Fishguy

the thread on which makes a better tire also raised the question, which size is best, and why?

215/60 or 225/50


I mean, I thought wider was better, but the smaller tire seems to have some negative side effects, so tell me more!

Skip

215/60 is stock, 225/50 is mo'betta for the na. Reduces radius and increases width - it's all good.

Smaller diameter means your speedo will read higher than actual. But, helps with the gearing to get the car moving quickly - also helps out the fatal final 5th gear drive. 225/50 has less sidewall and is stiffer - better for cornering.

215/60 is the Luxo plush ride tire of the 80's. If you like crushed velvet interiors, that's the right tire for you.

How late is it, anyway

Porsche-O-Phile

I've wondered if the wider tire would have to "bow" outwards at the sidewall to fit properly. If so, it seems that would offset the advantage of having a lower profile sidewall in cornering since the bowed area would get rather hot & soft (and break down more quickly). I read a post on Pelican about this and the individual said that the 225s were terrible. I'd ask / search around a bit on this one. . .

If you really want the 225s I'd say go with a 16" rim that's designed for them. You can find them relatively cheap these days.