What tires are you running on??? Its been 8 yrs.

[JIMJAM]

Mine are around 8 yrs old and look good but IIRC 10 is the max so its time to start looking. Did a quick search did not see much later than 2012 info. What are the favorites most are running and where to get them?? I am foggy on it but recall the fronts were from one manufacturer and the rears another. Any info appreciated and links even better. Thanks........

[Kevin 02530]

Mine are around 8 yrs old and look good but IIRC 10 is the max so its time to start looking. Did a quick search did not see much later than 2012 info. What are the favorites most are running and where to get them?? I am foggy on it but recall the fronts were from one manufacturer and the rears another. Any info appreciated and links even better. Thanks........

195/60/14 Cooper Touring in the front and 235/60/15Cooper Cobras in the rear. Drives great! Tread patterns are not the same but at least the brand is matching.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Gregadeth]

BF Goodrich G-force Super Sport - 195/60/14 (fronts)
BF Goodrich Radial T/A - 235/60/15 (rears)
Got them from Tire Rack but that was a couple years ago, so not sure of current availability.

[JIMJAM]

Quick replies love em.... Keep them coming thanks!!! :jawdrop:

[Bill6298]

I just spent a couple of hours the other day looking.

I can't find the BF Goodrich front tires in that size anywhere. The 235 fronts are available and also available as reproduced by Coker.

I assume the 225/195 Vredestein Sportrac 5 Tires are being (or have been) discontinued in one of the sizes. I could find only one online source and haven't heard back from them about the date codes.

The non-matching Coopers seem to be the only US tire company (no idea where they are made) and there's still a few of the Asian tire companies that I didn't look at.

I honestly don't think there's anything else in non-matching 235/195 tires or even non-matching 225/195 US tire companies. I am really hoping I am wrong.

[Chris 16409]

I believe Bridgestone Fuzion tires are made in the 195/225 sizes. I think they still make tires in the U.S.

Edit:

195/60 14

https://m.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Fuzion&tireModel=Touring+%28H-+or+V-Speed+Rated%29&partnum=96HR4FZTOUR&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes

225/60 15

https://m.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Fuzion&tireModel=Touring+%28H-+or+V-Speed+Rated%29&partnum=26HR5FZTOUR&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes

[Bill6298]

I believe Bridgestone Fuzion tires are made in the 195/225 sizes. I think they still make tires in the U.S.

I didn't realize Fuzion was Bridgestone. Good to know. Looks like they have a matching 225 tire.

Yokohama is making a snow tire in the correct 195 size as well. It could possibly come from one of their US plants. I don't see any 225 or 235 fronts.

[Bill6298]

Has anyone heard of Summit Tires? They appear to be a small US based company. They have matching tires in 195 and 225.

I am going to send them the obligatory DeLorean owner's email where we inquiry about the correct sizes.


http://www.summittire.us/tires-plt/HP%20Radial%20Trac%20II.html

https://simpletire.com/summit-p195-60r14-350501-tires

https://simpletire.com/summit-p225-60r15-350516-tires

[Andrew]

I'm running Futura Super Sport 235/60R15 tires on the back of my DeLorean. They are a private label tire made in Mexico by Cooper and sold by Pep Boys. IIRC they cost $80 each with free shipping to my front door. I liked them enough to put an identical set on my Bricklin earlier this year.

Andrew
4194
5052

[jackb]

Front: Falken Zeix ZE912 - 195/60r14
Rear: Falken Zeix ZE912 - 225/60r15

I got them at Discount Tire in March 2014. I don't believe they are manufactured in those sizes anymore, though. They're not listed on Discount Tires webpage anymore.

[AugustneverEnds]

195/60/14 Cooper Touring in the front and 235/60/15Cooper Cobras in the rear. Drives great! Tread patterns are not the same but at least the brand is matching.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Same here, got them this spring on Amazon for $400 or so. Car handles, rides, stops well so far

[mr_maxime]

I got Toyo extensa on right now. Lasted about 25k miles but wet traction is terrible.

Changing to general altimaxx Monday

[SKnight]

I'm running Dean Tire Road Control NW3 195/60/14's in front and BF Goodrich Radial 245/60/15's in the rear. Tread patterns don't match, but they ride very nicely.

[n29we]

original Goodyears!!

[novadmc]

I got Toyo extensa on right now. Lasted about 25k miles but wet traction is terrible.

Changing to general altimaxx Monday

im looking at these myself as my current tires are 9 and 10 years old. going with 195s for front, 225s for rear?
i look forward to hearing what you think of them. the price is nice for these but i dont have any personal experience with the General brand - though reviews are quite positive.

[Bill6298]

Summit Tires (Sure Tire) replied back confirming they don't offer a 235 tire. The matching 225/195 tires are Summit HP Radial Trac II. Although this is a US based tire company the tires are produced in Vietnam.

