Need new tires....recommends appreciated

Are you looking to go with staggered size tires - i.e. larger in rear.  If they are 7" wide then I'd go with wider tires in rear with maybe lower aspect ratio to keep about the same size diameter. Hercules doesn't seem to be a bad tire.  Assume they are H rated - 130 mph.  I think it is best to have same make and model tires on a car. All season is probably best for your area - vs a summer tire.

I’ve been a historical tightwad regarding tires, even as every car magazine would tell me that tires are the single greatest determinant of handling and ride. In 18 years of speedstering, I’ve had all manner of all-season tires and exactly one set of nice, summer-tread tires. 

The difference is worth the money.

Vredestein Sportrac 5. You’re welcome. 

Stan Galat posted:

I’ve been a historical tightwad regarding tires, even as every car magazine would tell me that tires are the single greatest determinant of handling and ride. In 18 years of speedstering, I’ve had all manner of all-season tires and exactly one set of nice, summer-tread tires. 

The difference is worth the money.

Vredestein Sportrac 5. You’re welcome. 

Have I got this right, Stan ? You are recommending a tire that costs $59 CAD ? Vredestein Sportrac 5  195/60 R15 88H   at   tires.ca. Sounds too good to be true. 

David I use the avid envigor all seasons they are very quiet and good in the rain I have used them on 15’s and now on 16’s 

I now buy them from Goldwing and get them balanced on Hunter road force there as the service is great Adam is the owner

you can save a few dollars at tirerack but I find it a pain

I am sure there are better tires but they work well for me.

$59 Canadian? I paid $100+ USD/tire, and then paid freight to get them here.

Try ‘em, you’ll have zero regrets. 

David, the Vred Sport Trac 5s are incredible.  They can handle 265 hp just fine and they look awesome.  

Thanks, Lads. Now...if my wheels and wheel wells can take a wider tire...say 205 or more instead of 195's, would I benefit from the extra width ? What width do you fellas use, please ? My car is beyond looking stock so is wider just cooler ( or not ) or will it provide better performance ? Here's one pic of what I have right now. 

David Stroud posted:

Thanks, Lads. Now...if my wheels and wheel wells can take a wider tire...say 205 or more instead of 195's, would I benefit from the extra width ? What width do you fellas use, please ? My car is beyond looking stock so is wider just cooler ( or not ) or will it provide better performance ? Here's one pic of what I have right now. 

The wider you can go on the back the better off you are. Porsche has increased rear tire size on the 911 line over the years (the biggest I've seen are 305's!), I think to "tame" it's oversteering characteristics so the car will appeal to more of the mainstream. On a Speedster front with VW beam I don't think there's any advantage going any bigger than 195's.

When my car is finally ready for the street I plan on putting Yokohama S.drive 195/55-15's (6" rims) on the front and 205/55-15's (7's) on the back (if they still make them). My first choice would be 185/60's and 205 or 215/60's but no one makes those sizes in a summer performance tread any more. And yeah, the wider you can go on the back the cooler you are...

I would measure height and width you have now and go to Tirerack.com and you can see the height and overall width ( tread width too) for different size tires.  Merry Christmas !

Wider looks cooler and gives you a better traction on super aggressive driving around curves   But it comes at the sake of handling.  Unless you're driving a new performance car of course . With less than say 175hp, I would go no larger than 195 in the back.  How often are you going balls out?  I would prefer better handling in normal every day driving over balls our performance unless you push your car to the limits every time you get out.  

As a matter fact , I would go with a taller 24 1/2 inch 185/65 r15  If you are just a cruiser.   The ride will be awesome especially at  highway speeds.   You can even run a spacer if you want them pushed out a bit.  

This is a great tire size calculator -

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

Down size of larger tires is unsprung weight plus the effect on steering and acceleration.

David on my 2004 IM I had 7 inch rims in the back and I think 6 inch fronts 4 bolts.

    used  205/60R15 Rear tires   24.685 diameter   77.550    circumference 

Thanks Wolfgang, 

Specification  Sidewall  Radius  Diameter  Circumference  Revs/Mile  Difference
185/65-15         4.7in  12.2in    24.5in         76.9in        824        0.0%
205/60-15         4.8in  12.3in    24.7in         77.6in        817        0.9%

I don't understand the idea of keeping the tires the same width.  Personally, I think the wider the better, in the rear, to keep the rear end always behind you. 

When it rains you want more rubber, you do not need the rear coming loose.  my 2¢

IaM-Ray posted:

I don't understand the idea of keeping the tires the same width.  Personally, I think the wider the better, in the rear, to keep the rear end always behind you. 

When it rains you want more rubber, you do not need the rear coming loose.  my 2¢

Shortly after getting my wife's MB C250 "Sport" - I discovered the tires were different sizes with 7" front rims and 9" rear.  Killed my thoughts of rotating them for longer tire wear. (Turns out the "Modern" model with the stick up hood star has same size rims/tires but "Sport" has staggered sizes).  I can see rear wide tires on a lowered Speedster wearing strangely (one side) too.

