Wheels and Tires, Let's get this discussion centralized Options

[larryM]

is your question "what fits today?" or "what was original?"

"performance" street tire of the period was 185/70x15,

period oem Fuchs were 15x5.5 or 14x5.5

(neither of which are very practical given today's tire market, but possibly necessary if one is primarily concours driven)

here's one answer
https://www.vtowheels.com/Porsche-914-Narro...itment_b_5.html

What's right for a narrow body w/flat 6's? 15X6 I think I used to run 205/55/15 on all four corners.

[NW JLO]

Wheel Question....Does this 4-lug Mahle correctly fit my 74 1.8?

The wheel in question is a 914.361.016.00.....are these hub centric or not?
Seller states that they work on his 74 914....
Thanks for your help.

[Tom_T]

Wheel Question....Does this 4-lug Mahle correctly fit my 74 1.8?

The wheel in question is a 914.361.016.00.....are these hub centric or not?
Seller states that they work on his 74 914....
Thanks for your help.

The 4-lug wheel numbers ending in ...00 are NOT originally hub-centric, & meant for 70-72 non-hub-centric cars.

73-76 hub-centric wheels p/n ends in ....01

& this is for all steel & alloy factory 914 4-lug wheels - whether Pedrini, Mahle Baby-Gasburner, Fuchs 2L, & the late Mag-look or Star vs early slotted steel wheels.

However, you can get a shop to turn out the same recess on a set of 5 -00 p/n alloy wheels.

Scroll back a few pages where I posted pix of it & more details for this factor, so you can show the shop &/or compare if your seller has modified -00's.

You need to have ALL 5 wheels - 4 on & spare properly fit, because they need to be used in any spot, even with the hub-centric lips only being on the front hubs.

PS - Unknowing 914ers have put non-hub-centric wheels on their 914s, but they won't seat properly on the fronts, & it was bad enough that Porsche issued Recall BO for replacing the wrong ones on some early 73's built Aug-Dec 1972.

It's not safe, so don't do it. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/yikes.gif)

Have the seller show you backside pix of all 5 wheels to see what he has. Check with a local machine shop for the price to cut in the hub-centric recesses, then negotiate price accordingly, or keep looking. If they're already done, then you're good to go, but use the pic at my prior post in this long thread to compare.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
Tom
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[flat4guy]

On our 71 914 -4 we are running the stock 8 slot steel wheel with hubcap - it has 185/65/15 on there now - how much bigger can we go? 195/60? 205/55? Just curious, like the look of the steelie just would like a little chunkier tire. Thanks

[Tom_T]

On our 71 914 -4 we are running the stock 8 slot steel wheel with hubcap - it has 185/65/15 on there now - how much bigger can we go? 195/60? 205/55? Just curious, like the look of the steelie just would like a little chunkier tire. Thanks

That's probably a better question in the Garage Forum, as this topic is for the original tire & wheel combos.

The combos are listed earlier in this topic, but 185/70HR15 or VR were the Porsche optional upgrade tires back in the day, as previously posted. So you're at the max there.

Make sure to use a tire size calculator to minimize speedo/odometer error, because you'll get "ghost mileage" on your cars running sizes with a larger or smaller diameter.

I don't recall the error which your current 185/65R15 will have, but it can add up if you're trying to keep the mileage correct, &/or in speed situations (but Officer....). You know that our Chippers don't have a sense of humor about Porsches over the speed limit! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

Cheers! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
Tom
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[flat4guy]

On our 71 914 -4 we are running the stock 8 slot steel wheel with hubcap - it has 185/65/15 on there now - how much bigger can we go? 195/60? 205/55? Just curious, like the look of the steelie just would like a little chunkier tire. Thanks

That's probably a better question in the Garage Forum, as this topic is for the original tire & wheel combos.

The combos are listed earlier in this topic, but 185/70HR15 or VR were the Porsche optional upgrade tires back in the day, as previously posted. So you're at the max there.

Make sure to use a tire size calculator to minimize speedo/odometer error, because you'll get "ghost mileage" on your cars running sizes with a larger or smaller diameter.

