General who's running 165/60R12
- Thread starter mhatzis
- Start date
Currently reading:
General who's running 165/60R12
Hi Mike, I am running with this size on my 500 (165/60 R12 A539 Yokohama)
But, there are a few mods on my car that make things slightly more difficult than one would first think. Firstly at the rear I have late model 126 brakes, the springs are lowered by approx 30mm and are stiffer in action, I also use 126 bump stops to assist in any rebound if a hole in the road is hit. The tyres do touch at the extreme lower rear of the arch bodywork if you hit a rough hole. I will say that In my experience the amount of contact is minimal in normal driving. The only way to stop the contact is modify the arch and/or fit a stiffer spring. At the front I have modified Fiat X1/9 callipers with a bendix 48mm piston and a modified disc cut down to 210mm. There is plenty of room in the 5" alloy wheels. The brake hub has two spacers fitted (I think they are some
2-3 mm each) these came on the car at purchase and even up the track front to back. The front set up is also approx 30mm lower. The only problem I have noticed at the front is when on full lock and hitting a hole the tyre will rub.
You could fit an alternative Yokohama tyre that has a lower profile
(Yoko Advan 048 - 150/490/R12 basically a 165/55 R12) BUT you should be sure of any regulations when running this tyre on the road as it is classed as a racing tyre with limited tread (check the Yoko web site )
Beware of using the lower profile item as this will lower the overall gearing from standard to giving some 2 MPH less at 4000rpm, in forth gear. I've used my gearing to figure this out and I have a hi ratio diff fitted too. I will say that the availability of 12" wheels is not good and my wheels (minilite lookalike) have an
ET of +28mm anyway. If you need any more info ask.
Ian.
Attachments
Thanks Ian.
That give me a good idea of what to expect. I have only lowered about 20mm so with what our saying, I think ill take the gamble on them.. I was thinking of running the nankoong eco2+ xl. any experience with those tyres?
I see you're also running an oil cooler.. do you notice the difference... Im just rebuilding a spare engine to a 700 and considering adding it.
the hobbler
Distinguished member
- Joined
- Jul 25, 2012
- Messages
- 4,376
- Points
- 1,100
With a tuned engine in the UK. as long as a 3.5litre sump is fitted, an oil cooler isn't really needed. But for Greece, i would suggest that you have a conversation with Tom Karagiannis ("Gordinir8" on the Forum)--he lives in Greece and would be able to advise you better on that subject.
Bigvtwin996
Established member
- Joined
- Jul 19, 2011
- Messages
- 1,395
- Points
- 445
The topic of wheels and tyres is a recurring one....
Is it possible for us to create a sort of list of after market wheels and tyre fitment people are running and if they fit/rub within std arches or with modifications (and what is required) and perhaps if they have fitted disks or other brakes/suspension changes...
it may be useful to include offsets if known...
Is it possible for us to create a sort of list of after market wheels and tyre fitment people are running and if they fit/rub within std arches or with modifications (and what is required) and perhaps if they have fitted disks or other brakes/suspension changes...
it may be useful to include offsets if known...
Hi Mike, The only tyres I have experience of are the Yokohama A539, it's a good all round tyre, but I'm not sure of the very wet weather performance - I don't take the car out in stormy weather anyway
Alternatives are the Yoko A048, But this is only 55 profile aimed at track day use (not sure if road legal). Nankang list an AR1 (60 profile) tyre that is again a track day listed with limited road use as well, but I think this item will wear fast as it's a sticky compound. Listed in the UK is also the Nankang Econex NA-1
in 165/70 R12 note the profile, it will run closer to the bodywork.
What wheel rims are you going to use????????
Ian.
Hi Mike, Different owners have different reasons for fitting oil coolers and as Tom (@the Hobbler) says a larger sump will help in some situations, but I for one believe that - even with an air cooled engine, constant extreme high temperatures will not help with longevity. So I have personally decided to fit a system that will control the oil temperature and keep it at 90 to 95deg C even with hard driving. My engine is in a high state of tune and will run very hot if allowed to, thus I use all the tools I can to keep it within limits. As suggested,
Speak with 'GordiniR8' on the forum he will council you on running your car in Greece and take it from there.
Ian.
Hi Mike, The only tyres I have experience of are the Yokohama A539, it's a good all round tyre, but I'm not sure of the very wet weather performance - I don't take the car out in stormy weather anyway
Alternatives are the Yoko A048, But this is only 55 profile aimed at track day use (not sure if road legal). Nankang list an AR1 (60 profile) tyre that is again a track day listed with limited road use as well, but I think this item will wear fast as it's a sticky compound. Listed in the UK is also the Nankang Econex NA-1
in 165/70 R12 note the profile, it will run closer to the bodywork.
What wheel rims are you going to use????????
Ian.
These rims, purchased the nankang online today so will see what they are like.
https://www.dangelomotori.it/prodotto/cerchi-in-lega-modello-mille-miglia-finitura-bianco-diamantato-attacco-4x98/
the hobbler
Distinguished member
- Joined
- Jul 25, 2012
- Messages
- 4,376
- Points
- 1,100
Stupid question I will admit; is that the price for 4 wheels or, the price per wheel?
I read a very interesting article regarding tyres to be used on cars with 'swing-axle' rear suspension ala, 500, 126, imp etc. It pointed out that due to the way the rear suspension makes the wheels travel in an arc, ROUND shouldered tyres should be used. A lot of modern tyres have SQUARE shoulders on them to enhance the road holding of suspension that control the movement of the wheels to vertical.
I read a very interesting article regarding tyres to be used on cars with 'swing-axle' rear suspension ala, 500, 126, imp etc. It pointed out that due to the way the rear suspension makes the wheels travel in an arc, ROUND shouldered tyres should be used. A lot of modern tyres have SQUARE shoulders on them to enhance the road holding of suspension that control the movement of the wheels to vertical.
Hi Tom, I think you'll find that that is the price for One
Unless they have a deal on. Interesting what you say about tyre tread shape, I wonder if this movement could be controlled largely by a stiffer spring rate and shocker choice????
Ian.
the hobbler
Distinguished member
- Joined
- Jul 25, 2012
- Messages
- 4,376
- Points
- 1,100
The movement of the wheels is controlled to a greater or lesser degree by the choice of dampers and springs, but they cannot change the geometry of the rear suspension---the wheels will still move in an arc when moving up and down, hence the requirement for 'round-shouldered' tyres. The front wheels also, but to a lesser extent, also travel in an arc---the front spring lengthens as it flattens.
Abarth went to some trouble to try and reduce this 'arc' movement of the wheels by introducing the 'pendolino' suspension at the rear and 'wish-bone' suspension at the front--a cross-member with lower wishbones and coil-over units.
Abarth went to some trouble to try and reduce this 'arc' movement of the wheels by introducing the 'pendolino' suspension at the rear and 'wish-bone' suspension at the front--a cross-member with lower wishbones and coil-over units.
Hi Tom, I think you'll find that that is the price for One
Unless they have a deal on. Interesting what you say about tyre tread shape, I wonder if this movement could be controlled largely by a stiffer spring rate and shocker choice????
Ian.
No that's the price for 4 rims.
Dougal Cawley
Member
- Joined
- Mar 30, 2020
- Messages
- 115
- Points
- 84
