Re: Need Wheel/Tire Help (archive)

This was one of the best exchanges on oem tire sizes that I have seen, but there are some practical limitations. I have been running 225/60 HR14 for two years now with no problems and have been very pleased. The real problem seems to be the lack of performance tires in this size any more. Mine were Yokohama A509's which I liked a lot and I need a new set but am having real difficulty finding any.

It's the weekend and hopefully all the brainpower of this sixer board is out in force! I need your thoughts/input on my wheels/tires.

I have an '80 633csi - bone stock right down to the original 14" BBS alloys and 195/70R14 tires. However, the tires have reached a point where it is time to replace them. Which brings me to my question - what is the best course of action to take regarding replacing these tires?

Obviously I could keep the original wheels and replace the tires with the same size, although I think that a 205/60R14
tire would fit and am wondering if this is a good option.

Or do I bite the bullet and upgrade to a larger tire size? Obviously this will cost more, and is it really worth the additional cost? If so, what is better, a 15" or 16" upgrade, and what tire size would I use? I would want something that would work without any modifications.

I'm not looking to turn this car into an autocross champion, but if there was a simple way to achieve some marginal handling improvement it seems foolish to not take advantage of that option.

Really would appreciate any input on this, especially thoughts on using the 205/60R14 tire size (and wondering if there is even a 215/50R14 tire) - or am I going to make my car look silly running around on such small wheels??!!

As always, thanks.

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