Amazon: tyre recommendation

[ciderman]

hi
I may have posted this already but cannot find it.

I run a 1966 estate, (B20 Mod- 2.88:1 diff) on 5 and 1/2 J rims. it is used hard weight and speed wise but not around corners.
I'm using 185 r 15 vredstein and Good year at present but sidewalls are cracking a bit.
what would you recommend as a good tyre size/make?
I wouldn't mind if i lost some of the rolling radius.
Ideas please!

[142 Guy]

2.88 differential! That is the lowest that I have ever seen on a vintage Volvo.

I have been running the Michelin Defender 185/65R15 with H speed rating for close to 10 years. More than enough traction to handle a B20E in a 142. I have a 4.10 rear end with overdrive and it makes for reasonable engine noise at 110 km/hr. I expect that your Vredstein are 185/70? If so, the slightly smaller radius on the 185/65 probably will not hurt with that 2.88 differential.

You have a fairly good selection of all season tires in 185/65 R15 H - over 30 on the Tire Rack web site. None of the major brands would be dogs so I might be inclined to shop by what is on sale.

[ciderman]

Originally Posted by 142 Guy

2.88 differential! That is the lowest that I have ever seen on a vintage Volvo.

I have been running the Michelin Defender 185/65R15 with H speed rating for close to 10 years. More than enough traction to handle a B20E in a 142. I have a 4.10 rear end with overdrive and it makes for reasonable engine noise at 110 km/hr. I expect that your Vredstein are 185/70? If so, the slightly smaller radius on the 185/65 probably will not hurt with that 2.88 differential.

You have a fairly good selection of all season tires in 185/65 R15 H - over 30 on the Tire Rack web site. None of the major brands would be dogs so I might be inclined to shop by what is on sale.

Many thanks for your reply, My Vredsteins are 185/15 full profile. with 2.88 diff it is very rare to use overdrive...

[142 Guy]

Originally Posted by ciderman

Many thanks for your reply, My Vredsteins are 185/15 full profile. with 2.88 diff it is very rare to use overdrive...

2.88 rear end, 185/78 or /78 tires and overdrive - no head winds, passing other vehicles of hills of any type allowed !

[ciderman]

Something like that! But it moved the engine speed below a body boom at 65-70 so you just don't hear the engine. But, hills can be a challenge........

[Derek UK]

Some clarification on the 2.88:1 diff would be useful. Normally 4.56:1 Saloon diffs 4:1 with no OD. Very late B20 4.30:1 with no OD. Some 1800ES got a 3.90 with the auto box.

[ciderman]

I changed rear axle for a saloon diff built into a casing "professionally" to try and stop any rear wheel steering (2017) . Mark Parry sourced 2.88 from europe for me. Had it rebuilt by transmission services in kidderminster 2 years ago. car still drives like on sheet ice. runs straight but crazily over sensitive steering... I posted about this a while back. front TP 20 psi.

[Derek UK]

Never heard of a suitable diff of this ratio and can't see a reason for it. It would make the gearing very weird with all of the gears acting like they were very high, even 1st and second. Axle ratio should have no effect on the steering. Too much toe out may be your problem. Should have a tiny amount of toe in. Front PSI at 20 far too low. Better at 28-30 psi.