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Posted by: Robnxious Sep 10 2017, 02:41 PM

Yes, I know they will fit on a narrow body, that's not my question. My question is, if you have gone to the lower profile tire, how did you like it? How much does this lower the car as well, since I already scrap coming out the driveway, and just now went and bought one of those Bridjit curb ramps. I plan on also adding Mark's fiberglass airdam on it too. So basically my questions are

1) I know you get better handling due to less tire sway, but how is the ride compared to a higher profile tire? I have never driven on low profiles, and think they would look and perform nicely, but haven't heard (or remember reading) about people who have the lower profile tires. I think the 195s are the biggest I can fit in there from what I have seen, and I sort of like the narrow body look.

2) Will they make the car so low that clearance is a major issue? Does no good to lower the go kart down further if I can't get over one of Sacramento's MANY speed bumps

Thanks

Posted by: arne Sep 10 2017, 02:52 PM

Overall diameter of a 195/55 is about 23.4", compared to stock sizes at 25.0". This means you will lower your effective ride height by about half of the difference, so call it 3/4" or so lower if you now have a stockish size on the car. It will be significant if you already have clearance issues.

Ride will generally be harsher, but how much harsher will be dependent on the particular tire make and model you select.

Posted by: mepstein Sep 10 2017, 03:12 PM

205x60 fit most cars with 2.0 Fuchs so there's no reason you shouldn't be able to do 205x55 if you can find them. Might also look a little better than 195x55. It may be just me, I'm not a fan of low pro tires on our cars. I think the "look" is off and the suspension wasn't designed for it. Even with larger profile tires, our cars handle great.

Posted by: Robnxious Sep 10 2017, 03:26 PM

I have the Dan Gurney Western Wheels on it right now. I agree that the Fuchs don't look great with the lower profiles, but I think these would. I am on the lookout for a set of 2.0 Fuchs, but haven't found any at a price I like yet. I want to go with a wider and lower profile tire, and figured I would pick people's brains on this. Thanks for answering

Posted by: Robnxious Sep 10 2017, 03:29 PM

Thanks, I plan on using a good performance tire, probably about a 300 or 400 in what ever that scale is called for stickiness. I've only had issues with clearance getting out of my driveway, and am hoping that this Bridjit ramp will take care or that, though I won't be putting the tires on until I see how much more clearance I have with that.

Posted by: Mark Henry Sep 10 2017, 03:46 PM

I think the low profile tires on a 15" wheel looks like crap on a 914.

It needs the 24.5-25" stock diameter to fill the wheel well correctly, plus it keeps the speedo correct.
IMHO If you want low profile tires do it the right way with bigger rims, on 15" rims it just looks like you cheeped out.

15" my picks 185/70, 195/65, 205/60
16" and 17" I'd use a tire calculator and keep the tire OD about stock.


Note there's an exception to my opinion but for AX only.

Posted by: arne Sep 10 2017, 03:46 PM

It's not just you, Mark. I agree about both the look and the suspension bit. These cars were built for tall sidewall tires, and the limited benefits the low profile tires offer bring numerous compromises with them for street use.

Posted by: arne Sep 10 2017, 03:55 PM

My complaint on low profile looks has nothing to do with the wheels, and everything to do with proportions. The small sidewalls open up a larger fender gap when used on a 15" wheel, makes the car look jacked up even if it has been lowered. This is still an issue optically even if low profile tires are done the way the tire makers intended, by using low profile tires on larger 16" or 17" wheels to maintain stock overall diameter. To me, these cars need to have tall sidewalls to look right.

Posted by: Robnxious Sep 10 2017, 05:00 PM

All right, I will yield to more learned minds than my own. Thank you for the advice gentlemen, I wasn't too sure on doing it, which is why I asked. I have heard the 195-65-15 tire, but was thinking how it would look with even less sidewall. I just really don't like all that sidewall, not sure how to explain why, I think the stance looks so much better with the lower wider tires.

Thanks again for your input!

