tire question please have patience here

[beandip]

This most likely has been bantered about at nausium, but please ihave a question . Falkin tires show that they have 205/65 14s. Has any one run these and if so do you have a clearence problem? I am running 14" turbin wheels that have been on the '73 since new, and I want to keep them . I just want better traction for cornering and stopping. The 195/70s are not cutting it and I am looking for some im provement . I am open to suggestions so help if you can . I dont do auto cross or any track stuff but want performance for mountain roads and stopping power on the freeway. had a scare recently and was dissapointed in the traction of my present tires. I have stock brakes on my 240 that are in good shape and I just smoked the tires stopping and am not happy with the results. Help me if you can. gary

[LanceM]

I run 235/60-14 on my 240 with no clearance issues so 205/65-14 should be a problem.

[abas]

Lance

is your 240z on coilovers or original struts?

I ask only as 235 width sounds quite wide on a 240z with no mods.

[sjcurtis]

I have to agree with LanceM I am running 14X7 Enkies with 225X60X14 falkens, very minor clearance problem but mine is to do with my rim offset. With your change you should be able to go out to maybe 215X60X14 with your rim and offset. if I went back to the 215X60x14 I would have about a 1/4 clearance at the spring seat. Sorry I did not address the 65 profile problem, but as you know it changes rolling distance with width.

hope that helps

Steve:classic:

[LanceM]

All stock with aftermarket wheels. The mags are ET's that I bought probably 20 years ago, don't know but I don't think they have any special offset.

[civ104]

Try this to see the rolling radius of the sizes you're looking at. For base size, I use the 195/70 HR14 size. That was the original recommended fitment, so compare with that.

[Dan Baldwin]

Tire performance is more a function of tread compound than size or aspect ratio. Of course the racy compounds will only be available in lower aspect ratios, though. I'm assuming your wheels are 14x6, no? Go to www.tirerack.com, and do a search on 205/60-14s in max performance and ultra-high performance. OK, I just did it for you, and ONE tire shows up. Yokohama AVS ES100. If you don't have to have snow-capability, this is probably the tire to get. You might check Toyo and Falken, but remember that tire BRAND doesn't say much about performance. It's the specific tire within the brand range. i.e., statements like "I put a set of B.S. Goodstones on and they're the best in the universe" really have no meaning.

[kmack]

I had 215/60/R14 Yoko's on once with no problems. I currently have 205/65/R14 Falkens on my car with lowered springs and I have no issues either.

[Marty Rogan]

Beandip,

I run 215/60/15's on my car with slight clearance problem. I have to bend the back edge of the front valance in a bit. With a 14" rim you may not have a clearance problem. 205's would fit for sure.

I am using the Yokohama AVS tires. They are great performing tires at a very reasonable price. Check out Tire Rack for prices. I use them on the street and the track and would highly recommend them.

Marty

[beandip]

You guys have helped me alot here , and I am grateful . Again Thanks. the old guy :classic: