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Posted by: malaga_red75 Jan 11 2011, 10:13 PM

I need to get tires for my 914 that has the american revolution 'empi style' wheel.

what are you guys running?

this will be summer performance tires only. im looking for dedicated street tires.

thanks in advance


-peter

Posted by: DanT Jan 11 2011, 10:19 PM

On the 8 spoke Empi knock offs they have a bigger offset with less back spacing so unless you massage the fenders and roll the fender lips, you will be limited to probably a 195x60 or 65x15

I am running Dunlop Direzza Star Spec Z1s in 205x50x15 and absolutely love them...great grip...
But I don't think they come in a size that you would need with your wheels.


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Posted by: detoxcowboy Jan 11 2011, 10:30 PM

The tire shop will let you try for fit,do it both front and rear, on Factory Fuch 2.0 205/60 just clear the front struts and the rear fenders.. running 50's will be a different fit, as them come out at a lower point and really do not fill the fender wells vertically, and will give you more drive feel for everything on the road, a bit rougher. Depends on your preference of road noise and comfort vs.more sensitivity and feeling. On nice roads not an issue but on uncared for or high use roads your gonna notice it more. Basically 205 is the widest your going to get without planning for it..


Just to clarify, Dan T has a point about your rims, I know nothing of aftermarket rims..

Posted by: DanT Jan 11 2011, 10:39 PM

I had a set of the Empis on my last car and it had pretty substantially pulled rear fenders...
The 195 Michelins fit pretty closely, almost as closely as my 205 V710 Kumhos (almost a225 width tire in reality) on 7" rims...
here are a couple of pics for comparison.
First pic Empi looks with 195s
Second pic 7" custom steelies with 205 Kumho DOT Rs
Third pic of 205 Hankook DOT Rs on Stock 4 bolt Fuchs


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Posted by: malaga_red75 Jan 11 2011, 11:54 PM

so it sounds like without a pulled fender... it would be 195x60??

Posted by: DanT Jan 12 2011, 12:02 AM

yes unless you find some stock Fuchs....with the proper offset and backspace.
depending on your fenders you might have to go with 196x65s
The Empi looks sit out about 3/4" further towards the outer fender lip.

Posted by: Root_Werks Jan 12 2011, 10:38 AM

It's all about what you want when you drive. 100hp air-cooled motors don't like wide tires and they will slow your 914 down. Low profile tires will throw the speedo even further off than it came from the factory. 195/50/15's are a common size I see on 914's. But the RPM's are higher while cruising as well as the speedo saying 75mph when your only going 60mph. 195/65/15's won't see as nice response when you change direction (Like track/course driving), but would be nicer to your ears when taking long trips and the speedo would be closer to accurate.

Others have said, you're a little limited since you have the VW offset rims. A 195 will be tight even with rolling the rear fenders a bit.

I run 185/65/15's because I drive my 914 a lot. Fuel mileage and comfort are a big deal to me. I like to hear the radio and not have my ear drums hurt after a long drive. Even with those tires, my speedo is still 8% off.

So it's kinda up to you, you're style and what you'll use the 914 for.

That's my 2 cents.

Posted by: BMXerror Jan 12 2011, 10:57 AM

Second. I'm using these. Great tires. A bit cold blooded for a 914 though. But they come in 195/55/15s
Mark D.

Posted by: malaga_red75 Jan 12 2011, 01:56 PM

I guess I will just start with 195x60 and do a test fit. This car is a subi conversion so the wider the better.

Posted by: malaga_red75 Jan 12 2011, 01:56 PM

also, how did my post get duplicated??

Posted by: Slider Mar 4 2011, 06:58 PM

did you go with the 195-60's ? what are your thoughts? i am gettinf ready to get new tires and am trying to decide between the 195-60 or 195-65. again stock body with Empi 8 spokes.

Posted by: rdauenhauer Mar 27 2011, 02:22 PM

Any one have any success fitting a 215/60 on stock 5.5 rims?

Posted by: DanT Mar 27 2011, 04:19 PM

Sorry Rich, only have mounted 205x50s and 205x60s on stock 4 bolt Fuchs in the past. I know they work fine.

Posted by: malaga_red75 Mar 27 2011, 04:37 PM

Hey,

Sorry for the late reply, I must have missed the post. In my search for tires, I came upon a set of western wheels with 195/50 Dunlop Direzza's with about 50/75% (back/front) tread. And for only $200, it was a steal!!!

However, when I mounted them on my car, I didn't realize how small the overall diameter of the wheel/tire combo was and as it sits, it looks a little funny because of the space between the tire and the fender. The fronts are ok, but the back looks weird, So hopefully after I lower the rear end a little it will look good.

Despite the looks, the tires are awesome. During my spring break there was a break in the rain and the pavement dried up. the tires really kick ass after they warm up.

-peter

Posted by: Mike914 Mar 27 2011, 08:36 PM

205-65 works, stock diameter too. Needed a little fender tweak on one car on one side, other car was fine. Brad used to call that car a "4X4"...