Front tire choices
 

Hello all, new subscriber here.
I need to replace the front tires on my 86 911 TL because they are flat spotted so bad from sitting that the they cause a wicked vibration in the steering wheel. My question is about tire size. Which would you choose for the front end of the car, the stock 205-55-16 or what the PO put on it 225-50-16? Would the smaller tire have a noticible effect on reducing steering effort? The car is used as a toy on the weekends for drives up the beach and an occasional autocross and hopefully in the future a DE event or two. Thanks for the opinions, this such a cool site for info on any Porsche subject you could imagineSmileWavy

I'd go with the 205 55's. They should reduce the steering effort, and they will have reduced sidewall flex.

If you aren't having any fender interference issues and the ride height is where you want it I would stay w/ the 225/50

Be aware that a nominal 225/50 from one manufactuere will not measure out exactly the same as from a different manufacturer

Just my 2 cents...

What I would do, especially since its sat that long to cause that kind of a problem, is replace all 4 with the stock sizes and get fresh rubber. Get to know your car and do a DE or two if so inclined before you get talked into different wheel and tire combos. Be advised that running different makes of tires front and back can cause you to fail tech inspection before a DE in some regions (has to do with different tires compounds, how they heat up, etc.).

Try 215-50-16 for the front

If you have the option the 225/45/16s work very well as the others mentioned. I am using the 225/45-245/45 SO3s on mine and like them a lot.

You got plenty of room (given the turbo bodywork). I'd go for the 225s for sure.

Mike

Before you replace the tires, make sure thier pressure is up and take them for a good 30 minute drive. My tires get "flat spotted" when the car sits for more than a week or two... and the wheel shakes for the first mile or so as a result. 99.9% of the time, it isn't permanent and it will go away once the tire is warmed.

My car, basically having been a daily driver, I have never had a problem with a flat spot. I did expeiriance it when I had 2 new tires mounted in the rear. After a mile or so, the sound stopped. Had me a "tad" worried at first. Problemo has not returned since.