I don't recall the error which your current 185/65R15 will have, but it can add up if you're trying to keep the mileage correct, &/or in speed situations (but Officer....). You know that our Chippers don't have a sense of humor about Porsches over the speed limit! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

Cheers! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
Tom
///////

Thank you

[Tom_T]

I've been updating folks on the current classic/vintage tire options available now in 2021 at some other posts/topics - so I thought that I'd better put them here in O&H Wheels & Tires Topic too.

A simple google/bing search for 165/80R15 tires for SR, TR & HR or VR speed rated tires - or 155/80R15 for the 1.7L & 1.8L owners only needing SR or TR rated tires - & it now again turns up a variety of serviceable passenger tires in reasonably budget conscious prices from all over - even Tire Rack is again carrying them.

Currently there are the somewhat less budget conscious Vredstein Sprint/Sprint Plus in 155 & 165 & 185 sizes in SR & HR & VR speed ratings which are available a bunch of places - so just google/bing search for your size & type tire to find the best prices & locations for you.

FYI - this Nexen tire is very similar to the 195/65HR14 tires that I've been running on my `85 BMW 325e E30 Coupe with the 2.7L I-6 & 5-spd, and they're excellent all around tires on a heavier coupe with similar power-to-weight & handling to our 914s (which was why I picked it new in `85, when my 914 was whacked). So I'd expect it to handle well in all weather & wear well on our 914s too, but I've not tried them myself. They come up available at many places.

https://www.prioritytire.com/nexen-sb-802-1...CyABEgJtofD_BwE
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In the repops of traditional OEM tires that came on our 914s of /4 & -6 flavors - there are Michelin, Pirelli & Blockley's version of the old Dunlop SP57 tires that came on our 914s from the factory.

While there aren't any Dunlop made SP57 repops (see Blockley below) - but there are some "not quite classic 60's-70's tread" style "Dunlop Sport Classic" - as well as similar 80's style "Classic" Continentals in the 165/80/R15, 155/80R15 & 185/70R15 tires, as well as in the 14 " wheel sizes for those running 5 lug Fuchs. These look more like the Michi's that came new on my `85 BMW 325e E30 Coupe - so not period correct look - but I'm sure would handle well on the 914s as well in the 155/80R15, 165/80R15, 185/70R15, etc sizes.

https://www.cokertire.com/tires/dunlop-spor...-80r15-87h.html

https://www.cokertire.com/tires/dunlop-spor...-70r15-89v.html


However, the Conti's don't seem to be availble in the USA - so it may be a UK/Euro/Down Under option - or else shipped to the US from there:

https://www.vintagetyres.com/shop/continent...2-165-80r15-87t
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Michelin XAS 165/80VR15, XZX 155 & 165/80SR15 (for 1.7L & 1.8L), XVX & their XWX 185/70VR15 are among my top choices for reshodding my 914 when the resto/renno/repairs are done.

https://www.cokertire.com/tires/michelin-xas-155hr15.html

https://www.cokertire.com/tires/155hr15-michelin-xas-ff.html

https://www.cokertire.com/tires/165sr15-michelin-xzx.html

https://www.cokertire.com/tires/michelin-xvs.html

https://www.cokertire.com/tires/185-70vr15-michelin-xwx.html
.

Check with Coker or Michelin if you can run the ones noted at Coker as "Tube Type" - without the tubes in a "J" type tubeless tire rim (all of the factory 914 steel, Fuchs, Pedrini & alloy rims are "J" tubeless rims).
.


However, these XAS Michi are tubeless type, available in our 914 sizes, are Porsche tested "N Rated" & were excellent handling tires back in the day - and even better with the repop's modern rubber compounds. They're the ones that you'll find on the current Porsche AG/PCNA Tire Reccos for our 914s, & are a stock size befitting both 914/4 & 914-6 (also in 185/70VR15).

https://www.cokertire.com/tires/brands/mich...ial-n-code.html
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Coker Tire, Universal, Lucas Tires, etc. are all good places to look for the various radial tire options available here in the USA, & Longstone in the UK - but go factory direct for Blockley (see below).

Coker - Radials:
https://www.cokertire.com/tires/styles/radial-tires.html
.


