Will

I've been running the following sizes of Kumho Victoracers on my '87 Carrera on Fikse FM-10 wheels without a problem:

255/40 ZR17 (rear)
225/45 ZR17 (front)

I just bought a set of new Hoosier R3S03's of the same size and had them mounted. After a few miles on the street to test them out, I found that the right rear tire was rubbing both the oil line and the fender lip. No damage to the tires, but obviously unacceptable for further use. The fact that they rub on both the inside and outside means I have no choice but to avoid the 255/45 size in the rear. I'm going to either take the four tires off and sell them and go back to Kumhos, or try a smaller size in the rear.

Here's where you can help me. Tire Rack sells the following tires that may be a good substitute for the 255/45's:

245/40ZR17 (total diameter 24.7")
245/45ZR17 (total diameter 25.7")

I'm afraid I don't know the rim width in the rear, but 245's should 10 mm narrower than the 255's, perhaps giving me enough room in the fenderwell. Any advice on which to choose, or should I just give up on Hoosiers? Think I should go with the shorter 245/40's or the taller 245/45's? For comparison, the 255/45's are 26.0" high.j

Thanks for your advice.

Will

E. J. - 993 Alumni

Will, I run 275/40 hoosiers on the rear of my narrow body 993. Cant imagine you cant fit 255s on yours? Could it be an incorrect offset of the wheels? It really doesnt make much sense since the Kuhmo's work though.

Also, just so you know, I have run the 255/45 hoosiers in the past with no problems. I think it should work fine for you. Maybe loose fender liner or something? Did it rub on both sides or just one?

E. J.

Bill Gregory

I believe the 87 Carrera originally came with 205/55x16 in front and 225/50x16 in the back. Looking at specs on street tires, it looks like the overall diameter for both is around 24.9", give or take.

To keep your speedo vaguely correct, you'd want rear tires with close to that diameter. That would say the 245/40x17 would probably be the best choice. However, when looking at the specs on the Tire Rack or Hoosier sites, the sectional width for the 245/40x17 is 10.5", compared to 10.4" for the 255/45x17, both measured on 8.5" rims. The treadwith is about a half inch shorter on the 245/40 vs the 255/45. So, depending where exactly the tire is rubbing (sidewall or tread) may define which rear Hoosier would work best.

If it were me, I'd want the 245/40 tire. After all, one reason to use 17's is so you can have a shorter sidewall. If that didn't work, then I'd look to another brand, as opposed to going to 245/45's.

Ed Newman

Having run both tires, I can't imagine a reason to run the Hoosiers now. The new Kuhmos stick as well, are cheaper, streetable and much more forgiving. The only downside is a few extra pounds. I'm sticking with Kuhmos for now.

E. J. - 993 Alumni

Sorry Will, but I completly missed the fact that you were talking about the 87 and not the 993. Sorry.

E. J.

Jim Sullivan

Ed, I'm surprised at your comments comparing Kumho's vs. Hoosier's. You've done lap times and they're about the same? That would be good news.

Will

Guys,

Thanks for the advice. I've decided to buy ONE 245/40 ZR17 and try it on the problematic rear wheel. If it works, I'll buy another one for the other side. If not, I'm only out $200. I'd rather do this than buy four new Kumhos and have to sell the four Hoosiers that are currently on the car. I'll let you know what transpires!!

Will