But slicks are terrible in wet weather - you need the sipes in the treads and the treads to disperse water or you hydro-plane.  Funny too that in snow - skinny tall tires give better performance than fat low tires.

I'm unsure what Marty is talking about regarding wider tires not riding as well. It's sidewall height that effects ride, and a good tire chart can give you that information. 

David's wheels are 5.5" on the front, and 7" on the rear.

A 185/65R15 on the front is 24.5" in diameter. A 205/60R15 on the rear is 24.7" in diameter. The sidewalls are 4.7"- 4.8".

A 185/60R15 on the front is 23.7" in diameter. A 205/55R15 on the rear is 23.9" in diameter. Both tires have an approximate 4.4" sidewall.

The compound of a tire matters enormously. The thing about the Sportrac 5s is that they have a 300 treadwear rating  (enough to satisfy "value" shoppers like me), but still have excellent traction ratings. The ride is supple, and the grip is very, very good. I had no idea how much difference there would be between all-season tires and tires with a true summer compound, but it has to be experienced to be understood.

Ray,  I run staggered as well. 195/60 r15  upfront and 205/60 r15 in back.   Most  non IM cars  can't run that kind of  rubber without modifications to a standard body.  As far as suggestions for David, I Think what he is running now is big enough.  

And for the record,  The best set up I ever had on my  Intermeccanica was Avon 175/70 r15.   That's a different animal altogether as they are  vintage competition  tires approved for street use.   They never cut loose but that was with the first Subaru engine with 150hp.  Henry made me go fat tire in the back with the Turbo upgrade (which I understand).  The car was  more nimble with the skinnier performance tires.  All I'm saying is unless you have big power to ring in most of the cars don't need 205s on the back.  Jack Crosby runs 165/80 r15s with a type 4 engine. Granted they are vintage summer performance Vredestein Sprint Classics.  Marty, piece out & Merry  Christmas!

@David Stroud IM Roadster D      Is this the link ?    

if you decide to buy those vreds let me know if that company is real  they certainly are inexpensive. 

I have the Vredestein Sprint Classics on my car and really like them. The Sprint Classic and Sportrac 5 are summer tires and they have a specific warning about letting the tires get too cold. 

Tires exposed to temperatures of 20 degrees F (-7 degrees C) or lower must be permitted to gradually return to temperatures of at least 40 degrees F (5 degrees C) for at least 24 hours before they are flexed in any manner, such as by adjusting inflation pressures, mounting them on wheels, or using them to support, roll or drive a vehicle.

Failure to follow the warning above and the tires will crack and void the warranty. It doesn't get that cold here and I never intentionally drive in the rain.

The Bridgestones Summer High Performance tires on my '16 Miata carry the same 40 degree warning.  It does get that cold in FL early in the am but by 9:30 it generally gets above that.  In Ontario - I'd stick with all season tires - heck, above SC seems you'd need them.

You know lately, I have that same warning showing up on my body joints, soon I may be a snowbird or I might seize up. Merry Christmas from the cold north.

IaM-Ray posted:

@David Stroud IM Roadster D      Is this the link ?    

if you decide to buy those vreds let me know if that company is real  they certainly are inexpensive. 

 

Ray, those tires are at the end of  their production run.   They are not available in all sizes which leads me to believe that will be replaced soon.   They are a smoking deal right now.   Stan and me paid twice the price of  what they are selling for now. 

I believe I paid three times that much. They were worth every penny. Spectacular tires.

     Is it a real supplier?  What I was trying to point out is when I did a search on the site it shows up a location code that on Google maps shows the location to be in a residential area so that is why I was asking if it was a real supplier.  FYI, I am somewhat familiar with the area.

@David Stroud IM Roadster D  I wonder if David has used them before, sure are priced right.

IaM-Ray posted:

@David Stroud IM Roadster D  I wonder if David has used them before, sure are priced right.

745 Marlee Av in North York is certainly a very residential area so the ad / link looks suspicious for sure. I'll call them tomorrow and find out what's what. 

David Stroud posted:

IaM-Ray posted:

@David Stroud IM Roadster D  I wonder if David has used them before, sure are priced right.

745 Marlee Av in North York is certainly a very residential area so the ad / link looks suspicious for sure. I'll call them tomorrow and find out what's what. 

Turned out to be a bogus website. Phone number led me to a very frustrated tow truck driver. The search continues. 

Michelin XZX 165 SR 15 are close to the originals back in the fifties. Look good and perform well.

wombat posted:

Michelin XZX 165 SR 15 are close to the originals back in the fifties. Look good and perform well.

My wheels are too wide for those. 

I'm going with Stan on this one. I've got H rated Pirelli touring tires size 185/65/15 F and 205/60/15 R. 

