Hello follow Porsche fanatics. I realize this topic has been discussed, many times. My specific question is the pros and cons of running 195/50/15 on factory fenders. Currently running 205/60/15, which almost rub on one side. (see photo). My thought was that 50 ratio tires would clear the fenders better.

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Realistically, my plan is to track my car and take it to shows. I want tires that are better for track conditions, such as Toyo Proxes R1R's. My car has been lowered, also hoping running 50 ratio tires will help with handling. Also noting that the speedo will be off by approximately 10 mph. I am missing anything?

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If the fit is tight, i'd roll the fenders a bit.

Also, track/performance tires tend to have wider contact surfaces than street tires, so a 195 Toyo may end up being wider than a 205 street tire. Been there, done that ...

I have 205/50/15 Yokohama street tires on Fuchs 4 lugs with stock fenders with no issues. I believe my ride height is relatively stock though.

Rubber is rubber in my opinion. The driver is what makes the difference

I was all about a dedicated track tire too but unless you have flares .
I dont see the point ,i got some cooper's tires and has a ton of grip.

And props to you for tracking your car but . I could never see how a 914 could be safe enough to take to the track .
My seat belts dont even retract in my car

And i have this thing about not wanting to get a broken neck

You that says more about you as an owner than the safety of a 40+ year old car....

he's asking about fitment, not performance. there are not many tires available in his current size that would make suitable tires for tracking except maybe a pirelli. so it makes sense to go with a smaller sidewall and have more options

Under hard cornering my 205/60's 'flexed' enough to rub the rear inner fender well. my 205/50's never did.

Also at full lock the fronts 206/60 rub the inner.

Falken RT615K vs Ziex ZE-912:

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I think perhaps your car and my car are in different condition? I track mine every chance I get. I just put modern safety equipment in.

The driver is the most important part of the equation but you can drop literally seconds off lap times by just changing the tires.

Maybe another thought here...

Leave the tires and nice looking Mahles you have now for the street / show events.

Get a new/newer set of wheels and real track specific tires for track use...

The reason is those Mahles are old and just don't need the stress...they are cast AL..
If they were Fuchs maybe ok...you don't need to look cool at the track...just safe

And I know where you're going to take this thing....you lucky dog....you live right done the road from Putnam....great place for a 914

You can drive to the track on the street tires and take the track tires with you and change at the track...the 914 is bless with lots of storage for this.

For the track stuff I'd buy a set of 16s with the 914 offset. Much wider selection of tires.
Use the nice stock wheels for looking good days.

You would be right JohnHora. That's the goal... Putnam Park

I was thinking I would have a lot more choices with a 15" wheels. Looking to sell my Mint Mahle's with almost new tires.Click to view attachment

I would love to find some ATS Classics

, so you have a fuel cell , roll cage ,hans device and fire supression system

My 914 is much more on the stock side

thelogo,

Not yet. I may in the future.