Tire suggestions needed 1989 S/C MR2

[super_mr2]

All,

I posted this under the wheels/tires/suspension area but I thought I may get more informative replies here. I'm looking to replace my tires on my 1989 Supercharged MR2, 185/60/14. I've looked for ideas but I am only coming up with outdated information. I would like to stay with the stock rim and tire size. I drive the car only in the late spring/summer/early fall and do not race. I'd like a good handling tire that is also good in the rain - the thing is really squirrely right now. Any ideas suggestions of tires to look at (or stay away from) would be appreciated.

[SuperchargedMR2]

Originally Posted by super_mr2

All,

I posted this under the wheels/tires/suspension area but I thought I may get more informative replies here. I'm looking to replace my tires on my 1989 Supercharged MR2, 185/60/14. I've looked for ideas but I am only coming up with outdated information. I would like to stay with the stock rim and tire size. I drive the car only in the late spring/summer/early fall and do not race. I'd like a good handling tire that is also good in the rain - the thing is really squirrely right now. Any ideas suggestions of tires to look at (or stay away from) would be appreciated.

I've always used Yokohama tires on my MR2 with great results. I also have General Exclaim UHP tires on my 09 Corolla S & I like them also. My only difference is that I run a 205/45R16 on my 89 Supercharged MR2. I would highly recommend that you go to a 15" or 16" wheel as it will handle much better.

[Jeff Lange]

For 14" tires in a summer, I'm a fan of the Falken Azenis RT615(K) and the Toyo T1-R. The Toyo comes in a 195/55R14, which would be just slightly wider and just a tiny bit lower sidewall than the stock MR2 size, but they're a fantastic tire.

The Falken unfortunately only comes in a 195/60R14, which will be wider and a tad taller than your current tires, but is still almost the same size. These are a fantastic choice as well.

For rain usage, I would probably lean towards the T1-R, I've been quite happy with these in the rain, they grip very well in both wet and dry conditions.

Jeff

[ToyotaTechGeek]

both of the guys posted some decent choices, although i can't say i'm a General tyre person at all. i haven't even checked to see what Potenza offers in a 14" tyre (or if they even do), but they'd be my first choice. whatever you decide to get, i'd recommend filling the tyres with nitrogen and i'd strongly recommend an alignment check (if not an adjustment).

[SuperchargedMR2]

Originally Posted by ToyotaTechGeek

both of the guys posted some decent choices, although i can't say i'm a General tyre person at all. i haven't even checked to see what Potenza offers in a 14" tyre (or if they even do), but they'd be my first choice. whatever you decide to get, i'd recommend filling the tyres with nitrogen and i'd strongly recommend an alignment check (if not an adjustment).

I'd never even tried any General tire & I'm not sure if they make the Exclaim UHP in a 14", I just wanted to pass along my surprise at how accurate the reviews of the tire were, a great tire for the money!

[PhatRoyale]

Unfortunately, not many summer tires exist in that size. I did a quick search on tire rack and only came up with the

-Dunlop Direzza Z1 Star Spec - huge grip but at the expense of short tread life. Wet traction is not stellar, but still pretty good when new.
-Sumitomo HTR 200 - Not sure on how these perform, but they are a bargain at only $51/tire

Other than those, you are looking at only all seasons.
-Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS Pole Position - I ran these on my Corolla, and they offer great traction in the rain and dry weather. May be a good alternative if your MR2 sees low temperatures sometimes.

[super_mr2]

Thanks for all the replies. Anyone hear/know anything about Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S?

[SuperchargedMR2]

Originally Posted by PhatRoyale

Unfortunately, not many summer tires exist in that size. I did a quick search on tire rack and only came up with the

-Dunlop Direzza Z1 Star Spec - huge grip but at the expense of short tread life. Wet traction is not stellar, but still pretty good when new.
-Sumitomo HTR 200 - Not sure on how these perform, but they are a bargain at only $51/tire

Other than those, you are looking at only all seasons.
-Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS Pole Position - I ran these on my Corolla, and they offer great traction in the rain and dry weather. May be a good alternative if your MR2 sees low temperatures sometimes.

It's amazing how few choices there are in the smaller sizes that were the norm not that long ago.

[buddah55]

As a 15+ year owner I have experimented with many tires and combinations. The best tire I have found when it come to wear vs performance is the one sold by firestone. We are talking stock size.. its a slightly heavier tire but performs well, doesn't have the getting out of round issue others have (especially since yours stays stored part of the year), and as I mentioned earlier, last longer that other tires I have used. Hope this helps.

Peace.

[mr2tim]

I have read that our cars speedometer was actually engineered for a 195/60 tire but Toyota with all their wisdom (?) installed 185's. Who are we to question Toyota Corpoarate?

I kept using using wider and wider tires on my 14" rims and settled with 205/55's since I wanted to keep the OEM look with my SC dedicated rims. (I drive hard)

I tried "performance" and shaved tires but got short mileage and scary times in the rain.

Although it's never ever mentioned here in the Forum the actual stickyness of the tire is the treadware rating, the lower the stickier, the higher the # the harder.

My recommendation is a higher treadware rated "rain" tire for you (deeper, wider grooves). It will give better overall longevity, perform well in the rain since your not looking for a performance tire.

The aspect ratio gives you stiffer sidewalls in lower #'s and a softer ride in higher ratios. Looking for a smooth ride? go 60 or 70. 40 & 50 ratios give you a harder ride but quicker performance response.

Finally, as per Tech's advice take a good look at your suspension. A 20 year car has lots of other possible deteriorated parts you might want to address besides just thinking new rubber will solve all your squirrely problems.

Happy Shopping !!

[Jeff Lange]

I've driven an AW11 with the Bridgestone Potenza RE960A/S Pole Positions All-Season tires, and despite being relatively good, I found at high speeds they tend to feel a bit floaty, this is with all new springs/struts, etc.

Decent tire, but not suited to the MR2 IMO.

Jeff

[SuperchargedMR2]

I love how steady my Yokohama's are at speed & I've had various ones in 14", 15" & now 16" sizes. I've had great tire life & performance with them in both wet & dry conditions.