P185/70 R13 Replacement Tire question: Grassroots Motorsports forum: Grassroots Motorsports Magazine

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March 23, 2009 10:14 a.m. RossD New Reader

I have a 1977 Ford (or Mercury) Capri with factory sized P185/70 R13. I would like to keep the rims and find a performance summer tire that fits. It would be a street car first and an autocross car second. At least thats my plan, to try autocrossing for the first time, so I dont think I need a high end tire.

I found a similar sized tire that fits my price range and rim size (switching from 185 to 195?): Sumitomo HTR 200 (P195/60 R13)

Is this a decent choice or should I look for some replacement 14's or 15's?
March 23, 2009 11:47 a.m. TR3only New Reader

I "recently" had a set of HTR 200s put on a Civic DX sedan. They are an "okay" tire, I think another tire in this price range might be available from Kumho....tho don't hold me to that. The "problem" with tires at this end of the budget spectrum is that they start out okay and will actually wear quite well, but as they pass about 20K they really start to lose wet weather traction.

A somwwhat inexpensive wheel if you want to upgrade (PLUS 1) your car is the "Fox-bodied" Mustang/American Capri 14 inch steel wheel...there must be tons of them around and they should be literally dirt cheap.
March 23, 2009 12:45 p.m. sachilles Reader

205/60 r 13 hoosiers maybe, but they wouldn't be much of a street tire.

If you want a dual duty tire, that is half way decent at autox, then you'll have to go 14 or 15 inch.

However, if it is your first time autocrossing, it really won't matter what tire you run, just go and have fun.
March 23, 2009 12:52 p.m. driver109x Reader

Sumitomo HTR 200 is also available in 205/60 and 215/50/13. Maybe BFG Radial T/A too.
March 23, 2009 1:55 p.m. VWralley New Reader

I've run the summitomo's for a few years now. they are a really cheap tire that lasts a long time. They are far from a really good autox tire, but for your first time out i think they would fit the bill fine.
March 23, 2009 1:57 p.m. SlickDizzy SuperDork

Where are you planning to auto-x? I'm in Milwaukee and setting up my TR6 for similar kinds of mischief.
March 23, 2009 2:58 p.m. RossD New Reader

I believe there is a group of people that autox at the Timber Rattlers' Baseball Field parking lot in Appleton. I was hoping to join in with who ever that group is.