LWB 911 tire issues- help!

[biagiosarich]

Hey yall,

I have a 1972 911 w a 3.2 in back. Wheels are 6 up front, 7 rear (later fuchs)...

Recently I moved to 205/60r15s and I'm getting rubbing in the right rear driver side. I didnt expect this as I've read a lot of early 911 guys run that size. I've heard 195/65 is a good comprimise for stock diameter, but I can't find a single decent tire in that size (Sport trac are sold out everywhere).

I was thinking of the new CN36, which are pricey, but they come in 185/70r15...Fine for the 6, but would that work on a 7inch wheel?

Any other thoughts? 195/55 there are some options but that seems like a very low profile / harsh ride for an early car.

Thoughts/recommendations apprecaited.

[Trackrash]

Where is it rubbing? Stock suspension? How low is your car? How old are the bushings and when was it last aligned?

[biagiosarich]

Hey Gordn,

Rubbing a few inches up from inside fender, driver side rear. Car has been corner balanced and aligned this year, prior to these tires. Bushings and shocks look to be in good shape. It's fairly low, haven't measured floor to fender but at least euro-spec height...Even 195/65 rubbed a bit on hard/fast right hand turns prior. Just had the suspension looked at and they gave it the tumbs up.

[biagiosarich]

Forgot to mention- Blisten HDs all around, t-bar sizes are unknown, and I believe it has rubber bushings, not poly.

[Trackrash]

Forgot to ask, how bad is it rubbing. Sometimes a new tire will have the nubs rub, but that isn't a problem. A real bad rub will burn the paint.

Also, does it rub on bumps or when turning?

Perhaps a little more negative camber will fix it.

FWIW, I had a tire start rubbing due to a loose wheel bearing. Noticed it around turns. No saying it is your problem, but worth checking.

[biagiosarich]

Without changing suspension and alignment, it seems my choices are 205/55r15, 195/65r15 or the CN36 185.70r15 (if those fit ok on a 7)...Am I on the right track?

[biagiosarich]

Doesnt seem to be burning the paint, BUT it does make a relatively loud sound over bumps and when turning when the rubber hits...Really annoying and concerning all the same.

[jac1976]

Fikse

[Arne2]

Yes, 185/70-15 will fit on a 7" wheel just fine.

[biagiosarich]

Thanks, Arne2!

Figure a quick alignment adjustment for more negative camber first, and less costly. Then perhaps go down the 185/70 route with the CNs.

[jac1976]

Originally Posted by jac1976

Fikse

Post intended for another thread.

[HarryD]

I had the same rub develop in my lowered 1973.5 911 when I got new tires that had more of a square profile than the tires that were replaced.

After consultation with Steve Weiner and Jeff Gamroth, they concluded that the rub was occurring when the rear squatted on acceleration. Based on our conversations, it appeared I had two options:
1-Raise the car (I like the current look and superior handling and, hence, I did not like this choice); or
2-Install turbo torsion bars (21 mm front/26 mm rear) to reduce the squat.

We went with option 2 and I have had no problems since. I will add that my ride on the street was not degraded with the slightly stiffer bars.

[biagiosarich]

Thanks, Harry. Going the alignment route first. I do have plans to add those exact t-bars and new bushings soon. Definitely don't want to raise the car

[911pcars]

You do not want any rubbing, even intermittently as in acceleration squats. You will eventually compress the suspension in a steady state cornering maneuver. This will identify the location of the tire/sheet metal contact with a crescent shaped paint burn a couple inches above the wheel well opening.

A 3.2 engine is about 80 lbs heavier than earlier engines. Installing 26-27mm rear torsion bars is a good idea for handling as well as. Fronts could be 21mm.

Not all tires are the same size. Compare various 205-60-15 options.

Sherwood