Tire Size Options

[Ken Mikos]

Would someone be able to tell me what is the largest tire I can put on a stock suspension with a 15.5 wheel.

Currently running 185x65x15 and want to go a little more aggressive without tires rubbing on the fenders.

THanks (IMG:style_emoticons/default/santa_smiley.gif)

[horizontally-opposed]

There are actually some good choices in this size, including two summer performance tires.

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSearchRe...rearDiameter=17


Unfortunately, Pirelli has gone mad with its pricing for the P6000 N-spec—2x what it was not long ago and priced higher than supercar-sized 20s. More expensive than an Avon now... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/barf.gif)

That'd have me looking at the Vredestein summer tire, but not sure I can deal with those over-styled sidewalls on a size with a tall sidewall. Looks like a wall with graffiti on it.

So....that has me looking at the Sumitomo. My experience with more recent high-performance all-seasons suggests some are as good as (if not better than…) many summer tires of not long ago and even now. I really wish the Pilot Sport AS/3 was available in our sizes. Simple sidewall, timeless (enough) tread pattern, and transformed our old Abarth. But the only application for our cars is 205/55R16 if you're on 16x6s.

For a driver? I'd take a hard look at the Sumitomo, which also has a blessedly simple sidewall that won't distract from the 914's period appeal.

[scallyk9]

There are actually some good choices in this size, including two summer performance tires.

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSearchRe...rearDiameter=17


Unfortunately, Pirelli has gone mad with its pricing for the P6000 N-spec—2x what it was not long ago and priced higher than supercar-sized 20s. More expensive than an Avon now... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/barf.gif)

That'd have me looking at the Vredestein summer tire, but not sure I can deal with those over-styled sidewalls on a size with a tall sidewall. Looks like a wall with graffiti on it.

So....that has me looking at the Sumitomo. My experience with more recent high-performance all-seasons suggests some are as good as (if not better than…) many summer tires of not long ago and even now. I really wish the Pilot Sport AS/3 was available in our sizes. Simple sidewall, timeless (enough) tread pattern, and transformed our old Abarth. But the only application for our cars is 205/55R16 if you're on 16x6s.

For a driver? I'd take a hard look at the Sumitomo, which also has a blessedly simple sidewall that won't distract from the 914's period appeal.

Glad I saw your post. I have a set of Sumitomo HTR A/S P02 in 205-60-15 on the way from Tire Rack. These are for my 3.2L conversion 914 but I already have a tires in that size on my Bumblebee. Tire Rack seemed to like them with an excellent video comparing them with 3 other Ultra High Performance All Season tires and noted them as rating 98% against the best in their class, the best not being available for a 15" wheel. I found Tire Rack to have a considerably smaller selection for 15" diameter this time around.

The 205s on my LE will rub a little on the front inside at full steering lock but at full steering lock, I've got other problems anyway, and they give me an 8.1" wide tire patch.