For those here in SoCal - I like Coker Classic Tires in Long Beach CA, because they're used to working on classic cars with care, sell & mount the tires locally - including from Coker & other brands.

https://www.lucasclassictires.com/ALL-Radial-Tires_c4.htm
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I've also looked at some classic Dunlop-SP57-look Blockley 165/80VR15 & 185/70VR15 with the SP57 & XWX style dogbone tread - but don't know if I can get them here in the States - & OZ may have them. Read their About page to see his attempts to get Dunlop to repop their OEM SP57 tires, & why he ended up doing them for himself.

https://www.blockleytyre.com/product/165vr15

https://www.blockleytyre.com/product/185-70vr15
.


There are also Pirelli Cinturato Classic tires in the USA & UK (& probably OZ & NZ too) -

https://www.cinturato.net/pirelli-classic-tyres.html

USA - Lucas Tires Long Beach in SoCal:
https://www.lucasclassictires.com/Pirelli-Collection_c54.htm

UK - Longstone Tyres:
https://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/pirelli-collezione.html
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There are also several other tire dealers selling vintage tires from Michelin, Pirelli, etc. - so google the size &/or maker &/or type that you want, in order to find the best dealer, location & price for you all.

I'm not trying to be all inclusive for the tire options & sellers for each here - but rather to point out the now many more options available once again - for all y'all to do your own search for the best options for you 914, budget, etc. at the time you're buying.
.

If you're upsizing from your original 155/80SR15 or 165/80HR15 tire size - then make sure to use one of the tire size calculators available online to select up-sizes which won't give you over or under ghost miles on your odometer - which the formerly factory recco'ed 195/65R15's did at about 8-13% more than actual miles. With 914s values on the rise, you don't want to be hit with mileage deductions to value for not real miles never driven!

This one compares the stock 165/80R15 with the original option 185/70R15 & shows a 0.8% speedo/odo error, which is acceptable.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/tirecalc?tires=...80r15-185-70r15
.


Happy Hunting & Good Luck! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/type.gif)

Cheers! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
Tom
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[Tom_T]

Here's a 3/19/21 pricing update for the Blockley Tyre "Dunlop SP57-look" tires that I referenced in my post above:

<snipped & edited w/ US$>

Hello Thomas,

Yes, these are both tubeless.

All information on these tyres can be viewed on their relevant web pages.

QUOTES BELOW:


Quote 1 for 165/80VR15 for stock 2.0L 165HR15 (/80):

5x 165VR15 Blockley Tyres @£99.00 each = $137.31 as of 3-19-21 Exchange Rate
(comparable to Vredstein etc. prices for 165/80HR15 here in the USA)

For 5 tires = £495.00 = $686.57 as of 3-19-21 Exchange Rate

1x Delivery Charge = £220.00 = $305.14 as of 3-19-21 Exchange Rate

Total = £715.00 = $991.71 as of 3-19-21 Exchange Rate

https://www.blockleytyre.com/product/165vr15
.


Quote 2 for 185/70VR15 optional factory upsize:


5x 185/70VR15 Blockley Tyres @£139.00 each = $192.79 as of 3-19-21 Exch. Rate
(comparable to Vredstein etc. prices for 185/70VR15 here in the USA)

For 5 tires = £695.00 = $963.97 as of 3-19-21 Exchange Rate

1x Delivery Charge = £240.00 = $332.88 as of 3-19-21 Exchange Rate

Total = £935.00 = $1296.85 as of 3-19-21 Exchange Rate

https://www.blockleytyre.com/product/185-70vr15
.
<end snip>
.


I'm not sure if they will charge the local State Sales Tax, or if you will have to report & pay it yourself (California requires it at your annual Tax Returns).

If you're in the UK or EU - then you'll have to check with them for how they're doing the VAT now post Brexit, so check with them for anything else for you other ROW buyers.

They also sell the stock 155R15 in HR - for those wanting to keep their 1.7L or 1.8L914/4 looking stock, but I didn't get prices for them.
https://www.blockleytyre.com/product/155hr15
.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/www.blockleytyre.com-10181-1616203474.1.jpg)
.

This is why Blockley & not Dunlop is making these:
https://www.blockleytyre.com/page/blockey-t...company-origins

https://www.blockleytyre.com/page/our-products

https://www.blockleytyre.com/category/radial-tyres
.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/type.gif)
Contact Lee Hillsdon at Blockley Tyre (dot com) for more info & orders:
"lhillsdon.blockleytyre" <lee@blockleytyre.com>
.