Posted by: Coondog Sep 10 2017, 06:36 PM

Here's what my 205-55-15 tire look like

Posted by: steuspeed Sep 10 2017, 06:36 PM

I am running Dunlop Direzza Star Spec 195-55-15 tire (no longer available). It made a noticeable difference in ride height. Getting in and out is a bit more difficult. The front fender fill looks good, but the back has some gap on the front and back of the wheel opening. The speedo is off. Hole shot acceleration is better, but more shifting and higher rpm cruising at speed is the con. I have the LE spoiler too, but not installed. I'm worried it will scrape when I pull in my driveway as well. I had 195-65-15 Pirelli P6000 tires before. They actually had a stiffer ride than the lower profile Dunlops.

Posted by: GeorgeRud Sep 10 2017, 06:58 PM

I'm running Michelin Exalto 195-65/15s on my 15" Fuchs and think they look appropriate on the car. So far, I've been satisfied with them for the ride and performance, but I don't race or autocross anymore.

Posted by: Dave_Darling Sep 10 2017, 11:53 PM

I used to run 195/50-15s. I liked them at the time. Eventually, I liked them less.




I had originally used 195/60-15 in the same make and model, and found several differences when I went to 50-series tires:
- Lower gearing for better acceleration out of corners
- Stiffer sidewalls resulting in (slightly) more grip
- Better feedback from the tires

- Harder ride due to shorter sidewalls
- Freeway speeds required ~500 RPM more
- On a few autoX courses I had to shift up to 3rd and back, costing me some time

When I went to 50-series tires, I was finally able to feel the car well enough to catch a slide before it evolved into a spin. I had never done that on the 60-series tires.

Eventually, having to run higher RPMs on the freeway did get to me. The type of tires I wanted to run were also becoming harder to find in 195/50, so I wound up going with 205/60-15s.

--DD

Posted by: BK911 Sep 11 2017, 06:27 AM

195.60.15
I like them.

Posted by: Philip W. Sep 11 2017, 08:41 AM

ive run 4 diifferent rims and tire set ups on my car-
- in summary, the 14" 5 lug fuchs from a 914-6 were a taller tire an so ride was much softer - you can see them on my car in the August 914 calendar for this year, i was running them at Okteenerfest on tail of the dragon couple years ago- nice classic look and a comortable ride if you have lots of bumps- i assume a stock 15" fuch with standard height tires or like a 195/60 or so should be similar.
-my current set up is 16" fuchs from a 911-6" front and 7" rear, 205/55-16
really these are stock size for a 911 but i should have 205/50 - 205/45 would be pretty harsh id bet- i like the feel right now, fairly firm and super awesome grip with the Bridgestone Poteza tires once warmed up very sticky! with 8.5" tread on rear( this is the actual width of tread on ground with a 7"rim) its more focused toward performace than ride comfort- I also like the look- the tires and wheels fill up the fenders with out looking jacked up and no rubbing- i have 5/8" spacers on front to push them out a bit and it looks way better than the 14" or 15 with low profile that looked so small inside those fenders -
i saw all the same issues that Dave listed with positive and negatives
good luck with your Journery
Phil

Posted by: Philip W. Sep 11 2017, 08:50 AM

current look front


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Posted by: Racer Sep 11 2017, 03:41 PM

imho, a 195/60-15 is the right tire for a -4. Ran them in the early 1990s when sticky tires and 60 series still worked together. Good balance of grip and ride comfort, as well as ground clearance. improved acceleration to boot.

I tried a 195-50 and hated the gearing impact when on the highway. Revs were way too high.

I always thought a 205-60 was too bulbous.

Posted by: Olympic 914 Sep 12 2017, 07:50 AM

Be careful with the Dan Gurney wheels. I think most had the VW bug offset and run pretty close to the inner fender lip in the rear even with 185s

Posted by: JamesM Sep 12 2017, 03:33 PM

Are you running on stock rims? I think anything over 185 width looks silly on stock rims, the tire just balloons out to much. Its less noticeable with shorter sidewalls but then you run into the issue of not filling out the wheel well. Also going with a tire treadwidth larger than the rim width can adversely affect handling. My choice for stick rims is either 185/70 if you can get it but tire selections sucks in that size or 185/65 isnt horrible and slightly more common.

