1971 911S Finally done and a tech question

[Gearbox]

After about 6 months of work sanding the car to bare metal, replacing all the rusted out panels, and numerious mechanical repairs, my 71 911S is finally running, braking, and looking like a car again. Still have a few trim items left to do, rocker deco, mirrors, and carpeting, but it's now road worthy.

But here is my question. I have searched through the threads and spoke with a bunch of Porschefiles and still uncertain what new tires to get. The car is 100% original, so I have the stock 15 x 6 Fuchs and am leaning torwards a 205 x 60 x 15 tire but I'm open. What I am looking for is the best all season tire that will give me great traction both in dry and especially in the wet, look good and somewhat period for the car, let the car drive well at both low and high speeds, and will allow me to not have to mod the fender wells. A lot to ask, but what do you think is the best compromise? Thanks Allan

[tar356]

I would look into a 195/65...it's a better fit for a 6" rim.

Good luck.

Todd

[Paul Schooley]

I run the 205's on my 71T Fuchs no problem whatsoever...and for the record they're Toyo Proxes. They handle great and give a very nice ride.

[Eade Hopkinson]

I just put 185/70/15 XWX Mich tires on my 73S with 7" wheels, and they look GREAT.

[Gearbox]

Hey Paul, have a pic of your 71 with the Toyo's? Also found a set of BFG Pole Positions in the 205 size, any experience with that model? Thanks Allan

[72tii]

I've got 205/60-15 BG Goodrich G-Force Sports on 6" Fuchs for my '68 911 and found them to be excellent tires in wet or dry conditions.

No rubbing problems even on a SWB car. Plus, they're only about $60 each.

I would definitely buy these tires again.

[Paul Schooley]

I'll see if I can dig up a pic with those tires in the morning.

[scooter]

I have 195x65 on my stock deep sixes. they are Pirellis. Before the Pirellis I had the same size with Yokohamas Aoo8P's.

No problems with rubbing or clearance on either one. they wear evenly too. They are not too much tire for the 6 inch rims.

Your choice, just remember the tires today are much much better then the tires back in the day. You can't go wrong with any of them.

Scooter

[DOUGS73E]

The original stock size is 185x70-15 V-rated. I don't believe that size is available anymore except from vintage tire suppliers. Expect to pay a premium for the privilege of having original size tires.

As the others have mentioned, alternative sizes readily available are 205x60-15 and 195x65-15. I’ve not heard about any clearance problems with any of these alternate sizes and they don’t mess up the accuracy of the speedometer. The 205’s look most aggressive and the 195’s look closer to stock. Try to stick with V-rated tires. These sizes do come in H-rated (with a lower price) too.

[John P]

"I just put 185/70/15 XWX Mich tires on my 73S with 7" wheels, and they look GREAT."

Couldn't agree more. You'll pay a little more (they're available from Coker Tire), but they look GREAT, are correct, and work surprisingly well.

IMHO, 205s look bulbous, and 195/65s look too short and "square shouldered". To each their own.

Congrats on finishing the car.

John