Needing new tires

[bhermes]

Not sure if my last post went through. My concern is buying 4 tires and deciding next year to go to 15" rims. Is it current wisdom to switch to 15" rims or am I ok staying with 14" rims. Just do not want to buy 8 tires in one year.

After this I will make a decision.

[SteveJ]

If you're going to buy new rims, you might want to consider 16x7 rims. That should give you better tire selection. Your selection be very limited with 14s and only a little less limited with 15s. You said it yourself. The tires are dry rotted. They need to be replaced. If you can afford wheels and tires, pull the trigger for them. If you don't have money for the wheels, stick with the 14s and revisit the issue in a few years.

I can relate to your dilemma. My 73 needs new rubber, and I was debating moving to 16s. However, I do not want to dip into my savings right now for wheels and tires, so I'll probably stick with the 14s for a few more years.

[ZCurves]

If you're going to buy new rims, you might want to consider 16x7 rims.....If you can afford wheels and tires, pull the trigger for them.

What SteveJ said.... I put 15X7 Konig Rewinds on my Z, they are fine However if I were going to do it again I would seriously consider 16x7's. I got a great promotional deal at Discount Tire in Houston - I have their card and got interest free for 6 months (you just have to commit to knocking out the balance in time).

[bhermes]

Thanks for all the input. After long consideration I decided to wait until next summer and get new 16x7 rims and new tires. Put on 1 cheap tire and crossing fingers that the other 3 last another year. I see no signs of dry rought on those tires and tread is about 90%. Money this summer going to body kit, window gaskets and new paint job.

[SteveJ]

How old are the tires? Here are a couple of links to figure out the manufacture date of the tires:

http://www.aa1car.com/library/tire_expire.htm

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=11&

You've already had one tire fail. Are you going to be driving the car?

Also, just changing one tire could significantly alter handling, especially under braking.

[ConchZ]

I'm really happy with my Bridgestone Potenza Pole Positions. 195x60x14. Quiet ride with good handling for a decent price.

[JonnyRock]

I'm really happy with my Bridgestone Potenza Pole Positions. 195x60x14. Quiet ride with good handling for a decent price.

As am I! Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS Pole Positions are great tires so far. I have them on both my 240Z (14") and V70R (17").

[Travel'n Man]

If you're going to buy new rims, you might want to consider 16x7 rims. That should give you better tire selection. Your selection be very limited with 14s and only a little less limited with 15s.

I am having that challenge as we speak - I had a blow out last month and I think I bought the last Yokohama 225x50x15 on the planet - next challenge I have with my current tires and I will have to either change tire size (which is very limited) or change wheel size - If I change wheel size I will have to go to 16" to find any variety at all on tire sizes...........for what it's worth.