I didn't realize Fuzion was actually a Bridgestone company as pointed out by someone else on this thread. Looks like they are made in China for our sizes.

Uniroyal might still produce their tires in the US and Canada. I forgot all about this brand.

[novadmc]

im currently debating between purchasing the General Altimaxx or the Bridgestone Fuzion brands

looking at 195/60/14 and 225/60/15 sizes.

Fuzions are about $60 cheaper than the Generals shipped to my door
Fuzions: $247 for all 4
Generals: $305 for all 4
(source: tirerack.com)

Fuzion's wet/snow ratings aren't as good as Generals, nor is their expected treadwear, but as it is, i only avearge ~1000-1500mi/year on the car and dont drive it in the snow at all. only occasionally in the rain (but with my personal driving habits, i try to even avoid that). the car sees combined city/highway speeds, but im not taking hard turns, or driving aggressively with it. simple, relaxing touring drives in nice weather.

[Col Bennett]

When my car was with Cameron and Danny at DMC CA they replaced the original tires with a set of Fuzion Touring and I couldn't be happier with them.

Front: Fuzion Touring 195/60R14
Rear: Fuzion Touring 225/60R15

Sure, the rear tire doesn't match the original 235/60R15 size, but it looks great, the size difference is barely noticeable and the tire treads are consistent front and back.

After researching a lot of tire brands I like these the best. Party because they're a Bridgestone tire and partly because they look good. In my opinion, a lot of tire walls are over-designed with too many patterns, crazy fonts and unnecessary design details. The Fuzion tires are super clean and unfussy. Most of the wall is smooth rubber and the tires have a nice round bulbous look and feel unlike some other brands that feel boxy - especially the front tires.

It's worth noting that I don't drive my car in rain, ice or snow so I can't comment on how they perform in different weather conditions. All I know is that they're a nice touring tire. Great for dry drives along the coast.

A few photos of my car from a car show earlier this year in Brisbane CA where you can see the Fusion tires.

http://content.colinbennett.com/dmc/2017-12-08_carshow1.jpg

http://content.colinbennett.com/dmc/2017-12-08_carshow2.jpg

[Chris 16409]

I like Discount Tire Direct. They currently have Ohtsu tires (A Falken company) in 195 & 225 sizes.

https://www.discounttiredirect.com/buy-tires/ohtsu-tire-fp0612-a-s/p/31086

https://www.discounttiredirect.com/buy-tires/ohtsu-tire-fp0612-a-s/p/31106

They have good prices and free shipping.

[JIMJAM]

$50 AND $70 A TIRE.....
One tire on my other sports cars cost more than all 4 and then some. I understand price does not equal quality but thats so cheap it kinda worries me.

I am going to wait till after the holidays and things slow down. Curiously, my father call 3 DMC dealerships and got 3 different answers. He was going to surprise me with new tires but gave up and just told me there was no real answer. He just wants the "best" for the car and thats one area he does not skimp on.

[JIMJAM]

BTW- I found my tire order made in 2009.
P235/60R-15 BFGoodrich Radial T/A
2 195/60R-14 BFGoodrich Traction T/A H

[novadmc]

$50 AND $70 A TIRE.....
One tire on my other sports cars cost more than all 4 and then some. I understand price does not equal quality but thats so cheap it kinda worries me.

I am going to wait till after the holidays and things slow down. Curiously, my father call 3 DMC dealerships and got 3 different answers. He was going to surprise me with new tires but gave up and just told me there was no real answer. He just wants the "best" for the car and thats one area he does not skimp on.



I get that sentiment. But I see it as if the tire is good enough for dry weather driving, and I’m going to end up replacing them due to age vs mileage, I’m fortunate enough that i can eat $300 worth of tires if they end up not being worthwhile. I don’t see the value in 100-200 dollars per tire that will only see a few thousand miles over their lifetime before getting replaced in or around a decade. I’m not trying to cheap out on the only part of the car that contacts the road, I’m just trying to find the best value for my driving habits with the car.

[JIMJAM]

All of my tires seem to get old way before the tread even shows any wear. I have a 2006 Mustang GT with the original tires that I also need to replace. The car only has 11000 miles on it. The Delorean is my daily driver but I only put about 75 miles a month on it. I agree buying a high end sports tire for a grocery getter or weekend fun car is a waste of money unless one just wants the name or the look. I see these young guys with the low profile "eraser" tires that get only about 1000 miles and need replacing.
Speaking of wear. I had some work done on my car in Atlanta and had a brand new set of tires put on it. I did not know but the front end was badly out of line and were pointed inward. When I got home to Columbia only 250 miles, both front tires were ruined.

[DMC5276]

im currently debating between purchasing the General Altimaxx or the Bridgestone Fuzion brands

looking at 195/60/14 and 225/60/15 sizes.

