Tall tires and strange handling?
 

Recently purchased new Yoko Avids which Tire Rack rated as #1 for all season hi-po tires. Purchased 205 60 15s and even with 30 PSI the sidewalks show a lot of flex when I just shove against the car. I have a pretty stout polybronze suspension as well. In the corners the steering takes a second to come back to center, as if the tires are rebounding after they flex. Any one else experienced this? Are the tires just too tall? How much better would 55s be? 50s would be too low on my lowered suspension since I live in the boonies where rocks and large branches in the road are not uncommon. The steering is not confidence inspiring - the car was professionally aligned and corner balanced.

Ok. I solved the riddle by swapping wheels and tires with the 911. The 911 has 205 55s and the difference in handling was night and day. The 914 cornered flat with no "rebound" did not hunt, and was entirely predictable. Since I tend to drive it really hard into the corners, i was amazed at how it stuck. I drove the 911 with the 60s and even though the rebound was not as bad, it was still enough to upset the car upon exiting a tight corner. I will be calling Tire Rack to see if they have an exchange program. The moral to the story, unless you are a cruiser and cornering is secondary, buy 55s.

Avids are also more of a Sedan Tire, where the emphasis would be Comfort.

I had Avids on an Olds Aurora that lasted a long time (til the car was Stolen) put handling was just so-so

Agreed, the avids sound like a poor choice for your actual needs.. then again, if you think back to the 165s these cars originally came with, they would likely feell "pretty good".

Not since the 1990s have I found a 60 series tire to work with a 914. Given my driving style desires, I've used 205-50s for years.

Avids ranked #1 in the Tire Rack tests and the reviews were excellent for hi-po all seasons. That's what I went with. Since tread wear was less than 1/32 they're taking them back for Yokos S Drives in 55s. The BFG Comps are out of stock. We shall see.