Ryan Z.

hey guys....I checked the archives and for some reason didn't come up with too much helpful info. on this matter. I need new tires and would like to purchase them soon....but I'm unsure what would be good for the p-car....i'd like something a little more agressive/low-profile than the BF's on there now, but obviously want something thatis proper for these sensitive cars....any suggestions for tires that you guys have used on your 15's and liked would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Ryan Z.

BallGoFar

Ryan,

I've got Michelin Pilot XGTs on my 15" phone dials and have had good luck with them. Great dry traction, good wet traction and great wear.

Jma_1

Your wheels are 15x7 I assume ?
You may want to try 225/50s, they will give you a lower profile but it's a bit of a stretch for those wheels, 8 in would be better, and your speedo will be off about 5% (60 mph on the speedo=57 mph actual). Why not consider a plus one conversion with 16 in wheels ? At times you can find good deals on a used set. Someone I know is using 225/50/15 Dunlop SP 8000 and is satisfied with them.

Ahmet

I think the best tire I've had on my 944 was 245/50/15 dunlop sp sport 8000s. If you don't mind the looks (looks a tad dinky if you're paying attention) then 225/50/15 is a good size also, in that size I would recommend the Yokohama AVS Intermediate.
Ahmet

Zach C

IMO the best band for the buck are Yokohama AVS Intermediates. I use 225-15 on back and 205-15 on the front. I think you could go to 245/225 without any problem though. They cost about $80 each from tire rack, and the dry performance is nothing short of outstanding for a street tire. They do not fair as well as the Bridgestones in the rain though, but you can get two sets of AVS for one set of Bridgestones. IMO skip the Dunlops - Please don't take offense anyone who likes these. I just don't like the wet performance, and a friend of mine experienced very significant wear problems in the first 9 thousand miles.
-My 2cents.

Ahmet

Zach, I have a lot of complaints about the SP Sport 8000s, infact a friend of mine might've totalled his Nissan 300zx twin turbo last night because he blew one...

However, this is the widest tire (by quite a significant 20mm mind you) that's approved to use on a 7 inch wide rim, and for sporty driving in the dry (and warm!, when they're cold they're horrible, and yes they do suck in the rain) I don't think another DOT approved tire can touch it. I've gotten a few first in class finishes in C-stock with these tires last year, with virtually half the class on slicks...

However, IMHO the Yokos are excellent tires also but they do wear a bit early and can't get them quite as wide. They're also noisier, and have a harsher ride (only marginally).

I'll also add this, my car is a lot more nimble (but won't corner quite as fast) with 215/60/15s, and I'm positive I found the perfect fit for myself... These tires cost $46 a piece, work fairly well in snow, are relatively comfy/quiet with descent feedback. They're no comparison to a 225/50/15 yoko AVS, or a 245/50/15 dunlop sp, but for overall use they're fine. I'm talking about the sumitomo htrs...

I also think 215/60/15 is the best size for track use, I can feel a noticable increase in top end power with these on specially above 100mph or so. Be warned however, these tires aren't the perfect fit for low speed/tight turns, not by a long shot. IMO tires are a very personal thing, they can make or break a car.

Just trying to clarify my point of view.
Ahmet

245/50/15 Dunlop SP 8000s:


225/50/15 Yokohama AVS Intermediates:


Current 215/60/15 Sumitomos:


PS: Maybe I got softer lately, afterall my car USED to have a set of sway bars, 350lbs springs, 17 inch rims with 255/45/17 rims, spacers etc.


Now it's only got a duplicate of an early factory sport susp. with new shocks/bushings... Oh well, maybe I'll go agressive on my turbo.

Dano_944

Stock Dials? Stick with 215/50/zr15 or 225/50/zr15 all around. The cars is almost perfectly balanced in axle weight, so keep the tire size balanced as well.

The best cost to performance and wear ratio I've had so far: Yokahama AVS Intermediates/ 225/50/zr15's (BTW: these are ZR speed rated tires, if your not familiar with speed rating). Great cost, great traction (actually my track tires in PCA Gs/s class), and great mileage tire. At just around $400.00 per set including mounting and goodies, it's a best bet, in my opinion.

Dan in Pasadena

I just put a new set of Yoko AVS Intermediates on my stock 15" phonedials last Friday. Was out of town this weekend and didn't drive the car, but from the few miles I have driven it, they feel great.

I bought stock 215/60x15's because I really want 17" 993 wheels but haven't got the budget for those yet. These will do nicely for the interim!
I paid $370 mounted and balanced - a good but not great price, I think.