15" tire options (as of 8/16/2016)?

[Workhorse]

I searched the forum quite a little bit regarding 15" tires for my 1974 Coupe. I am currently restoring my 15X6 steel wheels and am wondering what a popular tire (as well as size to retain the correct speedometer readout) folks are using.

The searches resulted in tire brands/models that were on closeout or that aren't available anymore (older posts). I figured I would ask to see what the current manufacturer and size have yielded good results that people have been happy with.

I do not track the car and have no plans to do so. I use it for weekending and occasional use. I'm not looking for the most expensive/performance rated tire, but not the least expensive either. There aren't many brands to choose from in the stock size of tire anymore it seems.

Thank you in advance for any help with this.

Ross-

[Tony V]

Ross,
I believe a 195X65X15 will get you closest to a correct speedometer reading. I did a quick search, on Tire Rack, and came up with several choices. Hard to go wrong with any Michelin. They list the Premier A/S Grand Touring as well as several High Performance all season tires.
I put 16X6 Fuchs on my '74, to get a better tire selection but I do like the retro look of the steelies.

[422flat6]

185/70-15 or 195/65-15 are the sizes that will maintain speedometer accuracy. If you want a summer performance tire your choices are limited to the Pirelli P6000 or the vintage reproduction tires like Avon CR6ZZ, Michelin XWX, Pirelli CN36, Vredestein etc. I just put P6000s on my narrow fender 72 but will have to reserve judgement until I have some more miles on them. The Avons seem to have a big fanbase with the Early S Registry guys.

If you are ok with running less sticky all season tires there are several choices available in 195/65-15.

If you want the latest technology in summer performance tires (Bridgestone RE71R, Dunlop Star Spec) you have to use 205/50-15 which are very short and look like golf cart tires on a 911 (in my opinion) or go to 16" wheels. 205/55-16 will maintain speedometer accuracy and the latest tech tires are available in that size... for now.

Yokohama S-drive is available in 205/55-15 which will fit, is a decent summer performance tire and will have less effect on gearing/speedo than a 205/50-15 would, but it is shorter than stock. So compromises all around with this tire but maybe it's an option for you.

Bridgestone RE760 Sport is available in 205/60-15 which won't affect the speedo but is not sold in the USA. You can drive to Mexico and bring a set back depending on your Spanish skills and risk tolerance. I don't think these are DOT certified but I'm not 100% sure on that.

Based on my very recent research, that is the state of 15" performance tires for narrow fender 911s as of August 2016.

[grizzfan]

I've had good luck with my 15" Koumho tires. Aggressive tread and they wear like iron. Fairly inexpensive as well.

Tom

[jpnovak]

I run 205/60/15 on 15x6 on my 71. I use the Michelin A/S series All season. They are great all around tires on a light car.

Speedo is mostly accurate.

[Workhorse]

I've always had good luck with Michelin as well.

Grizzfan which Kumho tires do you have? I saw them on tire rack and thought that they looked promising.

So if I understand correctly, the P195 is the correct size for stock and the speedo will be the most accurate, but the P205 is probably the next closest thing and will be pretty darn close with regard to the speedo?

I am currently running 16" Fuchs with I believe 205's, (the car isn't next to me). The speedo seems always to be off (but not by that much) when using gps. I wanted to go back to the stock equipment it came with brand new in 1974 when my Grandfather bought it. I suppose that would have been helpful for me to mention, duh. Sorry.

Ross-

[matthewb0051]

I'm using Pirelli P6000's 205/60/15 on a '69 with deep 6's

Been a good choice thus far

[pemz0r]

I am running BFGoodrich g-Force Super Sport A/S H/V on 15 x 6 Fuch on my '65

195/60R15

I autoX this tire too.

[Workhorse]

Thank you all very much for the input, I appreciate it!

I will look into the tires and sizes and see which option works best for me.

Thank you again.

Ross-