Please help me choose between two tire sizes for my 14X7.0 slots.

[PastorMike]

Hello all, this is my first post.

I am doing a staged restoration on a sun-baked '71 240 (more on this later), and need an answer to my tire question.

The rims are dealer stock, aluminum slotted, casting shows 14X7.00 on the inside. Offset measures -10mm (yes, minus 10, the original dealer sold Oldsmobiles) which provides a deep dish, and some tire to fender issues (during turns) if the tires are too large. It has 185/70 14 on it now... yuck. Look terrible, and not a legal mount per width requirements.

I have settled on two possibilties and need some influence from the community. Both of these fit the 7" rim: 195/60 14 Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S, or 195/65 14 Michelin Harmony. I want to keep the rims at least for now, not a lot of choices out there. I will probably lower the car an inch or two with new springs.

I have spent hours on the wheels and tires forum, seen things I'd like to do, but no new wheels until the restoration is complete.

Thanks.

[240ZGL]

Why look at such small diameter tires ?

[PastorMike]

Thanks 240ZGL,

The small diam is because of the too few choices of tires out there for 14", and the large negative offset of the wheels would cause the larger tires to rub the valence. Even the 185/70 14's get close on the right front.

[tlorber]

I think 195's are a bit narrow for 7" rims, which will take up to 215's with no problem. You might want to try and find some 15x7's out there with some usable rubber left on them. You'd probably find some for the cost of a new set of tires.

[Zedyone_kenobi]

These are 195/60/15's on a 15x7" rim.

I really think they fit quite well.

[PastorMike]

195/65/14 Michelin Harmonies on their way from TireRack. They were on closeout, so probably a discontinued size. Final day for the $70 prepaid visa card from Michelin. The offer expires tonight midnight EST.

[cozye]

195/70-14 works great on the 7" rim. They are within the 5.5-7 in rim recommendations.

It's also the stock tire size

Michelin harmony 195/70-14 on mine

[PastorMike]

Cozye, according to tirerack's data, 195/70/14 only accommodates a 6.5" rim max (not that you can't go to 7"). The 195/65/14 goes to 7".

Also, remember that I have a large negative wheel offset on the original slots that swings a larger tire into the valence during turns (wish I had zero offset, would have chosen 195/70/14's). The right-side valence was already rolled due to a larger tire interference issue.

Your wheel/tire setup is very nice looking.

[Z train]

Cozye, according to tirerack's data, 195/70/14 only accommodates a 6.5" rim max (not that you can't go to 7"). The 195/65/14 goes to 7".

Tire Racks info is wrong.810's came with 185/70/14s on 6 inch rims.

[cozye]

Cozye, according to tirerack's data, 195/70/14 only accommodates a 6.5" rim max (not that you can't go to 7"). The 195/65/14 goes to 7".

Also, remember that I have a large negative wheel offset on the original slots that swings a larger tire into the valence during turns (wish I had zero offset, would have chosen 195/70/14's). The right-side valence was already rolled due to a larger tire interference issue.

Your wheel/tire setup is very nice looking.

Depends on the brand and who you ask. I researched it. Tire shop also checked their data sheet. They said no problem. Some manufacturers also list 5.5-7, some 5.5-6.5 . Its not a problem

Also keep in mind the 65 is shorter, higher revs, speedo off more, and hard to get.

Edited November 29, 2011 by cozye