Apologies but yet another tyre question

[Murrayminor]

The tyres currently on my minor 1000 are 145 80R 14.
I have seen a set of Toyo tyres advertised on the Bull Motif Morris Minor spares website but the size are 155x14.

I take it these will give me roughly the same rolling ratio as the 145 tyres fitted, is this correct?

Plus has anyone previous experience of these tyres?
I have used Toyo tyres on my mx5 in the past and found them fine, but I wonder how they would suit my Minor.

[ManyMinors]

I hated the 155/80/14 Toyos I fitted to my Traveller. I found them to have very soft sidewalls which combined with them being a little oversize meant that the car didn't feel very firmly planted when cornering- as if the tyres were underinflated. I added more air until they were quite a bit higher pressure than a Minor should need and this improved things a bit but still didn't like it much. After a while I replaced them with 145/80/14 Bridgestone tyres and the car was transformed. Much better handling and turn-in, sharper steering - it drove like a different car.
Our other Minor has 155/80/14 Nankang tyres fitted which are not as good as the Bridgestones but better than the Toyos ever were and cheaper than either.
The rolling radius of a 155 section tyre will be slightly larger than a 145 section of course - in the same ratio as the extra width I suppose. This will raise the gearing slightly which some will see as an advantage but at the expense of cornering in my experience unless you fit wider wheels which you certainly don't need on a standard car.

[Monty-4]

I didn't get on very well with the Toyo 155s either, to the point where I went around changing all the rear bushes and the rear damper oil because the car wouldn't stop bobbing around. I then changed the tyres and the car was transformed.

As such, I'd say Nankangs or Bridgestones are safer bets depending on your budget. Beyond those I know of the following options in rough price order; Camac (BN313), Vredestein (Sprint Classic), Pirelli (Cinturato CA67) and Michelin (X). I haven't heard good things about the Camac, I have some Vredesteins and love them, and then I'd hope the Pirellis and Michelins are good given the price!

[Murrayminor]

Always worth asking the question I think.
So does anyone know where I could find a set of Nankangs as I cannot justify the high price of the Pirelli or Michelin just yet.

[ManyMinors]

Just google "155 80 14 tyre" and see what comes up. Buy them from the cheapest source. Some outlets will include the fitting charge at an outlet close to you. Otherwise just ask your local garage if they'll fit them for you for a few £££ which is what I did.
A Morris Minor specialist is unlikely to be the cheapest source of tyres I would guess.

[simmitc]

When buying tyres, always ask for the production date. Some cheap sites might be selling off tyres that are very old. Depending on how they've been stored, that might be an issue and you'll find them cracking after only a short while.

[sirrom918]

Always worth asking the question I think.
So does anyone know where I could find a set of Nankangs as I cannot justify the high price of the Pirelli or Michelin just yet.

Longstone Tyres - Vintage & Classic of Bawtry, Doncaster stock Nankang 155/80/14 - they usually offer free fitting if buying a full set.

https://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/catalo ... gory/8921/

[James k]

I recently had a set of Bridgestone 145 tyres fitted to my Traveller and I can't recommend them highly enough. They're a bit more expensive than the 155 offerings but they are superb all round. The handling, stopping, steering, everything, was improved enormously after fitting them. I couldn't be happier

[viewsonic1]

My local independent tyre fitter supplied me with five Bridgestones as above (he ordered the in for me) and I have been delighted with the transformation in every way as James k is.

[minor65]

Without a doubt. Bridgestone 145 / 80 / 14 100%