I'm thinking about some new tires for my 75 1.8. How wide can the car (with Mahle wheels) handle?

do a search, but i believe the answer is 205/50/15

I love this question....

WHY?

Don't mind him he has been here since the begining of time. Your question comes up nearly monthly from a new member.
Paul is member 222.
I am 91 and have since mellowed with age.

Allrighty then....

It depends on the tub and brand of the tire

205 50 15 is way too small in circumference. its like 2 inches shorter in dia.

however the gearing change may be welcome for acceleration (shorter)

205 does seem to be the norm max width for unflared cars. also modern 205's are prolly all the stick you need. what are you're intended uses?

I actually hate the gearing on my 205-50s. I'd go for 205-55s or 195-60s on a street car.

I'm just looking for a better performing street tire. I doubt I'll be doing any racing with this car. Besides, I already race motocross almost every weekend...

Thanks for the help gentlemen

What wheels do you have on?

NOW....Go to TireRack.com.

Find a tire you like then go to its' spec sheet. 205x50/55 is the easy answer but each tire has a range of wheel widths it will fit on. I doubt you want to be at the extreme edge of a tires fit range.

I just went through the same thought process and decided on the 195-60's. I have a chart (got it on line somewhere?) that outlines what tires fit what rim deiensions and what the overall tire patch width is, and the 205's provided little increase in road width - even though every little bit helps. I ended up getting my tires at EdgeRacing.com - good deal for an economy/performance tire - take a look!

This must be the first question asked by the first owner of the first 914. And it had been asked by every 914 owner since.

This must be the first question asked by the first owner of the first 914. And it had been asked by every 914 owner since.
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Nope not me. I just bought some 205/50-15 Hoosiers on 8" rims and when I realized it didn't fit my only question was " hey where's my hammer"????

195 60's is what I have on mine. I did a search and read the 100's of ?'s and comments and that seemed to be the most popular size.

For a DD they are ok, something taller might be a bit better ride.

I think the stock tires where 85 series

Go to the top of your screen. Click "914 Info". Then click "Tire Size Calculator"

Gotta love this site.

I'm running 205/55's on stock fuchs.

I am running 195X65 15's as street tires. 205X50's on the track. 195's are very close to stock rolling diameter.
Van914

The lower the profile the quicker outta da hole....less top end and issues of high revs and overheating on the freeway....

195/65/15s would be best on a 1,8 for normal street driving.

195/50/15s would be best on a 1,8 for very aggressive street and autocross driving.

Me, too. You must be very smart and handsome.

Howard is hitting the egg nog early tonite....

How about 205/60-15 on factory fuchs for a DD? Seems these should fit without problem but I've never seen a comment about going with that size.
Anybody run these?
Kev