New and Improved TIRE question

[thoen]

First, let me state, I know nothing about tires except that some brands are better than others but i still wouldn't know why.
My 44 has 15" pirellis they are "P215 60R15" size on both the front and rear. I have fuchs (almost misspelled that one).
OK, OK.... You are asking...SO WHAT IS YOUR QUESTION??
<:
1. using the same wheels what options do i have in regard to size and should the rears be larger?
2. They look near new and drive wonderfully EXCEPT in last winters (my first 44 winter!) snow. I got stuck everywhere and had Zero traction. Should i get rear snow tires next year or "all wheather tires"? I don't race and rarelly go over 100mph on a 65mph parkway (westchester, new york).
3. what are the least expensive GOOD tires?
4. I missed the April meet in NJ. Is there anyone interested in a meet in Westchester\CT\NJ during the Summer?
Group Hug,
ernest

[Techno Duck]

1)The best you can fit is a 225/50/15 to get the wider look you want. Unfortunetley i do not think there are many tires still made in this size (That are 'good' atleast) in all-seasons, mostly only summer tires. Note that the shorter side wall looks funny if your car is at stock ride height. You can do a 225/60/15 to get around this, but the tires look funny because then the sidewall looks to big almost. Different tire sizes will also throw the speedometer off marginally.

2)Because you live in an area that gets alot of snow, i would consider buying a spare set of wheels (cookie cutters and phone dials are pretty cheap) and buying a dedicated set of winter wheels. No all season tire will ever be as good as even the cheapest snow tires. You can run snow tires year round, but they usually are very loud and do not have great dry grip.

4) I will be over seas until mid July, but would love to do another meet with you guys. Cubby's was a great spot last time. Big lot and good food. Hopefully we can do something like that again.

[thoen]

Techno
1. where are you going "overseas"?
2. thanks always for your great advice
3. have a great trip!!!

[jcommin]

Jon,

You have been a great help and I hope you stay in touch. I plan on posting some pics of my car in the next couple of weeks and I can't thank you enough.


Bon voyage, safe travel.


jim

[Tidybuoy]

Here's my 2 cents worth:

Attached are two links. The first one has factory tire and rim sizes - It's at the bottom of the page:
http://www.connactivity.com/~kgross/FAQ/944faq13.html

The second link is a tire size calculator. With this, you can put in your stock tire size and then put in your new tire size and it will compare the two (i.e., if stock is 215/60/15's and you want to switch to 225/50/16's you will see that the end tire height is about the same and so you won't affect the speedometer - just performance and handling).

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

Hopefully, this will help you with your tire decisions.

Vern

[Techno Duck]

Im actually not sure where im heading yet and probably wont know for another week or so. The plans keep changing due to the state department. Greece and St. Petersburg were supposed to be definite ports, but American's are basically hated in Greece and there is a bit of political unrest going on in St. Petersburg as of late. All i know is one of the stops along the way is Rome and we are supposed to be bunkering in Charleston in about three weeks.

I am not even 100% sure i am still going and also wont find that out until monday probably. If i ship out great, but if i dont i will have a nice 5 months off to work, auto-x, do track days and be able to make my sisters wedding . So i could careless either way.. .

[thoen]

thanks vern,
i replied to a post on your wheel paint job. how long did it take? it looks FABULOUS!!! read it and please reply?

[ilikemy944]

225/60/15 to get around this, but the tires look funny

yeh, don't do that size.

Fuchs are the same size f/r so tires should match.

As far as meets are concerned, you are required to attend 944Fest.

[thoen]

where is 944fest???

[thoen]

techno,
my daughter LOVED St. Petersburg but hated the rest of Russia. The Hermitage is a must and if you do go, send me a gauguin postcard from there. let me know if you go?

[Techno Duck]

Its at Nelson Lodge's in Ohio on the 10th and 11th of August. Ive missed it for the last 5 or so years they have had it but i am going to try and make it this year. Its about a 7 hour drive from NYC.

http://www.944fest.com/

If you plan on making the trip out let me know as i would really like to caravan down. I have a feeling my friend in Queen's will be going this year also.

[thoen]

vern, that website http://www.connactivity.com/~kgross/FAQ/944faq.html
IS GREAT!!! never seen it before (i think?)
Lotsa factsa!!!
ernest

[thoen]

techno,
That 944fest looks terrific but i gotta family and need to plan out these kind of trips way in advance.
i didn't make the NJ meet because i took off the new spoiler because it didn't look just right and felt that my car needs a bit more work before I can show it to you guys. as soon (this summer) as i get my 44 NICE, i will post some proud daddy pictures...until then, i am in hidding.
ernest

[Tidybuoy]

Originally posted by thoen
vern, that website http://www.connactivity.com/~kgross/FAQ/944faq.html
IS GREAT!!! never seen it before (i think?)
Lotsa factsa!!!
ernest

I hope I posted the correct page - the site is correct but the wheel sizes is on the "Performance Mods" page.

Vern

[thoen]

yeah vern, you did but i wanted others to see their homepage.
the tire section is AWsOme!!
e

[Tidybuoy]

Originally posted by thoen
thanks vern,
i replied to a post on your wheel paint job. how long did it take? it looks FABULOUS!!! read it and please reply?

I posted a couple of more pics on my orig post. I'm not completely done yet but it's has taken me a couple of weeks. Fortunately, I'm painting a spare set of wheels so I still get to drive my car.

The paint took over a week to get shipped - that's actually a good thing as I was not rushed and was able to spend time on prep (that's a rare thing with me as I usually rush things and regret it later). I spend a couple of hours each night after work - probably 8 days of prepping. Painting will go much quicker. I primed last night and that took a few hours, including making a make/shift paint booth in my breezeway.

Vern

[nynor]

i have nothing to add except for #2:

my '83 did GREAT (seriously!) in the snow, with dedicated snow tires/wheels. pick up a cheap set of cookie cutters and some winter only tires and you will be set.

[thoen]

nynor,
it is really good to hear that tires will make the difference with the snow. there are cheap wheels all over, i guess, and will get two for the rear!
this is the greatest forum. rennlist doesn't come close (in my opinion). even though i see a lot of pelicaners on rennlist.
there is a great weekend coming up here in the NY area. taking my 44 to a NJ computer show tomorrow!! i hope the driving weather is great for all!!!

[nynor]

i'd get the full set and put snow tires all around. it might save you and your car.

[ilikemy944]

fwiw - I drive from Georgia to Ohio for the 'Fest every year ;P
Been 4 times now...

I dunno about snow tires...