If you want to run a wider tire get a wider rim. There are 15x7 and 16x7 4 bolt rims available that will let you run a 205 width without looking ridiculous.

Posted by: Hans Jan Sep 12 2017, 08:39 PM

205/40/16 is the size on my tires.
The overall diameter is about 22 1/2". The result is that I'm running somewhere around 3,200 rpm just cruising on the highway.
That's not right.

And (of course) my speedo is way-off.

Can't wait to wear them out, so I can justify getting taller tires.

Posted by: Philip W. Sep 12 2017, 08:54 PM

that is really small! i was set up like that dor a while with some empi 15" rims rubbed a bit even with 185 tires due to the vw offset-
my 205 55/16 on a 16x6" rim will not rub, in fact i have plenty of space, the 7" did rub in rear btw, but once these tires wear out i will go down to proper diameter with 205/50-16 - try the potenza -

Posted by: euro911 Sep 13 2017, 12:49 AM

I run with 195/65-15s on the 'BB' (2.1L) ...








I have a set of Pirelli P-6000 185/70-15s earmarked for the '71 (1.9L)

Posted by: ThreeV8s Sep 13 2017, 09:38 AM

Slightly off-topic, but is everyone replacing their spare as well when going to a different size? For example, if your spare is 165/80 15 with a 25.4" diameter (and in excellent shape), would you swap it out if you went to 195/65 with a 25.0" diameter? Would there be any impact on the car if used to get you home?

Posted by: mepstein Sep 13 2017, 10:30 AM

It wont make any difference on the front. I dont know if it makes a difference on the rear but you could always move a good one to the rear if it does. I would use whatever size you have unless you also rotate the spare with your other wheels on a regular basis.

Posted by: pvollma Sep 13 2017, 10:43 AM

You can create a chart of mph vs. rpm using my gear chart program at http://www.pcvsoftware.net/gearchart.html. Click on the "Get help" button for instructions.

Posted by: ThreeV8s Sep 13 2017, 11:16 AM

Thanks Mark! That's what i figured. I'd imagine two tires of the same size and model could probably have a similar discrepancy if one is new and one well-worn.

Posted by: GregAmy Sep 13 2017, 12:00 PM

Reading thread with interest...street car needs new shoes.

I'm running all-silver Fuchs replicas with 195/60-15 tires. Don't know the size/offset, haven't pulled a wheel yet. I have plenty of rear fender clearance to accept another 5,mm outboard if I wanted to run 205s.

My speedometer is around 10mph fast at 70, so I have either a speedo or drive problem. But I use a phone-based speedo anyway so it's no big deal.

Seems the original size is 165R15, which https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/45_conversionchart.jsp that's roughly comparable to 195/65R15 or 205/60R15. I'm trying to choose between those two. I want to get a good high performance tire at a good price.

Anyone have photos of 205/60-15s mounted on the car? Want to ensure it doesn't make my butt look fat on those skinny wheels.

Has anyone ever run staggered tires on a narrow body (195 in front, 205 in back)? Although that would make rotation a PITA.

Posted by: Robnxious Sep 13 2017, 12:52 PM

This weekend, I'll be headed to the tire dealer, and we'll be trying different combos to see what works. I will let you know what I discover

Posted by: Perry Kiehl Sep 13 2017, 08:37 PM

My vote is 195/60's. Wouldn't it be nice if we could get a convincing 16" 2.0 Fuchs reproduction, it would really open up tire options

Posted by: Larmo63 Sep 13 2017, 11:05 PM

205/60 15s on deep sixes......

These fill the wheel wells nicely.

Posted by: steuspeed Sep 14 2017, 02:38 PM

Here is how the 195-55-15s look on a stock set-up. Just installed the LE spoiler from 914rubber too. There is enough clearance to get in and out of my driveway.


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Posted by: Robnxious Sep 14 2017, 03:54 PM

Those look sweet. That is what I was thinking of with mine. Larmo's look nice too, and show me what I can do w/ a different rim on them

Posted by: maf914 Sep 15 2017, 08:05 AM

I've had 205/60 x 15 on my car for quite a while, but the problem is there are currently very few performance tires available in that size.

