2014 15" tire supply

[jpnovak]

Looking for 15" tires for a 15x7 and 15x8 wheels that are on a 73 targa with RS flares. More specifically I have been looking for 215-55-15 and 225-50-15 tire sizes.

NOTHING seems to be available. There are listings at several tire companies but nothing in stock.

There are R888 and RA1 but I need an all season performance street tire.

It seems that any section width over 205 and with an aspect ratio of less than 60 just do not exist. It is frustrating that the industry has phased out these sizes.

Does anyone have leads for some tires?

[dicklague]

I get mine in 205x50 15 and 225x50 15 at America's/Discount Tire.

I like their prices and service. No connection.....just a very happy customer.

Check their website at Car & Truck Tires, Custom Wheels, Car Rims & Truck Rims - America's Tire

there are a few stores in Austin:

Discount Tire (TXA-01)
1411 W Ben White Blvd
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 443-2616

Discount Tire (TXA-02)
8219 Research Blvd
Austin, TX 78758
(512) 339-9796

Discount Tire (TXA-03)
13376 Research Blvd #600
Austin, TX 78750
(512) 258-4466

Discount Tire (TXA-04)
1607 Nelms Drive
Austin, TX 78744
(512) 326-2422

Discount Tire (TXA-06)
2623 W Braker Lane
Austin, TX 78758
(512) 339-3711

[cmcfaul]

Gonna be LOW with 15 inch rims and low profile tires. I use this set up for the track and its only a couple inches off the ground. Much better hi performance tire selection if you go up to 16 inch rims.

Chris

73 911 E

[Elombard]

There is a few options in the 225/45/15, The BFG Rival looks like a good performance tire but thats pretty slow profile. I think I will try them when my RA1s are done.

[cmcfaul]

If your gearing is stock. it's going to take 4000 + RPM's to drive 60 mph with 45's

Chris

[TheSt|G]

One of the criteria I had when buying my car is that it came with the 16"s. I prefer the look/function of the 15"s, but the tire selection was just terrible.

[jpnovak]

Yes. 205 50 is too small a sidewall for street use. As Chris mentioned it drops gearing and reduces ground clearance. We have a lot of back roads in TX where you need ground clearance.

Right now 16" wheels are not an option.

I just don't want the balloon look of a 60 series tire with 225 width.

[TheSt|G]

Originally Posted by jpnovak

Yes. 205 50 is too small a sidewall for street use. As Chris mentioned it drops gearing and reduces ground clearance. We have a lot of back roads in TX where you need ground clearance.

Right now 16" wheels are not an option.

I just don't want the balloon look of a 60 series tire with 225 width.

What about Michelin Classic?

[msterling]

With 225/45-15 revs would be up 7.2% over the stock size. Stock is 24.75" dia while 225/45-15 Rivals are a smidge under 23" dia.

There is a nifty Gear Chart calculator tool at Instant-G.com Just choose the correct gearbox and tire size.

Looks like 60 MPH would be 2949 RPM with the 225/45-15 tires. With 225/55-15 tires 60 MPH would be about 2738 RPM. So, a little over 7% increase in RPM.

I have given up and use my 15" Fuchs and Cookie Cutters only for autocross-size tires. I am planning to get 17" wheels in the near future.

[heimtun]

I too was going crazy choosing tires for my car - same size wheels as yours. I ended up with stock size Pirelli P6000 from TR. Not all season, but don't plan on driving in winter.

[Steve@Rennsport]

Originally Posted by TheSt|G

What about Michelin Classic?

TB15's will work, but their prices are not for the faint of heart. Excellent tires, however,........

[TheSt|G]

Originally Posted by Steve@Rennsport

TB15's will work, but their prices are not for the faint of heart. Excellent tires, however,........

What is the generally pricing on MC compared to standard fare?

[sundevil64]

There are some tires on TR but they are DOT track tires or run $250/each.

There is a Kuhmo Ecsta ASX but this is a marginal performance tire, similar to the Arizonian....

[sugarwood]

Toyo Proxes R888 and RA-1 available at www.tirecrawler.com
Pirelli P Zero System at www.tirerack.com

[Elombard]

If you money out of the equation....I think Coker tire has everything. But they are ~ $500 each. I would love to run 15x9s on the back and get the classic michelins but I am too tight.

[Todd Simpson]

Avon CR6ZZ? I think you'd have to go 185/70 and 215/60.

I may try a set of those sizes or something like a 215/60 and 195/65 in an all season tire....for the street they will be fine.

For the track, 225/50 and 245/50 Hosiers!

[Todd Simpson]

Here are the Avons in 185/70 and 215/60.

[agfours]

Jamie, you might try having Discount bring in a couple of samples of what they can get, as I have found the sidewall profile quite different from brand to brand within the same size. Bridgestones seem to have a much more vertical sidewall as I've seen...may be others as well...

I've even seen sidewall profiles differ significantly with the same brand and model tire...I put on some 205/60 and 225/50 Conti DW's and they were more bubbly a sidewall than the larger sized tires of the same model.

Additionally, the actual measured width and sidewall actually differ significantly despite the 'size' specification believe it or not. The guys at Discount and I believe Tirerack have the actual tire specs as measured on each tire. Might be worth some research to find what you're looking for.

[sundevil64]

Just an update on tires. Nothing ground breaking, but I settled on a set of Kuhmo AST 225/50/15 tires x4 for my 73 Carreras flared targa. They are okay, better than the tires in 1973. There were other options (few), but didn't want to spend $250/tire or run a track dot tire for street driving particularly since I am getting the car ready for a trip to northern CA in October.

I ran the tires decently hard this weekend and they are predictable and have decent traction. I like the look of the 15" wheel much better than the 16". It also made my 3.2L outfitted 73 a little quicker.

[Elombard]

Hey John can you post a pic? maybe a before and after?