Max Tire Width 4 Lug Fuchs?, To roll the wheel well lip or not? Options

[GeorgeKopf]

My chassis is at the stage where I have to make a decision on whether or not to roll the wheel well lip. I will be running the 4 lug 2.0 Fuchs (15 x 5.5).

I searched the forums but couldn't find an answer to my exact question.

What is the widest tire I can run with and without rolling the wheel well lip?
Does it make any difference?

I am interested in maximizing traction but I'm not willing to go to flared fenders.

Thanks.

George

[GeorgeKopf]

To provide a little more context.

My chassis is almost ready for paint. If I'm going to roll the wheel well lip, now is the time.

Am I correct in my belief that in order for the speedometer to be accurate the total tire diameter needs to be 25.5 inches? Saw this on Pelican.

205/60 = 4.8 inches on the sidewall + 15 = 24.6 inches.
205/65 = 25.4 inches
210/60 = 24.8 inches
210/65 = 25.65 inches

I'm assuming that there is no way a 210 tire will fit on a 914 without fender flares.

So I guess my question boils down to ....

If I roll the wheel well lip, can I put a 205/65, 210/60 or a 210/65 on the car?

Thanks.

George

[mihai914]

To provide a little more context.

My chassis is almost ready for paint. If I'm going to roll the wheel well lip, now is the time.

Am I correct in my belief that in order for the speedometer to be accurate the total tire diameter needs to be 25.5 inches? Saw this on Pelican.

205/60 = 4.8 inches on the sidewall + 15 = 24.6 inches.
205/65 = 25.4 inches
210/60 = 24.8 inches
210/65 = 25.65 inches

I'm assuming that there is no way a 210 tire will fit on a 914 without fender flares.

So I guess my question boils down to ....

If I roll the wheel well lip, can I put a 205/65, 210/60 or a 210/65 on the car?

Thanks.

George

If you're at this stage of the project, you might as well roll the fenders if you're considering anything over 195/65/15 and if it's not a big expense.

The way the body was assembled really dictates what will fit on your car without rubbing.

If speedo accuracy is a concern, you can also have the speedo recalibrated to fit your new tires.

And most of all, JamesJ is right, threadwear rating is important. A 195 or 185 tire with 180 threadwear is better than a 205 with 600 or 700. Unless you use the car as a daily driver, any tire you'll buy will dry out before wearing out.

[Chris914n6]

And most of all, JamesJ is right, threadwear rating is important. A 195 or 185 tire with 180 threadwear is better than a 205 with 600 or 700. Unless you use the car as a daily driver, any tire you'll buy will dry out before wearing out.

You have it backwards. A 195 or 185 is going to be the high mileage econo car tire size. I have seen 205 in the stickier <400. Something <200 is going to be a 205/50. 205/50-15 is common with track Miatas.

[JamesJ]

And most of all, JamesJ is right, threadwear rating is important. A 195 or 185 tire with 180 threadwear is better than a 205 with 600 or 700. Unless you use the car as a daily driver, any tire you'll buy will dry out before wearing out.

You have it backwards. A 195 or 185 is going to be the high mileage econo car tire size. I have seen 205 in the stickier <400. Something <200 is going to be a 205/50. 205/50-15 is common with track Miatas.

Respectfully, ahhhh, no.