct, the 175 gives original ride height, if 175's are still made. The 165 most of us use cuts height almost half an inch, more when under inflated. The 195/65 rides only a quarter of an inch lower than the 165. The 195/70 would seem to be a great choice, wonder who makes them. Parenthetically, I am told that the 195's need 5.5" rim width.
The 175 x 15 tire is still made and sold by Coker Tire Company in the Michelin ZX pattern. If you want to carry the larger 195 tire in your boot, then partially deflate the tire and carry a can of instant spare with you. If you want to add the sticky tire repair material, buy the Wal-Mart type. if you want just compressed air, buy the replacement unit from a GM or Chrysler dealer.
One thing to consider is this. I find that the 195 tire (tyre for you Brits out there) does not fit in the trunk (boot) Well at least if you want to close the darn thing. It is a slightly larger diameter tire and the lid hits it when in the trunk.
You may want to save one of the 165's for a spare. Perhaps someone out there has a different experinece, but this is mine.
Three months ago, I bought a set of 4 175x15 Michelins through the local Discount Tire Store (that is its name) in San Diego. They got
them from Coker Tire in Tennessee, delivered in about 5 days. Price was quite reasonable.
I have Michelin 175-15s on Dayton 72 spoke stainless wires on my BN7. The tire is the "ZX" design and purchased a number of years ago from British Wire Wheel for a little less than $100 per. They are great so far and ride smoother and corner better than the Dunlop SP4 165-15s I had previously mounted on the same rims. The 175-15 is an unusual size and rarely will anyone find one in stock anywhere except specialty stores like BWW or Coker
1960 BT7 I purchased my new wheels and tires from British Wire Wheels and Charles was the person who helped me. My tires are Michelin 175R15 radials. I was a little concerned about radials but Charles indicated that there would not be a problem. I recently took my BN7 MKII3000 two seater out for a trial run. Although the car stutters at about 3000 rpm in 4th, it cornered beautifully and I am well pleased with the stainless steel wire wheels and tires. Charles is a knowledgeable person and I appreciated his help.
Summation for the Bluegrass Club Newsletter
By Jim Werner
Selecting the right tires for your Healey can be one of the most difficult tasks. Dozens of opinions on what size and brand to use. The Internet Healey List receives so many inquiries concerning tires that I was asked to compile a web site with tire information for reference. The original size tire is not available
in a radial so a substitute must be used. After going through all the submissions, this is just my opinion on the best options for tire choices.
The original Healey tire was 5.90 x 15 with a diameter of 26". That size is available only in a Bias-ply from British Wire Wheel in a Dunlop RS5 ("H" rated-bias ply) at $159
British Wire Wheel gave the following diameters for other tires:
175 x 15 - 26" (diameter) 185/70 x 15 - 25.5"
165 x 15 - 25.3" 195/70 x 15 - 25.8"
The regular 185/15 is often used. Always will rub the inner fenders while turning and does not fit in the trunk as a spare. I have them on my Raly Car and hate them. Too much sidewall flex and fender interference. Not recommended. 185/70 and 195/70 tires always look too “fat” for me on a Healey, not recommended.
Healeys should have sports car tires on them, not Sears Road Handlers or Goodyear's so I limit my selection to two companies, Dunlop and Michelin (remember this is my opinion on tires, yours may vary)
Healeys should have sports car tires on them, not Sears Road Handlers or Goodyear's so I limit my selection to two companies, Dunlop and Michelin (remember this is my opinion on tires, yours may vary) .
The 175/15 Michelin ZX offers the original size and better appearance in the wheel well but with increased cost. The 175 x 15 tire is sold by Coker Tire Company in the Michelin ZX pattern. Price is $86.
It is also often available from your local tire dealer by special order, shop around for price.
The 165 /15 that most of us use cuts tire height. Two options available from BWW. The Dunlop SP20 at $57 and the Michelin XZX at $82. The Dunlop SP20 is preferred over the Michelin XZX for ride quality, correctness of manufacturer and price.
Tirerack.com offers the Dunlop SP20 for $39 in stock in the Indiana warehouse. You will have an odometer error with the 165/15. On my BJ8 it equates to one tenth of a mile every ten miles. Also the smaller look is sometimes objectionable, especially on the Phase Two BJ8 rear wheels.
Go to the links page for links to tire suppliers. Both Hendrix (east Coast) and British Wire Wheel (West Coast) are highly recommended.
