So here's the thing. I've been running Dunlop Direzza Z1 Star Specs. They're a fast street tire, but I'm getting killed by a couple R-compound guys. Last night I came across a hell of a deal on some V710s; two 205/50/15s, never used: $160! I jumped on it, and I'll grab the other two when the Dunlops wear out.
Here's the question, the 195/55 Dunlops measure in at about 7-1/2" width, and fender clearance is a little close running Rivieras. The 710s, however, measure in at just over 9 inches (not mounted). Has anyone run V710s of that size on a narrow bodied car (rolling fenders is acceptable) with 5.5" rims, or will I HAVE to go to say a 7" rim with a deeper offset? Will mounting the tires change that measurement at all? Experience appreciated. Remember, it's for the good of the 914's track reputation.
My final question: Why is a race slick wider? Why does a 195 street tire measure in at 195mm, and a 205 race slick measure in at about 230mm? I've heard Hoosiers are wide too. Any explanations? Thanks.
Mark D.

All of the 205/50/15's that I've tried have fit the front of my car. Hoosiers, Kumho 700's, 710's, old Yohohamas back in the day. My fender lips are smashed flat, I hammered them down before I painted it. The rear is flared, no info there to help you.

A lot of 914s run 205s without the need of any modification. Some do require a slight fender roll. I don't know if the 205s will fit on a 5.5" rim as I have only seen them on 7s.

Yeah, well that's my real question. Kumho says it's okay to run them on a 5.5" rim. It's more a matter whether I can get them under the car on that rim. It's an offset thing. Thanks guys. Keep it coming.
Mark D.
P.S. Jon, do you still run with SCCA at all?

I run 205/50 15's on 4 lug oem fuchs and they fit fine

Faulkens (SP)

They will be pinched on the 5.5 rims. I ran 710's on factory 5.5 rims, then got some 7" keizer rims, correct offset, and the tires were night and day faster/better on the wider rims. You CAN fit a 7" rim on a stock fendered car, but you need to get the offset just right, and depending on the car, you may or may not need to roll/smash the rear fender lip/return. Fronts should be fine. I used a 5" offset/back space/whatever you want to call it, (5" from the inner mounting surface of the hub to the back of the wheel), and had a local machine shop make spacers of different thicknesses for each corner of the car, so I could rotate tires and fit the rims under the fenders. The tires will fit on the 5.5 rims, they'll just work better on the 7" rims.

I can't say how they'll fit under the fenders, but a 5.5" wheel is not going to be optimal for those tires. I'd look for a second set of wheels for the V710s, and keep the Dunlops mounted for the street.

Yup, still running with SCCA and PCA. Even after my car sells I have a few rides available.

ran 205x50 Hankooks on stock 5.5 Fuchs...fit front and rear no problem...
also ran a custom set of 7" steelies with 205x50 710s and they also fit.
I ran these both with 3/4" spacer up front and a 1/2" spacer in the rear...
my fender lips were rolled and the fenders were lightly bumped...
like this

when I finish my '75 I will be running Dunny Direzza Star Specs on stock 4 bolt fuchs...

Okay, thanks guys. I'll have to see what I can do about 7" rims minus the $ for a full 5 lug conversion. This has been a big help.
What class you running in SCCA? Are you reasonably competitive? Are you the only 914 out there? I only ask because I'm the only 914 entry out of usually 200-250 entrants.
Mark D.

I am locally but not nationally. Last year I got 2nd, 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 3rd at the local events in FP. My car not being close to a real FP car anytime Leads was there or another FP car was there I was off. We have a few 914s that run but SCCA isn't the best place for our cars. There is a class that was opened up to the 914 that I am going to prepare a 914 for once I am out of debt.

I think there are a few classes you could run your car in and do okay but it isn't easy. It is always fun though

Yeah. SCCA just isn't easy, period! That's why I'm there; best place to learn. I'm running in DP (4 banger) with a regional class of all the prepared and modified cars lumped together and indexed due to low participation. My car, like yours, is nowhere close to full DP prep, but I don't doubt that it could be Nationally competitive if fully prepared. Even as she sits now, she surprises some people!
Keep it up, Jon. Keep representing!
Mark D.

I will Autocross is my crack but my wife is okay with that .

I think DP may be the class I plan on building a 914 to go to nationals with. I'm not too sure as I haven't looked into it a ton. Need to do a LOT of stuff first. Besides, Greg Fordahl and Tim Kornacki are the guys that will be guiding me on this. I don't really NEED to know. I just have to listen (sometimes hard to do )

What did those rims run each if you can recall?

a rear rim can fit with up to 5 3/4" back space. like mentioned above 7" rim will fit if centered up right.
Stock 2.0L Fuchs is 4 1/2"

Or you could just step off the slippery slope and buy my 15 x 10 Bogarts.

Stock 2L Fuch is 5.5".