which tyre sizes for 1985 Xj6?
#1
which tyre sizes for 1985 Xj6?
Hi All,
Just acquired a 1985 XJ6 4.2 Sovereign, with what looks like original pepperpots - these seem to be 6j 15.
Not on the road yet as it's sat around a long time and needs recommissioning!
But I noticed it is running 205/65/15 tyres. These are all really old and all need replacing for age or wear anyway, but I don't think this size is correct?
I have a manual from a 1983 car, but presumably that will be the same all the way through - it says 205/70/VR15 for 6 cylinder cars and 215/70/VR15 for 12 cylinder cars, whilst Haynes' manual says 205/70/15 for UK, and 205/70/15 or 215/70/15 for USA.
I imagine my speedo is slightly wrong at the moment then as my understanding is the 70 is a % of the width and therefore my rolling circumference must be smaller than it should be!? But then what I just said makes no sense compared with the 205-215 above unless they changed the speedo calibration!
So, question is - am I right to go back to what the manual says and order a set of 205/70/15s?
And what are you all running as tyre sizes and makes and are you sticking with the factory spec? of squeezing the slightly wider tyre on? and are there any other compatible tyre sizes that are better?
Thanks a lot for your feedback, best regards, Al.
Just acquired a 1985 XJ6 4.2 Sovereign, with what looks like original pepperpots - these seem to be 6j 15.
Not on the road yet as it's sat around a long time and needs recommissioning!
But I noticed it is running 205/65/15 tyres. These are all really old and all need replacing for age or wear anyway, but I don't think this size is correct?
I have a manual from a 1983 car, but presumably that will be the same all the way through - it says 205/70/VR15 for 6 cylinder cars and 215/70/VR15 for 12 cylinder cars, whilst Haynes' manual says 205/70/15 for UK, and 205/70/15 or 215/70/15 for USA.
I imagine my speedo is slightly wrong at the moment then as my understanding is the 70 is a % of the width and therefore my rolling circumference must be smaller than it should be!? But then what I just said makes no sense compared with the 205-215 above unless they changed the speedo calibration!
So, question is - am I right to go back to what the manual says and order a set of 205/70/15s?
And what are you all running as tyre sizes and makes and are you sticking with the factory spec? of squeezing the slightly wider tyre on? and are there any other compatible tyre sizes that are better?
Thanks a lot for your feedback, best regards, Al.
#2
I use 235/60/15.
they lowered the car and gave it a cat prowling stance. Handling is amazing.
you can see the car's stance here:
https://jagupgrades.webstarts.com
you can also use 225/60/15 which is slightly less wide.
205/70/15 and 215/70/15 is the size these cars came with, but the car looks too tall and "dated" with those sizes. But it is your car and you use the size tire you prefer.
they lowered the car and gave it a cat prowling stance. Handling is amazing.
you can see the car's stance here:
https://jagupgrades.webstarts.com
you can also use 225/60/15 which is slightly less wide.
205/70/15 and 215/70/15 is the size these cars came with, but the car looks too tall and "dated" with those sizes. But it is your car and you use the size tire you prefer.
#3
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I imagine my speedo is slightly wrong at the moment then as my understanding is the 70 is a % of the width and therefore my rolling circumference must be smaller than it should be!?
But then what I just said makes no sense compared with the 205-215 above unless they changed the speedo calibration!
So, question is - am I right to go back to what the manual says and order a set of 205/70/15s?
And what are you all running as tyre sizes and makes and are you sticking with the factory spec? of squeezing the slightly wider tyre on? and are there any other compatible tyre sizes that are better?
Thanks a lot for your feedback, best regards, Al.
And what are you all running as tyre sizes and makes and are you sticking with the factory spec? of squeezing the slightly wider tyre on? and are there any other compatible tyre sizes that are better?
Thanks a lot for your feedback, best regards, Al.
The problem with 15" tires these days are the choices are becoming a bit thin, particularly if you want a performance-oriented specification or a high speed rating.
