Aftermarket Rims and Tire Size Options

[JohnS]

I just bought a 1973 914 1.7L and some aftermarket 8 spoke EMPI style rims came with it. I don't know the rim manufacturer. The rims are 15 inch diameter, 5.5 inch width, 4x130mm lug with a 32mm offset. Can anybody let me know what size tires are likely to fit without any modifications to the car body? Any help would be appreciated

[drem914]

I just bought a 1973 914 1.7L and some aftermarket 8 spoke EMPI style rims came with it. I don't know the rim manufacturer. The rims are 15 inch diameter, 5.5 inch width, 4x130mm lug with a 32mm offset. Can anybody let me know what size tires are likely to fit without any modifications to the car body? Any help would be appreciated

It has been a couple years since I had sold my set after doing a 5 lug conversion and if I recall correctly they were 195/65-15 or 195/60-15 which was probably a little to wide for the wheel itself. Mine were the same kind in black.

[porschetub]

I just bought a 1973 914 1.7L and some aftermarket 8 spoke EMPI style rims came with it. I don't know the rim manufacturer. The rims are 15 inch diameter, 5.5 inch width, 4x130mm lug with a 32mm offset. Can anybody let me know what size tires are likely to fit without any modifications to the car body? Any help would be appreciated

It has been a couple years since I had sold my set after doing a 5 lug conversion and if I recall correctly they were 195/65-15 or 195/60-15 which was probably a little to wide for the wheel itself. Mine were the same kind in black.

Seem to remember from the tyre match calculators 195 width tyre are too wide for a 5 1/2" rim however if it is a high profile tyre it works as many on here have done with factory supplied rims of the same width,just don't drop the profile too much or you will have a tyre too pumped for the rim and will throw your speedo out and provide a firmer ride also.
Certain someone mentioned 195/65/15 was correct but could be wrong,body mods will never be required with these rims,cheers.

[JohnS]

I just bought a 1973 914 1.7L and some aftermarket 8 spoke EMPI style rims came with it. I don't know the rim manufacturer. The rims are 15 inch diameter, 5.5 inch width, 4x130mm lug with a 32mm offset. Can anybody let me know what size tires are likely to fit without any modifications to the car body? Any help would be appreciated

It has been a couple years since I had sold my set after doing a 5 lug conversion and if I recall correctly they were 195/65-15 or 195/60-15 which was probably a little to wide for the wheel itself. Mine were the same kind in black.

Thanks for the info.

[JohnS]

I just bought a 1973 914 1.7L and some aftermarket 8 spoke EMPI style rims came with it. I don't know the rim manufacturer. The rims are 15 inch diameter, 5.5 inch width, 4x130mm lug with a 32mm offset. Can anybody let me know what size tires are likely to fit without any modifications to the car body? Any help would be appreciated

It has been a couple years since I had sold my set after doing a 5 lug conversion and if I recall correctly they were 195/65-15 or 195/60-15 which was probably a little to wide for the wheel itself. Mine were the same kind in black.

Seem to remember from the tyre match calculators 195 width tyre are too wide for a 5 1/2" rim however if it is a high profile tyre it works as many on here have done with factory supplied rims of the same width,just don't drop the profile too much or you will have a tyre too pumped for the rim and will throw your speedo out and provide a firmer ride also.
Certain someone mentioned 195/65/15 was correct but could be wrong,body mods will never be required with these rims,cheers.

Thanks for the help.

[dr914@autoatlanta.com]

both wheels have a vw bug offset (I call it an outset!) so you cannot wear the widest tire. 165x15 fits for sure, but maybe 195/65x15. You would have to try these before buying, and that wider size may fit one side but not the other due to body variations. Back when the cars were new, all the dealers virtually had were 165x15 tires so selling and installing aftermarket empi wheels was easy and made them extra money

[advman89]

I have a set of 165/80 15s on my EMPIs (how can I tell if they are real?) and in need of tires. Looking for options myself!

This is what TireRack has listed:
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSearchRe...rearDiameter=17

"Classic" or "Vredestein"

[JFG]

avon 185/65 15" on mine. et 35. narrow body car. no tyre rub or roll when cornering. although i may need to lower the rear pressures. I haven't had a speeding ticket yet either, although now that my speedo has stopped working that may change (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)


https://www.sspwheels.co.uk/gas-burner

[SirAndy]

both wheels have a vw bug offset

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

Wrong offset for the 914, i'd be surprised if you can use 195s on them without having to roll the fenders.
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

[sholman5]

I have 6 1/2 x 15 minilites with 195-60-15. There is about a 1/2 inch clearance on the rear wheel well.

[IronHillRestorations]

I put 195/60's on those kind of wheels, and had one that barely rubbed the lip on one side on the rear. This was back in the day when a good 914 was still a budget car, and I didn't want to attempt to roll the lip, which hadn't done before.

I got creative and took a jig saw with a metal cutting blade and shaved a little off the lip, re-painted it and it worked out fine. The problem I have with rolling the lip is it gives a pocket to collect mud and rust causing smeg.