Hopefully this helps those looking for the original Dunlop SP57 look tires on their 914s - in either the stock 155 (1.7L & 1.8L), or 165 (2.0L flat 4 & 6), or

Cheers! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
Tom
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[wonkipop]

you have been able to get blockley tyres here in aus for a long time.
know someone runs them on a jag mk2.
he says they are good in the dry, not so good in the wet.
did say they are loud - tyre roar on the highway.
but you are going to notice that more in a jag than a 914?
also we don't have concrete highways here, asphalt, sometimes quite coarse.
might be more an issue on aus roads than elsewhere.

any of the repros, michelins etc are similarly behaved to blockleys re dry/wet conditions?

i can now confirm the michelins XAS are quiet on the highway (even aus bitumen) at speed.
not surprising, designed for citroen DS?
plenty of grip in the dry, lots.
beautiful feel through the steering wheel on pitching uneven country roads.
steering wheel wriggles more gently than with wider tyres.
am happy to have recovered original feel, its very light.


1.8s ran 5.5 steelies with 165 as standard.
difference between 1.8s and 2.0s in 74 is speed rating, not tyre width.
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[Tom_T]

you have been able to get blockley tyres here in aus for a long time.
know someone runs them on a jag mk2.
he says they are good in the dry, not so good in the wet.
did say they are loud - tyre roar on the highway.
but you are going to notice that more in a jag than a 914?
also we don't have concrete highways here, asphalt, sometimes quite coarse.
might be more an issue on aus roads than elsewhere.

any of the repros, michelins etc are similarly behaved to blockleys re dry/wet conditions?

i can now confirm the michelins XAS are quiet on the highway (even aus bitumen) at speed.
not surprising, designed for citroen DS?
plenty of grip in the dry, lots.
beautiful feel through the steering wheel on pitching uneven country roads.
steering wheel wriggles more gently than with wider tyres.
am happy to have recovered original feel, its very light.


1.8s ran 5.5 steelies with 165 as standard.
difference between 1.8s and 2.0s in 74 is speed rating, not tyre width.
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

Wonki -

Thanx for the clarification on the 1.8L running 165s.

My buddy's `75 1.8L that he got the same year as I bought my `73 from the OO was running the 155SR15 (/80) - so I thought that was the standard tire for 1.8L 914s here in the USA. But his could've been a dealer tire/wheel swap.

Anyone else here with info on the USA/Canada 74-75 1.8L tire specs - feel free to chime in with your owners manual page pic or other factory or dealer doc.

Also Thanx for the feedback on the Blockley wet & dry handling & road noise. Most of our SoCal & Southwestern roads here are likewise asphalt McAdam paving - although I don't know the comparative roughness here.

Now that the Michelin XAS are Porsche N0 Spec tires, they really seem to be the leading tire options in 155/80, 165/80 & 185/70 for our 914s, as well as for the 911/912 & late 356 B/C cars. Note that they are asymmetrical tires, so fitment is a bit different.

In my post above I forgot to include the 2 165/80R15 Michelin XAS options - one being the Porsche N-0 Spec VR, & the other being their 155/80HR15 XAS HR speed rated tire. Here is Coker's links, but they're sold at most other vintage tire & some mainline tire sellers/stores - so check for best price & availability.

165/80VR15 - Porsche N-0 Spec VR speed rated:
https://www.cokertire.com/tires/brands/mich...ial-n-code.html

XAS - pick your size & # tires:
https://www.cokertire.com/tires/michelin-xas.html


Wonki - How are your XAS on your OZ 914-1.8 in the rain down under?

... if you've had it out in any rain yet. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

Cheers! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
Tom
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[Tom_T]

FYI for Comparison - here are pix of the various Classic tread design tires (excluding the generic & non-period tread design tires available) - ignore the non-914 wheels ....

Michelin:

XAS -



XZX -



XWX -

.


Pirelli:

CN36 -



CA67 -

.


Blockley:
(similar to former Dunlop SP57 & Semperit M401/M501 "dogbone" Tread):

.


