Tire Recommendations

[fishboy]

I am in need of new tires. Currently running 185/60/14's on panasports. what are the recommendations both good and bad? I have not seen anything less than a 60 series does anyone know of lower profile available out there? Thanks in advance.

[dwcars0]

Hey Bill
I am also in the market for new tires. I am going to use my stock alum rims that have 185/60R 14 tires, and am thinking of using 195/60R14 Falkens. http://www.falkentire.com/Tires

I just have to decide between the ZE 912's or the RT 615. Anybody out there using either model?

Dan

[ga.spyder]

I think,as far as aspect ratio goes,that 60 series are the best bet on 14'' wheels.I have 15'' wheels and those seem best with a 50 series tire.I am also in the market ,and have narrowed it down to Kumho Ecsta or General Exclaim UHP.Both are resonably priced,summer performance tires.I have had excellent results with Kumho Ecstas,but have heard great reviews of the Generals.I love http://www.tirerack.com for testing results,price comparisons,owner surveys,etc.The prices are good,but I have found by the time you add shipping,mounting,etc...you can do better by purchasing locally.
Craig

[joshuagore]

In the next day or two I am pulling the trigger on the Falken Azenis 615. I used to track some bigger cars and found the older model Azenis 215 to be the closest thing to a dot slick I wanted to run. There are stickier tires, there are better wearing tires, and there are better wet weather tires, but none do all as well in an ultra high performance summer tire as the Azenis. This is keeping price in mind.
I have found that in 14/15in sizes most companies make the ultra high performance models, and if they do they are surely not the $66+shipping that the Azenis's are.


I am going to be running 195 60 14, and buying them from Vulcan Tire which seems to have the best price on the Azenis tires.
http://www.vulcantire.com/azenis_rt615_t.htm

All that being said, who really needs that sticky? I don't, but I want it If you have better self control than I why not look into the Sumitomo HTR200 which although I don't have personal experience with, are known to offer good budget grip. I also like the newer Falken ZEIX 912... DONT GET THE 512, the sidewalls are like a wet noodle.

Josh

[danaspider]

i am running the Kumho Expa SPT, 205 50 / 15. Tires are really nice, great handling and life seems to be good. Had them for almost 2 years. No tire squeel as there is so much grip, it will probably kill me, as they may just let go some time. The 50 series comes close to matching the old 13 diameter, so speedo error is only about 5%. But then the original speedo seems to have been + or - 15%, so who knows.

Any way would buy the Kumho's again.

[fishboy]

Thanks for all the opinions! Does anyone know of 205/50/14's on the market? I have heard they exist but have not found them. Will they fit without rubbing?

[kilrwail]

In 205/50/14 you can get BFGoodrich G-Force drag radials, but that's probably not what you're looking for

[ga.spyder]

The 205/50x15's on my car have no rubbing issues,so you should have no issues.You may have a issue with speedo error,as you are using a shorter tire on that 14'' rim.
Craig
ps thanks joshuagore ,I will look into the Falkens but I am still leaning toward the trusty Kumhos

[danaspider]

No real rubbing, providing you have the inner liner properly screwed on. There is a slight rub, if you turn very sharp and hit a bump, like pulling into my driveway at speed. A bad thing anyway.

If you go to the Discount Tire web site they have a calculator to help determine a wheel diameter change vs speedo error. That is where you find a 13 with 70 series is similar in dia to a 15 50 series.

I picked the 50 series to still have some "suspension" in the tire. Could have done 21 inch rims, with spinners and 10 series, but there goes the smoothness of any ride. Although a chrysler logo spinning could be interesting.

Anyway 15 50 is a nice compromise.

[jfrawley]

I put 195/60/14 Falken 912's on my Spider this Spring and I'm very happy with them. And the price was right!

[dwcars0]

Tire Update
I ended up going with the Falken 912's. New tires always make a great improvement, and total cost was only $361 Cnd! What a deal! Here are some pics: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bigtimes_fiat/?saved=1 Jon. Thanks for the guide to post pics! Dan