MGB Tire Pressures

• Tire pressure for an MGB ranges from 18-31 PSI depending on the specific model, the type of tires that you decide to fit, and pressure differences for front and rear tires.
• To find the ideal tire pressures for your car's year, model, and chosen tires follow the link to our Tire Pressure Guide.

---

• The earliest MGB originally fitted 560-14 crossply tires. Later the MGB moved onto 165 HR 14 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67, which are available today.
• To find out more information on MGB tires follow the link to our MGB Tire Section.

---

• Some MGB were fitted with Route Borrani Wire Wheels, for more information follow the link to view our Borrani Wire Wheel Section.

MGB Tires

The earlier 'Pull Handle' MGB models fitted 560-14 crossply tires. 560-14 crossply tires are uncommon today, we suggest switching to the equivalent radial tire size; 155 R14. Longstone's recommended early MGB tire for this size is the 155 TR 14 Michelin X.

From the late 1960s to early 1970s MG began fitting 165 R14 tires. The best 165 R14 tire for the MGB Tourer and MGB GT is the 165 HR 14 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67.

The PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67 was the first radial tire developed specifically for sports cars, fitting the top marques of the day including Ferrari, Aston Martin, Lotus, and Maserati. MG agreed with this sentiment, and fitted the CA67 as original equipment to many of its MGB cars.

For performance-oriented handling we recommend the 165 HR 14 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67, however the 165R14 Michelin XAS is also an excellent period tire well suited to the MGB. The XAS features an asymmetric tread that helps classic cars drive in a straight line. The 165R14 Michelin XAS is therefore ideal for high cruising speeds on dual carriage ways and motorways. If the best handling is not your focus and you cover a lot of motorway miles in your MGB, Longstone recommends the 165R14 Michelin XAS.

MGB Low-Profile Tires

Some like to fit wider, low-profile tires to their classic cars. The low-profile equivalent size to 165 R14 (165/80 R14) is 185/70 R14. We advise against this however, MG could have fitted wider, lower profile tires from 1968 onwards but they chose not to, because they found that the car handled at its best fitted with a 165 section, full-profile tire.

If you want low profile MGB tires we suggest a set of 185/70 VR 14 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36 tires. The PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36 is a period sports tire, designed to complement the chassis found in classic cars like the MGB. The CN36 will minimise the negative handling effects from fitting a wider tire. Anything wider the 185 will definitely spoil the handling.

MGB GT V8 Tires

The MGB GT V8 fitted 175 R14 radial tires as OE. The best classic tire in the 175 R14 size is the 175 HR 14 Michelin XAS. The XAS is a proper period tire, suited to the chassis of classic cars, offering unparalleled directional stability.

For those after a wider, low-profile tire, the equivalent low-profile size is 195/70 R14. The best classic tire in this size is the 195/70VR14 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36, a 1968 classic tire with sports-oriented handling. The CN36 has a 'W' speed rating (up to 168 mph), wheraes the XAS only has a 'H' speed rating (up to 130 mph), so for tougher driving conditions the 195/70VR14 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36 may be more suited.

MGB Inner Tubes

Most MGB cars were outfitted with tube-type wheels, that require inner tubes to function. Our period fitment guides suggest that some post-1975 models were fitted with 5" wide tubeless wheels, however most MGB cars had 4" or 4.5" wide Rostyle wheels that are tube-type.

Many of our tires are 'tubeless', however, to run without inner tubes, both the tire and the wheel need to be tubeless. A tubeless tire requires an inner tube if fitted on a tube-type wheel.

For 155 R14 and 165 R14 tires, the correct inner tube is the Michelin 14D. For 175 R14 and 185/70 R14 tires, the correct inner tube is the Michelin 14E. For 195/70 R14 tires, the correct inner tube is the Michelin 14F.

Some MGB's fitted spoked wire wheels. All wire wheels need inner tubes to safely function as the rim itself is not sealed, and the spoke heads come through the rim. Today there are many modern wire wheels that claim to be tubeless. We have seen too many failiures with these wheels when run tubeless to trust them. We would not fit any wire wheel to any tire without an inner tube.

MGB Borrani Wire Wheels

Wire wheels were fitted on some MGB models, and Longstone is fortunate to work with the finest in the industry. Throughout the years, Ruote Borrani Milano has provided wire wheels to a variety of well-known automakers, including Jaguar, Ferrari, and Aston Martin. Borrani outperforms all other wire wheel producers in several ways.

Borrani wheels are one-quarter the mass of steel wire wheels due to their aluminium rims, and they are manufactured in Italy to the highest quality standards. Borrani wheels are the best way to dress up your MGB, and will add to the classic look. Visit their website by clicking the Borrani link at the top of the page.