Tires!

[Guido]

Step right up for the magic elixir that cures all what ales ya. Developed over 100 years of testing that has taken lives to perfect. What is this remarkable miracle of modern technology? Drum roll please....... TIRES!

Okay, a little melodramatic, but close to the truth. After a weekend of driving around on my new tires, I can report that it is the best single thing I could have done to improve my car. For most of you guys, this is a no brainer, but I must say that I am continually amazed by the marked improvement a good set of tires will give to a car. I write this for those of you that are running on 165-15s.

I changed out my old Michelin XZX 165-15 to 950 Potenza 195/60-15 up front and 195/65-15s in the rear. Handling is way up. Stability is way up. Freeway hunting and wiggling is no more. Ride harshness is way down. So much so that I am rethinking my idea of changing out my bouncy old seats for some newer ones. I spent 3 hours driving up to Solvang and really felt it. Now I can cruse to the Bay with half the fatigue.

I highly recommend new tires to any of you guys that are still running the 165-15s. I when to 195s for my own reasons, a lot of other guys are running 205s or larger. I just hate tire rub, so on my 68 I went with 195s. I was resistant because I wanted the car to look original. Well, if and when my car is close to show level, I have the tires in the garage just waiting of the judges. Until then, I will drive a safer, quicker, and more comfortable car.
One thing is a phenomenon. The car is shifting easier. I have had to double clutch at a stop to shift it into 1st. I have not had to do that since I put the new rubber on! Can someone shed some light on this?

Steve aka Guido
Gray w/ red 68 Targa

[912s]

Yes a good set of tires can make all the difference.

Last year I installed Continental 205/60-15's all around on a set of 6" wheels with a standard offset and experienced all of the same ride improvements you noted. And as for tire rub, it's nonexistent, even after lowering my car.


...almost forgot to mention, yes go for the seat upgrade. I recently removed mine to install a set from an '83 SC. And what a difference. They are much more comfortable and visibility is better.

The only trick to installing is making adapter plates to mount them because the newer seats have a narrower track than the old ones. It took maybe an hour in the garage to make them out of 3/16" flat stock.

[Guido]

I do know that a seat change makes a major differance. I had a 68 911 that I put new seats in and I just could drive it better. The old bouncies are just going to be stored. Their just so good looking. Their red leather. I am going to have to figure out an easy way to switch them out for events.