Early 911 tire recommendations sought

dafischer · 07-09-2004, 07:49 PM

I'm changing out the 14" Fuchs on my 69T for a set of 15 x 6's, and I'd be interested in any input on tire size/brand/model to consider. Since the original size 185/70 15 isn't an option (megabucks per from Coker), I'm considering 195/65 or 205/60. I'm running Konis (medium setting), soon to have sway bars front and rear, and most driving is on country roads with lots of twisties.

I'm mainly concerned with handling and the best appearance, wear factor and noise are secondary. Any advice would be appreciated.

Zeke · 07-09-2004, 08:31 PM

We talk a lot about tires around here. You can catch up on the past discussions with a search or two. I ran 205/60/15's on sixes until about an hour ago. They were good, ride was excellent.

dafischer · 07-09-2004, 08:50 PM

Thanks Milt..I'll do some research. So, what are you running since an hour ago? And what 205/60 prior?

HarryD · 07-09-2004, 11:36 PM

Sounds like you are looking for "every day tires".

They some of these links.

pwd72s · 07-10-2004, 04:04 AM

Here's a fun tire size site. Playing with it will reveal that 195/65 is as close to the original 185/70 as you'll find with modern tires.
http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

slakjaw · 07-10-2004, 05:25 AM

I run Dunlop 195/65 on mine they look nice I was afraid that a 205 would rub on hard turns.

Jay Auskin · 07-10-2004, 07:10 AM

I bought my '72T with 205 60R15's mounted to 15x6's. They look good, and while the car wasn't driveable, I didn't see any indications of rubbing. I just mounted a set of 205 60R15 Yokohama AVS ES100's. It's a 3 season tire, but I have no intention of sloshing thru a salt-laden Chicago winter in a non-galvanized 911. The Yoko's look really good. I'll let you know how they perform, even though comparing them to 10+ year old bald tires probably isn't a comparison.

HarryD · 07-10-2004, 07:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jay Auskalnis
I bought my '72T with 205 60R15's mounted to 15x6's. They look good, and while the car wasn't driveable, I didn't see any indications of rubbing. I just mounted a set of 205 60R15 Yokohama AVS ES100's. It's a 3 season tire, but I have no intention of sloshing thru a salt-laden Chicago winter in a non-galvanized 911. The Yoko's look really good. I'll let you know how they perform, even though comparing them to 10+ year old bald tires probably isn't a comparison.

Several have recommened the Yokos to me. It most likely will be the next tire I get when I need them. They suggested I use a 205 55R15 to get closer to the stock diameter.

SandyI · 07-10-2004, 10:46 AM

Just did a similar upgrade on my 69 911E, from stock 14" rims to deep dish 15 x 6 Fuchs. Konis up front. Bilsteins in back. I went with Kumho Ecsta KH11, 195/60R/15. Inexpensive and run great. Can't wait to get them up to Streets of Willow in Sept.

azasadny · azasadny's Garage

I run Dunlop Sport 9000's on my '74 with stock fenders, no rolling or rubbing. I use 205/50/15 on the front and 215/50/15 on the rear. Nice dry and wet weather tires, but not for snow!

Zeke · 07-10-2004, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dafischer
Thanks Milt..I'll do some research. So, what are you running since an hour ago? And what 205/60 prior?

I had 205/60 Pirelli P6000 on deep sixes. I can tell you after running the 205/50 on 15 x 7 wheels that it's a new car, but we all know that. I was going to buy some Yoko 205/55 for my 7's but I don't know now. The small diameter 50's give a needed change in final drive ratio. My car had lots more beans today and 5000 rpm at 90 MPH doesn't bother me a bit. When am I going to go looking for a buck twenty? And it's probably there if I want it, but at redline. The down side would be mileage. I don't drive the car enough to be worried about that.

mikes72t · 07-10-2004, 02:43 PM

I have the Kumho's in 205/60 on my 72T. I have had no rubbing experience, but I have not been on the track with it. I know the Kumho's are cheap but they are getting better plus it is what Grass Root Motorsports put on their 911 project car.

Mike

mikes72t · 07-10-2004, 02:50 PM

I have the Kumho's in 205/60 on my 72T. I have had no rubbing experience, but I have not been on the track with it. I know the Kumho's are cheap but they are getting better plus it is what Grass Root Motorsports put on their 911 project car.

Mike

dafischer · 07-11-2004, 03:23 PM

Thanks for the links and opinions, guys. I got some good info to work with.