Period Correct Tire Recommendations Options

[jagalyn]

I am looking for some period correct tires for my 74. Wondering if you have recommendations, experience or thoughts about which tire to buy.

There is an 'S' rated tire, a 'H' rated tire and a 'VR' rated tire. Because this car will be driven lightly and the fact that it is stored during winter months I wouldn't think the speed rating is really a factor.

Also, which tread do you like for a period correct car?

Any help would be appreciate.
Thanks,
Jeff

[wonkipop]

i run XAS on my 74 1,8

no complaints. progressive.
love the feel of the car with the old tall boy tyres.
am back in 1989. no smashing on hard bumps and pot holes.
light steering again.
so far i have not got into trouble.
i'm driving it reasonably hard on occasion but not stupid hard.

but - no good in the rain. i don't drive the 14 in the rain anymore.

eye popping expensive. (in aus ).

the pirellis are more $.
but closer to the original dunlop SPs the car once had.
down here the 911 boys run the pirellis.
seems to be the new groovy tyre of choice.
if you can get your hands on a set.
covid supply chain problems.

the XAS are N code, same as pirelli. ie porsche recommend.
if that means anything.
personally i don't think its all that relevant to a stock 914 small 4.
if you are driving the car lightly go for the vredestiens.
they are a lot cheaper (at least here in aus).
no point in handing out big $ for skinny michelins unless you are going to take corners at a little bit of speed and hold your breath.

all 3 you have posted at top look period right on a 914.
the michelins are period correct.
don't think XAS were so common in the USA but very common on porsches at that time in aus. think dunlop SP were a real north american thing, something to do with being also a reasonable tyre in real winters. i believe the SP was originally developed as a rally tyre. it was also one of the first great tyres to be made in japan. thats where they came from. the japanese dunlop plant.