Tyre sizes

[jrallnutt]

Just a quick question from a newbie:

My s2 needs two new tyres on the front - currently all four are pirelli P4000's the rear tyres have plenty of tread. All 175/60/R14 - standard S2 steely size

Should I consider (and can I) stick new 185/60/R14's on the front?
I guess it will give me more grip - but what's the downside?
Are there any other sizes of tyre that are worth fitting?
In case it makes a difference - I have power steering.

Sorry if this is covered in other threads - I have found loads of useful stuff about which tyres to use - but not too much about which tyre sizes can be fitted on my standard S2 steelies - and what the effects are.

Cheers, Jrallnutt

[Patrick F]

stick to the standard size and get rid of the p4000's. if you get a larger size it will be softer as there is less support and it will knacker the handling

[jrallnutt]

Standard size it is then.

I was going to keep the p4000 on the rear 'cos they still have plenty left - just get two new decent front tyres. The front of the car does most of the breaking and accelerating anyway doesn't it ;-) though I 'spose the rear tyres are pretty important for cornering - only road driving - but I have a very twisty set of roads to work and back.

J

[rallye_matt]

Standard size it is then.

I was going to keep the p4000 on the rear 'cos they still have plenty left - just get two new decent front tyres. The front of the car does most of the breaking and accelerating anyway doesn't it ;-) though I 'spose the rear tyres are pretty important for cornering - only road driving - but I have a very twisty set of roads to work and back.

J

A 185/60/14 isn't the most ideal tyre size to use. But they aren't that bad!! I'm currently running 185/60/14's all round and i've not lost any of the that famous Rallye handling! I've done track days with them with no problems!! Certainly doesn't ruin it.

The best tyre size to use would be a 185/55/14. This way you get the wider tyre and the lower profile. They are slightly more expensive, but definitely the ones to go for :)

[Patrick F]

Keep the P4000's on the rear but I am not sure of the implications of running types of different sizes and profiles the the front and rear.

[jrallnutt]

Yeah, I'm a bit woried about that too.
I'm gonna stick with standard I think.

Thanks for the advice.
J