Tire Recommendation for 69S

[Mike Baum]

That's probably a question you have heard before and all new S owners ask:

What tire brand and size would you recommend on a 69S (Soft Window Targa). Just bought the beauty and want to keep as close to original as possible. However, the original Michelins are expensive and there is probably better stuff out there for improved handling?

Thanks a lot in advance,

Mike

[Bobboloo]

Now that's how I wish I had started my first post.

69S (Soft Window Targa). Just bought the beauty

Congratulations, You picked a really special car. ....69' S Softy....., it doesn't get much better than that. Very collectable.

May I make a suggestion for your 2nd post?

Pictures,Pictures,Pictures

I'll let one of the other more knowledgable guys chime in on the tires.

Welcome aboard!!!

[Mike Baum]

Thanks Bobby - I have met already a couple of Early S Registry guys since I live in SoCal. Fun bunch of people!

Will try to post a pic when I am back home for the weekend - Only if I get the advice for the set of tires

By the way, some of you Early S guys might know the car: It is a black one - Budd Shank owned it before me.

Mike

[Chuck Miller]

Great car Mike... with a great previous owner

Good luck and (as my mom used to say) use it in best of health...

Welcome aboard...

Cheers,

[pwd72s]

Mike, your original Michelins were 185/70's if memory serves. A little playing here: http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html
(available on the tech board here) will show you that 195/65 is extremely close, and available from several tire makers.

[Zeke]

I just bought some Pirellis from TireRack. The guy calls me and says, "I can't process your order until you call me." So I call thinking my credit card is maxxed or something. No, he says that the tires are too tall for the car. I ordered 205/60/15. I say send 'em and I get them in 2 days. They are not too tall. In fact, they look sort of period correct but with some more meat on the street. They fill up the wheel well nicely on a non lowered car.

[ttweed]

Actually, the Michelin Pilot XGT H4 is on sale at the Tire Rack right now for $89 in a 205/60-15, which which would work well if you have 6" rims and is not a bad price.

If you're looking for a good all around tire for a slightly better price, I would at the Yokohama AVS ES100, available from the Tire Rack for $75 each in 205/60-15.

If you want the best dry weather performance from a street tire available at a low cost, get the Falken Azenis RS tires. They arre even cheaper than either of the above ($62/ea. from Vulcan Tire). Unfortunately, they are only available in 205/50s in 15", so the profile will be a little lower (good for acceleration and handling, but bad for gas mileage and ride comfort.) They will not last as long as the Michelins, either, but boy do they stick! Almost as good as an R-compound tire.

TT

[GRMPer]

I've been using the new Kumho KH11s, dirt cheap in a 205/60/15...I think they're only $45 a piece through tirerack, awesome 3-season touring tire for the money.

Per
http://www.classicmotorsports.net

[Mike Baum]

Thanks for all the replies. Great advice. Seems most of you use 205s. Got those on the back and 195s on the front.

Initially, I wanted to go to the original 185 Michelins. However, you have to special order for Coker on the East Coast. All they have are Michelins XWX (185/70VR15) - for around $220 a piece (outch).

Probably will go with 195s all around: I think the 205 look a bit "too purposeful" on the car, especially being a Targa (I probably will take some heat for having said this ... )

And yeah, I use the beauty in "best in health", i.e. on very fun early morning weekend rides - What a thrill this car is! And who needs a radio with that engine sound?

Happy to be part of this group.

Mike

[Mike Baum]

Trying to figure out how to post a pic. Let's see if this attachment will work. This is how the car got delivered.

Mike