lightemup67

I recently purchased an 87 targa that desperately needed brakes, tires, and some suspension work. I got the brakes and suspension straightened out, but the tires are driving me crazy.

I have the 15" fuchs on the car, and the selection is terrible (obviously). Fronts are 195 65/15 and rears are 215 60/15. I see that I have 3 options, and I would like people's input.

1) Buy the pirreli p6000 tires for approx $250 a tire. The reviews aren't great, they seem expensive for pretty average tires. These are the only matching tires that I have found to fit the front and rear.

2) Change the sizes to 205 55/15s all the way around and have a nice selection (leaning towards Dunlop DIREZZA DZ102 or Kumho ECSTA 4X II)

3) Buy replica 16" fuchs for approx $150 each, and have a nice selection of 16 inch tires. (keep the 15" originals stored in the garage in case tire companies start making 15s again)

What do you guys think? I'm leaning towards option #2, but don't know how much the different size will effect performance.

Any input or information is welcome. Thank you!

-Brian

Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems

Brian,

JMHO, based on some experience:

1) Keep the 195/215 combo and use whats available.

or

2) Install genuine factory 16" Fuchs and use 205/55 & 225/50-16. Thee are lighter and far better quality than the cast replicas. This plays dividends in ride quality.

jamesjedi

Maxxis tires now makes a 245 40 16. Also a 225 tire.

Drisump

I have been through the tire drama and settled on the P6000. For whatever it's worth, they have been good for me. Price was double than for my last set (BFGs) but as you seem to be finding out, beggars can't be choosers.....the selection is terrible. Unless I was just cruising around town, I wouldn't consider the "all one size" option.

GTgears

I did option number two on my '86. Thankfully I did it before Michelin stopped making a good tire in that size. Don't know what I'll use when they need replacing.

burglar

These days: side impact standards -> high beltlines -> giant wheel arches to keep proportions -> giant wheels to fill those arches. Lowly Honda Accords are coming with 19" wheels these days. Even if you go to 16s you're still going to have similar issues.

We're in a bit of a no-mans land where we are not old enough to get the vintage car replica boutique tires but not new enough to have anything modern left.

Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems

While 15" tires present the best potential performance, the lack of street offerings makes it tenuous to recommend except for show & display cars.

I use 15" Pirelli Trofeo tires on my own Carrera, however these are not a practical choice for most people due to their limitations.

mpiffaretti

Steve, I run Toyo RA1's for the track, how do the Trofeos compare? I've been trying to do some research but there's not much info about the Pirelli tires.
thanks!

Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems

Trofeo's feel more planted with much less tread squirm.

911Dave

P6000's in stock sizes are expensive, but the best option out there. That's what I went with, and am very happy with them.

SARGEPUG

OP, if you install the 16" set like I have, you can get a great set of BFG comp 2's, that are ZR rated and about $100 a corner. I just slapped a set on them on!
Take a look on tire rack.

r911

Tire Rack has them in the same mid-range category as the Dunlops. Did you do a test of both?

tgil

I run the P6000s on my 80 Weissach with the stock 15" wheels. I use it on on public roads with some spirited driving and 99% dry roads. Ive drivien the car with them for 2 years and so far so good with performance, wear, holding air pressure, and I like the look of them.

Good luck with decision.

lightemup67

Just to close the loop... I selected the p6000s and am overall happy with them. My wallet isn't happy, but the car drives as it should, and they look nice.

I hope one day more tire companies start making performance 15" tires again!

upshift4

15" tires will come back when 8-track tapes do! Other than a few "specialty tires (i.e. race tires) there is simply not enough demand to justify production.

And 16" sizes are not long for this world either. Better start saving for some 17" wheels!