Thoughts on 205/70R14 on appliance 14x6 lowered 240

[pacemkr]

hi folks,\

my mind is buzzing after reading all the posts i can handle on rim/tire issues.

I'm about to order some tires for my appliance wire mesh 14x6 as I've decided to keep them.

currently i have 195/70 R14 on there now.

Im half way done lowering the car with the eibachs and added blue tokicos.

wondering if anyone has run 225/60 R14 or 205/70 R14.

looking at the BFG's cause i like the retro big bun look, but could use some input on what others have experienced.

I have a stock front facia but would like to add a 'spook' spoiler in the future.

current 195's are good for clearance but would like to increase width as long as it does'nt look too bulged out, or cause rubbing issues.

pics would be great if anyone has any.

thanks

[Arne]

On a lowered 240Z with a stock valance (with or without spook, it matters not), I would expect rubbing when turning at the valance with the 225/60 for sure. Quite possibly with the 205/70 also, due to the taller height. I recall one of the club members bought a Series 1 with 14x6 Appliance slots (same offset as the mesh) that had rubbing problems (catching the edge of the valance) with 215/60-14s, which are shorter height. I know that the clearance on my car (only lowered in front 1/2" or less) was tight with the 195/70s.

Side note - when checking clearance on a 240Z, make sure you check the right front for certain. The right side always seems to have less clearance. If you are going to have a problem, expect to see it there.

[mgood]

I have a 280 and it is not lowered but I put 205/70/14 on the Appliance wheels and no problems and I like the look.

Here is a thread. Here, look at 4th post.

[Mike W]

I have the exact same type and size wheels, although they are on a late model 260Z (11/74 manufacture date). It has an aftermarket air dam and does not have the original valance that came with the car. In the pictures below I was running lowering springs along with KYB strut inserts.

I run BFG Radial TA 225-60 R14 with no issues. Never had a rubbing or interference problem, front or rear.

Here's a few pictures for you so you can get an idea of how they look.

Mike.

[djwarner]

You guys just made my day. I just ordered a set of 205/70R14s to replace my 195/70s because I had a belt separation issue on a tire that sat for long periods over the last 10 years. Went with the 205 over the 195 for the looks and because the 195/70 has a slightly smaller diameter than the 175HR14. Figured it would help remove some of the speedo error.

[Arne]

The above two owners with no problems have different situations than the original poster. Big bumper cars (late-260Z and 280Z) that have not been lowered sit higher than a stock 240Z, and aftermarket airdams have much more clearance at the tight spot than stock valances. I STRONGLY recommend checking your clearance closely prior to buying different size tires. For this reason, I do not recommend buying your first set of a new size mail order, but from a local dealer where you can test fit them.

[pacemkr]

yeah, noticed that about the lower valance on the 240 being a little tighter than the later models.

thanks for all the info guys.

really too bad there is not a sportier tire available in the 195/70 category because once i polished up one of these appliance mesh mags I've really started to like the look of them.

[Arne]

I agree with the lack of performance tires in all 14" sizes, actually. But in all honesty, many people don't push these old cars anywhere near hard enough to need a true "performance" tire. The reality is that most of today's mini-van tires are better performing than most of these cars can use. And they are all better than what the cars came with new.