Original replacement tire.. what to use? Options

[tod914]

Looking for something as close to the original Dunlop SP for my car. As close
to the original size as possible. What do you guys suggest?

Thanks,

Tod

[1970 Neun vierzehn]

http://store.coker.com/

[JeffBowlsby]

Michelins were still available last I checked, also period correct. Special order and about $500 for 4, but for the silver car.... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Pat Garvey]

I hate to say it, but you have to go with Cocker if you want original spec.

I, personally, will not do it. No longer care about concours - just drivability.

Will put new rubber on over the winter. Will put it on my chromies. Time to start having fun with the 914. All the original parts are restored & ready for the next owner. For now, I'm going to drive.

Tires will probably be Yoko's. As fat as I can safely fit.

Sorry to be anti-sacrosanct, but I'm tired of being parked.
Pat

Yep - I've gone to the dark side.

[jonferns]

Yep - I've gone to the dark side.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/happy11.gif)

[tod914]

Pat I'm shocked. You might actually get water on it if you do that.

[championgt1]

Drive it!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

[Johny Blackstain]

Vredesteins are also available from Coker, 165 HR 15 86H, & much cheaper than Michelins.

[Porsche Rescue]

I have agonized over this many times. I just can't make myself spend $153 each plus shipping, mount and balance for Coker's Michelins. Vredesteins are cheaper ($105) and period correct but the Michelin is the only one still available that was OE. Kuhmo makes a 165/80x15 and it costs $45 at Tire Rack. I have used them on a '66 911 with stock 4.5" wheels and found them to be fine. If stock size is not first priority, 195/65x15 works very well and are available in many brands.

[tod914]

Thanks guys. My concern is to keep the odometer accurate without haveing to take it out and have it recalibrated for a different tire size. An issue I had with my 75. The smaller tires added close to 10K to the odometer by the time I sold that car.

[Porsche Rescue]

In that case I would buy the Kuhmo 165/80x15, or if you want 30 mm more width without rubbing issues, go with a 195/65x15. It will induce only 1.6% speedo error which is negligible. The speedo itself is likely off by that much in one way or the other. At the top of this page is "914 Info". Go there and you will find a tire size caluculator that will give you all you need to know.
Frankly, since I don't view a stock 914 as a "performance" car by today's standards, but rather a fun handling car, I like the nimble feel provided by the stock 165 size. My '70 came with 155's on 4.5" wheels and I may install those (Vredestein $68) to feed my originality fetish.

[Porsche Rescue]

Not to belabor the point (but I am!), I just checked the PET and learned that the speedo in my '70 with OE 155's is different that a '70 with 165's. That tells me that my speedo/odo will be most accurate if I use 155's.
Of course the stock size on your '75 would be 165.

[tod914]

Jim, 75 is sold and went to Brazil, to a collector. have to update my data. I replaced it with 74 with 25K on the clock. Think the prior owner had 22k on it when he 1st purchased it. Unfortunetly I have to keep the miles down to keep the value up. Might end up selling it and get something else. Have to see.
The Michelin XZX I recall seeing on some 914's before. Mainly as spares. Being the tires that are on it now are brand new by the PO, I should be able to sell them and offset some of the costs.

[Porsche Rescue]

A 25K original car deserves the Michelins. Maybe there is a source other than Coker but I haven't found it.
I have had many extemely low mile cars over the years. It is frustrating not to be able to use them without severe depreciation. I usually end up admiring and caressing them (dusting) and then selling to finance the next one.

[dempwolf@pctribe.com]

I don't want originality I want a softer ride. I've got Dunlops 205 50 ZR15 in the front and 225-50-ZR15 on the back. I've let air out of the tiresand the shocks are on the softest setting, but the jarring ride is getting me down. Don't want to change the entire suspension system since it goes well with motor and brakes. Your suggestions. Thanks Karl

[Porsche Rescue]

You have two things working against you. A "Z" rated tire will have a very stiff sidewall. And the lower the profile the less air "cushion" you have.

[dempwolf@pctribe.com]

There are 7" rim in the front and 8" in the back. Don't know if I can use the same rims with a profile of 60 in the front and 65 in the rear. What tires would you recomend, and racing the car is not one of the things I do. Thanks Karl

[Porsche Rescue]

With wheels that wide you must have flared fenders. Not sure there is a solution with wheels that wide. You need at least 205/225 for those wheels and those sizes are usually low profile. You might pose the question in the Garage.

Edit: I see you already did.

[davep]

If you want something really original, I think I have a Dunlop SP for sale....

[Pat Garvey]

Pat I'm shocked. You might actually get water on it if you do that.

Tod,

I didn't say anything about driving it with even the slightest threat of rain. Nor will Fritz every see a hose again.

I've been known (once, anyway) to hide under an overpass when rain appeared for 2 hours, until the road dried.

And I think I'm normal!?
Pat