MGB Tyres
MGB on 165-14 Michelin XAS Tyres
MGB 1963–1980
- The very early models of the MGB fitted crossply 560-14, for which the radial equivalent would be 155 R14. Longstone's recommendation for this size is the 155 TR 14 Michelin X.
- An original equipment tyre for MG B’s was the 165 HR 14 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67, this also happens to be a fantastic tyre and we are happy to recommend it for the MGB.
- A good alternative performance tyre is the 165 HR 14 Michelin XAS, that also boasts excellent performance all-round.
- For these tyres the Michelin 14D is the correct size of innertube.
- Standard MGB tyre pressure recommendation - 28 front, 32 rear.
- An MGB will handle best with 165 tyres. However if you are set on a low-profile alternative then the 185/70 VR 14 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36 or 185/70 VR 14 Michelin XAS would be the best options.
- For the MGB GT V8 the 185/70 R 14 Michelin XAS is in our opinion the best tyre.
- These tyres would best fit a Michelin 14E innertube.
Our period Innertube Guides suggest which models of the MGB were released on tube type wheels, and when they transitioned to tubeless wheel technology. Some models during certain years released cars on both tubeless and tube-type wheels, the best option is to check your wheels. For more information, see our Innertube Page.
Classic MGB Tyres
It is worth pointing out that an MGB did handle at its best on 165-size tyres. Low profile tyres such as a 185/70R14 were available to MG from 1968. However, the manufacturers of the best little sportscars such as Triumph, Austin Healey, Alfa Romeo, Lancia and of course MG did their testing with 185/70 tyres, but because their sportscar handled better with 165 tyres, that is what they continued to fit. The bigger engine MGC fitted 165 HR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67, (ideally fitted with Michelin 15E innertubes) and when MG fitted the V8 engine to the MGB V8 they increased the tyre size to a 175HR14. However, we don’t think these larger tyred V8 cars were complimented for their improved handling.
MGB Recommended Tyres
Other Options for MGB Tyres
MG B GT Tyres
Many MG B originally left the factory on the 165 HR 14 PIRELLI CINTURATO ™ as did the MGB GT. This is still the best tyre today for your MG B or MGB GT. We also have the MG B, MGB GT PIRELLI CINTURATO ™ on special offer for people buying a set of 4 tyres or a set of 5 tyres.
Today the 165 HR 14 CINTURATO ™ CA67 is being produced by PIRELLI and customers fitting these tyres are very pleased with the result. Here is a review. Often with these cars people want to fit a larger tyre. this is not the way to go, if it was the way to go, then MG would have fitted wider tyres to the MGB, but they didn't. However, if you do want to fit a larger tyre, by far the best is the 185/70VR14 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36.
MGB Tyre Pressure Guide
MGB Roadster tyre pressure recommendations
| Tyre | Front (PSI) | Rear (PSI) |
|---|---|---|
| 165HR14 PIRELLI CINTURATO ™; CA67 | 28 | 32 |
| 165HR14 Michelin XAS | 28 | 32 |
| 185/70VR14 PIRELLI CINTURATO ™; CN36 | 26 | 30 |
MGB GT tyre pressure recommendations
| Tyre | Front (PSI) | Rear (PSI) |
|---|---|---|
| 165HR14 PIRELLI CINTURATO ™; CA67 | 28 | 32 |
| 165HR14 Michelin XAS | 24 | 28 |
| 185/70VR14 PIRELLI CINTURATO ™; CN36 | 26 | 30 |
MGB V8 tyre pressure recommendations
| Tyre | Front (PSI) | Rear (PSI) |
|---|---|---|
| 175HR14 Michelin XAS | 28 | 32 |
Original MGB Tyres
With the MG C MGC GT they chose tyres with a greater diameter by fitting a 165R15 to the MG C and MGC GT but MG didn't fit a wider section. At present for an MG C and MGC GT we recommend the 165HR15 Michelin XAS
1966 MGB GT MK1
Even when the MGB GTV8 came out they chose not to spoil the handling by only increasing the section width to 175. Bearing in mind the MGB GT V8 was still using full profile tyres, so a 175R14 will have a thinner footprint than a modern 195/75R14. The car will handle better with these thinner tyres, so for the MGB GT V8 we recommend the Michelin XAS 175HR14
Here is an email we received from an MGB owner:-
"Hello Longstone Tyres, I would just like to say I have had these PIRELLI CINTURATO'S ™; fitted this afternoon and they have transformed my MGB! The ride is more damped and controlled, the steering is considerably lighter. My old tyres squirmed under hard braking and squealed when pushed in corners, the PIRELLI's do neither and make the steering more accurate too. These tyres are the best "performance parts" I have had fitted to my car. Thank you for the prompt delivery and excellent service, I am going to get a lot of fun out of these tyres!"