Dunlop:
(Closer to 1980s era Dunlop Sport)

Classic Sport -

.


Vredestein:
(Closer to 1960s-70s era Jaguar XKE, Austin-Healy 100/3000, etc. Brit sports car tires to my eye)

Sprint Classic -

.


You'll need to check both the load rating (2-digit number) speed rating (Letter - with the "R" in "HR" etc. indicating Radial Tires) on all tires of all brands to make sure that they'll be adequate for your particular 914's rated top speed & their +/- 2270 lbs total weight ( divided by 4 - or by 2 if you want to be safe jacking on one wheel for axle weight).

The Speed Ratings were for the 1.7L & 1.8L /4's good with SR or higher, & the 914-2.0 & 914-6 good with HR or higher - & VR is higher than HR - and technically the "T" & "U" speed ratings that came along later are okay for the 914-2.0 top speed rating, but not for the 914-6.

Tire Rack Speed & Weight Ratings Tech Page:
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/tec...e.jsp?techid=35
.


Cheers! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
Tom
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[wonkipop]

74 owners manual with rim/tyre specs.




haven't run the XAS in the rain.
drove through a light shower on the way back from euroa yesterday on the hume interstate, but not what you would call rain.
issues would be around aquaplaning in full wet conditions, as the old tyre tread patterns did not handle water like modern groove tyre designs.

eg. jag owner said he put a little too much boot into it around a wet but not too slick roundabout and just about spun the car. not hard to do with a jag. same guy swears by a set of hankooks on his speedster which he doesn't pussy about in either. heard a few other people say similar about hankooks.

might be where dunlop "classics" come into play.
modern tread pattern in old tyre sizes.
handle full wet conditions, big pools of water, water across road etc significantly better than the vintage treads?

i think i would want to be careful with the XAS if i was caught in any heavy rain.
i would be concerned that everyone else around me in city conditions can outbrake me by a lot, with modern tyres and ABS etc.
out on the open road, i'd say they are fine. if you drive to the conditions.

ps
the XAS felt a bit spooky when i first put them on.
still new and maybe a bit waxy. you could not feel them.
but they seem to have broken in now and are lot gripper.
am still getting used again to the 14 but i got a much better feel on country trip on weekend - first real drive its had out in the bush for 20 years.
the tyres bite pretty hard when you turn in on sharp slower corners, you find yourself letting a bit of lock off the steering wheel! or i did. i was giving it too much turn in on instinct, probably because of rs clio for last 16 years.
haven't given it a proper try out on faster longer corners.
too many big gum trees to hit very close to the edge of the road where i was.
one thing i can say is the tyres do their bit to suck up some of the harsher bumps and ripples on narrow aussie bitumen backroads - esp now that i run some bilsteins which are a bit harder than the original boges. def the right combination of tyre and shock that your teeth won't be falling out of your head.

[Tom_T]

Thanx for the update & manual specs pic Wonki.

So I update my 1974-75 914-1.8 OEM specs above to 165SR15 (/80) - for those looking for OEM spec tires, or you can also go with HR & higher speed rated tires too, as I'd noted in prior posts above.

Note that Wonki has a USA 74 914-1.8 bought out of Chicago years ago, so the manual page is from his USA owners manual FYI.

PS wonki & all - it's pretty typical that new tires need to be worn in a bit when grip, and then you'll need to get any tires old or new warmed up on the road before you get good traction.

So wonki's experience above is not at all unusual for any tire, aside from his OZ flavor to his post! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

It should not give other 914ers the idea that your handling with the original size & spec tires would be bad, and in many ways they will be superior to the wide & lower profile tires which many are fitting today - especially if you prefer to have full lock-to-lock steering, without wheel well or fender rubbing, or the need to "Roll" your fenders (fender lips), want better mpg 7 range, easier turning at lower speeds, etc.

If you want something in between stock 155 & 165 /80R15 & modern 205+ low profile tires - then consider using the factory's recco upgrade to the 185/70VR15 as noted in prior posts - which size also has several tire options, & won't rub fenders/lips nor wheel wells front or back, with less mpg/range & low speed steering effort effects. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/shades.gif)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
Tom
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[Tom_T]

914 OEM Continental TT 714 Tires

ID Photos for 914 OEM Continental TT 714 Tires in 165HR15 (/80) Tires from a recent 914world classified for this never uses spare, for those who had them:




.


