Talk Morgan Forums Community The Malvern Arms Wider Tyres

I changed narrow tyres to wider tyres and later back to the narrow version again.
For my experience the narrow ones are the better option and fit perfect to the driving characteristics of the 4/4.
Most likely the +4 will give you a similar feedback.

I did indeed say this, I am firmly in the camp that says that on a Morgan one should go for the narrowest, tallest profile tyres one can fit in order to maintain lightness, agility and fun factor, bu tI acknowledge that many may prefer a more sedate 'planted' feel on the road - in which case the critical factors would be clearance and wing width, as others have pointed out.

My 4/4 has 165bhp, weighs around 860kg, and is perfectly happy on 165 section tyres. A 2013 Plus 4 produces less power but has a wider stance and so is probably better on the 195 tyres but I can't see that going to 205 section would be a good idea unless one really really liked the look and was happy to sacrifice a deal of handling performance to get it.

My 4/4 is on 175/70 R15. Which are a good compromise, from standard. Much wider would be too much. For a +4 maybe see if there is an equivalent size increase available.

I can confirm the 205s make the low speed steering very heavy on a Roadster without power steering, especially at low speed.

ca. 9 : 2,5 against wider tyres so far, but all much nicer to read than just having this numbers

Many thanks for your replies to my question. I must say that every aspect of the suggested change to wider tyres has been covered in detail, this really is a great resource.
One important aspect that I had not considered is the possibility of heavier steering at parking speeds. It’s heavy already on the 195 wide tyres and I wouldn’t want to make it any heavier. Another downside is the possible adverse change in handling. I’m pleased with the way the car handles at present and don’t want to spoil it.
So, on balance, I’ll stay with the standard size tyres (195-60-15) when I change in the near future.
Thanks again.
Bob.

For me it is tyre grip that is the main criteria. Especially wet grip. The small contact patch between the car and road is a big safety factor. Other factors that come after this are a combination.
Tyre pressure that gives preferred feel, ground clearance (especially for aluminium sumps!), tread wear, cost, looks.
Yes, the wider tyres make steering heavier when parking but as soon as you get some speed they feel fine. You can play with limits for steering wheel size and material to help, I changed from a thin wooden to same diameter but fatter leather Moto Lita. Keeping the kingpins greased is another. Power steering upgrade would be nice but I’d spend that money on ABS for braking. If the weight of the steering becomes an issue I could add power steering. (Change the car even).
There is some good input here by those with experience of Plus4 characteristics. Why re-invent the wheel ! Pun intended.

I have found over the years that wide tyres and no weight in the rear can lead to some very twitchy times in the rain. I had couple of XKR's a few years ago and they were very prone to losing traction.... I drive my +8 very gingerly in wet weather.