Tires, Choices |
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Tires, Choices |
sithot |
Feb 18 2019, 11:12 AM
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#1
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Member Group: Members Posts: 446 Joined: 25-October 06 From: Virginia Member No.: 7,090 Region Association: None |
My car has 205/50/15's on it which make it squirt out of a turn from low speeds. OTOH, the ride isn't the finest but I can live with it because I have cars that ride nice.
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif) I've come down with some choices mostly based on dry grip and not so much about ride quality. Sizes are limited. Dunlop Direzza in 205/55/15 to add some height (although a 50 series is fun!) G-FORCE SPORT COMP-2 - SIZE: 195/55R15 because that's all they make Pirelli P6000 185/70/15 Avon in either 175/70/15 or 185/70/15 I'm familiar with the Avon from friends who run them on early 911's. There's a guy who uses them on 4.5 Fuchs in the 175 size and they say he's not easy to get away from on a back road. Opinions welcome. |
TheWeatherMan |
Feb 18 2019, 11:16 AM
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#2
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Newbie Group: Members Posts: 18 Joined: 2-July 17 From: Vienna, VA Member No.: 21,222 Region Association: MidAtlantic Region |
I use:
195/55R-15 Dunlop Direzza ZII very sticky |
thelogo |
Feb 18 2019, 02:08 PM
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#3
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Senior Member Group: Retired Members Posts: 1,510 Joined: 6-April 10 Member No.: 11,572 Region Association: None |
Cooper touring cs4 , great tire , real solid sidewall
Made in usa Cant go wrong Stay away from extremely expensive pirellis |
RolinkHaus |
Feb 18 2019, 03:05 PM
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#4
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Member Group: Members Posts: 253 Joined: 21-July 18 From: Noblesville, IN Member No.: 22,330 Region Association: None |
Toyo PROXES R1R
195/50/15 <------- pictured here |
mountainroads |
Feb 18 2019, 03:19 PM
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#5
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Member Group: Members Posts: 210 Joined: 19-February 12 From: Seattle Member No.: 14,145 Region Association: Pacific Northwest |
Stay away from extremely expensive pirellis OP doesn't specify rim width, but I've been looking for replacements for my 205/60/R15 Goodyears which I haven't been thrilled with, over7X15 Fuchs, so I appreciate the topic. 205/55/15 sounds like a good option. Out of curiosity, what is your objection to Pirellis, other than possibly price? - MR |
Mark Henry |
Feb 18 2019, 07:11 PM
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#6
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that's what I do! Group: Members Posts: 20,065 Joined: 27-December 02 From: Port Hope, Ontario Member No.: 26 Region Association: Canada |
The new car I picked up has Yokohama S-drive, 205/55-15. No idea if they're any good but they're a summer sport tire.
I like a bit taller tire to fill up the wheel well, I wish they came in a /60. |
Cal |
Feb 18 2019, 08:03 PM
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#7
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Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 614 Joined: 19-November 14 From: Philadelphia Member No.: 18,138 Region Association: North East States |
Here's an interesting article that compares several period style tires.....Vredestein, Michelin, Pirelli and Blockley tires in the 185/70 R15 size. The Vredestein stacks up pretty well.
