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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Tyres 2024

Old subject but new year !

What is the latest view regarding tyres that suit a Spridget. I will want 155x13x80 as I think they fit the wheel arch profile better and just a slight increase in width - that’s what I’ve always run since the 70’s.

I remember reading issues with modern soft side walls giving strange handling etc.

Blockleys are only available in 145x13x80
Pirelli’s cinturato’s are available from specialist in 155x13x80 but expensive !

R.
richard b

Part of the problem these days is that there aren’t that many tyres available in that size. At least, not known brands.

I’ve just found that Just Tyres stock a Marshal tyre in midget size.

MGOC used them as control tyres for their race series, in the past.

https://www.justtyres.co.uk/marshal-155-80-r13-79t?_gl=1*4j3nni*_up*MQ..*_ga*OTAxMjUzNDQ3LjE3MTA4NzU0ODU.*_ga_8FHRBZSWL9*MTcxMDg3NTQ4Mi4xLjAuMTcxMDg3NTQ4Mi4wLjAuMA..
Dave O'Neill 2

I have just fitted Continental 155-80-13 on my Sebring Rep but have yet to put any mileage on them. On paper they are better in the wet than the Uniroyal. Following an e-mail conversation with Mr Mazyub Blockley will be producing this size.
I am collecting four Blockley 145R13 for my Frogeye next week.
Alan Anstead

I have these fitted to my Midget (although the 145 not 155) the well respected tyre fitter I used also used inner tubes:

FALKEN Sincera SN832 Ecorun
155 / 80 R13 79T
Summer tyre
Tim Carter

Alan,

Is that Conti Ecocontact 6 ?

I run Conti ContactSport 5 on my Saab 93 Aero and have always been impressed with them (contact 3 were standard fitment when new now updated by the 5’s)

Do they seem good so far? I don’t really thrash the car these days!

R.
richard b

Alan,

What pressure do you run them at - I think that may be the issue with a lot of modern rubber - need to run at much higher pressures than our car do.
richard b

I usually go 22 front 24 rear on both of mine.
Alan Anstead

Camskill Tyres’s website often shows a good range of what is currently available in the UK (apart from Blockley - only direct from the manufacturers and Pirelli Cinturato from Longstone Tyres [and perhaps others places - Vintage Tyres?]) in 145 80 R13: https://www.camskill.co.uk/m73b0s357p0/Car_Tyres_-_MPV_Tyres_-_People_Carrier_Tyres_-_13_inch_R13_inch_-_145_80_13_145_80R13_R13_inch_-_145_13_145R13 & and 155 80 R13: https://www.camskill.co.uk/m73b0s359p0/Car_Tyres_-_MPV_Tyres_-_People_Carrier_Tyres_-_13_inch_R13_inch_-_155_80_13_155_80R13_R13_inch_-_155_13_155R13

I think I would be tempted by Blockleys. In addition to experience on this thread of Continentals (and which ones are still available?), Uniroyal Rainexperts and Falken, anyone tried Yokohama , Kumho or Hankook? I am restricted by what is on MSUK’s List 1A - if I ever get my car on a sprint track/hillclimb - but for road only use there might be some other promising tyres out there (as well as some potential ditchfinders)

Cheers
Mike
M Wood

Hi Alan,

Phoned Blockleys and not likely to be available for quite some considerable time - shame that as I would have ordered a set.

Any feedback on the Conti’s would be appreciated and confirmation if Ecocontact 6 etc.

I also use 22/24

Regards

Richard.
richard b

Richard
They are e-contact 6. I have only just fitted them to my refurbed alloys so can’t really say much about them. My first good run will be in May. Organising a run for a breakaway group from Masc, although most still retain Masc membership because their insurance Co’s demand a Club membership, linking up with old acquaintances from France, Germany, & Switzerland. In France. I should have got to know the Conti’s by my return.

Picking up the 145R13 Blockleys on Tuesday. Using them on the Frogeye. Meeting up with an ex Masc member at Chinon, in June, for the Historic Gp before we go to the Bressuire Historic GP the following weekend.
Alan Anstead

Thanks Alan,

Hope you have great motoring, rather envious - maybe join in one day ?

Thanks for the reminder about Slacks R/R didn't know it was so local to me now - booked in for next week.

Regards,

Richard.
richard b

I dont advertise my tours in Mascot any more nor write articles.
Alan Anstead

Alan, I’ll be interested in your feedback on the Blockleys when you’ve used them.

They’ll be my preferred choice next time.
Philip Sellen

Phil
I’ll put my thoughts up here once I have had to evaluate them. I am picking them up on my way back home from the NEC.
Alan Anstead

I am not keen on Uniroyal Rainexperts. I found they wore out very quickly, especially outside edges on the front. I have mid-price Kumhos on now and like them.
Les Rose

I have had trouble with Kumhos becoming unstable on grooved highway pavement.

These modern tires seem to be much lighter weight and turning on them was like having power steering. But on the freeway, it felt like the backend was getting ready to do a quick 360° motion on the rain grooved pavement that is common on concrete surfaces. It was like driving on ice.

So I ended up with the same Uniroyal pattern, nothing impressive or stable but OK at high speeds on grooved pavement.

I miss my Michelin X and XZs...
Glenn Mallory

Richard
Like Tim I have Falken Sincera on the Frog but 145 also. I find them ok although I don't really push it around corners! But I've nothing to compare them with - they've been on since the restoration.

Always Michelin on the moderns.
Bill Bretherton

Don't put uniroyal rain x on the back end. Very unstable. Work well on the front though. I have them at 23/24 psi. Seem fine, and maybe because of the extra psi, no significant outside edge wear.
anamnesis

Alan,,

Are your tours private trips or are they open to anyone?

Regards,

Roger
Roger D

Roger
I used to advertise my tours in Mascot magazine for all Midget & Sprite Club members but having been unlawfully sanctioned by the Club Chairman outside of the Committee’s remit I only organise for those in a Breakaway group (Spridgeteers) and acquaintances.

I have a Tour 9-13 May to Vintage Montlhery being joined by past acquaintances from Germany, France, Switzerland. At the venue we meet with members of a French Club.

alan dot anstead at btopenworld dot com if interested.

Following that in June I return to France to meet with acquaintances to visit Chinon and Bressuirre Historic GP.

If there is enough interest I might do an Alpine Tour in 2025 as it will be 10 yrs since the last one.






Alan Anstead

This thread was discussed between 19/03/2024 and 27/03/2024

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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