15" Rostyles on a 4cyl

Tom W

Tom W

Active Member
I'd like to fit a set of Rostyles to my 2200tc. I'm thinking of going for 15" p5 wheels, as 14" p6 rostyles seem really hard to get. I need 4 new tyres for my project anyway, so I'm hoping moving up to 15" will give a greater choice of tyres (and fewer van tyres :LOL: )

Am I correct in thinking Rover p5 wheels will bolt straight on with the standard p6 wheel nuts? I'm not fussed that the nuts aren't chrome. Are all p5 Rostyles the same, or is there a width difference between p5 and p5b wheels?

Next question is what tyre sizes fit? I've searched on here, but everyone seems to be asking about fitting to a v8, not a 4pot. 195/65/15 is commonly mentionned. Anyone know if this size will fit a 4cyl? If not, presumably a slightly lower aspect ratio will improve clearance, at the expense of increased engine revs and speedo accuracy.

Thanks,
 
Hi Tom.

Theres plenty of tyre choice,try and get them with the same rolling radius as a 185/14"
You may possibly have to change the rear tie rods from top of the de-dion to boot floor,as the V8 ones are kinked for the larger tyres!
Its an easy job to do,and shouldnt be too hard to find some!
But like some others who have them,they could fit straight on if you are lucky!!
205/65's and 195/70's are a very close radius match.
And its easy to find suitable close to original looking aftermarket chrome wheel nuts to do the job,although the quality leaves a lot to be desired!
I use my car everyday and have got through 4 sets in 10 yrs as rust eventually gets to them!

THE BEST LOOKING WHEELS BY FAR ON A P6 ARE CHROME ROSTYLES!!! 8)
IMHO!!! :D
Dave
 
Hello Tom,

P5 Rostyle wheels are only 5" in width so that effectively limits the overall width of the tyre that you can use with safety. The widest that you can safely run with, so it is my understanding, is 195/70 R15. That size runs very close to the original 185 / R14 tyres in profile.

Ron.
 
I'm not after super wide wheels, so 195s will be fine. They're a quite bit wider than standard fit 165s, so should look slightly better, and I much prefer the look of the Rostyles over the standard 'bin lid' wheel trims :LOL: I don't want to get into modifying the base unit, so am only after what will fit as standard. Looking at online tyre size comparison charts, the closest sizes to the original dia seem to be 195/65/15 (14mm over) and 195/60/15 (5mm under), so I guess it comes down to width clearance on the base unit, and the upper links.
 
Hi Tom

You've clearly read up the subject properly, so not a lot to add. the P5 Rostyle is only available from P5B's - the P5 had steel wheels. There is a wider version - Jensen Interceptors had a 5 1/2" rim version, but I wouldn't have said they were ten a penny!

Since, for a 4 cyl, you will currently be running 165 section, I'd be inclined to go for 185/65 X 15, which are 2mm over dia to the 165's. These are a better fit on the rim, but I'm not sure what the choice in that size is likely to be. They'd also minimise the chances of having to change the rear top links or getting physical with the D post! The P5 Rostyle actually sits quite far out of the wheelarch - ie a less than ideal offset - so you ought to be safe on the top link but at risk on the D post.

Regards

Chris
 
So if the offset of the wheels are significantly different to the standard wheels, is there a detrimental effect on the handling or wheel bearing life?
 
Not significantly different - just that the P6 rear mudguard front to back dimension is so tight that any variation in offset is important. No worries about wheel bearings etc. I've seen quite a few P5 Rostyles wearing 195's and I think they look on the limit for tyre width - the tyre baloons out from the rim more than I'd wish, hence suggesting 185's. V8 owners already get 185's as standard so tend to be keener to make some progress on tyre width, you would be gaining two sizes at 185 so still a significant improvement.

If you're serious about increasing grip, rather than simply making it look good and making tyre choice easier, then the only reliable and accessible method is to use lightly skimmed SD1 Vitesse cross spoke rims with 205/55 X 15 (-13mm) or 205/60 X 15 (+7mm). In your case that would definitely require the V8 top links. The reduction to 60 profile from 65 for V8 owners would definitely assist the D post clearance issues. There are other rims around that have the correct offset, but they tend to be period to the car, so getting hold of them is very hit and miss.

Chris
 
Thanks. I'm not particularly after increased grip, it's just as I need to buy tyres anyway, it seemed like a good opportunity to upgrade. Sounds like 185 section tyres could be the way to go then.
 
Hi Tom,

I've got a set of 15" p5 Rostyles on my 2000tc. I'm currently running 195/65/15's on the wheels and they're fine, I've had no problems with the d pillar or the offset so far.

That said it can all really change depending on the manufacturing tolerances or your base unit, though I imagine you'd have to have a base unit pretty far out of standard tolerances for there to ba a major issue.

Fraser
 
Hi i have just got a set of rostyles for my 2200 tc which are 14 inch does any one no if 175/70/14 whould clear or what would be the best fit
 
They'd be fine, but a little undersize - 175/75 X 14 is correct. I'd see if you can find any 185/70 X 14 which are also the correct rolling diameter. Just possible you'd need V8 top links at that size, but they are very easy to obtain.

Chris
 
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