What size of tyres on the era

[era1097]

As the original tyres are not avalible(165-60-13)
I need to look for another size to fit under the era.
The alternitives are:
-175-50-13 4.3% smaller
-175-60-13 2.2%bigger
-165-55-13 3.1%smaller
of 155-65-13 0.6%bigger
These where the tyre sizes i could find.
Now i would like to know what option other members of this forum took.
And what the experiences are.

[G96LUE]

There are a couple of falkens listed on ebay if that helps at all.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-X-FALKEN-TY ... 1005wt_905

[prop]

I have just read an article in Mini Magazine March edition.
175x50r13 tyres it says: - if running this size of tyre avoid uneven road surfaces and white lines anything that will make a mini wander on its own accord.( not easy with the roads in such bad condition these days) Such large tyres/wheels with such a low profile will cause this. It goes on to say that:- with these tyres not to go for more than 1 degree negative camber as the tyre has little sidewall compliance/deflection that will cause the outer edge of the tyre to be lifted off the road surface. This will cause the car to wander about.
So it would seem that 175x50r13 tyres are out of the question as we know the ERA has 1.5 degree negative camber which would make it even worse.

As no one has commented yet about tyre sizes does this mean everyone is running on old 165x60x13 tyres?
Another question is what size spare wheel/tyre do you carry?

[G96LUE]

I'm using 175 50 13 on mine. I have adjustable camber arms on mine though so that might be why i don't have too much of a problem.

The 175 50 13 are standard on sports pack coopers.

[G96LUE]

i guess 165 55 13 would be the better size to go for.
At least you can get some Pirelli's in that size.

[millermilla]

I'm using 175/50/13 and I hate them. My first ERA had 165/60/13 tyres and it seemed a much more comfortable ride

[prop]

I was considering using 155-65-13 now, as they are closest to the size of the originals being only .6% bigger. I suspect that it is quite important to stay as close to the original spec especially with original equipment. Going over to fully adjustable components you could probably adjust to get the best from tyres outside the original spec.

Is anybody running on 155-65-13 tyres?

[G96LUE]

I'd be a little concerned about the width of a 155 tyre on a 6" wide rim though.
I wonder if the tread would be too narrow and make the side walls lean over too much.

I did find a couple of places listing the correct size tyres on the net but i didn't get chance to phone them to see if they are available or just an old listing though.
I'll try them tomorrow and send you the details if they do have some.
One was listing Goodyears and the other are MAP1 who ever they are.

[prop]

I suspect that the 6” width will pull the tyre out therefore reducing the sidewall height to closer to the original tyre size. Whether this is safe or good for handling as the tyre will be forced to run on part of the tyre designed to be side wall and not tread I don’t know.
I suppose tyre pressures will all be trial and error as well.
This is turning out to be a lot more complicated than I first thought.

Here is another one to put into the equation 165x65x13 is 3% bigger about 16mm diameter bigger

I am leaning towards 175x60x13 now as there seems to be Yokohama H rated available if there is no 165x60x13

[Jezza]

Just seeing if there are any updates to this thread as my 12 year old 165x60x13 's are starting to crack quite badly due to age though there is plenty of tread remaining and I doubt that they will pass the next MOT in September.

Have been considering going to Pirelli P700Z 165x 55 x 13 replacements (seem a bit pricey though at around £100 each) - wondered if anyone is running these? I am a bit concerned as my current correct spec tyres have a tendency to rub on full lock on the front despite new cones and Hi-Lo's fitted last year so I don't really want to go for any bigger/wider tytres and the 175/50 's many Mini's (including some ERA's) use do not seem to fill the wheelarch very well.

Any views anyone?