Better tires

I have an almost new Vintage Speedster. I want to upgrade the cheap Chinese tires that came with it---they are 165-15s. I would love a Michelin brand 165-15 but can't locate this tire.

Two questions:

1. Is there a VS owner here that has upgraded their tires? What did you get and how do you like what you got?

2. Should I consider 185s? Would they fit the "stock" Vs? (not the wide body) I believe this is available in a Goodyear--but prefer the Michelin as these are actually round---what a concept---right?

It's a long way to Carlilse on Chinese tires, I think.

Thanks guys---as always!!--Jack

Jack: I'd do a forum search for tire(s), You'll find much info.

Yeah, Jack.....this has been hashed over ad nauseum before on here.

185 X15-16 is about the limit on your car, but those seem to fit OK up to 5.5" rims. You may scrape on the inside tire edge against the body when turned all the way to the steering locks, but there is an adjustment stop on the steering to compensate for that, too.

gn

Gordon if I go with the 185s will it tighten my steering radius?---Jack

Jack, if you can fit a 185/60-15 tire on your car the best performing tire, in that size, is the Falken Ziex ZE-912. This tire would be comparable to the Toyo Proxes T1-R, which is also considered an excellent all-round performance tire. Unfortunately, the T1-R doesn't come in a 185 size. The ZE-912 also comes in a 185/65-15.
When I purchased my 15x6 (40 mm offset) Porsche replicas I matched them to a 195/60-15 tire. I adjusted the front steering bolt, so the tires wouldn't make inside contact, and the tire cleared the rear driver's side. Unfortunately, the tire didn't clear the rear passenger side. Something to remember....the clearance may be different from side to side.

i believe coker tire still has the michelin x. pricey though.

Gordon--I know about the search feature and use it a lot.

What I was (and am) looking for is some advice specifically from Vintage brand Speedster owners about a better tire than the Chinese ones I have now. Folks who have actually made the switch.

The reason is that the dimensions of a VS might be different from a Beck or an IM or whatever so I wanted to hear what will work on my particular car.

I don't want a tire that will scrape on the edge of the fender or inside the well or ride wierd.

The long Carlisle trip is mainly what prompted me. That's a long ride from Hot Springs, Arkansas and I wanted the best tire that is compatable with my VS.

That's why I asked the question.

I can't find a 165-15 in a Goodyear or a Michelin so maybe another size would fit in every way plus maybe even give a better ride. I did install Fa fron't sway bar and a reao camber compensator and don't know if that matters in replacing the current tires.

I always appreciate the help I get here and it has kept me from dumping a car with 1,000 miles for cheap on Ebay because I couldn't sort out the 8-10 issues this car had when I got it--like the guy did who sold this car to me with just $700 taking a $7,000 bath. His 700 miles cost him $10 per mile---yikes!

I still will appreciatre any vs info on replacement tires. Thanks to all---Jack

I'm quite pleased with my Goodyear Eagle RS-A's in the 185 size. They've surprised me with how sticky they are in a couple of instances.

I went "old school" and run a set of Continentals like back in the 60's.

They're still available in 165 through 195 sizes, depending on your area.

If you are a total HEATHEN, such as myself, check out Khumo, Toyo, or Yokohama.....All three make sticky, sticky tires....I run Yokohama Avids....185-60 front and 205-70 rear....It's a Spyder...

I've got Yoko's on my IM ... 205/55 x 15 and I'd like to replace them for much the same reason as Jack. The tires I have are almost slicks and although they are sticky on clean, dry pavement I plan on driving cross country in the IM and need something that's good in all weather. If you've ever driven the TransCanada from BC to southern Ontario you'll know what I mean. You'll get rain, sleet, snow, sunshine, dirt, gravel, broken surfaces, etc plus the big rigs, moose, etc....you need a tire that can stand up to just about anything.

