My Tires Too Fat?

dezzmo · 01-14-2007, 10:48 AM

After doing research on this forum I decided to go with Yokahama 205-55-15 Avid V4S tires on 6J X 15 Fuchs. I also had a 4 wheel alignment when they were installed. But the car still handles like a Boat!

It feels like there's 15psi in all 4 tires. I did some measuring and found that the sidewalls stick out at least 3/4" past the outer lip of the rim on both sides. If I push the car from side to side I can see sidewall easily "roll" which seems to me will make the car handle poorly.

My question is, does anyone else have this same problem with the tires I'm using or is this normal?

BTW, I'm also in the process of a complete suspension upgrade, which may help my handling woes.

Shaun @ Tru6 · 01-14-2007, 10:53 AM

Tim, my guess is that when tear your suspension apart, you'll find lots of oil in the bottom of your front strut and worn rubber bushings on the front a-arms and rear springplates.

New bushings whether ER polybronze or plastic and new shocks will cure your suspension woes.

Tires look fine BTW. 205s are perfect for 6's.

dezzmo · 01-14-2007, 11:11 AM

I kinda figured the tires were ok but they do really look like the rims are too small. Anyway, I just finished removing the right rear suspension today and I'll have the rest off by the end of the week.

And I have Andrew's SC brakes and struts that are going on too! Can't wait!

Shaun @ Tru6 · 01-14-2007, 11:16 AM

What are you doing for torsion bars? I may have an extra set of Carrera bars you can have.

dezzmo · 01-14-2007, 11:18 AM

Yeah, I need a set. What size are they?

Shaun @ Tru6 · 01-14-2007, 11:23 AM

If I have them, they would be stock for an 84 Carrera. Not a huge leap, but definitely better than 73 stock.

I'll have to look tomorrow for them. Give me a call and I'll let you know.

S

snbush67 · snbush67's Garage

I think they look a little chubby, but after a couple of beers they should look hot!

diverdan · diverdan's Garage

All sidewalls are not created equal!!! It may not be a size problem. A wider rim would probably be better with that size but..........AVS sports have stiffer sidewalls than your Avids. I had a brief experience with Falken tires years ago and experienced the same thing. It does cost more for a stiffer belts and side walls, but it will take a toll on the ride comfort. Tires are affected by all kinds of compromises.

Diverdan

bkreigsr · 01-16-2007, 04:39 AM

Avids are probably okay for your other cars, but they are not marketed as a performance tire. Kick it up a couple of notches performance-wise and you will be amazed at the difference.

Icemaster · Icemaster's Garage

Nah, it's just the pants.

Seriously, what do you mean handles like a boat? Too loose, drifts too much etc? Also, what kind of handlign are you looking for?

I've got a feeling that the tires are not the problem.

dezzmo · 01-16-2007, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Icemaster
Nah, it's just the pants.

Seriously, what do you mean handles like a boat? Too loose, drifts too much etc? Also, what kind of handlign are you looking for?

I've got a feeling that the tires are not the problem.

If I travel at speeds from, let's say, 40mph and up, and I turn the steering wheel slightly back and forth (no more than an inch) the rear of the car feels like it wants to "step out".

In other words, it feels like the tires are going flat! I let Chris Bennet drive it once and he began Screaming as if he never felt so scared before!

While I have your attention, if you guy's have 205 series tires on 15" Fuchs could you all check and see if your sidewalls appear to be "flush" with your rims?

I'd really love to see some pics!

Wil Ferch · 01-16-2007, 12:45 PM

Two possibilities to consider:
1.) This particular tire has soft/compliant sidewall design..... or
2.) The tire needs to break-in about 500-1000 miles. I find this almost universally true for any new tire I put on the 911..... especially the back-end. Feels very floaty for the first 500-700 miles on my SO-2's , for example. Then it was perfect.

- Wil

dezzmo · 01-16-2007, 03:01 PM

Hmmm,

I'm sure I have over a 1000 miles by now. Wil, did you experiment with tire pressure?

Icemaster · Icemaster's Garage

What's the condition of the rear suspension? Sorry, still looking for more info.

My experience is that tires WILL make a difference, but usually they account for only a portion of the equation.

dezzmo · 01-17-2007, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Icemaster
What's the condition of the rear suspension? Sorry, still looking for more info.

My experience is that tires WILL make a difference, but usually they account for only a portion of the equation.

I appreciate the inquiry Icemaster

, I don't know the age of the suspension components (bushings could be original) and the car does have Bilsteins (from PO) in the rear. But I am going to replace/upgrade whatever can be replaced.

I did notice something the other day though, when I disconnected the spring plate and shock from the trailing arm, I was able to move the trailing arm from side to side about an inch. I believe there is suppose to be some amount of movement for the trailing arm in that direction. But how much?

Could those bushings be causing this problem?