Hi all, an Escort van Newbie here!! First of all, i have searched through this forum for ages but cant seem to find the right info so thought I would ask you guys direct!

I have recently bought a 51 plate 55 TD, excellent condition inside and out. However, it still has the Escort 13in steel wheels on it with 165x80x13 tyres and I would very much like to change them but am not sure what is involved!!

If I was to fit some 5 spoke ford 16in wheels, would they bolt on ok without the need for stud extensions,what size tyre would I need to fit without the tyres rubbing on the inside of the arches, especially when steering,and how much difference would it make to the speedo reading??

Any advice would be greatly appreciated, its a lovely motor and I want it to look just right!!

Many thanks

 

Hello and welcome. you will get 16's on no problem at all with no arch problems, 195 50 16s would be fine.
Obviously a lower profile would be fine and i think you would get a way with 205 tyre too.
Ive got 205 45 17s on my mk 4 van it does rub a little on full lock but nothing overly major.
Hope this helps.

 

Hi there, many thanks for the info. Will look into the tyre options. Hopefully I can find some rims on ebay then get those sizes fitted and put the whole lot straight on.

Don't suppose if you know whether they will affect the speed reading on the speedo at all??

Many thanks once again.

 

I think they will marginally but to be honest there never 100% accurate anyway. You will only really notice a considerable difference at greater speeds 70mph+

 

Ive got escort gti 15 inch alloys and i need stud extentions. they rub on the rear but i think i just need a lower profile tyre.

 

any wheels that you put on a mk 6 van will need stud ext and a 5 or 10mm spacer