Any advice? I'm changing over my 15x7 inch IM chromes to Fuchs in the process...15x6 I believe.

i picked up Yoko AVIDS as well. rated #1 by tirerack.com i have em on my winter car too. great tires.

width is one thing and height is another
did search on tirerack
165/80/15 25.4" tall
185/60/15 23.9
185/65/15 24.5
195/60/15 24.2
my thinking is that the height of tire closest to stock size would be the best for general cruising

Further to Jack's comment above, these are "handbuilt" bodies and they are "hand mounted" to VW pans in most cases. IMHO not only are the bodies NOT perfectly symmetrical left to right, the whole body itself is probably NOT square on the pan. If you are really going to locate the tires within 1/8 inch of the fender clearance (like real Porsches and Lexi) you're probably going to end up with some non-symmetrical 1/8 or 1/4 inch wheel spacers on individual wheels to achieve that.

Nothing wrong with that, and it will not be noticeable to your handling. Just maintain proper wheel stud length.

I'm a Kumho heathen -- no problems yet.

Jack,

Check with Kirk at Vinatge. He sells a Dunlop tire tire as an upgrade. I think its even an option on his website. Maybe he can make you a good offer on a set or at least point you in the right direction.


Marty

I agree with Marty. Run Dunlops. That's what my VS has.

Yokohama Avid H4 185/65/15.
Great tires, good looking, aggressive tread pattern and value priced.
They'll fit fine on the rear and the 65 ratio will give you a soft enough ride for a long distance trip.

I run Yokohama A539s.

Great in wet or dry, and available in a wider range of sizes than most performance tyres.

www.cokertire.com has the Michelin XAS 165HR15 for a lofty $226 each and the Vredestein Sprinting HR rated for $99. Surprized not to find the Michelin XZX there.

There's no real point in recommending a particular brand of tire, as most of them (Dunlop included) sell a range to suit different requirements, from hard touring tires to very soft performance tires.

The best choice will depend on how many miles you do a year, and what sort of driving you do. I'd imagine for most people with speedsters who do a relatively low mileage in a light car, the softer and stickier the better.

Brian, I'd recommend these tires in your size:
Falken ZIEX ZE-912 (summer)-best bang for the buck
Yokohama s.drive (summer)-new tire; getting good reviews
BF Goodrich g-Force T/A KDW (summer)-tends to get noisy as it wears
Toyo PROXES T1-R (summer)-very popular with the Miata crowd
Consumer Reports recently gave the Falken ZE-912 a very high rating.

A couple of guys at Spyderclub.com use the Bridgestone Pole Positions, and are quite happy with them.

I have the RE960 Pole Positions on my daily driver and I love 'em. Didn't know they came in 15" sizes.

This is interesting. From a UK site;
http://www.performance2and4.co.uk/techtips_1_n.htm

"Porsche recommend only 'N' rated tyres. Repeat...the correct tyre for your Porsche will have an 'N' rating. This is really important and but is often overlooked by tyre dealers. The N rating is a special tyre, tested and authorized by Porsche as being suitable for your car. If you deviate from the N marked tyres you may experience poor handling or stability. It may have a consequence for your insurers.
.
It's not unusual to find Porsche 911 (and Boxster) fitted with a good make of tyre, the correct speed rating but not 'N' marked. If you are experiencing poor handling or instability check the tyres before doing anything else. With so much weight over the rear of a 911 the rear tyres are critical to its handling and many 911 are spoiled by the fitment of incorrect tyres. When you order from an online discount tyre dealer or go to your nearest high performance tire dealer be certain they understand to order N marked tires."

Can anyone confirm or deny this info ?

On a Spyder, front 185/65/15
http://www.bridgestonetire.com/tireselector/SearchBySize_BS_EN.aspx?Size=185/65R15

Rear 195/60/15
http://www.bridgestonetire.com/tireselector/SearchBySize_BS_EN.aspx?Size=185/65R15

195/65/15 for early 911
http://www.bridgestonetire.com/tireselector/SearchBySize_BS_EN.aspx?Size=195/65R15