That dreaded tire question, Mahle's Options

[tracks914]

Before I go out and sink $500 on new tires, I thought I would ask the question. I do recall some rims and suspension combinations don't work and that the stock tire size is about 5-10 MPH off @ 100mph but...what can I expect with....
Here is what I have;
1972 914 1.7 stock suspension.
1973? Mahle 914 361 015 00 rims
I would like to put P205 15R 60 Dunlop SR tires on the car.
I have read that this tire size is the largest I can put on without the tire rubbing/touching and yet the speedometer might be more accurate because of the reduced tire circumference.

Tx
Doug

[7391420]

I tried 205 60's with my 2.0 alloys and they rubbed...

so I ended up with 195 65's, they were the largest I could get to fit..but each tire mfg's sizes are a bit off, the 205's I tried were yokohamas...I forget the style, maybe Avid H 4? I 'm not sure

if you try a few you may find a set of 205's that work...

-My set up is also more or less stock-ride height, etc..

[Dave_Darling]

205s usually fit, but they don't always fit. If you wanna be sure, get 195/65-15.

Note that cars with negative camber usually can fit the wider tires better than cars with near-zero (or positive, ulp!) camber.

--DD

[dmenche914]

My 914, with stock 4 lug Fuchs ran great with 195 50 series. Friend had 205 50 series, and had to bend the rear fender lip ever so little. (his Fuch were repo's) Both are cars were slammed very low, 150 lbs rear springs, front sway bar (do not use a rear bar, it made handling worse, we tried it, uck!!!)

Handling is like glue on fly paper, hitting corners at fu%$#ng crazy speeds with this set up. i loved to scare the crap out of passengers, or other drivers that thought I'd be sliding right into them, it sgreat, turn the wheel, and the car goes 90 degrees around a corner, no tire sliding, just pure stick tothe road.

These were both daily drivers, commuter cars, 50+ miles each day, ride was not too rough, as some had warned us.

I'd go for 50 series, all the better to hang the corners. Your speedo can be re-calibrated to any tire combo. Palo Alto Speedo service can do it, but it costs.

dave

[tracks914]

I tried 205 60's with my 2.0 alloys and they rubbed...

Where did they rub? On the inside fender while turning the wheel sharp or on the fender lip?

[markb]

I've got Dunlop A2's with 205 60 15's on Mahles, and they fit fine. It does seem to depend upon the car, tho.

[tracks914]

I've got Dunlop A2's with 205 60 15's on Mahles, and they fit fine. It does seem to depend upon the car, tho.

Is that on your 72 daily driver?

[markb]

I've got Dunlop A2's with 205 60 15's on Mahles, and they fit fine. It does seem to depend upon the car, tho.

Is that on your 72 daily driver?

That's the one.

[914werke]

On my 73 before changing to the curent Fuch's I had the same setup: 205x60 In BFG EuroT/A's, on Mahles. Fit fine no rub but crappy tyrs. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)