Re: radial tires on antique wheels

Posted by PackardV8 On 2013/5/28 7:07:50

Without regard to "wheel spliting";

The radial tends to have less rolling resistence so the foot print of the radial does not move rearward as far as the bias ply. That tends to simulate more positive caster.

However, most cars prior to the wide spread popularity of power steering (ca. 1960's to 1970's or go try to buy a car 1980 and later withOUT PS) ran negative caster (PS or no PS). Neg caster (historic trend)= less effort at steering wheel but high road compliance (ok for lower speeds). Pos caster (modern trend) = harder steering effort at steering wheel but less road compliance = streight steady steering.

So the radial mite tend to create a bit more effort at the steering wheel (u'll never notice it with PS) but streighter tracking of the car.