Club 80-90 Forums

I have an 1984 Devon Moonraker running on alloy 14" x 6J wheels. The same size as the VW OEM alloy wheels? I have been using standard 14"x 182 Toyo tyres for some time, which have been very good, but think it is now time to get new tyres.
What I want are tyres that will iron out the harshness of the ride and reduce the road noise. I don't drive very fast and I don't care about the appearance. I think the alloy shod vans from the factory had 205 x 14 tyres. Is that correct? My Bentley book shows 204 tyres.
Therefore, if I can get them, are they going to improve the ride or the road noise compared with the standard 182 wide tyres?
Secondly, some of these SUVs I see on the road must be as heavy as my van. Are any of their special reinforced tyres suitable?

 

I have only ever run 205x70x14" tyres on my van. I have no idea what the road noise is like on 182 tyres. But I have no complaints using the 205s.

As it happens I have just bought 2 of these for my van. 205 70 14C 102/100P NANKANG CW-20 TOP QUALITY HIGH MILEAGE VAN TYRES x1 x2 x4 | eBay

205/70R14 either reinforced or extra load and C rated tyres are recommended for the 6" rims. Narrower tyres on 6" rims are will have a straighter sidewall, giving a firmer ride. There isn't much choose in 205/70R14 only European brand that still makes them is Semprite, otherwise it is far eastern brands.

Thanks for your help. I think I will try some 205/70s, that is if I can find some! It will be interesting to see if I can tell any difference in the ride and fuel economy?

trundletruc wrote: ↑08 May 2023, 08:40 Thanks for your help. I think I will try some 205/70s, that is if I can find some! It will be interesting to see if I can tell any difference in the ride and fuel economy?

I am now the proud owner of a 1991 T25 1.9 petrol.  The user manual dosnt state the width or offset of the standard steel wheels, which are shod with 185/R14C tyres. The tyres are like new, but under use by the previous owner has resulted in cracked sidewalls.  Firstly, are the standard wheel 5.5" or 6" wide and what is the offset.  I would like to improve the handling by using wider lower profile tyre, but need to know the existing wheel base data before I can look at alternatives.  Can anyone please help. 
 

Standard 2wd steel wheels are 5.5J x 14 with an offset off 39mm

We always put 14x195x80 c on standard wheels , mostly because it rides better , they are easier to get and makes no difference to non power steering vans , where as the wider the tyre the harder the steering will be at low speed .