Where to get decent 14" tires?

[Richard/SIA]

Getting a head-ache trying to search for decent tires in the 185/60 to 205/60-14 range.
Tire-Rack needlessly changed their site so that I can no longer compare by diameter, section and tread width.
Need to decide on tires in order to work suspension calculations.

Some sites are saying that the tire companies have abandoned the street performance market in 14".

[Moderator]

hmmmmm... Tire Rack lists Dunlop Direzza Star Spec ZII tires in 185/60R14 for $122 each.

[MGBV8]

That is a great tire & pretty much is it for 14".

[Richard/SIA]

Found Toyo R888 205/55-14 but not sure I can get away with going that wide.

Picked up my book on suspension from storage so I can begin to set up the calculations.
Would be nice to have the stock GT6 measurements as a starting point.

I have chassis measurements but nothing that gives axle angles, upper and lower arm length, etc.
Should be able to find stock caster, camber, etc. in my manual.

[MGBV8]

You do know that Toyo R888 a is low mileage competition tire meant for racetracks & autocross?

[Richard/SIA]

I saw that the Toyo is DOT rated so should be street legal.

Probably not going to put a lot of miles on this one as I'm looking to use it as a summer car and in a few local street speed events.
Being a closed car in the Nevada summer without AC, probably not the daily driver.

Will look into the Toyo durability.
Many years ago when much younger would occasionally run my Bug-Eye on cast-off race slicks for a weekend of mountain roads.

[Richard/SIA]

OK spoil-sports, I will play like an adult. (But not happily ;-P )
Looks like 185/60-14 it is.
Good availabilty so should remain viable for a while even if I eventually have to to to Goodrich as they seem to keep making the "old" sizes after others quit.

New things to look up or measure, Merkur XR4Ti hub parts, axle lengths, how to measure a CV axle for modeling.

At least this research cost nothing but time.

[MGBV8]

Don't listen to me. I run on Toyo RA-1 & they are in the same category as the R888.  

[rficalora]

Do you get any wet weather traction Carl?

[DiDueColpi]

I have the Toyo R888's on one of my Volvo's.
225/50/ZR15  
The wear rate is as alarming as you would expect. But not too bad for a part time car.
Wet weather handling is a rather severe compromise. Might as well be on ice.
Dry road grip is amazing. They stick like s.... to a blanket.

Cheers
Fred

[MGBV8]

Rob,

They are supposed to be good for wet at full tread. I am on my second set, but have never had full tread. The first set I ordered shaved to 5/32". My current set I bought used at about 4/32". I am okay in a light rain. They hydroplane badly on a very wet road, as in slow down to 40 or so. Dry road? Like Fred said, they stick like nobody's business.  

[Richard/SIA]

So then the question become how valuable is ultimate stickiness on a TR GT-6?
Rear suspension will be custom and optimized for handling.
Front may get changed out too, have not decided yet.

Ultimate stick, or powerslide, that is the question!

[KadettB]

Corvette guys run the Toyo R888 on the street all the time. It makes a good 3-season tire as long as you always respect what you're driving on. It can't do any snow whatsoever, rain only when new and warm weather. No weather below 50*F. It's nearly as good as drag radials, but can corner way better.

[rficalora]

I have g-Force Rivals which are the same category.  Damp roads are OK, but in pouring rain with a bit of standing water on the roads they hydroplane like crazy.  For around town its not been a problem because slower speeds.  But on a long drive (like the TX to WV trek for BV8) going 40 will put you way behind.

[Mickey Richaud]

Do you absolutely need the 60 profile?  If not, Vredestein tires are quite good and there are several options offered in 14":
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Vredestein&tireModel=Sprint+Classic&sidewall=Blackwall&partnum=8HR4SC&tab=Sizes

[MGBV8]

Well, since I still haven't decided on 15"wheels, I guess I will go with a real street tire in a 200 TW.

Since I can't really wait for Dunlop's new  Direzza ZIII Star Spec that is only available in the Japanese market currently, probably going to go with Falken's new Azenis RT-615K+ in a 195/60-14.

http://www.falkentire.com/tires/passenger-car-tires/azenis-rt615k-tire

[Scott Costanzo]

Since I can't really wait for Dunlop's new Direzza ZIII Star Spec that is only available in the Japanese market currently, probably going to go with Falken's new Azenis RT-615K+ in a 195/60-14.

I've been seriously looking at those too Carl.

[MGBV8]

We run the Falken RT615K 205/50-15 on our TR6 ChumpCar race car.

[MGBV8]

For the MGB in a 14", looks like we are down to 185/60 or 195/60.  Time to go 15" or 16"

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/sizes/results.jsp?diameter=14