Tyre options?

[Zakspak]

Looking for some thoughts on tyre options.
wheels are R13 x 8” front and R13x9” rear. (Mk2 Escort, 2.0 Zetec, Type 9. My restoration thread)
I used to run Goodrich 235/50R13, but things have moved on, and R13 tyres seem a bit thin on choice.
I want a decent tyre for mainly road use, that will give good performance on road and track days (I don’t think my skills will be out performing tyres). I don’t want a super fandango soft compound semi slick racing tyre.
So any suggestions especially from practical experience would be great.
Thanks in advance

[Tom escort mkii]

hi friend i recommend you go for toyo r888r federal tire i put 4 of these on my dad's escort strong bomb tires recommend you go for it

[Zakspak]

Anyone else have a suggestion ? The Toyo R888 are recommended only up to an 8.5” width for R13 wheels
I’ve found an Avon tyre the ZZS 245/50R13.
The options seem really limited

[Miniliteman]

I also used the BF Goodrich 235/50x13, now have the Vitour Formula in that size.

[katana]

Anyone else have a suggestion ? The Toyo R888 are recommended only up to an 8.5” width for R13 wheels

Surely a 1/2" stretch onto a 9" rim isn't excessive, especially when the 'sarf landun look' lads are using 175/50's on 9" rims ! ! !

[Zakspak]

Surely a 1/2" stretch onto a 9" rim isn't excessive, especially when the 'sarf landun look' lads are using 175/50's on 9" rims ! ! !

I don’t know, on their website they show a width range and 8.5” is the max with 7.5” as the mid point. I’ll do a bit more digging unless someone else has some experience they can share

[Zakspak]

[QUOTE=Miniliteman;3780844]I also used the BF Goodrich 235/50x13, now have the Vitour Formula in that size.

Thanks Miniliteman, how do you find them ?

[Miniliteman]

Can't tell the difference between these and the BFG tyres. But then I use them only on the road. Was worries that they might be difficult to balance on the wheels but that all went okay. On one side the lettering is white on the other it is not. When I bought them (from Germany) they were approx. 120 Euro each. A mate bought the same tyre not long ago for just 80 Euro a corner.

[FrankC]

Did you decide what to fit in the end, size and make or still on the “to do” list ?

I’ve got a shortened axle (don’t know what width) on my non arched mk1 escort. Wheels are banded steels atm 7x13 front and 8x13 rear. Removed the nasty 175/50’s that were on it but unsure what size tyres to fit when I get new wheels.
Fitted 185/60’s in the meantime but feel they look a tad balloony
Been messing about on a tyre calculator website to try match the front and rear but gets a tad confusing working out what sizes are available, what will fit etc

[katana]

Not surprised they 'look baloony' - 185's are meant for 6" rims, 7" are stretching them a bit.
Back in the day 7" & 7.5" rims usually meant 205's . . . . . 8" rims were unheard of unless competition use LOL!

[FrankC]

Having different widths is a total pita to be honest in 13” Far easier if 7” all round. 205/60/13 road tyre is definitely a balloon lol , esp on an non arched car. The 175/60 on the front looks spot on. A mate also runs 175/60 on 7x13 with no issues at all and don’t look stretched in the slightest.
From what I’ve found so far… the best match size wise on a tyre calculator website is:
175/60 front - 195/55 rear
175/60 front - 215/50 rear
185/55 front - 225/45 rear
195/55 options, Michelin pilot exalto, nankang ns-20, vitour formula x
215/50 - Kumho v70a
225/45 - r888r

[FrankC]

https://www.tacomaworld.com/tirecalc...0r13-195-55r13

https://www.tacomaworld.com/tirecalc...0r13-215-50r13

https://www.tacomaworld.com/tirecalc...5r13-225-45r13

[Zakspak]

Did you decide what to fit in the end, size and make or still on the “to do” list ?

I’ve got a shortened axle (don’t know what width) on my non arched mk1 escort. Wheels are banded steels atm 7x13 front and 8x13 rear. Removed the nasty 175/50’s that were on it but unsure what size tyres to fit when I get new wheels.
Fitted 185/60’s in the meantime but feel they look a tad balloony
Been messing about on a tyre calculator website to try match the front and rear but gets a tad confusing working out what sizes are available, what will fit etc

Hi Frank, I’ve not got the tyres yet but will probably go with the 235/50x13, by Vitour Formula (suggested and used by Miniliteman, see post above) as a replacement for the BF Goodrich I ran originally. I couldn’t find anything else suitable, and was looking for a user based recommendation.
Like you’ve, I’ve found 13” wheels aren’t that well covered now days especially the wider ones.
Bare in mind my wheels are 8” front and 9” rear
Looking back in this thread maybe you should look at those Toyo R888 tyres. I think they’ll fit your wheels fine. I would have liked something like these, just a little more square profile, but I know the 235/50s work with my set up, and it’s mainly a sunny day road car.

[FrankC]

[Zakspak]

Frank just seen these, little bit expensive but a possible option. West Wales Rally Spares has a fair selection of tyres for 13” rims.
https://www.westwalesrallyspares.co....ric-rally-tyre

[FrankC]

I haven’t really looked at rally tyres as thought the options would be for either dry or wet and for track only. Interesting to read it says All weather and E marked. I’ll have a look at their website.
My initial search was for a road tyre as it’s a for a low powered car and didn’t want to “over tyre” the car so to speak but as you said, options for 13” tyres, especially for 8” etc are limited. I’m of the thinking a road tyre will have less grip so be more playful at lower speeds and obv cheaper. The more track focused tyre benefits having a squarer edge, stiffer sidewall, better grip but then more expensive.

[Zakspak]

All good points Frank, but I’m no tyre expert. I understand the thought of “over tyring” and the expense associated.
I think there’s some fair options out there for your wheels. Be interesting to hear what you go with, how they perform for you and how they look