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I am considering putting either 185/65 or 185/70 R15 tires on a set of 4 1/2" rims from a P1800 with the correct bolt pattern dimensions, and then installing on my 65 PV544. This in an effort to improve the handling in the wind and when being buffeted around behind semi-tractor trailor trucks.
The 185/70R15 would be my first choice as, in addition to the wider track, it would assist with the correction of my current speedometer error by 7.7% and also cut down on engine rpm at highway cruising speeds. I already am running an M41 transmission with the Model J Overdrive.
Has anyone who has done this previously had any problems with clearance in the wheel wells or with front suspension components?
Suppo176
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You don't mention what size tire you're currently running, so I'm a bit confused... from an overall diameter perspective, the 185/70-15 is nominally a direct replacement for the tires that came on the car from the factory (5.90 or 6.00-15). Ditto for the 165-15 radial that replaced those older bias ply sizes in many cases, also being essentially the same diameter as the 185/70. The point being, if you're currently running anything that resembles stock size tires, there will be very little overall gearing effect when you switch to the 185/70's, and the gearing would actually get about 4% worse (shorter) if you switch to 185/65's.
OTOH, I agree that the wider wheels and tires should help handling and drivability somewhat. But let's be realistic... a tallish, not-so-aerodynamic, 2200 pound car is going to get thrown around a bit when following a box trailer 18 wheeler at 70 mph, wide tires or no! :-)
--
Gary L - 1971 142E ITB racer, 73 1800ES, 02 S60 T5
BlueBrick Racing
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Currently I have 165R15 86T "LeMans" tires - which I deem to be pretty much the current vintage replacement for the stock "Pizza Cutter" tires that are correct for the year and model. 1965 PV544
According to the Calculator that I refered to, the diameter of the stock 165/65-15 tire is 23.4" whereas the 185/65 is 24.5" (+4.4%) and the 185/70 is 25.2" (+7.5%) Thus the speedometer "correction" factor.
Width of the stock tire is shown as 4.2" whereas the 185/65 is 4.7" and the 185/70 is 5.1" Thus my question on clearance of suspension/steering components up front.
Bottom line is I want tires that are not prone to "tracking" in the ruts that are worn in nearly all of our well aged highways, and secondly to improve the stability "somewhat" in cross winds and behind 18 Wheeled behemoths.
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I don't know where you came up with the 165/65-15 designator, as I'm fairly certain a tire of that size has never been manufactured. I believe you'll find your 165R15 tires are not .65 profile... more like 78 to 80. Most 165R15's will measure 25.2 to 25.4 inches diametrically, regardless of brand.
As I said, a 185/70-15 will duplicate your current overall gearing, and a 185/65-15 will make it about 4% worse. A better solution might be to find a set of rwd Ford or Mopar 15x6 wheels (same 5 x 4.5" pattern as your 544, literally millions of them in junkyards everywhere) and go with something like 195/65R15's, or even 205/65-15's if you want taller gearing. I'd bet there are folks here on the board that have run these combinations successfully on a 544.
--
Gary L - 1971 142E ITB racer, 73 1800ES, 02 S60 T5
BlueBrick Racing
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This exercise is turning into a real education for me! Kind of what I was looking for in the first place.
I was aware of the Ford wheel bolt pattern match, but I want to keep the "slotted" wheel look of the stock Volvo wheels for general appearance sake.
I am (by now) pretty much settled on the 185/65-15 size on the 4.5" wide P1800 rims. This should give me some maginal improvement in stability and not cost me an arm and a leg!
Thanks for taking the time to fill me in on the factual details.
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Why don't you just bring that incredibly nice looking 544 down to Choctaw and leave it in my shop, kinda semi-permanently. This way, you can borrow my 5 1/2" ES wheels and tires when the 544 needs to be driven. Matter of fact, I'll even take care of the driving part... you won't have to worry about that either! ;-)
--
Gary L - 1971 142E ITB racer, 73 1800ES, 02 S60 T5
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Unfortunately the ES wheels won't fit. Wrong PCD, as is the 142.
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Truly the answer of a racer! "Hog them holes out, then beat 'em on with a hammer!"
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Hi
I have been running my 544 on 185-65 15's on a 4.5 inch rim for several years with no clearance problems. Most of the 544's that I am acquainted with are doing the same.
cheers
Rob
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Technically, both of these sizes are a fraction too wide for 4 1/2" wheels but the 185/65 should be fine, 185/70 (as 1800ES on 5 1/2" wheels) hard to find and very spendy, may feel a bit more squidgy. You may find a better solution with making some small adjustments to your front suspension settings, assuming that everything is currently tight and relatively unworn. A little bit of negative camber and careful setting of the toe-in could help keep you on the straight and narrow even with standard tyres. Tyre pressures can make a lot of difference too.
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Appreciate your advise and guidance! Front end is relatively new and has about 2000 miles on a good rebuild with IPD Beefy Sway bars, new shocks, and new bushings all the way around.
My preliminary research does show that if I want to go the "70" series tires, I can expect to pay about double what I would for a "65" series tire and have about 1/10th of the options of brand and tread type. Doesn't make much logic in my mind for ending up with a more "Squishy" ride!
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If using the 4.5 inch rim I would stay with a 165, which will be an 80 profile, you can make bigger sizes fit and they will give enough clearance but the tyres won't work properly and be just as squishy, the lower profile tyres work by having a shorter sidewall which should sit vertical, if you want a 65 profile tyre find 6 inch rims, ( Ford , etc or get some widened ) and fir 195/65 -15, works perfectly, I once had 205/60 14 on 6.5 inch rims on the back, wouldn't fit on the front, that worked fine too.
Ciao
Hans
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