Talk Morgan Forums Thread Like Summary - 185/70 for a 2014 4/4

I have now driven three sets of T-Trac 2 on my 2014 4/4. I have always been more than satisfied. Now I'm tempted to drive 185/70 for once. My 4/4 has increased engine power and I suspect that in the dry the braking effect before corners could be better with 185/70. In the wet I think the 165/80 would be better. Now I have read here in the forum over a few years that the 185/70 sometimes drag, depending on how a 4/4 turns out in individual cases, especially at the front, but also with the rear tires. Someone said, I think DaveW, that the factory expensive Avon 185/70 are a bit narrower than the 185/70 from other manufacturers. Is that the case? Could I get into trouble? What is your recommendation for 185/70 other than Vredestein Classic and Avons? Or would you think, the Vredestein Classics are a good choice? Regarding the 165/80 the T-trac 2 seems to perform better than the Vredestein Classics.

Heinz, I've been really happy with my Continental Eco Contact 6 in 185/65 R15 88H TL's, these tyres were recommended to me by my long term tyre supplier who explained they have a very soft sidewall for a modern tyre. Keep in mind tyres these days are designed for much heavier cars, 185 section tyres for instance are typically found on small hatchbacks, but a small hatchback weighs 1,200 - 1,300kg these days.

The soft sidewall of the Continental Eco Contact 6 is a function of the fuel economy design brief, but don't let that put you off, by happy accident it also means these tyres are perfect for a very light car like a Morgan. This is why my tyre supplier recommended them and he was right, I'm sure I don't need to tell you as you've had many of the species but Morgan suspension is very basic and the ride quality extremely crude, but the one thing that will make a big improvement is the tyres.

In terms of power and handling, Monty makes 173 horsepower and 160 lbs/ft of torque and has no issues with grip, obviously the road is not the place to test tyres to their limit so I properly put them through their paces at Curborough Sprint Course a couple of weeks ago and I'm pleased to report the Continental Eco Contact 6's have fantastic grip. Break away on the limit is super progressive and predictable and correcting Monty was child's play, I run 26 psi rear and 28psi front on the road which works well, for the track I just put the rears up to 30 psi and like this Monty's handling was extremely neutral.

Regarding the classic tyres available from Vredestein and others, I would say while the rubber compound may be way better than it was in the day if you choose a classic tyre then there's no getting away from the fact you're walking away from over 50 years of tyre tread development. I refuse to believe these old tread pattern classic tyres will shift water as well as a modern tread pattern, and in a world full of other road users with way more powerful brakes and ABS you need all the help you can get to stop in the wet in your Morgan or for sure you're going into the back of that modern Mercedes that just slammed on its ABS anchors in front of you.

I can however accept the argument that 'Classic' tyres have a sidewall that's more suitable for lighter classic cars, but this becomes irrelevant if you fit a modern eco tyre like the soft sidewall Continental Eco Contact 6. Cost was another reason I turned my back on ‘Classic’ tyres, they’ve become crazy expensive, I also concluded a 70 profile was going to throw my speedo out so with the ancient tread pattern issue in my mind too I simply went with the better, safer and far cheaper modern tyre.

Here's Monty sat on his Continental Eco Contact 6 in 185/65 R15 88H TL's, I hope you agree they look the part too?

Thank you, I remember, Richard, you bought a 4/4 to your son. So here we are at least two volunteers who make very good experience with this tyre.