I need tires soon....need advice

Is there another tire size combo. I can use that will increase both performance and looks on my 85 911? I have 16x6 and 16x7 fuchs with 205/55 on front and 225/50 on back. I DO NOT WANT TO CHANGE THE WHEELS so just tire recommendations. Also, what brand of tire works well. Thanks guys and gals.

I purchased a set of Yokahama dB Decibels at around $425.00 the four. My impression of this tire is that the grooves (two) tend to catch on the road at times. The car steers very nicely and bump steer is non-existent. However, I do wonder about those deep grooves I see on newer tires.

Jw

what about the sizes? did you stay with the sizes I mentioned above, or did you try something different?

I run Yokohama AVS Sports for daily driving and racing in those exact sizes. They're fairly quiet, work well, and wear pretty well from what I can see.

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Mark Szabo
1986 911 Targa 3.2
1987 Escort 5-speed 1.9
The Porsche Owners Gallery

Apologies: yes indeed I used the setup you describe above (205/225) and that is all my SC needs to look quite agressive.

Jw

Does anyone have any OTHER size combo. suggestions/experiences for these wheel sizes - Can I put bigger tires on either of these wheels successfully or are the stock set-up the best?

Not all 225s are the same width. My Michelin XGT Pilots are wider, I believe, than most 225s. The look nice. They also last a long time and perform marvelously. Their purchase price reflects these nice features.

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'83 SC

I'm with Super on the Michelin's. They are a great tire in wet (if you drive your 911 in the rain) or dry. They cost a little more, but hey, why do you have a 911!

I have Dunlop SP 8000s on my Sc 205 front and 245/45/16 rear ,they look good stick well and have a nice ride, they ran about $100 each so a good value also

My rears are 8x16 Fuchs but I don't see why you couldn't run 245s on 7" wide rims

Jeff
78Sc

I just bought a set of Dunlop SP Sport 9000. Haven't tried them yet - still winter here. Although I have heard so many good things about these tires. If you have 6x16 and 7x16 wheels now I strongly suggest that you stay with 205/55 and 225/50 tires. Don't put larger tires on those wheels. A 245 tire can work on an 8 inch wheel, but 9 inches are actually better for a tire that wide. I don't think you should put anything wider than 225 on a 7 inch wheel.

My new SP 9000s are 215/45x17 front and 245/40x17 rear on 7.5 and 9 inch wheels. That's a perfect compromise between tire and wheel width.

I just got the Yoko sports in the standard size . As soon as I get my wheels back from Wheel Enhancement they will be mounted. The shop I use in Maryland services many P club members and racers. They recommend the tire size you have for the 16 inch wheels for the SC. The 16 inch wheels and accompanying tires were options for my model year (1982)

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Bob
1982 911SC Targa
PCA - Founders Region

I just got the Yoko sports in the standard size . As soon as I get my wheels back from Wheel Enhancement they will be mounted. The shop I use in Maryland services many P club members and racers. They recommend the tire size you have for the 16 inch wheels for the SC. The 16 inch wheels and accompanying tires were options for my model year (1982)

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Bob
1982 911SC Targa
PCA - Founders Region

R22tech, I am in the same boat as you; I have 6x16's in the front, and 7x16's (Fuchs) in the rear of my 85 coupe. I would like to move the front wheels to the rear of the car, and buy some 9x16's for the rear so I could mount some 245x45x16's on them. Does anyone know if this will work, or am I hosed and have to purchase 4 more Fuchs?

To answer the first question, I was just reading about this exact same subject in Bruce Anderson's book, and he also recommends ONLY putting 245/45's on 8 or 9" Fuchs - 7 is too small. Personally, I like the Bridgestone RE730, I placed them on our Turbo Volvo, and they kick ass (And the price was right). I am going to put some on the rear of the Porsche as soon as the old Yoko's wear out.

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Bill Atkins
william.atkins@oracle.com
1985 Carrera Coupe

Bill, I have an'85 eurocarrera with 245/45/16 on 8" rims in the rear and 7' rims on the front. You could also use 9" on the rear but there harder to find and pricier. 245/45's will not fit on 7".

Again, some 225s are wider than others. My tires are about as wide as a 7" wheel could accommodate. The tread is at least an inch wider than the rim, if not two or more. Pretty "poochy" looking. Big biceps, for 225s.

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'83 SC

I'll throw my hat in the ring for Yokohama AVS's. They stick very well (in dry conditions, I don't often drive my SC in the rain). The handling is not as nervous as other tires I have tried. I'm only uncertain as to how they will wear.

Regards,
Doug
'81 SC Coupe

You can put 245's on a 7 in. rim. I don't think it's a good idea. I think the handling would be a little nervous. On a 7, you'd have a large amount of overhang past the rim edge. This overhang is not what you're looking for as far as increased cornering ability. I don't think the increased footprint would offset the decreased lateral stability.

For street use, the Comp T/A ZR is a good buy only because of its higher wear rating. I don't know if it really outperforms the others. Bridgestone RE-71's are a good tire at a good price but kinda old-tech. I think it's being phased out. Sorta like the Good Year Gatorback was awhile back. The RE-71 is still a good tire. Kinda loud road noise though. I don't think you can go wrong with Yokohama. Seems like one of the best all around tires. Translated: most cost effective. I ain't cheap, just practical. Who needs P-Zero's or S-02's for the street, really?

For some tire test comparisons you could check out tirerack.com but their customer service leaves ALOT to be desired in my opinion.



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Kevin
87 Carrera

I have a set of Dunlops sitting in my garage that are the same size. The original owner put them on the car right before I bought it. I put different wheels on with larger tires and then put track tires on the Fuchs. I would estimate they have less then 2000 miles on them and are approximately 3 years old. They have been off the car for 2 years and are stored flat in my cool garage. If you are interested in specifics, let me now. I would like to get rid of them.

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