tire size.

low miles · 03-04-2014, 02:47 PM

I have a 1967 912. Tire rack says I need a 185/70/15 but they don't have them. What is a good stock replacement tire. The car isn't lowered, stock wheels. I drive it maybe 1000 miles per year.

Thanks for the help.

Scott Douglas · Scott Douglas's Garage

Cheapest tire sized 195-65 you can find.

At only 1k miles per year, you really should be driving your car a lot more.

low miles · 03-04-2014, 03:52 PM

Scott, Thank you. I know i should drive it more. Maybe whoce I get these flat spotted tires changed, I can drive it more.

Jim Chambers · 03-05-2014, 07:49 AM

165/80x15 is the stock size for '67, 185/70 became an option in later years. 195/65 will work as the overall diameter is about equal to the other two sizes. It is 30mm wider and heavier however and is a bit wide for the stock 4.5" wheel in my opinion. I have 165's on my '66.

low miles · 03-05-2014, 08:14 AM

Thanks Jim, I will go with the 195/65/15.

Jim Chambers · 03-05-2014, 09:04 AM

Tire Rack recommends 5.5" to 7" wide wheel for that size.

Jaems · 03-05-2014, 09:11 AM

Try one first.

the 195/65/15 have been found, on some car, to rub on the fender, struts, or inside the wheel well. I can only run 185/65/15 with out them rubbing. These cars were hand built and there is some variation. The flat sided tire rather than one with a round profile, will have the least chance to rub.

The bigger the tire the more torque it takes to get going. Also the speedometer will be off. To run a wider tire you will have to get one of the wider rims, 5.5 or 6",. If you do not already have one.

The stock 4.5" wide rim is too small for that wide of tire. You might have to run a tube with it. If it bulges too much. The tubeless tire may loose it's bead under heavy cornering.

low miles · 03-06-2014, 06:51 AM

I had Firestone put on a set of 195/65/15 Falken ZIEX 912's on the car last night. They filt well, $365.03 out the door. 65,000 mile tread wear, I need to drive this car more.

912porscheguy · 03-10-2014, 08:36 PM

Hello, fellow 912 fans. I'm new to the forum but would like to comment re: tires size for 67 912. Original tire size was 165 R 15, but I believe the closest equivalent could be 185/65 R15. My curent tires are Pirellis in this size. They are available on Amazon believe it or not for a great price. Hope this helps. (I also drive my 68 912 much less than 1k miles/yr....only 3k miles in last ten years). Hope to drive more now that weather is turning nicer. If I could fit it in my living room, I'd use as my couch....LOL.

Jim Chambers · 03-11-2014, 06:49 AM

Obviously 185/65 fit and work for you but they are a full inch shorter than OE thus affecting speedometer accuracy and gear ratio (a little quicker off the line and higher RPM at freeway speeds).
The OE size (now called 165/80) is available but not too many choices, Michelin from Coker (very spendy), Vredestein, Kuhmo, Nexen and Tire Rack has one as well.
If you want wider you will likely get some some rubbing on the inner well at full lock. And wider tires should really have wheels wider than the stock 4.5's. Wider tires are heavier and affect the nimble feel of the early 912.

Matt Monson · 03-12-2014, 09:10 AM

I run 195/60/15 on 6x15 Fuchs. Find it to be the best balance of comfort, performance and looks. Might not be truly correct but makes the car handle the way it should.

Jaems · 08:18 AM

at 24.2" you are over a inch smaller than the 165/80/15. The 185/65/15 is actually taller than the 195/60/15

Matt Monson · 03-14-2014, 04:15 PM

That's not by accident. Increases the acceleration by giving the car a better mechanical advantage. Guys have been doing it on these cars for decades. Your speedo is off a bit, but they put the tach in the centre for a very good reason. I don't drive by speedo.
Not for a show car trying to look right. For an enthusiast looking for performance without going all the way to a teeth rattling race tire.