16" tire availability
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 135
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From: Western NC 1991 S4
16" tire availability
I recently purchased a 1991 S4 and I might have the chance to get a set of very nice Design 90 wheels for the car, which according to my window sticker and build sheet, it came with. Currently is has Turbo Twist wheels in 17", not Porsche but a copy. I like the looks of the D90 wheels better and would like the car back to original if it makes sense, but I'm concerned about getting tires for them. These wheels are 7.5" fronts and 9" rears. Any advice or recommendations?
Thanks
Thanks
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Minneapolis
Go to www.tirerack.com and use their "select by vehicle" function. Pretty good about finding sets that fit the wheels and have the right diameters.
I'd hold onto those 17" wheels. Maybe use them for winter tires or track tires. Also, 16" tires are becoming less available. Not "scarce" but the trend is there.
I remember when 22/75-15 was a very common size and last time I needed some I had to go 235/65-15. Progress marches on. (Unless it's a tensioner.)
I'd hold onto those 17" wheels. Maybe use them for winter tires or track tires. Also, 16" tires are becoming less available. Not "scarce" but the trend is there.
I remember when 22/75-15 was a very common size and last time I needed some I had to go 235/65-15. Progress marches on. (Unless it's a tensioner.)
Administrator
Joined: Aug 2001
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From: Up Nort
Per the tire rack the stock sizes are 225/50-16 and 245/45-16. If you search their site by choosing the car, the only tires they show (other than slicks) are the Fuzion ZRi, and Kumho VictoRacer V700, which is a track tire 
If you manually look up these sizes, the Continental ContiSportContact is also offered in those sizes.
If you bump up the rears to 245/50-16 there are 12 tires to choose from. Only problem is this size will knock your speedomoeter off by 2.3mph at 60mph.
255/45-16 would be a closer match in the rear, no tires available.
265/45-16 isn't much better, only one street tire is the Kumho Ecsta XS, this is pushing it on a 9" wheel & it's $170!!
Dropping down to a 235/45-16 doesn't help either, no tires available.
The rears are important since it drives the speedometer.
Sometimes it helps to call The Tire Rack since I've found their system doesn't always show everything. Or better yet send a PM to "damon@tirerack.com" since he is the rep for Rennlist. Always willing ot help.
If you manually look up these sizes, the Continental ContiSportContact is also offered in those sizes.
If you bump up the rears to 245/50-16 there are 12 tires to choose from. Only problem is this size will knock your speedomoeter off by 2.3mph at 60mph.
255/45-16 would be a closer match in the rear, no tires available.
265/45-16 isn't much better, only one street tire is the Kumho Ecsta XS, this is pushing it on a 9" wheel & it's $170!!
Dropping down to a 235/45-16 doesn't help either, no tires available.
The rears are important since it drives the speedometer.
Sometimes it helps to call The Tire Rack since I've found their system doesn't always show everything. Or better yet send a PM to "damon@tirerack.com" since he is the rep for Rennlist. Always willing ot help.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 669
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From: Mansfield, TX
It's getting difficult. I'm down to buying the Continental's simply because I can't get anything else in a matching set for the front and back.
And, it's tough even then. I have had a full set on order since early December and I'm still waiting......
And, it's tough even then. I have had a full set on order since early December and I'm still waiting......
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Rennlist Member
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From: Temecula, CA
I've talked to Tire Rack about this to no avail.
The Continentals were the best available as of three months ago when I last checked. Since I won't need tires for another year or two I haven't stressed too much about it but I would be very disappointed if the Conti's were no longer available. Not really impressed with the remaining options, the ratings aren't the best for either of them.
The Continentals were the best available as of three months ago when I last checked. Since I won't need tires for another year or two I haven't stressed too much about it but I would be very disappointed if the Conti's were no longer available. Not really impressed with the remaining options, the ratings aren't the best for either of them.
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Nordschleife Master
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: So Cal
Not sure TR sells them, but here are a couple of more tire options:
Yokohama Tires - AVS ES100 245/45ZR16 94W
Toyo Tires - Proxes T1R 245/45ZR16 94W
Yokohama Tires - AVS ES100 245/45ZR16 94W
Toyo Tires - Proxes T1R 245/45ZR16 94W
Last edited by UncleMaz; Jan 6, 2010 at 01:00 PM.
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Rennlist Member
Joined: Nov 2009
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From: Dubuque, IA
I just put the 50 series 245's on back of my 90 S4 and called it good. Makes the electronic and dash speedo show different speeds but so what. 2.4 mph is no big deal. I put on Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus and love them.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 135
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From: Western NC 1991 S4
The Pilot Sport A/S+ is a tire I have used before on another car and liked it a lot, and I really would like an A/S tire anyway so that might be a good choice. Do you adjust ride height for the slightly different tire diameter?
Former Vendor
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,787
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From: South Bend, IN
225/50 and 245/45 really does not offer many good tires in the combo anymore. The Fuzions, and ONE set of Conti Sport Contacts is all we have that isn't a race tire.
If you keep the front the same and move .5" up in OD in the back to 245/50 16, there are many more good combos.
Fuzion ZRI, Firestone Wide Oval, General UHP, Goodyear GS-D3, and many performance all-season tires are available.
Please give me a call if I can help.
Thanks.
If you keep the front the same and move .5" up in OD in the back to 245/50 16, there are many more good combos.
Fuzion ZRI, Firestone Wide Oval, General UHP, Goodyear GS-D3, and many performance all-season tires are available.
Please give me a call if I can help.
Thanks.
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From: NorCal - Bay Area
Administrator
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From: Up Nort
Rennlist Member
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From: Mansfield, TX
If you keep the front the same and move .5" up in OD in the back to 245/50 16, there are many more good combos.
Administrator
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From: Up Nort
