Tire size for 71 240 with 15x7 Konig Rewinds

[71gwd]

Can anyone help me a with a tire size for my 71' 240Z? I have a set of 15x7 silver Konig Rewind wheels and wanted to find out what is a good tire size for my Z. I actually just had a set of 215/60-15’s put on and they were too big. They hit the front lower air dam (stock) when I cranked my wheel. This is a stock Z, can anyone tell me what they are running so I can get tires back on my car. I'm looking at 205/60-15's but am afraid they might still rub. Thanks everyone!

[Arne]

205/60-15 may be OK, depending on your suspension, and the particular tire brand you choose. (Different brands and models will be different width even if the official size is the same.)

Other sizes to consider are 195/60-15 and 205/55-15. But without seeing your car, I can't promise for certain that these smaller sizes won't rub. Much better chances, but still not 100%.

[fixitman]

I have Bridgestone RE960AS Pole Position tires in 205/60-15's on 15" x 7" wheels on an early 260Z. The Z has stock springs with Bilstein strut inserts. I have not received any reports of rubbing in test drives from the restoration shop. Results may differ for a 240Z.

I also have RE960As's on a BMW 528 in a 225/55-16 size. This is a really nice ultra high performance all-season tire. They improved the handling, braking and wet weather performance. I'd buy them again.

Good luck.

Fixitman

[71gwd]

Thanks for the quick reply. The 215/60-15's I attempted to put on were Bridgestone Potenza G019 Grid, great looking tires. This is a totally stock 240 and I was running 215/60-14 and was hoping to fill up the fender-well a little more with the 15's. I've probably got one more shot with the tire shop before they get upset with me ordering tires that don't fit. The 205/60-15's sound like they might be my best bet, anyone with these (and the Konig Rewinds) on a 240 so I can make sure?

[psdenno]

I have Konig Rewinds with 215/60-15s on my '71. I had a very slight rub problem between tire & stock valance on the right when turning. I probably could have done a little metal bending or trimming, but instead replaced the stock valance with a fiberglass valance with integrated lip spoiler from MSA. I thought it would be easier to trim if needed. Works just dandy as is.

Dennis

[Inf]

I also have some Bridgestone RE960AS Pole Position tires, only in 195/60R-15 on my 15"x7" Konig Rewinds.

My suspension setup is Tokico HP shocks, with Eibach Pro Kit 240Z springs (as opposed to the 280Z Eibach springs which some people run after cutting a front coil off). My strut insulators look to be in good shape, although the rear sits slightly lower than the front now with the Eibach springs (sat level with the Tokico red springs though).

I picked 195/60R-15 because I was worried about rubbing when I go back to a stock valence and BRE spook. Zedyone_Kenobi had reported issues with 205/60R-15 tires on his 15" Panasports and his valence/BRE spook, so I went down a size to avoid that. IIRC he is running Tokico HP shocks and Tokico red springs.

I can't really comment on the Pole Positions yet, as I have only put about 6 miles on them so far at low speeds around my neighborhood.

Edited March 21, 2010 by Inf

[WW2Winger]

I run Tokico springs and Illumina shocks which lowered the car about an inch. On my Rewinds, 15 x 7, I run 225/50/15 Toyo RA1s. No rubbing

[Arne]

I picked 195/60R-15 because I was worried about rubbing when I go back to a stock valence and BRE spook. Zedyone_Kenobi had reported issues with 205/60R-15 tires on his 15" Panasports and his valence/BRE spook, so I went down a size to avoid that.

This is a huge part of the issue. There's lots of clearance for wide tires if your 240Z has an air dam on it. The rubbing problems when turning are most common on cars with stock valances.

[71gwd]

Yeah, I know this get complicated with different car set ups and different tires. I am just hoping someone can tell me they run 205/60-15's (with the Konig's) without a problem or yes they still rub the stock air dam and I need to go to 195's. I would like to stick with the 60 sidewall height. Hopefully someone has run across this issue. Thanks again!

[MEZZZ]

I run Tokico springs and Illumina shocks which lowered the car about an inch. On my Rewinds, 15 x 7, I run 225/50/15 Toyo RA1s. No rubbing

I have the same setup. 225/50/15 Toyo Proxes, Ilummina's and Eibachs, front air dam, no rubbing at all. I do have a 280 if that matters.

[Walter Moore]

I run 195/65R 15's with a stock valance and no interference of any kind. I am using ZX-Turbo wheels (15x6 with a +10mm offset) I am not sure about the offset of the Rewinds. That can make a difference.

[Arne]

I run 195/65R 15's with a stock valance and no interference of any kind. I am using ZX-Turbo wheels (15x6 with a +10mm offset) I am not sure about the offset of the Rewinds. That can make a difference.

The 15" Rewinds are 15x7 and 0 offset. Walter, your ZXT wheels have the outer lip tucked inside the fender over 3/4" more (22-23 mm). That would make them much less likely to rub than 15" Rewinds.