New Zealand Datsun Club

Hi guys,
What can people recommend in the way of tyres for datsuns? Mine just failed wof on front tyres. Not wanting to go too el cheapo, but not spend silly money either, just want something decent and semi sporty.
Rims a 14", 6" on the front and 6.5" on the back. Currently has 185/60 on it, which the tyre guy said was a little uncommon to get anything decent in, which surprised me.
Told him I cold possibly drop to a 55 series if need be. Just don't want it to rev it's nuts off too much at 100kph with the old 4 speed.
What are people using and what sort of money should I be paying?
Cheers

No tyre gurus floating around then?

Gee give us a bit of time to write a post lol.

185/60r14 are still fairly common - most manufacturers still do them as most pocket rockets are on them these days.

We have a set on the shelf and we are a Hyundai dealer (not even a tyre shop).

CUL8R should be able to help you out thou, hes at Mag and Turbo here in CHCH - Off hand i know Hankook do one aswell as cheaper brands.

55's will bring the revs up slightly - a diff change could sort that though

brocky41 wrote:Gee give us a bit of time to write a post lol.

Lol, sorry, just really keen to get this sorted so I can get wof'd up for this weekends cruise. Will have to go local to get them in time I think. Although I guess they will have to be couriered in from somewhere anyway.
Thanks for the reply Brock. Leaning towards a 185/55 now. Something like a Toyo t1r would be ok I reckon, hopefully not too small on a 1600, might need to lower it a bit more to close the guard gap up.

185/60R14's have lots of decent options still available. Might be time to try a different tyre shop.

Depending on your price range, there are lots out there.

Michelin does an XM2 in that size which is a good tyre if you want something that lasts a while, drives nice and handles well. But expect to pay around $200 each.

Falken do the ZE912 in that size, but I don't know about stock availability in NZ or pricing. These are a good tyre and probably one of the better options for what you're after. (If available.)

Toyo do a TEO+ in that size also, but again, check availability with you local shop.


You could drop to a 185/55R14 as another option but as you mentioned, you will be revving a little harder, but there are more higher-performance options in that size. The price will probably go up a little on them though as they aren't as common.

Of the few decent options available, I reckon the ZE912 would be one of the best options in the 185/60R14.


Edit/// Just phoned the supplier for the Falken ZE912. They do have them available, and they are on special with the supplier. I'm not 100% sure on mark-up at your local shop, but I'd be selling them for around the $139 including gst, fitting and balancing each, based on the current "on-special price". (Valid till 31/05/13, so only 3 days left.)

I hope this helps you out in someway.


(Also note, my mark-up may be higher than others due my tyre shop being a 90% commercial store over 100% retail like others)

Massive help, thanks very much.

Ordered a set of falken ze912 in 185/60. Hopefully pick the car up tomorrow with new boots and a new wof. Thanks again to Brock and Chris for the advice.