In the past there were plenty of performance tires available and I had a set of Yokohama AVS, which I has happy with. Five years ago, the best I could find were Bridgestone RE960. Now when I check Tire Rack, Discount Tire, etc., there isn't much out there.

Time to go to 16" wheels? Then how long will performance tires be available as the general market moves to 17" to 20" wheels?

Posted by: Dave_Darling Sep 15 2017, 11:19 AM

If you drop down to 50-series, there are still very good options available.

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSearchResults.jsp?width=205%2F&ratio=50&diameter=15&startIndex=0&search=true&pagelen=20&pagenum=1&pagemark=1&RunFlat=All

--DD

Posted by: GregAmy Sep 15 2017, 11:29 AM

At that point, Spec Miata Hoosier SM7 take-offs beckon...

Posted by: drifter914 Sep 15 2017, 03:37 PM

I used to run the Eagle GT's in a 195/60x15 & really liked them. Now I need tires again & they are NLA (of course). For the $ I really like the Yokohama S-Drive, but not available in that size. They do have a 205/55x15 for around $85. per tire.
Does any one offer a 195/60x15 performance tire these days ?

Posted by: Robnxious Sep 15 2017, 04:05 PM

There were some Kuhmo tires that I am going to look at tomorrow that were recommended to me. Like I said, I will let people know what I find out after I go there

Posted by: euro911 Sep 15 2017, 10:39 PM

I have Kumho tires on one of the 914s ... they grip really well and weren't expensive at all. 195/65-15s

Posted by: Robnxious Sep 15 2017, 11:08 PM

I think those are the ones that the guy recommended to me, like 70 each, which isn't bad. I want some stick, but I don't want to leave half my tires on the road if I step on it

Posted by: euro911 Sep 16 2017, 12:02 AM

Good all around tire ... I was quite impressed with them

Posted by: GregAmy Sep 18 2017, 08:36 AM

So...how'd your weekend go?

Posted by: Robnxious Sep 18 2017, 09:09 AM

Well, they are going to bring in some 195-60-15 and 185-60-15 tires. They didn't have the ones in stock that I wanted, and I am out of town next week. I think it's going to be the 195-60-15's, but due to a possible clearance issue on the back we may need to go w/ the 185s

Posted by: GregAmy Sep 18 2017, 10:39 AM

Thanks! Yeah, I'm leaning toward 195/60-15 for my '74 with Fuchs, simply because I'm thinking the 205s are a bit too wide for a 5-1/2" wheel. They can fit, but they'll "pooch" out a bit.

I should have no problems fitting a 195/60; it has 195/55 on it now and I can get an index finger in between the inner fender and the tire.

Posted by: Jamie Sep 18 2017, 01:19 PM

I've been running Michelin Exalto 205/65x15 on my original 5.5" steelies for several years with only a minor inside rub when turning lock to lock. They are very close to original diameter, but way better for traction in all weather!

Posted by: horizontally-opposed Sep 18 2017, 03:09 PM

Used to run 205/55R15s. Liked the width and performance, but eventually looked wrong to me. Less so now, as period 914 race cars ran race tires of similar dimensions.

Even so, I like 195/65 and 205/60, and there are a couple of interesting choices in both categories. Remember that nearly any tire of today is a faaaaaar better tire than anything the 914 came equipped with.

The Pirelli is N-spec (Porsche approved) and is probably the only summer performance tire available in one of these sizes. Looks great on the cars, with nice sidewall bulge and it is sure to fit the wheel wells on most 914s. The Yokohama is a great autocross tire (there are almost certainly better ones) with a great, simple sidewall but a pretty alien tread pattern. The BFG Comp T/A has long had me wondering about how it works on a 914, as the look is period right on a 914 so long as the white letters are faced in to hide them. As seen on the recent super clean 914-6 GT tribute that sold on BaT for $55k....

Posted by: horizontally-opposed Sep 18 2017, 03:10 PM

Used to run 205/55R15s. Liked the width and performance, but eventually looked wrong to me. Less so now, as period 914 race cars ran race tires of similar dimensions.

Even so, I like 195/65 and 205/60, and there are a couple of interesting choices in both categories. Remember that nearly any tire of today is a faaaaaar better tire than anything the 914 came equipped with.