https://www.cinturato.net/images/test-classic-tyres-0716.pdf |
horizontally-opposed |
Feb 18 2019, 08:42 PM
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#8
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Advanced Member Group: Members Posts: 3,430 Joined: 12-May 04 From: San Francisco Member No.: 2,058 Region Association: None |
My car has 205/50/15's on it which make it squirt out of a turn from low speeds. OTOH, the ride isn't the finest but I can live with it because I have cars that ride nice. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif) I've come down with some choices mostly based on dry grip and not so much about ride quality. Sizes are limited. Dunlop Direzza in 205/55/15 to add some height (although a 50 series is fun!) G-FORCE SPORT COMP-2 - SIZE: 195/55R15 because that's all they make Pirelli P6000 185/70/15 Avon in either 175/70/15 or 185/70/15 I'm familiar with the Avon from friends who run them on early 911's. There's a guy who uses them on 4.5 Fuchs in the 175 size and they say he's not easy to get away from on a back road. Opinions welcome. From this thread: http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?sho...39516&st=20 I'll leave the 14s and the CW tires to Coker Tire (where you can also buy Model T tires) and stick to what appealed to me as period-correct (or at least not "period WRONG") and still sporting options for a narrow 914 after a ton of personal research, phone calls, internet surfing, etc. Coker Tire/Michelin XWX 185/70R15 (the hot tire of the day, standard equipment on the 911S and the +0 upgrade for 914s) Notes: Can't get my head around $348 each for a tire this small, with such dated technology. Too concours/show & tell-oriented for me, and way too expensive to boot. Find them here: https://www.cokertire.com/tires/michelin-xwx.html Vredestein Sprint Classic 185/70R15 (the reasonably priced tire if you want period looks and decent performance) Notes: Period tread pattern and sidewalls, probably better than the Coker Michelin XWX and a LOT less expensive at $140 each; nice steering response, nice ride, not so great in terms of ultimate grip. Bought a set 8-10 years ago. Just weren't for me, but a lot of people like them. Find them here: http://www.vulcantire.com/cgi-bin/tiresear...t_classic_t.cst Avon CR6ZZ 185/70R15 (just bought a set, will mount them shortly...) Notes: We'll see about ride and handling, but everyone raves about them; definitely have the period look, with tall, plain sidewalls. Available in three compounds, with 29 being the hardest and 31 being the softest (you want 29s for the street). Narrower than I wanted, but I am told even the hardest version has a LOT more grip than any street-spec 195 or 205. Roger Kraus Racing carries them for $280/tire. Not cheap—unless you compare them to Coker XWXs. They do seem like good value against a modern N-spec Porsche tire, given their specialty nature—though they won't last as long. You can also get CR6ZZs in 215/60R15. Find them here: http://rogerkrausracing.com/pages/pricing.html Dunlop SP Sport 195/65R15 (a good middle of the road, affordable tire with reasonable grip by modern standards and a sidewall and tread pattern that don't look completely alien on a 1970s car) Notes: Sidewall too modern for me, but better than most. A favored tire of Rod and Gary Emory for street-oriented 356 hot rods where Hoosiers won't work. Grip okay, ride okay, but distinctly not sporting—even if they are probably superior to the best tires of the 1970s. Bought a set, but am taking them off after 1,000~ miles. Just not for me. But: $65~ each is a bargain for what you get. Find them here: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?gc...0160211172230:s Michelin Pilot Sport All-Season 3 205/55R16 (what a great street tire!) Notes: I almost moved on to 16-inch wheels just to mount a set of these. I put a set of them on our 2013 Abarth at $129~/tire and it may be my new favorite street tire. It's AVS Intermediate good, and maybe better. Crazy grip (better than many summer tires, apparently), very quiet, and carries a tread wear rating of 500. I'm not expecting that long a life given the grip, but will be fun finding out if it's hogwash. If the Avons don't work out, this may be my next plan. Find them here: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?ti...romCompare1=yes Michelin TB & TB15 (perfection, at a price) If I was running a GT-flared 914 on 15-inch wheels, and perhaps one day I might be, the choice would be a lot simpler. I'd run Michelin TB15 tires (vintage race/tarmac rally tire) on 15x7&9-inch Fuchs. They have wonderful grip, REALLY nice steering response, and killer good looks. Jeff Zwart is running them on his yellow 914-6, and I was blown away by them. The fronts are 215/55R15, the rears are racing sizes but not all that hard to figure out for the back of a 914 (the same size as the front of a RSR 2.8). Find them here: http://www.summitracing.com/search/product...elin-tb15-tires Hope this is helpful for someone else! Will say, with hindsight, I would have done the soft-compound CR6ZZ over the hardest. They wear better than expected, and I wouldn't mind something softer. I'd also take a hard look at the P6000 N2 in 195/65R15 (might be a better street tire, and the 195's bulge looks great on a 5.5- or 6.0-inch wheel), the Yoko A-048 in 205/60R15 (may rub a bit, depending on your 914's rear fenders), and the Direzza in 205/55R15 (ran 205/55s for years, and liked them, but have wanted a taller sidewall lately). It's really too bad the Michelin AS/3 isn't available in 195/65R15...would be the perfect 914 tire. Simple sidewall, timeless tread, great handling in any weather, etc. |
thelogo |
Feb 18 2019, 09:19 PM
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#9
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Senior Member Group: Retired Members Posts: 1,510 Joined: 6-April 10 Member No.: 11,572 Region Association: None |
[quote name='mountainroads' date='Feb 18 2019, 01:19 PM' post='2690210']
[quote name='thelogo' post='2690186' date='Feb 18 2019, 12:08 PM'] Stay away from extremely expensive pirellis [/quote] OP doesn't specify rim width, but I've been looking for replacements for my 205/60/R15 Goodyears which I haven't been thrilled with, over7X15 Fuchs, so I appreciate the topic. 205/55/15 sounds like a good option. Out of curiosity, what is your objection to Pirellis, other than possibly price? - MR [/quo The pirelli are like 194$ per tire or something right ?; |
sithot |
Feb 19 2019, 07:06 AM
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#10
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Member Group: Members Posts: 446 Joined: 25-October 06 From: Virginia Member No.: 7,090 Region Association: None |
"Dry" handling numbers in the 8's are more to my liking. Grand Touring tires are generally in the 7's. As a 100% fair weather driver, wet traction isn't a concern.
