Ashley Hancock wrote:
> For what its worth here's my understanding of John's comments -
> wide grippy tyres put a greater stress on the suspension especially in low
> speed manoeuvring situations - we all know about the fragility of the
> uprights etc! My own gut feeling is that 205 section tyres are way too
> wide for everyday street use especially on the stock rims.
>
> Regards..
>
> Ash
Well, as my last post had mentioned I do not have a TVR. However, my TR-6
has 5.5" wide rims, and I currently have 205/60-15 tyres installed.
Ash is correct, the only time you feel any difficulty with the tyres are at
extremely low speeds when trying to negotiate and execute a certian manuver
(ie. parallel parking!!!!!!!). Since my daily commute, 60 miles, does not
require me to parallel park and doesn't have much necessity for low speeds
other than when moving straight (stuck in traffic); I do not find the
205/60s inhibit me in any respect.
As far as which components wear and suspension issues I have found that, at
least in the TR-6, the roto-flex coupling on the steering column takes all
of the abuse when trying to turn the wheels at low speeds. I replaced it
last summer, and it has been fine since. The wheels want to stay
stationary, so the torque I'm applying to turn the wheel is being absorbed
(initially, until rotation begins) by the roto-flex coupling.
The ride is somewhat harsher, and bump steer is definitely a bit more
noticeable. But on well surfaced roadways, it is an absolute dream and I
find driving in situations that require more grip to be quite easy now.
Will I put 205/60s back on the TR-6 during the next tyre swap? No, and the
only reason is that they make my TR-6 too low to get a floor jack under.
Which, given my many driveway repair sessions, limits what I can do
sometimes (unless I go about looking for household siccor jacks from the
other cars).
--
Kai M. Radicke -- kmr@pil.net
1966 MGB -- 1974 Triumph TR-6
http://www.pil.net/~felix (pix soon)
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