Note that this tire above is mounted on the factory OE 1973-76 "Star" or "Mag Style" Steel Wheel, and was believed to be a never used spare, given the still intact casting nubs.


Former O&H Forum Moderator Pat Garvey had Continentals on his 72 914/4 (1.7) when he bought it new - so maybe he can confirm if these were the same as on his 914 from the dealer. The tires & wheels in his pic below are not the originals.


.


And if I've got the wrong OEM original factory fitted Continentals, then please post pix of the originals in here.


Cheers! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
Tom
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[davep]

While I can afford to put original spec tires on my BB, the two other cars developed flats on left rear. All tires are well out of date. I never really like the 165 size, and have gravitated to 185 for 30 years. So today I purchased some Continentals in the 185/65 HR15, and will have to suffer the smaller diameter and the non-originality, but they were under CAD100 each. Somehow they will have to protect the Fuchs from damage. And yes, I realize I am the moderator of the originality forum, but sometimes feel the need to tweak things.

[wonkipop]

Thanx for the update & manual specs pic Wonki.

PS wonki & all - it's pretty typical that new tires need to be worn in a bit when grip, and then you'll need to get any tires old or new warmed up on the road before you get good traction.

So wonki's experience above is not at all unusual for any tire, aside from his OZ flavor to his post! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)



(IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
Tom
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definitely oz flavour - 914 got its first workout for 20 years on what is likely a 50,000 year old highway.

the road lined with gum trees almost at the edge of the bitumen appears as a track marked on the first white survey maps produced in 1865 when it was still Taungurong Country. maybe what makes it an unusual road to drive on. the layout has not changed from the line first recorded 160+ years ago. the corners are not like something a country roads board engineer would have laid out. its a walking track that has bitumen laid over it. i'm looking forward to giving the car another work out on it. i

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strathbogie_Ranges

i go every year to help my uncle get his grape pick done.
he produces a good drop. noir, grigio and chardoney.
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)


of relevance. my guest in the 914 was the daughter of the owner of the Wyong Motors #13 Monaro, winner - 1968 Bathurst 500. according to her uncle, the chief mechanic, the devils # monaro was shod with some of the first Michelin XAS to be brought into australia.
its a tyre with a lot of good pedigree behind it, even though now a 50 year old design.

[Tom_T]

While I can afford to put original spec tires on my BB, the two other cars developed flats on left rear. All tires are well out of date. I never really like the 165 size, and have gravitated to 185 for 30 years. So today I purchased some Continentals in the 185/65 HR15, and will have to suffer the smaller diameter and the non-originality, but they were under CAD100 each. Somehow they will have to protect the Fuchs from damage. And yes, I realize I am the moderator of the originality forum, but sometimes feel the need to tweak things.

Dave,

Can you please post a link to those tires, & pic(s) of it for tread & sidewall id for the folks reading here for tires, & note if they're also available in the 155 & 165 & 185/70 flavors.

I wasn't able to find any current Conti's in the old school 155, 165, 185 sizes except in the EU sellers for my tires updates above.

Please also reiterate the ghost mileage warning in that post so that folks are aware, & use a tire size calculator to know what % it will be.

PS - FYI - I get a 3.8% odometer error on 185/65R15 tires with this calculator.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/tirecalc?tires=...80r15-185-65r15
.

Also FYI for others looking for the more economical 185 upsize, I did see several other tire brands in 185/70HR15 (or SR, TR, VR) at Tire Rack & some other USA sellers - which size only has an 0.8% odometer error.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/tirecalc?tires=...80r15-185-70r15
.

For example - Performance Plus Tires here in SoCal has several 185/70R15 south of $100 each:

https://www.performanceplustire.com/product...-70-15:ty:Tire/

These are Dimax Radar Classic Tires from that link above, & include more economical 155, 165, 175 & 185 R15 sizes in various speed ratings (other sizes too) - with a tread similar to the Vredesteins - but I don't know anything about this maker:

https://www.performanceplustire.com/tires-f...imax-classic-3/

In addition to a modern tread Pirelli (always expensive from Pirelli), there are several 185/70R15 economy priced tires from Radar, as well as other Dimax Classic sizes - at this link:

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/s3.amazonaws.com-10181-1616704377.1.jpg)
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I don't know if these are available in Canada for Dave & others up there.

