New original looking tyres

[marko]

I need some new tyres on my original looking 1500Tc but was wondering about going wider for hopefully better wet and dry grip. I'm running bog standard 155,80,13 but remember on my first spitfire, many moons ago, running 175,70,13. The same price for more tyre. I like the high sidewall look about my car but wouldn't turn down the extra grip. I would be looking at the Dunlop street response 2 at £46 each in standard size.
What have other people fitted that's a popular size but still the same circumference?
Ps. I'm running 5j x 13" spitfire wheels.

[toromod]

I've been running my 1500HL on Uniroyal Rain Expert 165/70 R13 (F) and Firestone Multihawk 175/70 R13 (R) for the last 16 months/12000 miles - they've been good in all weather, at a reasonably fast pace as well, which is what it's all about! - reasonably priced as well.

[marko]

These have the same C and B ratings as the Dunlop but what a great tread pattern..
http://www.blackcircles.com/catalogue/n ... e=34040389

[soe8m]

My contribution needs an intro.

On my vintage caravan i had some Kumho tyres that needed replacement. They were about 7 years old but only had a few travels to Italy and were visually new. No flat spots or little cracks. But for piece in mind new ones of the same type again under the caravan.

My 1300 needed new tyres and my though was to buy 2 new of the same type and use the ones that came under my caravan. The size was 155/80/13 so a perfect fit.

What a tyre. Grip grip grip, no sliding. Very good in the wet, big grooves to red rid of the water but as they are for light trucks the side walls are more rigid. No rolling over the tyres and still normal comfort.

These have a pattern that could go for a classic look.

Jeroen

[cliftyhanger]

175/70 13 identical circumference to the old 155/80 13(within a mm or so)
http://www.tyres-guru.co.uk/cgi-bin/rsh ... ountry=GUK
seem to be a very good wet grip tyre.

Not sure I would want a winter tyre all year round, they are often a compromise to get good snow grip which has knock on effects elsewhere. This test/comparison my show what I mean, andhere te winter tyre is rather good....
http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Article/Is ... nd-out.htm

[marko]

Thanks Clive and all. I'm staying original size as the car deserves it. I had a good read of that tyre site but they don't do the recommended tyre in our size:( I'm going for some http://www.blackcircles.com/catalogue/f ... e=35034015
Or the http://www.blackcircles.com/catalogue/u ... e=33591485

My local garage can beat both prices so that'll keep me safe in this cold weather. All I need now is some bull bars and a snow plough attachment.

[Jon Tilson]

175/70's dont really work with a 4.5j wheel to be honest.

I have them like that on ERO as I like the early wheel trims but the ride quality isnt great.

I got the best results on a steel wheeled doly just going up to 165 80 instead of the 155 originals. These gave great grip and a good ride.

Jonners

[marko]

I have the 5j wheels and ended up getting the uniroyal rain expert 3. Two tyres fully fitted etc for £79 which I thought was very good. I stayed at 155/80/13 for the originality.