jclanin

Hi all -

I have 7s & 8s (16") original Fuchs on the car. I'm sourcing new rubber from Butler Tire. I'd like to go a bit wider in the rear so they are recommending the following:

BF Goodrich Sport Comp 2 - 205.55.16 front and 245.50.16 rear

They would normally do 245.45.16 rear, but they are very hard to come by. I know the 245.50.16s would be a tad taller.

Looking for overall opinions here and if any of you think the 245.60.16 would be too tall in the rear.

thanks!

JC

Jay H

The 245/50 16 will be nearly an inch taller than the stock size of 245/45 16 (if we do simple math for these sizes - every tire model is slightly different). So, I think that the extra inch will most likely be visible and could even give the car a nose down stance...

245/45 size is becoming extremely rare, so I can understand the substitution to the 50 aspect ratio.

Personally, I think a 225/50 16 still looks good and period correct on a narrow body 911. Plus, the 225/50 is nearly identical in side wall height as compared to the 205/55.

However, it's your car and your money, so do as you please.

jclanin

Thanks for your input Jay. I'm going to hold out and see if I can source some 245/45 16s.

jclanin

I did find these 245/45 16s at Tire Rack:

Bridgestone Potenza RE-11

Anyone with experience on these?

porsche0nut

My car came from the previous owner with 245/45R16 and 205/55R16 Fuzion ZR1s (on 6's and 7's). They're old now though and need replacing, and I think I'll go back to the factory spec 225 for rear.

I've also been told the Fuzion's aren't the greatest tires (I have nothing to compare them too myself so I have no opinion). If you really want 245/45R16's they're an option.

porsche0nut

theiceman runs Bridgestone Potenza somethings on his SC, but with different wheels. If he doesn't stop by this thread you could PM him and ask him what he thinks of them.

irobertson

No experience, but I noticed these as well. It appears they are re-releasing the RE-11s in that size, which is great news. The reviews on Tire Rack look good. I plan on getting a set for my 7s & 8s when the time comes to put my car back on the road.

jclanin

Yes - just went through the review and they seem like a solid option. I may order a set in the next week or so.

Jay H

It's interesting that the Tire Rack does not list the RE-11 as an option if you select the two sizes that you need... But then if you select just the 245/45 size and view other sizes available, the 205/55 is listed as an available size.

However, the load and speed ratings are different between the front size and the rear size. I'd suggest calling Damon at the Tire Rack (he's awesome and knows Porsche well) and see what he thinks about mixing those speed ratings and load ratings. I bet for street driving, it would be O.K.

Since the RE-11's are now available, I'd see about going to that 245/45 and 205/55 combo... That would be nice if it can be done right. Those are old school stock sizes. Cool.

Every high end Bridgestone tire I've ever run has been the best tires I've had. I would assume these RE-11's are darn nice summer tires.

theiceman

I run Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires in 17s tho and really like them . I dont do track but find they do stick really well and are wearing just fine.
I was a huge fan of RE71s in the day and then S02s and S03s

JRRSA

I have a friend that is running RE-11's and he really likes them.

As for size, I ran 7 and 8's on my 87 with 205-55 on the front and 245-45 on the rear. Looked and handled great.

jclanin

It appears the REs are on backorder and there is no production plan until late Jan '13.

I can however get a set of Nexen N3000 in the 205-55 / 245-45 setup. I've read some good reviews. Anyone have input on these tires?

embacpa

i run (on the street) the RE-11, but 205/225 and they are great!! although i run hoosier R6's (225/245) on the track, i have run a session or two with the RE-11 and i was very impressed. not sure why you need the 245 on the rear (unless this is for track use), but i suspect the 245's in the rear on an 8" rim will be close.

Radcap

I run fuzions on my 87, seem great, no issues,

Rod

Helios59

My Fuzions got super noisy after about 6k miles but otherwise do okay. Not sure what I'll do once I need replacements. I have 9 inch rear wheels so 225s are not an option.