Q – I am just starting to get my 76 911s running again after being in storage for six years. One issue I’m dealing with is tires. My 15-inch rims use 205/70vr15 tires. I need new tires and these seem to be difficult to find. What size comes close in a modern tire? Dave
A – I checked with my tire advisor who I have worked with for 30 years and he suggested a couple choices. In the original size, there is nothing that I could locate in a “V” rated tire, only an “H” rated tire. FYI: V rated tires have a top speed limit of 149 mph and H rated has a 130 mph max rating. If your car runs as well as mine, you need the V rating. The rating does not only indicate the max speed it also relates to the construction of the tire for stability at higher speeds.
On the other hand, you can opt for a slightly smaller diameter tire such as a Kumho LX Platinum which is V rated and the size is 2156/60VR15. Your original tire had a height of 26.3 inches and he new ones will be 25.1 inches tall. This will have the added benefit of better acceleration and handling compared to the original tires. I like the Kumho’s because I choose moderately priced, sticky tires that have a low tread wear rating for my car. I do not track it or put very many miles on it so I expect the tires to rot before I ever wear them out. For your purposes, you may find other fine choices but now you have an option. –MC