I've been updating folks on the current classic/vintage tire options available now in 2021 at some other posts/topics - so I thought that I'd better put them here in O&H Wheels & Tires Topic too.
A simple google/bing search for 165/80R15 tires for SR, TR & HR or VR speed rated tires - or 155/80R15 for the 1.7L & 1.8L owners only needing SR or TR rated tires - & it now again turns up a variety of serviceable passenger tires in reasonably budget conscious prices from all over - even Tire Rack is again carrying them.
Currently there are the somewhat less budget conscious Vredstein Sprint/Sprint Plus in 155 & 165 & 185 sizes in SR & HR & VR speed ratings which are available a bunch of places - so just google/bing search for your size & type tire to find the best prices & locations for you.
FYI - this Nexen tire is very similar to the 195/65HR14 tires that I've been running on my `85 BMW 325e E30 Coupe with the 2.7L I-6 & 5-spd, and they're excellent all around tires on a heavier coupe with similar power-to-weight & handling to our 914s (which was why I picked it new in `85, when my 914 was whacked). So I'd expect it to handle well in all weather & wear well on our 914s too, but I've not tried them myself. They come up available at many places.
https://www.prioritytire.com/nexen-sb-802-1...CyABEgJtofD_BwE .
In the repops of traditional OEM tires that came on our 914s of /4 & -6 flavors - there are Michelin, Pirelli & Blockley's version of the old Dunlop SP57 tires that came on our 914s from the factory.
While there aren't any Dunlop made SP57 repops (see Blockley below) - but there are some "not quite classic 60's-70's tread" style "Dunlop Sport Classic" - as well as similar 80's style "Classic" Continentals in the 165/80/R15, 155/80R15 & 185/70R15 tires, as well as in the 14 " wheel sizes for those running 5 lug Fuchs. These look more like the Michi's that came new on my `85 BMW 325e E30 Coupe - so not period correct look - but I'm sure would handle well on the 914s as well in the 155/80R15, 165/80R15, 185/70R15, etc sizes.
https://www.cokertire.com/tires/dunlop-spor...-80r15-87h.html https://www.cokertire.com/tires/dunlop-spor...-70r15-89v.html However, the Conti's don't seem to be availble in the USA - so it may be a UK/Euro/Down Under option - or else shipped to the US from there:
https://www.vintagetyres.com/shop/continent...2-165-80r15-87t.
Michelin XAS 165/80VR15, XZX 155 & 165/80SR15 (for 1.7L & 1.8L), XVX & their XWX 185/70VR15 are among my top choices for reshodding my 914 when the resto/renno/repairs are done.
https://www.cokertire.com/tires/michelin-xas-155hr15.html https://www.cokertire.com/tires/155hr15-michelin-xas-ff.html https://www.cokertire.com/tires/165sr15-michelin-xzx.html https://www.cokertire.com/tires/michelin-xvs.html https://www.cokertire.com/tires/185-70vr15-michelin-xwx.html .
Check with Coker or Michelin if you can run the ones noted at Coker as "Tube Type" - without the tubes in a "J" type tubeless tire rim (all of the factory 914 steel, Fuchs, Pedrini & alloy rims are "J" tubeless rims).
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However, these XAS Michi are tubeless type, available in our 914 sizes, are Porsche tested "N Rated" & were excellent handling tires back in the day - and even better with the repop's modern rubber compounds. They're the ones that you'll find on the current Porsche AG/PCNA Tire Reccos for our 914s, & are a stock size befitting both 914/4 & 914-6 (also in 185/70VR15).
https://www.cokertire.com/tires/brands/mich...ial-n-code.html .
Coker Tire, Universal, Lucas Tires, etc. are all good places to look for the various radial tire options available here in the USA, & Longstone in the UK - but go factory direct for Blockley (see below).
Coker - Radials:
https://www.cokertire.com/tires/styles/radial-tires.html .
For those here in SoCal - I like Coker Classic Tires in Long Beach CA, because they're used to working on classic cars with care, sell & mount the tires locally - including from Coker & other brands.
https://www.lucasclassictires.com/ALL-Radial-Tires_c4.htm.
I've also looked at some classic Dunlop-SP57-look Blockley 165/80VR15 & 185/70VR15 with the SP57 & XWX style dogbone tread - but don't know if I can get them here in the States - & OZ may have them. Read their About page to see his attempts to get Dunlop to repop their OEM SP57 tires, & why he ended up doing them for himself.
https://www.blockleytyre.com/product/165vr15 https://www.blockleytyre.com/product/185-70vr15 .
There are also Pirelli Cinturato Classic tires in the USA & UK (& probably OZ & NZ too) -
https://www.cinturato.net/pirelli-classic-tyres.htmlUSA - Lucas Tires Long Beach in SoCal:
https://www.lucasclassictires.com/Pirelli-Collection_c54.htm UK - Longstone Tyres:
https://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/pirelli-collezione.html .
There are also several other tire dealers selling vintage tires from Michelin, Pirelli, etc. - so google the size &/or maker &/or type that you want, in order to find the best dealer, location & price for you all.
I'm not trying to be all inclusive for the tire options & sellers for each here - but rather to point out the now many more options available once again - for all y'all to do your own search for the best options for you 914, budget, etc. at the time you're buying.
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If you're upsizing from your original 155/80SR15 or 165/80HR15 tire size - then make sure to use one of the tire size calculators available online to select up-sizes which won't give you over or under ghost miles on your odometer - which the formerly factory recco'ed 195/65R15's did at about 8-13% more than actual miles. With 914s values on the rise, you don't want to be hit with mileage deductions to value for not real miles never driven!
This one compares the stock 165/80R15 with the original option 185/70R15 & shows a 0.8% speedo/odo error, which is acceptable.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/tirecalc?tires=...80r15-185-70r15 .
Happy Hunting & Good Luck!
Cheers!
Tom
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