Will 205/60's fit on my setup?

[pope]

7JX15 911.361.020.11
I understand the offset on these is 23.3mm and the backspace around 125mm

Now, I currently have 195/65 on the car but I need to change them because they're quite old (2000). I would like to either go with 195/65 front and 205/60 rear or 205/60 all round.

Will the 205/60's fit? I don't think I have any spacers on the car now (I'm not sure what spacers look like).

[rfn026]

I run 205/60-16s on my '73 with no real problems. They work just fine on the street. I run a little negative camber on the rear and if I go to the track I have to dial in another degree of negative to keep the tires from rubbing.

Keep in mind that the actual tire size varies slightly from brand to brand. Your rear tires are going to be close enough that one brand might rub while another brand won't rub. I don't see any problem if you only drive on the street.

If you seen any marks just dial in a little more negative camber and you'll be fine. The fronts are no problem at all.

Richard Newton

Wheel and Tire Performance Handbook

Autocross Performance Handbook

[pope]

So I guess mine, being 15" wheels, will not have a problem at all. Coupled with the fact that I'll only be doing street driving.

I have a 5.5x14 spare wheel which has a 1983 built tire on it




I'm planning on putting the smallest possible tire on that to save space in the trunk. This one is 185 and I'm thinking of putting on a 165. Now the diameter will probably be smaller than the rest of the tires. Is this a serious issue for a spare tire? I presume not but an expert's opinion would be appreciated.

[Hester]

This may help: http://www.wheelsmaster.com/rt_specs.jsp

[rfn026]

There shouldn't be any problem if you only drive to the nearest place to get the tire repaired. If you need to drive a few hundred miles it could be a problem. I have a 185/16 in my trunk. I have not used it in 20 years.

You might want to fit the spare tire on the car someday and see how it feels, and see if you have any issues.

Richard Newton

Wheel and Tire Performance Handbook

Autocross Performance Handbook

[Zeke]

I, too, used 205/60/15s on a narrow body with 7's all the way around. Tight, but not impossible. I used 1.5 degree neg camber and rolled the rear fenders. I had to pull the drivers side fender out a 1/4 inch, but that might have been the car even though this is common. What I meant was the car had been in an accident.

[sig_a]

This link is easy to use and gives side and end comparisons.

Might add a little insight.

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

[MRA]

Just did this on my '71, replaced old 195/65's on 7x15s, with 205-60 BFG G-force tires ( probably the widest 205's) . I had to move my front bumper out 1/4" as the tires were real close to the bumper trim ( almost touching) when turning, and they did just barely touch the fender-lips in the rear with the original camber setting that cleared the 195s It is at the alignment shop being corner balanced and aligned, and they are adding more neg camber in the rear . They are very experienced in 911 alignments.
I'll post pics when I get it back. It certainly fills the wheel wells.....

[pope]

Right. I'm not taking any chances for now. I don't want to make any changes in alignment or fenders/bumpers. I'll stick to the 195/65's even though I have an invoice from a PO for 205/60's. It's a bit difficult to get a good tire at these sizes here so it's not easy testing.

I'll probably just get the first set I find now to replace the really old ones I have on there at the moment (manufactured in 2000).

Thank you all.

[MRA]

I didn't mean to imply that I ad to mis-align my front bumper, it was actually mounted too far rearward, and needed to be readjusted to the correct position anyway. The car was re-painted in 1980 ( have the receipt!) by the dealer due to "failure" of the silver paint. By the way, my '71 is a 1 owner ( before me ) 64k mile car, with all receipts over the course of ownership, and even the bill of sale, invoice, and window sticker! (also have the bill of sale, and window sticker of his previous '70 911 as well!) a He was a PCA member, and I have a cool vintage Alabama region PCA sticker on the window as well.
The BFG tires seen to be well received on this, and other early 911 boards so I went with them. I will have the car back later today, and will post the pics later today, or tomorrow

[HarryD]

My stock 1973.5 911T (same body as yours) had 205/60-15 on 6x15 wheels. They fit just fine with no issues. On your wider wheel, the tire will sit lower and be even less of an issue.

Once my current rubber is gone (205/55-15) are gone I am thinking I will go back to 60 series for a slight increase in ride height and a cushier ride.

[GH85Carrera]

Wow Michelin XVS. I remember back when those were the hottest tires around. I bought set of those after my Michelin XAS. The best of the 1970s tires.

[MRA]

Here are the pics. Its now corner balanced and aligned, No rubbing issues, though it is close on full compression on the right rear. I may request a bit more neg camber at the rear, just to be safe. I like the look of the 7x 15s with the 205-60s
Here are a few pics.on the stance

[pope]

That's a beauty MRA! Which tires did you put on it?

[pope]

Ah sorry. BFG, you said earlier.

[MRA]

Thanks!
it has just 1 previous owner, all its paper work from the bill of sale, window sticker, and most every recipt . Only 65,000 miles too! I will be putting a set of webbers on it soon.

One more pic.

Martin

[pope]

Looks a bit like mine

[pope]

Bridgestone RE720 205/60's






Looks like they're fine. I can barely see a difference to be honest.

[RoninLB]

7" work for my narrow body as long as I don't bottom out the suspension.

entertainment pic