944Time

After ten years, it is time for some new rubbers.
http://www.944time.com/porsche/tires.php


When I first got my 944 (non-turbo, 1986 model), I though bigger was better, so I got 225/60s.
After those wore out, I went to 215/60s and noticed much improved acceleration.

I am thinking of going to 205/60 or even 195/60. Smaller diameter, less mass, better for the mostly-urban driving I do.

Anyone use those? I am afraid 195 might be silly looking.

205/215 = 0.95 or 95% as wide.
195/215 = 0.90 or 90% as wide.


My old tires are well-worn. I can break them loose when it is wet!


Ten Years On

Scott at Team Harco

You are not taking into consideration the overall diameter. If you go narrower and maintain the same aspect ratio (60 series) you will lose on diameter. This will help acceleration, to a certain extent, but you will also lose ground clearance. The stock tire was 215/60R15. Is there a good reason to deviate from this?

Unless you are looking for winter tires, I would be hesitant to go narrower. Narrower tires will 'break loose' more easily too.

944Time

Good point about the lowering.

205/60 would drop the car about 1/2 inch.
195/60 would drop the car about 1 inch.

I don't think 1/2 inch would be a problem. But one inch?
I'll have to go measure my current ground clearance.

I was more concerned about 195/60s looking stupid.

Amazon has some low-priced 195/60R15 tires: $33 shipped for SUPERMAX All-Season!

aussie944cab

you've got to divide the difference in diameter by 2, as it's only the difference between the axle and the ground that matter, the top half of the wheel has no bearing on ground clearance, only tire to wheel arch clearance,
https://www.willtheyfit.com/index.ph...h=7&offset2=40

944Time

>you've got to divide the difference in diameter by 2

D'oh! Good point!
So I guess the clearance loss is 1/4 or 1/2 inch.

GTSilver944

Get an alignment too. Your toe is off.

Glue Guy

yup. Stay with the original OD of the tire, and get the alignment fixed. No tires will last until you get that corrected.

944Time

Uh oh! Is my toe showing?
My tires did last 10 years.


Toe

Scott at Team Harco

As far as I'm concerned, tires that last ten years are not very good to begin with. You sacrifice grip to get extended tread life. My compromise is the other direction.

bonus12

When I first bought my 944, 10-year-old tires were on it. They didn't hold much grip at all. I run stock front and rear sizes...but my odo is still 6% fast like many others here...