Question on 15 Inch Tyre profiles

[FirstMidship]

Hey everyone,

I am looking to get a new set of Toyo Proxes in the following sizes:

Rear: 225/50/15
Front: 195/50/15

I was advised that a slightly lower profile pair of front tyres (55 to 50) might help with handling characteristics and was wondering what everyone's thoughts were?

I am currently running standard alloys in these sizes:

Rear: 225/50/15
Front: 195/55/15

Thanks!

[peteV6R5]

I would say possibly as you would have stiffer sidewalls.
depends if you want to keep the original look with those REV5 wheels.

I went to 17" wheels with 40 profile tyres and that made a big diff in handling.
Your car your choice :-)

[FirstMidship]

Thanks for your reply!

I have been looking at alternative alloy sizes - 16 and 17 inch and not found a staggered set on the usual places yet, I will just have to keep on looking!

I think I will give the 50s all round a go. Hoping to have the new tyres in the next few days or week, when I sell some parts and my other car.

[MR2DI4]

Personally I would stick to the stock recommendations.

I am running Toyo R888's in the following:-

225/50R15 rear
205/50R15 front

But I will go back to 195 in the front, the steering is a little heavy with the 205, there is a lot of grip with this rubber.

[SonicSW20]

195/50R15 on the front is not a problem.

[peteV6R5]

https://www.mr2oc.co.uk/component/jomcl ... Itemid=225

16" staggered JDM Advans

[FirstMidship]

Thanks for your replies!

Those 16" staggered wheels are tempting - I'll have to think about them!

My Corsa B sold today, bit sad about it, but I much prefer my MR2 anyway! I think I will have to order the tyres online, I fancy some Toyo Proxes T1Rs - I haven't looked at the R888s yet, they could be another option.

I really wanted to get Uniroyal Rainsport 3 tyres all round, but they don't seem to do the sizes.

[MRHAPPY62]

Ive had the t1r's for a few years and would not reccommend them after losing the backend in the wet on a spirited drive . I will be going to the rainsports but I do have 17" wheels .

[FirstMidship]

That's a scary prospect

Perhaps I should stay away from the Toyo T1Rs!

I always used Michelin Pilot Sports or Bridgestone Potenza tyres on my RX8 all round but the selection was much better for that tyre size.

I had time to phone one place up today - they had the fronts in but the rear tyres have to be ordered in. They recommended some Nankangs, but I have no experience of these.

[MR2DI4]

Nothing wrong with the T1R's, like any general road tyre it has pretty early limitations on the MR2, especially down in the 15 inch range. Ran two sets on them on mine before moving to road legal semi-slicks after modding the car to make more power.

Bridgestone made really good tyres. They went from the factor RE71 to RE710 then RE711 and then discontinued the 14 inch tyres so a move to 15 inch was a logical option. Fortunately some of the classic Porsche's run the same tyres in 15 inch tyre sizes so you can still get race rubber.

[nick]

I'm currently going through the same thought process, but use my car for some light competition. Rainsport 3 do have a good reputation. Has someone fitted them all round? I will purchase some wheels, 16 or 17 to suit.

[SonicSW20]

If "light competition" means use on racetracks, the Rainsport is not the right tyre. They just melt in the dry.

[Woody928]

Ive had the t1r's for a few years and would not reccommend them after losing the backend in the wet on a spirited drive . I will be going to the rainsports but I do have 17" wheels .

I also wouldn't recommend T1R's in stock profiles, I experienced snap oversteer with mine fitted in damp conditions when I wasn't pushing on... It had a happy ending however I had no confidence pushing on with them fitted unlike my 17's with Michelin's and Hankook's fitted.

Really isn't any good choice in stock tyre sizes imo

[SonicSW20]

Indeed, you've got the Pirelli at £240 a corner for the rear, decent road tyre but expensive. Or the R888R which is an excellent dry tyre and track tyre, but really not appropriate wet weather or winter usage, and the tyre life is very limited compared to road tyres. Cheaper than the Pirelli's though!