3 replies to this topic

[Bunglefuzz]

Just purchased some reproduction cooper wheels from a notable supplier.

 

Dimensions of wheels are 4.5 inches wide with 10 inches diameter.

 

Now I know imperial sized tyres are hard to find, and I like the choice metric widths provide. So with this in mind I am very aware I'm never going to find a perfect fit. But I should be able to find something very close.

 

The tyres the notable supplier recommended are 165 x 70 R10.

 

Now, I've done some basic calculations and I reckon these tyres are way too wide for these rims. These tyres are much better suited to a wheel width of 6.5 inches (6.49 to be more exact). I've read in some forums that the effect of fitting too wider tyres will give sloppy handling as the tyre wall will deflect before the tyre really bites, meaning the front end will float side to side a bit, giving a 'magic carpet' feel to the handling.

 

All the info I can find regarding tyres sizes say that the first dimension relates to the width of the tread. It says nothing about this figure relating to wheel width.

 

Can anyone please advise. I want to get this right with total certainty, so no speculation responses please or basic opinions.

 

Should the first dimension of a tyre size equal the rim width?

 

What tyres should I be fitting to these wheels? (imperial dimensions excluded).

 

Any thorough advice would be very much appreciated.

 

Many thanks indeed.

[RossKnight]

I'd go for 165's, but I'm sure someone will come along and answer properly.

 

(and I realise this was probably pointless haha)

Edited by RossKnight, 30 July 2014 - 11:29 PM.

[timmy850]

I have cooper sized 4.5x10 wheels. I have 145/80 tyres on them because I transferred them off my old wheels. They look a bit skinny, and are more suited to 3.5" rims.

 

165mm does calculate to be 6.5 inches wide, but because they have a big sidewall on them they fit on perfect. Keep in mind that a wheel sold as 4.5" (bead to bead distance) is overall around 5.5" wide.

 

165 is definitely the size to put on a 4.5" wide rim. Nearly everyone here with a cooper has 165 tyres, they have better compounds and tread patterns and you'll have no issues

 

Tirerack suggests a rim width of 4.5-5.5" (under "specs")

http://www.tirerack....&tireModel=A008

[KernowCooper]

As above I have on Cooper rims run 165/70-10s and no issues with the narrower wheel pulling the beads in excessiely, and hence no rolling about on handling