Tyre choice for 1987 944 Lux

[HowardB]

Hi - As part of sorting out bits and bobs on my new purchase, I need to replace what look like VERY old Federal tyres on my 1987 944 Lux . .

Currently it's running 225/60R15 on the rear and 215/60R15 on the front (on teledials).

Am thinking that I don't really need such wide tyres, so would be interested on views on that, and what brands are recommended.

Many thanks,

Howard

 

[John Sims]

Personally I wouldn't go narrower.

Aside rolling resistance, and perhaps less issues in snow and very heavy rain, the added safety which wider rubber brings far out weighs the negatives IMHO.

I did reduce the width of my rears on my Turbo to bring them closer to the fronts and have regretted it ever since.

 

[944 man]

The largest size for 15" wheels was 215/60/15. Most cars came on these but they were an option, replacing 195/65/15s on the same wheels. 944s originally came with 185/70/15s on the very early cars.

The 225s are a wally-fit and need throwing away. People seem determined to fit wider tyres to the rear, but they cant ever come up with a good reason why. Even Porsche did this though, with the Turbo, which was developed on 4x 7"x15" wheels. The 'markeding' men then altered these to 911-derived 7" & 8" sized wheels, with inappropriate 911 tyres sizes of 205/55/16 and 225/50/16.

 

[HowardB]

Thanks for that advice.
Am wondering between 215 and 195 size. Am mindful of lots of rubber = more grip, but would 195s make for lighter steering and a bit more agility?
Any particular brand recommended?
Cheers, Howard

 

[awright944]

I have 215 60s on mine Goodyears fitted a couple of months ago. I had previously had continentals however the Goodyears are much better and a lot more grip round corners

 

[Chrishazle]

I've just put Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetrics on my MB, am really happy with them. EU rating CAA, really quiet, excellent wet and dry grip, much better than the Contisports they replaced. My 968 cab still has good tread, but when replacement time comes I'll be probably going for these, or maybe Goodyear Efficientgrip which I've seen good write-ups about recently.
FYI, 2x225/45 17 and 2x245/40 17's were £307 delivered, another £40 for fitting and balancing.