My understanding is that the superior traction of the higher speed-rated
tires may damage the TR6 stock suspension, since it was not designed for
the suspension loads delivered by today's high-tech formulations.
--Phil Haldeman
-----Original Message-----
From: Shawn Loseke <SLoseke@vines.colostate.edu>
To: Philip Haldeman <haldeman@accessone.com>; triumphs@autox.team.net
<triumphs@autox.team.net>
Date: Wednesday, June 09, 1999 3:29 PM
Subject: Re: "S" rating on tires...
> An "S" rating is not to good actually (in my opinion). The base rating is
>for top speed stability on a perfect tire. What they don't tell you unless
>you ask is that the tire rating can also have an effect on handling and
>braking. Basically, the higher rated tires, will have superior traction
>over any tire with a lower rating.That traction includes the ability to
>stop your forward movement in the shortest possible difference, with the
>smallest amount of drama.
> Lets get back to the "S" rated tires. They are rated for a top speed of
>112mph. Now you might be thinking that since you don't regularly see
112mph
>in your LBC, if at all. Why would you need a better tire? If you are just
>using your car to cruise then you probably don't. In fact, these lower
>rated tires will generally last longer because they are made of a harder
>rubber compound. Now if you like to play in the twisties every now and
>then. Then you will want a higher rated tire. Otherwise you will find the
>handling limits of the tire long before you find the limits of your car.
>Usually resulting in a stupendous example of understeer and you
>straightening the corner in the wrong direction.
> The tires that I have on my TR6 are "H" rated. This moves them up into a
>moderate performance category. For a good source of information, check out
>www.tirerack.com . I also have slightly upgraded suspension. When I'm on
>a race track, I can still reach the limit of the tire's adhesion before
the
>suspension bottoms from lateral load. But it is really close and really
>fun. Also, I have exceeded 112 mph. Just not on a regular basis.
> To sum up. If you enjoy spirited driving in your LBC. Higher rated tires
>will increase your pleasure and safety. Both of which should be high on
you
>list.
>
>Shawn
>-------------
>Original Text
>From: "Philip Haldeman" <haldeman@accessone.com>, on 6/9/1999 12:21 PM:
>A 185R-15 tire ought to have an 80 profile (or be very close). British
>Wire Wheel lists the tires I mentioned as an "S" rated tire. This would
>certainly be modern technology, though I haven't had hands-on experience
>regarding the handling, per se. Perhaps someone else has and will let us
>know. Our club member seems pleased. I forgot to mention that at Tires
>Unlimited they are listed under "Spint Steel" but don't have a speed
>designation---so I've trusted British Wire Wheel on this. Also, according
>to a table put out on the Triumph List in May, '98 by Brian Kemp, the
>closest size to the original tires, with the least speedo error, etc.
would
>be 195/75s rather than 205/70s. Yokohama makes an "S" rated tire in the
>195/75-15 size. Not every tire store lists them, and putting Japanese
>tires on a TR6 may not be what everyone would want.
>
>--Phil
>
>
>
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