Cheers
DD
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Greg in France (03-28-2021)
#4
You can get the correct tyres (205 or 215) 70 VR 15 here in the UK, but they are expensive.
https://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/205...irelli-p5.html
https://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/er7...t-aquajet.html
https://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/205...helin-xwx.html
However this company sell similar tyres for a lot less, but you don't get a famous name on the side wall !
https://www.blockleytyre.com/product/205-70vr15
What is available in the USA I don't know.
https://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/205...irelli-p5.html
https://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/er7...t-aquajet.html
https://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/205...helin-xwx.html
However this company sell similar tyres for a lot less, but you don't get a famous name on the side wall !
https://www.blockleytyre.com/product/205-70vr15
What is available in the USA I don't know.
#6
I've used both 205/70-15 and 215/70-15 and I don't think they changed the speedometer calibration. I think the 215s look a little better. I get Michelin tires at my local tire store; I call a couple days ahead and they haven't had any problem getting them. Not exactly performance tires but I think being a name brand they are sufficient for my driving style.
Jeff
Jeff
#7
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Mkii250 (05-12-2021)
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#8
Thanks Jose,
The rear clearance on your car using the 1.2" wider Dunlops appears to be larger than the clearance I currently have using the skinnier 205/70 R15 Pirellis. Seems all we are offered here in The Great White North are BF Goodrich and Cooper makes in your size. Problem is both have ugly raised white lettering!
Will keep looking. Pretty car by the way.
The rear clearance on your car using the 1.2" wider Dunlops appears to be larger than the clearance I currently have using the skinnier 205/70 R15 Pirellis. Seems all we are offered here in The Great White North are BF Goodrich and Cooper makes in your size. Problem is both have ugly raised white lettering!
Will keep looking. Pretty car by the way.
#9
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#10
Iramphal, Thanks.
yes I don't buy any tire with white lettering, the XJ is not a truck.
Note you can also use 225/60/15 instead of 235. slightly taller tire.
But yes, in the XJ there is plenty height and width clearance with the 235 size.
Dunlops are now made in China as far as I know.
If you search online using the tire size, you will find many brands. I understand Uniroyal All Season are pretty decent tires, not noisy or harsh based on reviews that people write.
In the US, Walmart has the best prices and free shipping.
I have been looking for 195/65/15 for my 1965 S type and found them at Walmart. I want wider tires than 75 and 70.
yes I don't buy any tire with white lettering, the XJ is not a truck.
Note you can also use 225/60/15 instead of 235. slightly taller tire.
But yes, in the XJ there is plenty height and width clearance with the 235 size.
Dunlops are now made in China as far as I know.
If you search online using the tire size, you will find many brands. I understand Uniroyal All Season are pretty decent tires, not noisy or harsh based on reviews that people write.
In the US, Walmart has the best prices and free shipping.
I have been looking for 195/65/15 for my 1965 S type and found them at Walmart. I want wider tires than 75 and 70.
Thanks Jose, The rear clearance on your car using the 1.2" wider Dunlops appears to be larger than the clearance I currently have using the skinnier 205/70 R15 Pirellis. Seems all we are offered here in The Great White North are BF Goodrich and Cooper makes in your size. Problem is both have ugly raised white lettering!
Will keep looking. Pretty car by the way.
Will keep looking. Pretty car by the way.
#11
I used 225/60R15 tires on my former XJ6 with 'starfish' wheels from an XJS that are 6.5" wide. They handled well and I looked the look with the slightly lower profile a lot. Since the pepperpot wheels are 6" wide, I would probably not go any wider than 225 myself and may instead opt for 215 width, but opinions vary. Those 205/70R15 on Mkii250's car look good to me. Fill the wheel well nicely without being too tall.
Last edited by Noah; 03-31-2021 at 03:11 PM.
#12
#13
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I used 225/60R15 tires on my former XJ6 with 'starfish' wheels from an XJS that are 6.5" wide. They handled well and I looked the look with the slightly lower profile a lot. Since the pepperpot wheels are 6" wide, I would probably not go any wider than 225 myself and may instead opt for 215 width, but opinions vary. Those 205/70R15 on Mkii250's car look good to me. Fill the wheel well nicely without being too tall.
Ideally the 215/70s should go on a 6.5" or 7.0" wide wheels. And the 225/60 and 235/60 would be better on (at least) 7.0" wheels ....or even 8.0" wheels.
Cheers
DD
#16
#18
QUOTE=shtekler;2373276]Hi
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I can send some pictures but i don't know how[/QUOTE]
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#19
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