We placed this comment on a forum for MG B & MGB GT and we very quickly got the following reply from another MGB owner.
"In 1965 when I purchased my first MG B I replaced the Dunlop SP Sport originals with PIRELLI CINTURATO'S ™;, the difference was astounding. Everything that is said in the letter was true in my experience. I think in those days the Dunlop's were crossply's and only lasted about 10,000 miles."
Please email us with any of your views on MGB tyres.
Dear Longstone,
I bought a set of PIRELLI CINTURATO ™; tires from you for use on my 1968 MGB roadster and thought you might be interested in the following feedback;
I replaced my 9 year old Yokohama 175 70R 14 tires with genuine PIRELLI CINTURATO ™; 165 H14 tyres. This has dramatically changed the gearing:
175 70R 14 have a 23.5" diameter off the car. At 24 psi the height from floor to centre hub is 10.875" = 68.339" rolling circumference (3.142 x diameter).
165 HR14 have a 24.5" diameter off the car. At 24 psi the height from floor to centre hub is 11.75" = 73.837" rolling circumference (note the disparity between off the car diameters and actual rolling diameter - perhaps in part because the Yokohama tires were under inflated at the MGB recommended 24 psi? I note that other users of 'modern tires' use higher PSI and so the difference in rolling diameter may be less for most persons).
73.837" - 68.339" = 5.498" (this is the increase in rolling diameter) 5.498 / 68.339 x 100 = 8.05% (this is the percentage increase in rolling diameter and thus represents the % change in gearing.
So: The effect of changing the tires is that I now have a 3rd gear which works beautifully for the lanes. The gearing used to frustrate me as 3rd was just a means of getting from 2nd to top and then I used overdrive. 3rd and 4th seem to have regained their meaning! I have yet to try this out on the motorway (in theory 3000 rpm should now reduce to 2760 for the same road speed) and to evaluate any changes to fuel consumption. I have noted the discussions re modern tire pressures and will experiment with such - probably 28F / 30R. Note that this will increase the rolling diameter a little more again. In addition the tires looks great and receive approving comment from those who recognise them. They are also physically larger and look more in keeping / scale etc with the car - my opinion but there you go! I've highlighted the tire markings in white (grout pen) which is true to period and will see how this looks / lasts.
Just thought you might be interested?
Best, Simon
Borrani Wire Wheels
Borrani wheels are available for your MGB. As agents for the iconic Ruote Borrani Milano company we are able to supply all wheels from their extensive range.
Wire wheels made by Ruote Borrani Milano are, without doubt, the best wire wheels available. Borrani wheels utilise aluminium rims, steel spokes and steel wheel centres.
If your Borrani wheels require rebuilding then please contact us at [email protected]
Click the link for MGB Borrani wheels.
Wheels made by Borrani are available in the following styles:
- Painted silver finish, as per the racing wheels of the period
- Polished and chrome finish, highly polished rim, chrome spokes & wheel centre
- Painted finish with polished outer edge
Innertube Guides
1972 Pirelli Fitment Guide
1978 Michelin Fitment Guide
1979-83 Dunlop Fitment Guide
1979 Dunlop Fitment Guide
1979 Michelin Fitment Guide
