The quest for a bigger wheel/tire

[FloridaZ]

Attached is a photo of my "78 280Z. The normal tire/wheel is 195 70-14. The photo shows the car with a 195 60-14 The car had been in storage since 1983 and the original tires were obviously no good. I got this set from a junk yard to get the car from Michigan to Florida.

Now here's the issue. I'd like a tire that more fills the wheel well. It is my intention to buy a set of Dayton wire wheels. I'm not well versed on "tireology" nor "wheelology" for that matter but you guys are. So what do you suggest that would give the car a more robust appearance?

I've read the threads that relate to tires etc but I can't get the info I need from that data.

I am also aware of the lack of power steering on this car and it is a real delight to maneuver around the parking lots a low speeds. And yes I know a larger wheel will make it somewhat worse.

thanks much,

Don Stiver

[Arne]

A 195/60-14 is over an inch shorter in height than the stock 195/70-14. You want a tire that is closer to the stock diameter to reduce the fender gap.

[280~Master]

You could place some 24's under there

But Arne is right bigger tire. You could look at MSA for some bigger rims and tires.

[george71z]

If you want to keep the stock 14" rim size, a 205 to 225 would put a good amount of rubber under you. I have run 225/60's on my '78 rims, and I am currently running 195/60's on my Libre rims. A 65 or 70 series tire would fill the well a lot more.

[FloridaZ]

Thanks for the tips guys. I'll post a pic when I get the bumpers and wheels/tire project finished.

Don

[mgood]

FlordiaZ, I have on my car now BF Goodrich 205/70-14's on the original wheels I got with the car. They are about 1/2 taller than stock 195's.

I had on the car for 25 years 205/60-14 on front and 215/60-14 on back, I thought they looked to short. Also with different front and rear you can't rotate them. The backs only had 4/32 left and the fronts had 9/32 left.

You can see the difference on my car if you look at my gallery listed on my sing. Look in the special images gallery to see the difference. Second picture is the Goodyear and the 5th picture is the Goodrigh tires.

[FloridaZ]

Michael,

Thanks for the pics. The difference between G'year and G'rich is what I was looking for.

Don