Pirelli P6000 - 7.9 dry (195/65) Goodyear G-Force - 9.0 dry (195/55) Direzza DZ102 - 8.7 dry (195/55) Direzza ZIII - unknown but should surpass the DZ102 Yokohama S Drive - 8.6 (195/55) Toyo PROXES R1R - GOK? They are liked by the go-fast crowd. Yokohama ADVAN A048 - 9.1 (205/60 or 205/50) Pricey but here is your 205/60, Mark. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/piratenanner.gif) (They won't to win any wear or ride contests but they do work.) |
Cairo94507 |
Feb 19 2019, 07:54 AM
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#11
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Michael Group: Members Posts: 9,650 Joined: 1-November 08 From: Auburn, CA Member No.: 9,712 Region Association: Northern California |
I just had a set of Yokohama 205/55R-15's shipped to Harvey for my wheels. The price is right and it gets a set on the car and if I am able to then upsize down the road, I would prefer a 60 series, then I can do that with ease. But for initial fitment I needed to know how it was all going to fit. I had my deep sixes widened on the back side by 1" and we raised my spindles by 17MM. I am hoping to be able to pick them up this coming Saturday morning. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
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sithot |
Feb 19 2019, 08:03 AM
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#12
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Member Group: Members Posts: 446 Joined: 25-October 06 From: Virginia Member No.: 7,090 Region Association: None |
I just had a set of Yokohama 205/55R-15's shipped to Harvey for my wheels. The price is right and it gets a set on the car and if I am able to then upsize down the road, I would prefer a 60 series, then I can do that with ease. But for initial fitment I needed to know how it was all going to fit. I had my deep sixes widened on the back side by 1" and we raised my spindles by 17MM. I am hoping to be able to pick them up this coming Saturday morning. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) Letting Harvey mount them is the best money you'll spend. He once told me the story of a set of wheels which a restoration shop wanted to mount the tires themselves. (He offered, they declined) The shop ended up damaging a wheel which required it to be sent back for another restoration. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif) You can't beat a man at his own game. |
Cairo94507 |
Feb 19 2019, 10:12 AM
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#13
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Michael Group: Members Posts: 9,650 Joined: 1-November 08 From: Auburn, CA Member No.: 9,712 Region Association: Northern California |
Exactly why Harvey is mounting and balancing them. Just makes sense. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
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marksteinhilber |
Feb 19 2019, 12:21 PM
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#14
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Member Group: Members Posts: 229 Joined: 18-October 12 From: Foothill Ranch, CA 92610 Member No.: 15,057 Region Association: Southern California |
Falken Azenis 205x 50x15 sticky summer street legal. No penalty for rating at AX UTQC 200
Toyo Proxes R888 similar with more sizes. Note: check overall diameter for any tire you choose. It dramatically effects your gearing> This can be a help at autocross depending on speeds expected along the course and the amount of shifting you will need to do. Don't get tires like this if you plan to drive in rain..... |
Dougal Cawley |
Feb 20 2019, 10:34 AM
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#15
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Newbie Group: Members Posts: 18 Joined: 23-March 17 From: Longstone Tyres Member No.: 20,953 Region Association: England |
Have you guys tried the new Pirelli tyres that have been tested and homologated by Porsche.
they make 165VR15 Cinturato CN36 N4 185/70WR15 Cinturato CN36 N4 215/60WR15 CN36 N4 205/50ZR15 Cinturato P7 225/50ZR15 Cinturato P7 and they are now making some more P7 tyres in 16" for later 911 Howver all things considered these are the best tyres to fit to Porsche. I would strongly recomend keeping away from anything lower than a 70% profile tyre on your cars because they just won't handle as well. tyres like a 195/65R15 will have a carcass that is designed for a much more modern chassis. you can get these tyres from Lucas Classic Tires in the States https://www.lucasclassictires.com/Porsche-911-Tires_c219.htm |
horizontally-opposed |
Feb 20 2019, 12:38 PM
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#16
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Advanced Member Group: Members Posts: 3,430 Joined: 12-May 04 From: San Francisco Member No.: 2,058 Region Association: None |
Only thing to think about when picking tires per grip levels is characteristics.
I find I don't like most "square-shouldered" tires. They may have a lot of grip, but the shoulder design seems to have a fair bit to do with how a tire acts and communicates on the way up to its 7-8-9 in grip. I had a set of very square shouldered tires from a well known manufacturer that ruined not just my 914 but also my WRX. Plenty of grip, but with a cliff. Not too useful, and treacherous in the rain. YMMV… |
Racer |
Feb 20 2019, 01:01 PM
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#17
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Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 787 Joined: 25-August 03 From: Northern Virginia Member No.: 1,073 Region Association: MidAtlantic Region |
My car has 205/50/15's on it which make it squirt out of a turn from low speeds. OTOH, the ride isn't the finest but I can live with it because I have cars that ride nice. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif) I've come down with some choices mostly based on dry grip and not so much about ride quality. Sizes are limited. Dunlop Direzza in 205/55/15 to add some height (although a 50 series is fun!) G-FORCE SPORT COMP-2 - SIZE: 195/55R15 because that's all they make Pirelli P6000 185/70/15 Avon in either 175/70/15 or 185/70/15 I'm familiar with the Avon from friends who run them on early 911's. There's a guy who uses them on 4.5 Fuchs in the 175 size and they say he's not easy to get away from on a back road. Opinions welcome. of the choices listed, I would go with the Dunlops if beholden to a 55 series tire. If willing to keep the 50 series, a 205/50 opens the door to a lot more choices. I have 14" rims.. The only sporting tire I find is the Falken Azenis 615. Its a really nice tire btw. No road noise like the R888. Sticky too. Depending on how many miles, or your use, whatever you by will likely "time out" before it "wears out". I bought my Falkens in 2016. They are considerably less sticky now than when new, but as expected, plenty of tread left. Just takes some warming up to make them sticky again. |
Amphicar770 |
Feb 20 2019, 02:02 PM
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#18
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Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 1,181 Joined: 20-April 10 From: PA, USA Member No.: 11,639 Region Association: MidAtlantic Region |
I have the Pilot's on my car in 195/65-15. They are what was on the car when I bought it. I really like them but they are getting old and should probably be replaced soon.
Problem is that these are no longer offered in this size and there do not seem to be many other options besides generic all seasons. I only drive her in Spring Summer. I think I can get Vredestein SPORTRAC 5 in 195/65 R15 91H. Should I go with those or should I be considering an alternate size tire? |
Dougal Cawley |
Feb 21 2019, 04:49 AM
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#19
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Newbie Group: Members Posts: 18 Joined: 23-March 17 From: Longstone Tyres Member No.: 20,953 Region Association: England |
195/55R15 is completely the wrong diameter
80% of the correct 165 = a side wall height of 132mm 55% of 195mm = side wall height of 107mm so that tyre will be an inch too small in radius. so gearing wrong as well as handling effected. the lower profile you go and the wider you go the more derogatory effects on handling. With racing cars, (which is totally different to road cars.) these cars are lowered with stiffer suspension, and they change the camber and caster, so it is like a wholey different car. which is then not so suitable for the road. The effects of putting wider lower, profile, squarer shouldered tyres on a car like that are that because you have relatively soft suspension, and because the wheels stay parallel with the car (instead of adding adverse camber as the car rolls) as you corner and the car leans, it climbs onto the shoulder of the tyre lifting the inside edge, which creates a sudden loss of grip, so the idea that they give more grip, is not as clear cut as it might seem. the tyre itself offers more grip, but only when you have the chassis to suit. |
sithot |
Feb 21 2019, 06:47 AM
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#20
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Member Group: Members Posts: 446 Joined: 25-October 06 From: Virginia Member No.: 7,090 Region Association: None |
Anyone who has auto-x'd one of these would heartily disagree. My car was originally owned by an ex-AF pilot who still auto-x's at 86 in a Boxster or Cayman. Not in love with the looks of a 50 series tire but they do work very well. Slot car... Go-Kart...Video Game. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)
Also have a '74 911 with Goodyear Eagle Sport tires on it. They are 195/65x15 and I'm anxiously looking forward to taking them off the car. This is an another ex auto-x car with "suspension upgrades" and a warmed over engine. The tires don't take input without a moment of "indecision" before they take the line. That's unsettling. |
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