I'm sure that searching online will turn up other more budget minded 185/70R15 tires for that that don't want to break the bank, as with the top line Michelin, Pirelli, Dunlop, Continental, etc. big name brand tires, or of the 2nd tier ones like Blockley, Vredestein, etc. tires.

Thanx O' Mod-in-chief! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
Tom
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[wonkipop]

these are available in australia - not sure about usa?
nankang is a ok-good tyre (company had associations with yokohama) with a solid rep in aus.
seem only available in 185 width.
prices on website are AUD.

http://www.tarziatyrecentre.com.au/nankang...-classic-tyre-1

heard bad things about radar tyres down here.

[Tom_T]

these are available in australia - not sure about usa?
nankang is a ok-good tyre (company had associations with yokohama) with a solid rep in aus.
seem only available in 185 width.
prices on website are AUD.

http://www.tarziatyrecentre.com.au/nankang...-classic-tyre-1

heard bad things about radar tyres down here.

Thanx for the feedback on the Radar tires wonki, as I'm not familiar with them.

Was that bad things on Radar tires' quality, build, life - or just not top handling tires?

Being at the economical end of tire prices, I'd expect any of those Radar & other lower end brand tires to not perform as well in handling a sports car, but may be serviceable for someone daily driving & just needing a budget friendly tire.

I have heard 3rd party good things about Nankang from others I know running them.

Walmart lists them here in 165/80TR15 (no 185 came up), but currently out of stock:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Nankang-CX668-P165-80R15/55190139
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I've been running Nexen performance tires on my `85 BMW 325e E30 coupe (in its stock size 195/65HR14) for several years now & like them wet or dry.

So these SB702/SB802 in 165/80TR15 should be good economical tires for all 914/4s, but a bit lower than HR needed for 914-6.

https://www.onlinetires.com/tires/view/7136...BiABEgKs__D_BwE
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https://simpletire.com/paid?v=1&tireSiz...ASABEgKAifD_BwE
.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Nexen-SB802-Stan...-Tire/850904504
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And Wallymart even has an economical DD tire at $56 from off-brand "Thunderer" in 165/80TR15 for those needing a non-budget-buster tire to keep their USA 914s on the road & usable.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Thunderer-Mach-I..._bucket=__bkt__
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Bottom line is that there are once again many more choices in the 914's factory sizes of 155/80R15, 165/80R15 & 185/70R15 tires from the $50's on up to suit everybody's budgets - even if not the most aggressive handling tires at the low end.

At least now 914ers can get decent tires to shod their 914s, whereas just a few years ago you could cont them all on one hand or maybe 1.5 hands! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

Cheers! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
Tom
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[wonkipop]

re radar tyres. a carpenter i know put a set on his twin cab ute, and removed them in less than a month. said it turned his ute lethal in the handling department. sounded like it must have been a very hard compound. i guess people are buying them down here for suv and larger vehicles with big tyres as a budget alternative/long wearing. always a bad combo when it comes to rainy days. the radar dimax tyres might suit a classic sedan type car you are not going to let out in the rain and you cruise around in, but not going to suit a 914, would be no fun and good chance scary if you asked anything from them.

nankang maybe pop those vintage tyres out in batches from time to time. they seem to come and go. i only know one person with nankangs (on a t34 karmann ghia). says they are really good. i remember noticing them probably ten years ago? a kind of XAS copy. at present a tyre shop called antique tyres stocks them down here, but they are branded without the nankang name now, just called Retro Classics. seem to be in the one size only of 185R15 and marketed for owners of the citroen ds. the price on the nankang retro in aus is half the cost of a michelin XAS.

the nankang in the walmart link you posted looks a more regular type of modern tyre and different to their retro. i notice places like cipi (vw) seem to carry them in the 165 size in stock for about $100 usd. i think they would be ok on a stock 1.7/1.8 you just wanted to cruise around in and take quickish runs on curvy roads. might even be better than a vintage tyre like an XAS when it got wet. but don't have vintage tread pattern.