Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => Drive train, fuel, suspension, steering & brakes => Topic started by: teahead on June 28, 2019, 18:45:42

Title: Are my tires too short?
Post by: teahead on June 28, 2019, 18:45:42

I kind of like the way they look, but from all the research, my tires maybe too short.

PO installed Michelin 185/70R14s.

Maybe 205/70R14s would be better in filling up the gap between the fender and tire?  (of course, seriously considering lowering the front a smidge).

Title: Re: Are my tires too short?
Post by: bogeyman on June 28, 2019, 19:20:22

Original was 185r/14 which was about an 85 aspect ratio.
Current replacement would be 195/75r14.
185/70 is to small in circumference.

Title: Re: Are my tires too short?
Post by: teahead on June 28, 2019, 19:30:58

Thanks.  I figured.

Maybe if I find some alloy wheels, will get 205-70s on there

Title: Re: Are my tires too short?
Post by: neelyrc on June 28, 2019, 20:54:26

Rob, many here on the forum strive to keep their cars as original as possible.  Some make changes to make their cars more appealing esthetically, to provide performance enhancements or to improve driving pleasure, generally being careful not to make a change that is irreversible.  There are a very few who opt for restomod treatment.  There is no right or wrong, to each his own.  I place myself squarely in the first group. 

On my last tire replacement a couple of years ago I was careful to try to duplicate the diameter/circumference and look of the originally delivered tires.  The originals of course are no longer available.  The tires I chose are very close even if they are a tad fatter.  See here:

https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=15847.msg184433#msg184433

Just my two cents worth.

Title: Re: Are my tires too short?
Post by: Jowe on June 29, 2019, 05:21:28

In the Technical Manual we have a lot about tires: https://www.sl113.org/wiki/WheelsTires/TireSize

Title: Re: Are my tires too short?
Post by: Jack Jones on June 30, 2019, 02:42:12

Quote from: bogeyman on June 28, 2019, 19:20:22

Original was 185r/14 which was about an 85 aspect ratio.
Current replacement would be 195/75r14.
185/70 is to small in circumference.

Please note that a 185r/14 is a 80 aspect ratio giving this an overall diameter of ~25.7".

Title: Re: Are my tires too short?
Post by: zoegrlh on July 01, 2019, 00:21:00

Several years ago I made a study of available tires at that time, that would be a fit to the Pagodas. Please look at treads about tires. I chose the Vredestein Sprint Classic 185HR14 90H. The technical specs of these tires are the closest to the original specs of the Phoenix tires. However they come only in black wall. My SL is a European spec and came with Blackwalls. US models came with whitewalls. For sure these are harder to find as close to original tires.
Bob