I'm new to the CM forum (although not new to classic cars as an original owner of a '75 TR6 plus 2 other TRs). This topic might have been discussed before, but I couldn't find it. I'm interested in knowing whether anyone has run the Hoosier Speedster tires on a TR6. I know Tim uses them on his TR3A racer. Does anyone know whether he uses the 185/65s or the 205/60s? Are these tires suitable for street use? My use would be street and autocross. For street tires, I have used 205/70/15 Yokes, but I want something with more grip. I expect the Hoosier 205/60/15 tire would work OK size-wise on my stock steel wheels. Any experience with this tire?
Thanks.
The 205/60 will work on your TR6 perfectly. All the TR4 vintage racers and at least one other TR3 racer who run these tires are running the 205/60 versions with no body work modifications. If you're on anything less than a 6" wide rim, go with the 185/65.
I think Tim uses the 185/65's.
They say "Not for road use" on the tire, but I think they would be ok for what you're asking for. They are not a sticky tire (by racing standards) and with the exception of the most abrasive tracks on hot days, very few racers wear them to the cords (they heat cycle out well before then). On the other hand, because they don't have a DOT number and IF you get in an accident on the road, you might be responsible for being "negligent" .
If you don't mind the smaller sidewall, a Toyo R888 and RA1, and Nitto NT01 are faster and cheaper than the Speedster. The RA1 and NT01 have more tread at unshaved depths as well.
Thanks for the input. The TR6 wheels are 5.5" but the 205/70/15s work fine with those wheels. So, I would assume the 205/60/15s would too. However, I will look into those other tires you mentioned. I have Kumho 225/55/16 R-compound tires on 16x7 Panasports for autocrossing (really sticky), but I need to replace my street tires. I can only find passenger-type tires in the 205/70/15 size (which is the closest fit to the original 185/15 redlines).
I just checked the TR3--it's here in the office. It's running the 185/65R15 Speedster.
Any other recommendations for TR6 street tires? I'd bet Gary Hunter at C-M has lots of experience in that area, and I'm sure there are lots of TR6 owners out there faced with the same dilemma.
Gary almost certainly has a great answer. He's in Stowe, VT this week but I'll ask him to chime in as soon as he gets back.
NotEnoughTRs wrote:
... the 205/70/15s work fine with those wheels. So, I would assume the 205/60/15s would too. ..
A 70 series tire has a taller side wall than a 60 series, so your assumption isn't always the case.
I was referring to the tires fitting the 5.5" wheels. A 205 width tire should fit the wheel independent of the profile. The profile of the tire could have some interference affect. There are always counter intuitive affects possible when you move away from factory specs. One example is wheel sizes on the TR6 (factory size is 15x5.5): 16x7s work better than 15x6s. The latter size has some interference on the front under hard cornering.
I think you would be happier with the 185/65 on a 5.5" rim. A 6" rim is slightly undersized for a 205 series tire and ideally they should be on a 7-7.5" rim. Too wide of a tire on a narrow rim actually reduces the contact patch due to rounding out the carcass since the sidewalls are pinched in.
