MGC Tire Pressures

To find tires for your MGC see our MGC Tires page.

The Longstone recommended tire pressures for a MGC are 30 PSI on the front and 34 PSI on the rear.
According to historic fitment guides; tire pressure for a MGC ranges from 22-26 PSI depending on the specific model, the type of tires that you decide to fit, and pressure differences for front and rear tires.

We recommend fitting the 165 HR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67 or the 165-15 Michelin XAS, both of which are in production today.
To find out more information on MGC tires follow the link to our MGC Tire Section.

1968 MGC Roadster

Recommended Tire pressures for a MGC

1969 MGC GT

Below we have some Period MGC Tire Fitments from Michelin, Pirelli, and Dunlop, however the older fitment guides aren't up to date with modern tire compounds and road speeds. Knowing this we have our own tire pressure suggestions for contemporary classic tires in the single table below. With the increase in carcase structure quality over the years from top manufacturers of tires, you are able to utilise higher pressures. If you put too little pressure into your MGC tires you are likely to have a blowout, hence why we've increased some of these dated tire pressures.

Tire	Front Tire Pressure (PSI/BAR)	Back Tire Pressure (PSI/BAR)
165 HR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67	34 / 2.3	30 / 2
165-15 Michelin XAS	34 / 2.3	30 / 2
165 SR 15 Michelin XZX	34 / 2.3	30 / 2
185/70 WR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO ™ CN36	34 / 2.3	30 / 2

MGC Tires

Longstone advises fitting the 165 HR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67 or 165-15 Michelin XAS for an MGC. We feel these are the greatest 165 R15 classic tires available. Currently, the Michelin 165 SR 15 Michelin XZX is a steal when purchased in a set. Michelin also manufactures a 165R15 Michelin XZX Whitewall tire. The 165 HR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67, however, is the finest tire for the MGC.

185/70 WR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO ™ CN36 is the ideal low-profile alternative because it will have less detrimental consequences than other low-profile tires. Fitting something like a 185/65R15 tire is entirely incorrect however. Oversized tires would make steering heavier and handling less progressive, thus we recommend keeping with the tire that MG thought was best for the MGC.

According to our historic innertube guides, the MGC used tube-type wheels throughout its manufacture. Instead of wire wheels, some MGC versions may have normal tube-type wheels as OE; these wheels will also require innertubes. We recommend the Michelin 15E innertube for all the suggested tires.

The front tire pressures on an MGC should be somewhat higher than those on an MGB. We suggest you start with a front pressure of 34 PSI and a rear pressure is 30 PSI. Unlike the MGB the MGC was heavier at the front due to its larger engine, so a higher front pressure is prudent.

MGC Poster Advert

Period MGC Poster

History of the MGC

The MGC was a 2,912 cc, straight-six variant of the MGB that was available from 1967 until August 1969, with some sales extending into 1970. In the MGC's dual SU carburetor arrangement, the engine produced 145 horsepower at 5,250 rpm. The body shell needed considerable modifications around the engine compartment and on the floor pan, but the only visible alterations were a noticeable bonnet bulge to suit the relocated radiator and a teardrop for carburetor clearance.

It had a lower geared rack and pinion and a redesigned torsion bar suspension with telescopic dampers than the MGB. Like the MGB, it was available as a coupé and a roadster. Overdrive and three-speed automatic gearboxes were available as options. The vehicle had a top speed of 120 mph and a 0-60 mph time of 10 seconds.

Initially criticised due to the increased weight of the larger engine and revised suspension which hampered the car's handling, the MGC is now regarded as a desirable MG to own. The suspension issues may be solved with minor changes, and adding the outstanding 165 HR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67 tires will provide a degree of handling not attainable with other tires.