185/70/13 Kumho Tires

[RyanBorck]

Just a post for anyone searching like I did before updating my tires.

My mechanic suggested I replace all 4 tires and recommended Yomohama Avids. Only problem is they discontinued the 13'' size earlier this year and I was only able to find 1 tire from a vendor.

So I went with the Kumho's from tirerack. Don't bother paying for speedier delivery. I live in Dallas and ordered them on Thusday, by Friday afternoon (shipped from Louisiana), they were at my local NTB (as requested through their site).

Had them installed that minute and while they couldn't do an alignment, car is like floating on air (a good thing) since I was previously feeling every bump and crack in the road. Such a smoother ride. It may be the combination of the new tires and the rear shocks I just had installed, but I can actually go past 60 and the car isn't shaking like crazy.

[RyanBorck]

I have begun to notice an interesting sound coming from the inside wheel well on the front driver side when ever I make the sharpest of turns. I am thinking since i increased the size of the tire from 165 to 185 plus a little taller, the larger width and height is rubbing up against the inside of the wheel well. Hopefully a pending alignment and a future upgrade to the front shocks will resolve the issue. Until than, I will limit my sharp turns (mainly noticed at low speeds since it's easier to hear small noises when trying to whip into a parking spot).

Any thoughts?

[mdrburchette]

Can you have someone turn the wheel from one side to another while you push the front end down? I wouldn't think you'd have a clearance issue with that size tire but maybe you do.
Which Kuhmos did you get? I'm looking for a new set in the future.

[ventura ace]

I'm running Khumo 771's, 185/70 13R, and everything is fine. No rubbing as you described. It seems to be the perfect tire size to match the speedometer/odometer, since the speedometer agrees almost exactly with gps speed readings. Have there been any modifications to the suspension on your spider? Lowered springs? Mine is a '70 spider with stock suspension.

Alvon

[rlux4]

I had a rubbing sound when I first got my car. I also thought it was the new tires I'd put on. It wasn't. Check your upper ball joint on that side if you haven't yet. The sound it made was exactly like a rubbing tire on the inner fender. It only showed up on sharp turns.
Ron