The sizes are perfect. No need to go 195 or 185 in the back. If you've got the room in back, use the wider ones. It's smart to have wider in the back with all that weight bias. Also it does say Speedster on the side, right?

However, they don't stick as well as they should. How do I know? Stan and I played follow me/follow you down in the Smokies. I don't think Stan ever slid. I slid at almost every corner. Mind you, we were at or over 10/10ths and above the legal limit constantly. I find myself wondering exactly how much faster I could go with these, especially at autocross or track use. But mostly wondering how much faster on those mountain roads........

If you're a cruiser it really shouldn't matter. Buy if you drive like we do, it surely does. Those Sportrac 5s are the bomb, the shizzle, the stupid-cool.

The only thing stickier is race rubber or autocross tires. Those tires mostly don't come in our sizes. 205/50/15. Hoosier makes 185/70/15 but they are bias ply. And not suitable for the street.

I believe the US distributor for Vredestein is in North Jersey. I've been meaning to give them a call. I want a set. Maybe a group buy?

David, I am pretty sure that Vulcan Tire delivers to the CA.  I had Vred Sport Trac 5's sent to IM in Vancouver for my car. 

DannyP posted:

I'm going with Stan on this one. I've got H rated Pirelli touring tires size 185/65/15 F and 205/60/15 R... I believe the US distributor for Vredestein is in North Jersey. I've been meaning to give them a call. I want a set. Maybe a group buy?

 

If you call them and can arrange it, Danny, I'd be interested in a pair of 185/60-15's and a pair of 205/60-15's.

Marty, Vulcan website says not in stock. No backorders being taken.

DannyP posted:

Marty, Vulcan website says not in stock. No backorders being taken.

I'll be talking to Vredestein this morning and will report back. Looks like the Sportrac 5's will be hard to get. 

David Stroud posted:

DannyP posted:

Marty, Vulcan website says not in stock. No backorders being taken.

I'll be talking to Vredestein this morning and will report back. Looks like the Sportrac 5's will be hard to get. 

But maybe not. I called Quattro Tire in Montreal and they say these Sprotrac 5's are quite available. www.quattrotires.com .Plenty of tires now and more coming at year's end. 195/60/15 's at $98.95 CAD or about $22.00 USD. sku 273353. 24.2" diameter. 1-844-778-2887 ask for Kevin.

Now....just one more time, please and then beat me over the head with a barge pole if necessary..... They also have 205/65 ( no 60's ) 15's @ $119.98 CAD . sku 269172. 25.5" diameter. My front rims are 5.5 " and the rears are 7".  I've got plenty of room in the rear wheel well. Existing tires there are 195/60/15 's and I just measured the diameter at 24" mounted ( center of hubcap to concrete is 12" ). The taller rear tire is 6.3% larger than the existing one. Reality makes me think that with a load on it, the taller tire will show about 12.5 " off the concrete and having driven the car a bit, I think the tranny and motor will take it just fine. Please tell me why I shouldn't put the larger tires on the back? I've got a thick skull.... thanks.

A taller rear tire changes gearing so you accelerate (slightly) slower, the taller sidewall will flex more so it will feel a little "loose" (for lack of a better word) going into and around a corner and will raise the rear of the car up that little bit (which isn't good for handling either, although you certainly could re-adjust the suspension to compensate). On the plus side, a taller tire will absorb the irregularities of the road better/ride slightly more "comfortable" and give ever so slightly higher cruising speeds.

Tirerack lists the diameter of a 195/60-15 at 24.2", while a 205/65-15 is 25.4" (taken from specs on BF Goodrich T/A Sports- the important thing here is not the diameters themselves, which may not be quite the same given the different manufacturer, but the height difference between the 2). To be honest, with 3/4" wider tread I don't know if you'd even feel the .6" taller sidewall- I guess it depends on how hard you push your car.

Or, if you're sure they are getting more, you could wait for the 205/60-15's. Spring is still a ways away.

Don't know if this helps, David, but it's all I got. Al

Thanks for all your input, Lads. I learned a lot. In the end I ordered four Vredestein Sportrac 195 60/15's  noting that their advertised overall size is just slightly larger than what I measured on my car today. Final price was nice....$447.25 CAD taxes in and delivered to my door. It translates to about $85 each USD. Nice. 

NICE!

DannyP posted:

I'm going with Stan on this one. I've got H rated Pirelli touring tires size 185/65/15 F and 205/60/15 R. 

The sizes are perfect. No need to go 195 or 185 in the back. If you've got the room in back, use the wider ones. It's smart to have wider in the back with all that weight bias. Also it does say Speedster on the side, right?

However, they don't stick as well as they should. How do I know? Stan and I played follow me/follow you down in the Smokies. I don't think Stan ever slid. I slid at almost every corner. Mind you, we were at or over 10/10ths and above the legal limit constantly. I find myself wondering exactly how much faster I could go with these, especially at autocross or track use. But mostly wondering how much faster on those mountain roads........

I have a theory about that....