What tires to buy?

[Matt Schlicht]

I have a 71 super with MICHELIN XZX'S on it. They have good tread, but it is time to replace the old rubber before one comes apart due to age. I have 145's on the front and 165's on the back.  What is the economical tire of choice today?

[Sleeper 64]

I run Continentals

[Darth Weber]

Heck a new set of XZX's only costs around $700   Actually, you can get 145's from Summit for $135ea. I don't have any direct experience with the Nankang tires everyone seems to sell but the feedback I've read says they wear quickly getting nowhere near the mileage the old Michelins used to get.

[so67vw]

I have Nankangs that are 14 years old and look brand new..... Wow I just realized how old these things are...  I'd better get new ones before I end up eat'n crow...

[John P]

Warning: Period Tire Nerd Alert

I was recently in the same position. While I've always loved the period Michelin X, XZX, and XWXs, the prices are now simply ridiculous. I did A LOT of research on period tires, including looking at Pirelli Cinturatos, which were recently reproduced. Sadly, they are very expensive as well.

I ended up buying Vredesteins, based on the strong recommendations of the Porsche 356 and early 911 guys.

http://www.universaltire.com/vredestein.html

165s



Notice the great, vintage looking tread pattern.

For the price of buying one PAIR of Michelin XZXs, I was able to buy FOUR Vredesteins, plus shipping, plus take my wife out to dinner, plus retire earlier  

Early impressions:

- They look good and period (no "square shouldered", low profile look of modern tires that I detest on vintage cars)
- Great ride quality
- Great handling

Make sure the you get the SPRINT CLASSICS, not the standard Vredesteins.
 
I ran Nakangs 15-20 years ago and hated them, as they wore out incredibly quickly. And it wasn't because they were a sticky compound - their handling was nothing remarkable - and simply wore out earlier. They just looked and felt cheap, IMHO, and were scary in the rain!

My 1.5 cents.

JP

[Glenn]

Warning: Nerd Alert... Period

Fixed for ya

[Matt Schlicht]

Thanks John.  That manufacturer sounds familiar.  I wanted 185/70's long ago.  I think it was maybe them. I'll check it out.

[John P]

That would them, as all of the early 911 guys run them and they're 1/4 of the price of the XWXs in 185/70.

[eduardocastrejon]

that vintage tires looks great

the beetle is a light car, then the wear practically do not exist. but the rubber came hard.
I used my beetle as daily driver for about 5 years in very bad  road conditions, and the tires are practically new. (185-6015 goodyear ducaro) and the tires have more than 10 years

now I bought 17x7 fuchs (great for early 911's), Im in the search of soft compound like semi slick for circuit, sadly I can't found it in 205 40 17, only in 215.

I do a research in some racing forums and i found that a chinese tire have a great reputation in japanese and european forums.

federal 595rs competition series

[javabug]

John, what sizes did you get? I really like the Vredesteins, except for 155 being the smallest offered for the front. If they made a 145 then it would be a no-brainer.

I know some guys run 155s and they are close, but I'm just not always sure I'd be happy in the long run.

[John P]

I'm running 155s and 165s. The 155s are on original 4.5 inch Porsche 356 rims with CB 2.5 inch dropped spindles on a Euro '67 (which run the '66-style front fenders). They are tight but fit. I had a minor rub (on the front right) with my wheel cranked to the right while going slowly down a hill and through a deep dip in the road.

Mind you, I haven't loaded up a the fuel tank and taken fat chicks for a spin...

That's it so far, with limited mileage.

My 1.5 cents.

JP

[bowen71]

Change your struts to Topline Maxx struts and put on some 17X7 and pick your tire and rim. 

I have 225x45x17 in the rear and 205X40x17 up front it looks great and tires and rims both cost around $800