The Official 356Talk Forum

Thanks Jonathan, sounds like a good tire. I think it has been updated to the RE960. I'll keep it in mind as I do my search. I still have some time as the car is still up on jack stands getting some new shocks, flushing brakes, new axel boots, etc.

Thanks again,

Steve

Does a wider tire provide more adhesion to the road? I would like to continue 165/15s on my
59 Coupe, (I've ran 165s for a long time), but would also like to maximize adhesion.

Just obtained a 1960 356B T5. With it is 4.5 wheels that I believe are 15's. They are solid wheels that are on the car. I have no history with regard to any other wheel that might have been on the car. Current rubber on these solid rims is from Sears. No hubcaps appear and there is no history on the car nor photos of it. What rubber/rim combinations would be best for this apparent, "Normal." --Thanks, Alex

Hey all - will the above combination cause any rubbing or other issues? I've scoured the archives for answers but all of the tire info is bewildering at the least. Thanks.

They will rub on the rear inside of both wheel wells at full lock. You can minimize this by installing a longer bolt in the front of the stub axle backplate mounting which will stop the stub axle short of full lock.
You may also experience heavy steering when parking or other slow speed manouvers. Best to stick with 165's if you can find em. On the other hand on my "C" I have 185's and have no issues. If you can find someone who has a set, borrow them and try them.

My next question then - will 165s fit on 5.5 wheels?

Perry;
Go here. http://porsche356registry.org/resources ... sizes.html

Thank you.

Perry Pessia wrote:My next question then - will 165s fit on 5.5 wheels?

Yes, I've run them for 10 years, with no problems.

Hi Alex,
Welcome to 356 Talk. Your "solid" wheels are most likely VW. All 356 wheels beginning in late 1951 had the cooling slots. The wheels were 16" diameter through 1955, then 15" thereafter.

Perry,
If you go with a 195/55-15 you will get a smaller diameter tire which not rub,
plus they fit nice on a 5.5" rim, will lower the for a more outlaw look....if your into it,and better performance. win win!

Perry, Something to think about when changing tire diameter is the effect it has on the speedometer and also will effect the engine RPM. Just more food for thought. I like the 165/15 on my 356. George

Thanks, all. I would prefer to keep things as stock as possible.

Perry

Perry, If wanting to stay close to stock is your prefernce why here is my thought, I went with the165/15 Vredstien Sprint Classic, They look nice on my Speedster, I have always had the Michelin X in 165/15 on her but they are now just available through Coker tire who bought the mold and rights from Michelin. I don't race or drive my Speedster hard so I don't just how good the Vredstien tire is as far as performance goes but for just a daily drive I like the way they handle on dry, wet or even packed snow roads. I don't drive alot on the snow but when I have they did well. Same on wet roads turning and braking were good. Hope this helps. George

Thanks, George!

Perry