Wheels/Tyres: Correct Size for Torslanda

[Angie]

Whenever I need new tyres I'm told that they are an unusual size (185/80R/14/91T) and there isn't much choice. The garage have fitted some with the - somewhat doubtful! - name of 'Goodride', and to be fair I don't have any particular complaints about them and they are very reasonably priced. I wonder if that is the original size or if they've just copied the tyres that were on the car previously. It would be nice to think that some slightly higher quality tyres might be available. 'Goodride' have varying reviews, though in general people seem to think they're good value, so perhaps I needn't be bothered anyway.

[Derek UK]

Yes that is the correct size for the Torslanda. When I got my '92 SE with the same 14" Scorpius wheels I did find they seemed to make the car feel rather over geared but good for fast cruising. Replaced by 195x60x15 on Virgos, which are actually smaller in diameter overall. Made the car feel livelier and on some local hills I was able to stay on 3rd rather than having to change into 2nd.
No knowledge of the "Goodrides". Mine were "Runways" so likely a similar budget tyre. You pays your money, you makes your choice.........

[Paul240480]

The tyre size you quote Angie is correct. They are a little 'odd-ball' size, but its to make up for the 'small wheel' I think.

Years back, I replaced two on my Torslanda . Booked by phone, and once given the size the bloke asked if it was for a truck!

They do seem to be disappearing from tyre depots... or can be a special order.

I just put 4 on my GL (same sizes)... Nankangs ( shock, horror, lol) . I got them from Oponeo France. They have a .co.uk side too. Google it, they had quite a choice when I got mine. Keep in mind for future purchases.

There are other sites, blackcircles being one. They have affiliated fitters too, you just search on your post code. You can have home delivery or straight to the fitter. Should be cheaper too, with a bit of luck.

Hope this helps & good look.

[Beetledrive]

The truck comment reminded me that when I was looking for tyres I found it was possible to find commercial tyres in that size. I then checked and realised that the previous owner had in fact fitted commercial tyres on the back of the car! I also found a few sites suggesting this might compromise the insurance so I had them changed, making sure they were passenger tyres. It did seem to handle to better afterwards, but perhaps that was the new tread.

[Angie]

Thanks everyone, two new (Goodride) tyres tomorrow, less than £100 fitted, so not too bad. Our local garage must have good contacts because they phoned their usual supplier who had some of the correct size in stock. Must get the tracking checked now so the tyres last a bit longer. One of those jobs I keep 'meaning to get around to'! Unfortunately the garage doesn't do it any more so have to get to a tyre place.

Interesting about the bigger wheels being smaller over all, I hadn't realised that. Guess that would alter speedometer readings as well as giving better acceleration. I do like the big fat tyres, the car cruises really smoothly but yes, could do with a bit more 'oomph' on some of our Cornish hills.

They might be old, but whatever the wheels/tyres these cars are still wonderful mile-munchers, the only car I've ever been in that I haven't wanted to get out of at the end of a long journey.

[CaptainAhab]

I put Firestone Mulithawk 185/70 R14s on mine a while ago and they are excellent, great grip in the wet. That said, the last batch were some sort of remould ditch-finder specials from the previous owners, so anythings an improvement!

Speedo is a reading a bit high, so that isn't the size that was on it originally. Easy speedo fix from Dave Barton:

http://www.davebarton.com/volvo240mods.html