A question about 15" wheels and the 2.5

[FistsOfHam]

After spending many many months looking at tyres on and off I've still not decided on what the best thing to do is. On the 15" wheels there is very little choice in tyres when looking for something with the v speed rating and even less when you factor in the wider rear Fuchs wheel.

With that in mind I was wondering if it was worth even bothering with the v speed rating and just going for an H reducing the price significantly and not sure if a 27 year old 944 which has been neglected for the last god knows how many years is even capable of still doing over 130mph?

If it is worth sticking with the higher speed rating then what tyres can people recommend for these cars? I've been looking at 195/65/15 on the front and 215/60/15 on the rear (which seem to weigh in at insane money for the more premium products considering they're nowhere near track style stickyness).

 

[Riverside]

My car is (in theory[]) capable of 161mph but I've only ever taken it over 130mph once. The difference between a V (or Z etc) and H rating is more than just top speed, it's about accelleration and cornering load (weight transfer) too.

I think it's one of those situations where you'd probably be fine, but your tyres are the only point of contact with the road & not an area where you should skimp really.

It may also be an MOT requirement that the correct rating of tyres are fitted.

 

[MRGT]

When I had 15in teledials (7in rim) I ran Dunlop Fast Response 195/65/15's. From memory I think they were V or W rated and cost around £50 each. They were hugely better than the Continentals the previous owner fitted.

 

[zcacogp]

As Riverside said, it's about more than just the straight-line speed; other things come into the mix as well. There may also be an insurance consideration as well; would fitting lower speed-rated tyres be deemed to be detrimental to the safety of the car? (Note: Insurance companies will look for any excuse not to pay a claim, legitimate or not.)

ORIGINAL: Riverside
My car is (in theory[]) capable of 161mph but I've only ever taken it over 130mph once.

Ah. I can happily say that my S2 is capable of a reasonable amount more that it's theoretical speed rating (speedometer indicated.) It was also - thankfully - quicker than the BMW I was racing at the time ... and noticeably better-behaved in the bends.


Oli.

 

[Hilux]

All,

Please note that the speed rating of a tyre is maximum speed for that rating for no more than a nominal 10 minutes as it will overheat. The rating doesnt mean that if your car can do 130mph the tyres you need are rated at that maximum. You need a higher rated tyre.

Mind you I`ll never forget doing a steady 150mph plus on an almost empty unrestricted autobahn for almost 10 minutes [8D] until the autopilot kicked in (the wife`s elbow and the threat of divorce)

 

[JamesO]

One of the main reason my car now runs 16'' wheels is due to a lack of decent choice of tyre. You maybe surprised by the turn of speed your early car has.
The '82 car I had with a near terminal engine was still capable of 130 mph (satnav indicated), it was even quicker with a rebuilt engine.
One thing I would never scrimp on is tyres.

 

[Mike_Pollock]

I run my 2.5 on 7" Cookie Cutters with 215/60 15 V rated Khumos which cost me £250 for the set 18 months ago.
Mike

Edit - Just checked the manual for my '83 car and V rating is reccommended - mine are KH15 Khumos

 

[FistsOfHam]

Thanks for the help guys, I'll be getting V rated tyres after your advice.

I have used Kumhos on cars in the past and whilst they were ok in the dry the second it rained they seemed to give up any grip they had. Not sure which variation these were but it was enough to put me off the brand.