tires to fit my new empi-fuchs replica wheels, Pirelli cinturato or vredestein sprint classic Options

[boxster914]

I have decided to get these empi Fuchs replica wheels for my 71 Irish green 914.

http://www.autoatlanta.com/Porsche-Empi-Fu...EPI9681KIT.html

tire rack is telling me that my only two options for tires on these wheels is 165 80 15

pirelli cintuarto or vredestein sprint classics.

Currently the car has p185 65r15 86t m+s uniroyal tiger paw's on the stock steel wheels.

Does the "80" mean that the profile will be much thicker than the "65" of the current tire?

Are these good tires? are there other options? are there other vendors other than tire rack?

[Racer]

Tirerack will only tell you an OEM size - hence the 165 suggestions. Most folks want more rubber on the road and more options are available now than in the early 1970s.

Lots of tires fit on a 914 depending on:

1) ride height
2) alignment
3) rear spring rate
4) if fender lips are rolled
5) The chosen RIM. Factory dimensions/offset are best.

Assuming #5, you should be able to fit anywhere from a 155 to a 205 width tire.

Tire nomenclenture:

sample: 185/70-15

185 = width of tire in mm
70 = aspect ratio, or sidewall height expressed as a percentage of the tires width. In our sample, 70% of 185 = 129.5mm of sidewall height
15 = is the rim diameter.

You can find tire calculators online and then you could compare the stock size to any number of possible alternatives and it would show the impact (ie, speedometer error, overall size difference etc)
But yes, a 165/80 is a much "taller" tire than say a 205/50.

https://tiresize.com/calculator/


Over the years I've run various sizes.. 165/80-15, 185/70-15, 195/60-15, 195/50-15 and 205-50-15 all on the stock 5.5x15 porsche rims. Your desired appearance, performance and availability will all impact your choices. imho, over the years my favorite was 195/60-15 "sticky" tires from the 1990s. Because I run more towards performance vs stock appearance, i would be inclined to run a 205/50-15. But the simple fun of sliding the car on 165/80's has a certain appeal as these cars have moved well past being "fast" or even sporty and are appreciated for simply still being around after 50 years.