Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) 195x65 Tyres

The Plus4 tyre size is 195x60. Has anyone fitted 195x65 to get slightly more ground clearance? If so, have you a photograph of how they look on the car and comments on their performance compared to the 195x60's?

I think Peter did something similar. I'm sure he'll be along soon.

I have fitted 195/65R15 tyres on my 2008 Plus 4 4-seater in order to gain more ground clearance. Combined with AVO's up front my ground clearance issues were solved.

I think you should really press the car to the limit to feel any performance difference with respect to grip. Of course, there will be about 3-4% higher overall gearing. The only noticeable side-effect is that the speedometer now is exact. Here is a side view of the car.

Harald

I haven't yet fitted the 195/65 R15 tyres yet but intend to do so at some point. Apart from more ground clearance the larger diameter tyres fill the wheel arches better so aesthetically the car looks better. I have done a bit of research on the subject and do not believe there is any technical reason why they can not be fitted. The 4/4 runs taller and narrower tyres and the Plus 4 SS fits fits the wider and taller 205/65 R15 tyres but they can not be fitted to the Plus 4 except on original order because the mudguards fitted are 10mm wider (like the Roadster). The advantage for a Plus 4 ordered with 205/65 R15 tyres is that it can use a 4/4 wheel and tyre as a "space saver" spare.

You can see from the table below that a Roadster would also gain from fitting 205/65R15 tyres but one would have to be very careful that the tyres did not hit anything on full bump and full lock. Depending on the current suspension height the fitting of the Suplex suspension system can be used to gain height which in turn would give more space for the taller tyres. The combination of tyres and the Suplex system and tyre choice can be used to achieve better ground clearance whilst at the some time improving both road comfort and handling; this is my eventual aim. Race track considerations, where low ground clearance is acceptable, are a different thing altogether.

.........................................Radius
Plus 4 – 195/60R15.................307.34 mm
Plus 4 Sport – 205/65R15..........323.59 mm
4/4 Tyre – 165/80R15..............322.32 mm
Roadster – 205/60R15..............313.43 mm
Proposed Tyre - 195/65R15........317.24 mm


Please keep in mind that the space for the spare may be too tight to fit a taller tyre and in any case the mounting bracket would probably need to be adjusted. After fitting the taller tyres it would be wise to check that they did not contact anything on full bump and on full steering lock. Also the speedo would have to be recalibrated, there is some discussion of speedo calibration in other threads. Naturally all this is just my opinion and anyone fitting alternate tyres to those recommended by Morgan must do so on their own responsibility.

The 4/4 wheel fits in the spare wheel well of the +4 4-seater. I have one space and weight saver fitted. The small difference in diameter does not disqualify it as a spare wheel.

Harald

Harold, thanks for the side view image. The larger tyres certainly look better. I don't understand why they're not fitted as standard.

Peter, thanks, you've obviously given this a lot of thought. I don't follow why the mounting bracket would have to be adjusted for a taller tyre as the rim size hasn't changed and the opening in the back panel is large enough to accommodate the taller tyre.

Here is the rear view with the 165R15/80 spare wheel



Harald

In theory one would think the mounting point would be exactly in the centre of the opening. In my case the snorkel brake light occupies part of the top of the opening and the tyre is already pressed up hard against it. I am going to have to adjust the mounting of the tail light to make it stand a little more upright so that it is exactly square to the tyre, at the moment it leans slightly to the back. The mounting point for the spare will have to be adjusted down by about 5mm or a little more. Fortunately the holes in the bracket are elongated to allow adjustment.

I'd forgotten about the high level brake light, although it's not a problem for me as I don't have one.