The Pirelli is N-spec (Porsche approved) and is probably the only summer performance tire available in one of these sizes. Looks great on the cars, with nice sidewall bulge and it is sure to fit the wheel wells on most 914s. The Yokohama is a great autocross tire (there are almost certainly better ones) with a great, simple sidewall but a pretty alien tread pattern. The BFG Comp T/A has long had me wondering about how it works on a 914, as the look is period right on a 914 so long as the white letters are faced in to hide them. As seen on the recent super clean 914-6 GT tribute that sold on BaT for $55k....


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Posted by: ThreeV8s Oct 26 2017, 06:51 PM

I picked up a set of Firestone Firehawk AS tires today. These are one of a small group of "high performance all season" tires in 195/65 R15 and the reviews are pretty good. Most in this size are touring, grand touring, etc.

I'm bringing this up because they are already inexpensive at $68/tire at the local firestone, but there is a $60 rebate right now on a set of 4 and a $100 rebate if you use a firestone credit card by Nov 12th. Normally I get tires from tire rack, but it made more sense in this case to pick them up locally. I will post a review once they're on the car. I can't imagine that just about anything in this size (with a speed rating of h or better) wouldn't be a huge improvement over the 165/80 tires that came with the car.

Posted by: euro911 Oct 26 2017, 07:09 PM

Heck, at that a price, how could you go wrong?

Let us know how they work out for ya ...

Posted by: GeorgeRud Oct 26 2017, 08:42 PM

195/65-15 Michelin Exaltos on 6x15” Fuchs look right to me.

Posted by: ThreeV8s Oct 27 2017, 04:24 AM

Most tires in this size and category (yokohama, sumitomo, etc.) are in this price range, and the higher priced tires aren't necessarily better. It's ranked #3 out of 17 in the category on tire rack. Time will tell.

Posted by: Cairo94507 Oct 27 2017, 08:16 AM

George, your car looks terrific.

Posted by: GregAmy Oct 27 2017, 08:30 AM

Exactly what I did end of September, except I went with 195/60-15. Local Firestone dealer matched Tire Rack's price and had me in and out quickly for around $330. Posted the following review on Tire Rack:

"Softer-sidewall tires than the BFGs I replaced; I could immediately feel the increased flex and slower transition during steering input. However, once they take a set there's not a lot of squirm, they're pretty stable. On the plus side, the ride is noticeably smoother and less harsh, so for a spirited street car this is a good compromise. Let's see how well they work out after some serious miles!"

Posted by: ThreeV8s Oct 27 2017, 08:51 AM

So that was you...I was hoping it was someone on the forum that might chime in.

Are you still happy with them?

I was truly hesitant to let them do the mounting and balancing for fear of them lifting the car incorrectly or screwing it up while behind the wheel, so I am taking them to a different shop. Glad it worked out for you.

Posted by: Guberif Oct 27 2017, 04:04 PM

Hey Darling Dave, I totally agree with you I love the 195/50ZR/15 (made by Yokohama - nla for the A-008 type)which I need to replace, can't even find any ZR rated tires anymore.

I've talked to you a couple of times on the phone years & years ago and you've always had Rock Solid advice.

So, here's my question.

I deffinately want to stay with the low pro's no debating that one - your dead right world of difference! But I would like to have more accurate speedo & I wouldnt mind having lower rpm's.

Where the 'Rub' is (forgive the pun) that my tires I have on my chrome rims are 185/65/15. the drivers rear clearance is super tight, can't even get my pinkie in between tire and well. do you know if these chrome rims are totally offset? or are they the same as the Fuch's? (I'll upload pic of the chrome ones)

I will be putting the new tires on my 2.0 L. OEM Fuch's .....so, If I were to go a little bigger with still a 50% would that work? Could you suggest any sizes to check out?

Sorry to ask this, there is no tire shop nearby so I will be having to order over the internet, so I cant just go down to a shop or anything of the sort, that and like I said - great advice before - thanks.

