Thread: Best compromise for Classic, - original size?

225/75 is the size you'll find LT casings in, these are the toughest. 235/70 is the size for most p casings and these ride the best.
205/80 is stock and look a bit lacking. Probably best for onroad mpg though.

Wider tyres also protect your rims better.

I've been getting 80k endurance out of my Pirelli Scorpion ATRs 205/80 (below right).

Note they have a bling factor of zero.

Probably because of this they are an excellent tyre both on and off road.

Dunno whether still available.

Narrow choices in original size now....

Needless to say, the original fitment, the Michelin XMS244 was the best (below left).

But I would say that, wouldn't I?

Originally Posted by MICHELINXMS244

Needless to say, the original fitment, the Michelin XMS244 was the best (below left).

But I would say that, wouldn't I?

I have one of these in unused condition as the spare in my 93. It's quite refreshing to see what used to be original equipment.

The XPC 4x4 in the larger sizes (255/65R16) had decent gaps between the tread and works well. But the 255 width is a PITA on a classic. Both those tyres are discontinued of course. Michelin own BFG and no sense competing with yourself. So Michelin tyres are now kinda wimpy.

I think I've got one too

- Spare, and the rim is ... steel. (Lost my nuts so I hope I never need it.)

Now If I could get another one or three..... probably as hard as rock by now, though.

The Classic that infected me was wearing Scorpions, loved the soft ride and great grip.

Yep, can't help but think that lots of problems with diffs/suspension/drivetrains on modified RR's can be sheeted home to monster tyres that did 'nt exist when Spencer-King designed it.

I went with 235/70 R 16's as they're identical rolling radius to the 205R16 (82% aspect ratio)

Originally Posted by superquag

I think I've got one too

- Spare, and the rim is ... steel. (Lost my nuts so I hope I never need it.)

Now If I could get another one or three..... probably as hard as rock by now, though.

The Classic that infected me was wearing Scorpions, loved the soft ride and great grip.

Yep, can't help but think that lots of problems with diffs/suspension/drivetrains on modified RR's can be sheeted home to monster tyres that did 'nt exist when Spencer-King designed it.

I went with 235/70 R 16's as they're identical rolling radius to the 205R16 (82% aspect ratio)

The later alloy nuts (with the chrome covers that rust underneath and swell up) have a large chamfer on them so they can be used as steel-wheel nuts.

I was just reading the Darian Gap account on rangeroverclassic.com. They went in with 750/16's and broke diffs. Solihull fitted 750/16's to a test vehicle and they also broke diffs. They told the soldiers at Darian to reinstall original size tyres, they did and finished the trip with no more diff breakages.

I run 215/85R16 as my "offroad set". They're a great looking size on a classic but still let me fit chains and a bit marshmallowish on road. A previous owner fitted 225/70R16's which are a size smaller than standard. They just look wrong.

Yeah my 94 LSE had the XPC (left) all round when I bought it. Sadly, (of course!) the XPC had already been discontinued back then so it was a choice between the Michelin Synchrone and the Pirelli ATR.

The generic B - league option in this size (or near equiv) is light truck tyres as fitted to garden variety jap utes.

The Scorpion has good tread (centre). Pretty useless in very deep mud, but good on the bitumen, gravel and dry stuff. Longevity is the key feature. It will keep going right down to the steel belts.

But as you can see in the more detailed piccie of the XMS (right), the XMS not only featured seriously siped lugs, it also had holes for studs. For all your ice road trucker jobs. Just like a miniature version of a Unimog tyre. Quality.

Of course, being so good, like the XPC it had to bite the dust!

Yeah, like you I've got XMS spares (2) and they are still goin' strong 20 years on.... I don't try them at 155km/h though...

Massive tyres are now a fashion statement. Bring the angle grinder and fit the portal axles. You know it makes sense....

Well, I changed a set of tyres on #3 son's Disco because the Westlake things on it when he got the car frightened fundamental pieces out of me.

#2 son recommended we try a set of Continental 245 70 16 Cross Contact LX. Wow, what a difference. The vehicle was transformed. And not expensive.

Would recommend for RRC, particularly if the requirements are as you have described.

Pete

I'd call that a road tyre. But that's where its at with the "cross over" SUV trend I suppose. The ATR is an endangered breed in old school sizes...