MGC Tyres
1969 MGC GT
MGC 1967–1969
- For a MGC the 165 HR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67 or 165-15 Michelin XAS is recommended by Longstone Tyres. We believe they are the best tyres in the size 165 R15.
- Currently the Michelin 165 SR 15 Michelin XZX is a real bargain when bought as a Set of 5 or set of 4.
- Michelin also make a 165R15 Michelin XZX Whitewall.
- However, we strongly recommend the 165 HR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67 as the best tyre for the MGC.
- MGC with Wire wheels need innertubes, and we would suggest the Michelin 15E innertube.
- Our period Innertube Guides suggest that the MGC ran tube-type wheels throughout its production. Some MGC models may have standard tube-type wheels as OE rather than wire wheels, these wheels will also require innertubes.
- MG C Tyre pressures want to be a little higher in the front than an MGB. 34psi in the front and 30psi in the rear.
- Often people with an MG C want to fit a wider tyre, in which case we would suggest that the 185/70 WR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO ™; CN36 would be the best option, as it will give less derogatory effects than other low profile tyres.
- Fitting something like a 185/65R15 is completely wrong. Oversized tyres will make the steering heavier and the handling of the car less progressive, so we would suggest sticking to the tyre that MG knew was best for the MGC.
MG C Tires
History of the MGC
Built between 1967 and 1969, the MGC was a 2,912 cc, straight-six variant of the MGB that was offered from 1967 to August 1969, with some sales continuing into 1970. The engine generated 145 horsepower at 5,250 rpm in the MGC's dual SU carburettor configuration. The body shell required significant changes around the engine compartment and to the floor pan, but the only visual adjustments were a prominent bonnet bulge to accommodate the repositioned radiator and a teardrop for carburettor clearance. It used different brakes than the MGB, had a lower geared rack and pinion, and a modified torsion bar suspension with telescopic dampers. It was offered as a coupé and roadster, just like the MGB. Optional overdrive and three-speed automatic transmissions were offered. The automobile had a top speed of 120 miles per hour and a 0–60 mph time of 10 seconds.
Initially somewhat panned at release due to the added weight of the bigger engine and new suspension spoiling the car's handling somewhat, the MGC is now seen as a desirable MG to have. The suspension difficulties can be overcome with some light modifications and fitting the excellent 165HR15 CINTURATO ™; CA67 will give a level of handling that is not available on other tyres.
MGC Q & A
Q. I am looking for 3 x TOYO 350, size 175x65x15.
A. Could I ask what car are these for?
Q. Right then, the Toyo's are a favour for a mate who has one good tyre on his MGC and wants three more of the same tyre to match, I said that I would ask you.
A. MGC fitted a 165R15 instead of a 165R14 on the MGB. This is because MG knew the extra inch of diameter would be better for the MGC than the smaller 14" wheel.
The sidewall height of a 165 tyre is 80% of 165mm = 132mm. The sidewall height of a 165 tyre is 80% of 165mm = 132mm (overall diameter 645mm). The sidewall height of a 175/65 tyre is 65% of 175mm = 114mm (overall diameter 609mm) which is ¾ of an inch less in radius, so miles out. So it is 36mm less in diameter than a 165R15, 1 ½ inch diameter and half an inch smaller than a 14” MGB wheel and tyre combination.
Throughout the production of the MGB and MGC they fitted 165 section tyres because that is the correct width for the cars.
In 1968 when low profile tyres were invented MG chose not to fit a 70% profile tyre. When you go lower profile then you move away from the correct carcass structure for an MGC and the lower profile you go the more derogatory the effect will be.
The MGB GT V8 only fitted a 175R14, full profile tyre not a low-profile tyre. So a full profile 175 tyres will have a thinner and importantly different shaped tread footprint than a 175/65 tyre. A 65% profile tyre has a very different shape than a standard full profile tyre, such as the correct 165R15. It will spoil the handling as well as the gearing, ground clearance and speedo calibration, etc.
I don’t know if your car has wire wheels, but you should not fit an innertube in a 65% profile tyre and you need innertubes for wire wheels.
I would also suggest that you don't fit a new tyre on the same axle as the old tyre. The performance of the new tyre will be dramatically different compared to the old tyre.
Sorry for the lecture.