Tires for 15 inch rims
Discussion
Is it just me or is the choices of tires for my '89 Esprit with 15 inch rims becoming non-existent? I looked for the 245/50-15 and 215/50-15 sizes recommended in the factfile and could find no one making V or Z rated tires.
I was contemplating putting on the PNM four pot kit to use with my 15 inch rims as most other kits require a 17 inch rim. But finding that few choices exist any more for tires of the 15 inch size, I may need to get the bigger rims just to find a suitable tire. And hence get the AP Racing kit as well.
So, what are you folks with 15 inch rims putting on these days. The "Tires" section of the Espritfactfile is good for 17 and 18 inch rim advice but not current 15 inch tire availablitiy.
lotusman
'89 non-SE
I was contemplating putting on the PNM four pot kit to use with my 15 inch rims as most other kits require a 17 inch rim. But finding that few choices exist any more for tires of the 15 inch size, I may need to get the bigger rims just to find a suitable tire. And hence get the AP Racing kit as well.
So, what are you folks with 15 inch rims putting on these days. The "Tires" section of the Espritfactfile is good for 17 and 18 inch rim advice but not current 15 inch tire availablitiy.
lotusman
'89 non-SE
Lotusman,
I recently re-tired my 88 Turbo. After searching several local retailers and spending lots of time on Tirerack.com, I ended up putting Yokaham AVS db S2 tires, 205 in front, 225 in rear. Size wise, it was about the best I could do. I had though about putting Michelin Pilot XGT V4s on, but the dealer said they are going to be discontinured and should I have any warrenty claims, that replacement tires wouldn't be avalilable. The car had H rated tires on it when I bought it, now I'm back to the V rated ones. I'm happy with the Yokos. Wish I could have gotten the correct size, but guess that's life. I just didn't want to be replacing the wheels.
Kevin
I recently re-tired my 88 Turbo. After searching several local retailers and spending lots of time on Tirerack.com, I ended up putting Yokaham AVS db S2 tires, 205 in front, 225 in rear. Size wise, it was about the best I could do. I had though about putting Michelin Pilot XGT V4s on, but the dealer said they are going to be discontinured and should I have any warrenty claims, that replacement tires wouldn't be avalilable. The car had H rated tires on it when I bought it, now I'm back to the V rated ones. I'm happy with the Yokos. Wish I could have gotten the correct size, but guess that's life. I just didn't want to be replacing the wheels.
Kevin
Yeah, the 15 inch wheels are a pain. Probably the biggest reason to plus size those wheels to 17s are the variety of tires available in the 17 inch sizes.
That said, there is only one tire that I know of that you can get to fit the 15" wheel that is Z rated and that is the Dunlop SP Sport 8000
205/55ZR15 for front and 245/50ZR15 for the rear. You may be able to find other tires to fit the wheels, but chances are you will have to mix and match brands or models to fit.
A good reference for wheels and tires (oriented toward the Turbo Esprits, but since you also have 15" wheels,) is http://esprit.driestone.com/index.php/Esprit/Wheels
That said, there is only one tire that I know of that you can get to fit the 15" wheel that is Z rated and that is the Dunlop SP Sport 8000
205/55ZR15 for front and 245/50ZR15 for the rear. You may be able to find other tires to fit the wheels, but chances are you will have to mix and match brands or models to fit.
A good reference for wheels and tires (oriented toward the Turbo Esprits, but since you also have 15" wheels,) is http://esprit.driestone.com/index.php/Esprit/Wheels
I posted this subject a little while ago because I was having the same problem. As stated by another post Dunlop SP 8000s seem to be the only ones that are available in the required sizes,having said that I managed to find 225/50/15 for the rear and 205/50/15 for the front @ $235.00Cdn & $215.00Cdn each.
1987TurboHCI
1987TurboHCI
Last week I replaced my Dunlop SP's with Toyo Proxie 4's in sizes 225/50/15 front, and 245/50/16 rear. The Toyo's are built round (unlike Dunlops). These are fantastic tires for street and track. The P4, T1, and RA1 are all a lot of bang for the buck. I paid 100$ each for the fronts and 130$ each for the rears. The only reason I was given for the low price is that the demand for these sizes is very low. Which makes sense because I paid 172$ each for the 255/40/18 P4's on my A6.
I managed to get some GT radials 225R15/50 for the front which I am happy with but still looking for 245R15/50 for the rear. I don't need them soon so if someone finds a source please post even if it's a few months down the track.
The Dunlop SP 8000 don't seem to be available here. Are they readily available?
The Dunlop SP 8000 don't seem to be available here. Are they readily available?
Just purchased tires last month. After A LOT of research, only found one matched set in 205/50-15 and 245/50-15: Dunlop SP8000, Z-rated. Initial thoughts are positive, but it wouldn't matter anyway. They seem to work well with the Spax adjustables and adjustable control arms I have fitted to my 86HCI. Last time I needed tires (10 years ago) there were about 6 options. Guess It'll be new rims in 2014.
David Reese
86HCI
David Reese
86HCI
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