Dear E Type owners:

After 22 plus years of running my e type on the Dunlop wire wheels it came with - and several sets of tires, it is time to replace the wheels. I've always liked the look of the D type "Style" wheels, which are available at Realm in the UK, and at XKs Unlimited from what I believe is a different supplier.

I am aware of the potential issues with the rear tyre 'stops' which may need to be adjusted to accommodate 6 inch width on a series one.

Has anyone fitted these wheels to a series one E Type? Good results? The cosmetic cool factor aside, performance is key. I'd love to know how these wheels perform on the series one.
Id love to know if Realm wheels are well made and reliable.

The obvious choice is a new set of Dayton Wires (American made after all) and the Vredestein tires.
Many people swear by this combo these days.

Thank you for any insight!

Kind regards

greg arnold

Submitted by NE40-48370 on Thu, 01/03/2013 - 08:41

I think Aquajet was the 'model name' or shorthand for that SP tire. I remember the TV ads where a slow-mo of the tire going through water showed water squirting out the side of the tread area. It does so on all tires of course, but those tires had / have round 'holes' between the tread blocks that do resemble jets. Not sure if it was a marketing gimmick but that was the story anyhow.

Pete

Submitted by SE98-32482CJ on Thu, 01/03/2013 - 05:42

Not sure about the aqua jet part--I was speaking of the original tire. I have never had an issue with them other than to never to expect more than 15k from a set. All MFNs have bad runs. Years ago you could hardly find a set pf the Pirelli for a XJ6 that would not pop the cords.

Submitted by greg@nofatmusic.com on Thu, 01/03/2013 - 03:38

Hi George:
Yes I plan to invest in the 185VR15 DUNLOP AQUAJET SP SPORT which seems to be the newest version of this tire.

I am fastidious about tire pressure and care and --- I must report that having driven various vintage Jags on Michelin radials, Avon TurboSpeed, Dunlop 4 ply and Coker tires, the Dunlop radial SP sport tire is the only one I've ever had shred on the highway at speed, not fun. Dunlop UK was quick to replace the tire gratis, but it was a surprising breakdown (possibly bad manufacturing run). This was 10 years ago.

Submitted by SE98-32482CJ on Sun, 12/30/2012 - 13:50

Greg if you are going to stay stock then invest in a set of Dunlop SP radials of the 185-15 (per new in 68 and acceptable for all). Good luck!

Submitted by greg@nofatmusic.com on Sun, 12/30/2012 - 13:24

Hi George:
Thank you for the insight and the advice - which I've taken to heart several times already, as a 'graduate' of several performance driving schools - Ive attended these mostly because they are fun, and a great weekend outing with like minded friends; but they have certainly helped my driving skills both on and off the track.
Ive decided to stick to the original 5 inch - or 185/15 spec for the car. I assume simply placing new wheels and tires on the car will make a huge difference. Its been too long riding on the same set.
Ill report back to the group this summer on the results!
Kind regards
greg

Submitted by SE98-32482CJ on Fri, 12/28/2012 - 16:21

Greg my 2 cents---there are perhaps 1 out of 1000 E type drivers that have the skills to take the car to 100% on stock tires and wheels. By stock I mean stock not the least costly rubber that fits on the rim. Wider tires do not always mean faster or beter handling. Your 66 E-Type shod with a proper set of original Dunlop radials on a good set of tires is a force to be dealt with. I always advise taking the money and investing in driving schools--fun and usually a lot less expensive than trick wheels and tires. Jaguar certainly knew about D-Type wheels and the solid wheels for the Light weight cars but when it came to club type racing they (Jaguar) offered a wider rear wire wheel (painted not chrome) for the E. Wonder why?

Submitted by greg@nofatmusic.com on Fri, 12/28/2012 - 16:00

Thank you both for the info - yes, they are a bit more money than Dayton wires but I need to replace anyway - so Im weighing options.
Wondering generally if the 6 inch width is better handling than the original spec of 5 inch.
Bump stops are of course a concern...
thank you!
greg

Submitted by greg@nofatmusic.com on Fri, 12/28/2012 - 14:08

Thank you both for the info - yes, they are a bit more money than Dayton wires but I need to replace anyway - so Im weighing options.
Wondering generally if the 6 inch width is better handling than the original spec of 5 inch.
Bump stops are of course a concern...
thank you!
greg

Submitted by dharris68@hotm… on Fri, 12/28/2012 - 11:33

Meant to clarify, it's Realm wheels that I have.
I think XKs sell the same, though not 100% sure.

Submitted by dharris68@hotm… on Fri, 12/28/2012 - 11:31

Dear Greg,
I have several sets of these wheels on 5 stud hubs with fake spinners and they are fine.
They are not cheap considering they are cast alloys but the quality is pretty good. They need to be used with the correct nuts if you go bolt-on, though you may be thinking of splined replacements which would be more straightforward.
Let me know if you need any dimensions, I can measure and pass on, though no point unless you choose to swap over hubs to 5 stud for bolt-ons, since the mounting face will be different from my wheels and therefore irrelevant.
I reckon that as long as you removed bumpstops at rear you would be fine on anything up to 205s.

Submitted by howardbollinge… on Fri, 12/28/2012 - 07:36

Greg, No Realm wheel experience, but 6" wide Dayton wires first with Pirellis, now Michelins ,on my S1, #875864 on xkedata. Had to remove bump stops when first installed, so far 20 or so years with no bump stops and no ill effects.