Bonnie

Posted by: GregAmy Oct 27 2017, 05:14 PM

I am still happy with the tires after 1500 miles or so. I tend to like a really "tight" car with quick response - I'm used to racing FWD cars with 1800#/in rear springs and big bars - and these Firestones are markedly less responsive than the BFGs. But I still think the compromise in ride quality is worth it.They ride better on the highway, are quieter, and even my wife noticed the improved smoothness, so it's all a plus.

I'll tell ya, I was worried about leaving a 43-yr-old car with Fuchs and walking away to go to work, mostly because I thought they might tear them or the center caps up. But I've gotten stuff from this Firestone shop in the past (couple sets of tires for the Excursion) and they did a good job. I did re-check the torque and it was slightly over-tight, but otherwise no marks on the wheels or caps. Underside looks fine.

Posted by: ThreeV8s Oct 27 2017, 07:46 PM

That's good to hear and I think these will work out well for their intended purpose. Thank you very much for the feedback. I'm generally the same way when it comes to sports cars...would take internal bleeding over mush normally, but this car has different purpose for me. I've never had so much fun going slow. We had bridgestone RE11s mounted on the 911 last fall and love them, but there is nothing even close in the 195/65 size.

It can be a crapshoot with those places and glad you have a good one. Like a car dealership's service department, there are varying levels of talent, and I'm just not that lucky.

Posted by: Dave_Darling Oct 27 2017, 11:18 PM

It is likely that your chrome wheels are not the same offset as the stock 914 wheels. Bug wheels, for instance, usually place the tires further out in the fenders.

It would be exceedingly unusual if you couldn't fit 195s on Fuchs under stock fenders. There's a pretty decent chance you could fit 205s--and you can be pretty certain if you're willing to flatten or trim the fender lip.

A set of 205/65-15 should be close to the original diameter. Also 205/60-15. Both are good choices for a 914.

--DD

Posted by: euro911 Oct 28 2017, 10:09 AM

Bonnie, some 914s came out of the factory with non-symmetrical rear suspension too. The rear track is wider than the front to begin with, so fitting wider wheels is sort of iffy, especially if the offset/backspacing of the wheels isn't correct for the car.

I installed a nice set of 5.5" EMPI 8-spoke freshly powder-coated wheels with Falken 195/65-15 tires on the '71, but the left rear rubbed the fender lip ... The backspacing on those wheels was for VW Bugs/Ghias/Squrebacks, etc. - so I sold them. I stated this issue in my for sale ad, and they fit just fine on the gentleman's car who purchased them.

I doubt you'll have any issues with the (real) factory 4-lug Fuchs wheels though, they have the correct backspacing. Typically, 195/65's on those will present no issues, and a lot of folks do run with 205/60s with no issues either.

In any event, you can install your 'un-tired' wheels on the rear and measure the distance to the fender lip about 2~3" above the outer rim of the wheels (where the tire will be wider than the wheel itself) to see how much clearance you'll have. Caution, though, some manufacturer's tires are a tad wider, even if listed as the same size.

Posted by: ThreeV8s Nov 21 2017, 08:24 PM

I had the Firehawks mounted today. From the ride home which was a mix of highway and back roads, it’s a significant change from the tires that were on there. The car feels much more composed over road imperfections and inspires much more confidence all around. It’s not an apples to apples comparison since it’s a completely different size and type of tire, but I can say that I am very happy with these so far.

Also, I kept the 165/80s in case anyone needs them and placed an ad for the free set of 4 in the classified section:
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=320073

Posted by: Mike1981 Nov 22 2017, 01:55 PM

Hello
On my last car I ran
205-50-15 Potenza summer tires
Stuck like glue in the turns and really enhanced the dynamics of the car.

Currently I have all season 205-50-15 front and 225-50-15 rear

Not bad tires, just not as inspiring in the turns.

Lower profiles Pros:

Better feel
Better cornering
Better dynamic performance

Cons

Lower to the ground
Could scrape pavement
Harsher ride
Rear wheel well not filled in as much (this can be adjusted)

IMHO I like the sportier ride and the grip of the summer tires better than the softer ride of the taller aspect ratio tires.

Hope this helps

Posted by: rhodyguy Nov 23 2017, 11:13 AM

Pep boys had some great pricing on 185/65-15 all season.