Fuzions are about $60 cheaper than the Generals shipped to my door
Fuzions: $247 for all 4
Generals: $305 for all 4
(source: tirerack.com)

Fuzion's wet/snow ratings aren't as good as Generals, nor is their expected treadwear, but as it is, i only avearge ~1000-1500mi/year on the car and dont drive it in the snow at all. only occasionally in the rain (but with my personal driving habits, i try to even avoid that). the car sees combined city/highway speeds, but im not taking hard turns, or driving aggressively with it. simple, relaxing touring drives in nice weather.I bought the General Tire AltiMAX RT43.
Good reviews and surprisingly reasonable price. There was even a rebate from GT.

See my post here:
http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?t=344
So far, so good. Personally, I prefer tires not made in China.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171210/390f8bc648e2892227dbb6d6e5c96f49.jpg

Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk

[novadmc]

I bought the General Tire AltiMAX RT43.
Good reviews and surprisingly reasonable price. There was even a rebate from GT.

See my post here:
http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?t=344
So far, so good. Personally, I prefer tires not made in China.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171210/390f8bc648e2892227dbb6d6e5c96f49.jpg

Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk

thanks for the pics and recommendation. i think i've decided to get the Generals as well.

[JIMJAM]

The generals look good. Do me a favor and post links to the exact tire/size for the fronts and rears. Tire rack...etc...
Been staring at all the numbers,ratings and just read Bill's ramblings. Combine that with my meds for a severe back injury and I am as confused as reading chinese calculus upside down.:Headspin:

[DMC5276]

The generals look good. Do me a favor and post links to the exact tire/size for the fronts and rears. Tire rack...etc...
Been staring at all the numbers,ratings and just read Bill's ramblings. Combine that with my meds for a severe back injury and I am as confused as reading chinese calculus upside down.:Headspin:195/60R14 86H (fronts)
225/60R15 96H (rears)
Note: General does not offer a 235/60R15 to replace the original rear size.

http://generaltire.com/tires/p...enger-and-minivan/altimax-rt43

https://m.tirerack.com/tires/t...RT43+%28H-+or+V-Speed+Rated%29



Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk

[JIMJAM]

Links are broken/outdated.

[novadmc]

Links are broken/outdated.

this link should work. direct link to tirerack for the Genreals: 195 front, 225 rear
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=General&tireModel=AltiMAX+RT43+%28H-+or+V-Speed+Rated%29&frontTire=96HR4AMRT43&rearTire=26HR5AMRT43&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes

I just orderd mine after my last post. should get them early this week.
hopefully ill be able to take them to my mechanic and get them mounted on my wheels before next weekend.

[JIMJAM]

I jack the car up and take the wheels to a shop and have them put them on the rims, balance and put them on myself. Once, a installer jacked the car and cracked the fiberglass under the battery area. Another I gave specific instructions to put the weights on the inside of the wheel. Of course they put them on the outside cracking off very rare dark grey paint sending me into a rage.

[novadmc]

I jack the car up and take the wheels to a shop and have them put them on the rims, balance and put them on myself. Once, a installer jacked the car and cracked the fiberglass under the battery area. Another I gave specific instructions to put the weights on the inside of the wheel. Of course they put them on the outside cracking off very rare dark grey paint sending me into a rage.

Yep. That was exactly my plan. Once the tires get here and I have some free time I’m just going to get the car up on jack stands and throw everything into my suv.

Sucks about what happened to your car! :(

[Shep]

Kumho Solus KR-21. Full set. Look fantastic, I've been running them since about March of 2012. Still looking sharp!

http://www.kumhotireusa.com/tire-category-sub-detail/passenger/touring/49/solus-kr21

Also, I don't get too, what's the word, adulterous? on the tires to the point of jealousy on another guy's. Some guys do -- a LOT of some guys -- but I'm not one of them, so I base usability on sheer usability, not on looks. Some guys like a lady's bosom (holla!), some like the legs or the butt (neither my cup of tea), other guys go for other areas. Not my flavor of joe, ya know? Anyways.

Kumho is brand new, straight from the manufacturer, none of that "discount tire overstock, been sitting in a warehouse aging without you" type of sales here. (Other brands also still sell new, I'm not saying Kumho is alone in that one, bear with me.) Discount outlets have their uses (snow tires is one of them -- I desperately need to grab some for my daily), but if you're not daily driving the car, and you replace the tires on age rather than wear, buying discount is only going to cause more frequent replacements by default of a shorter lifespan. If you do, on the other hand, drive a lot, and frequently have to test the depth of your tires to gauge replacement, it's not a bad option, but do remember, they sometimes hold onto their inventory a really long time, I've seen a 5-year-old inventory on tires at times (known only by the fact that the same tires had been "end-of-life" by the manufacturer for that duration). But it's not always done that way either. They buy in batches, it's the volume discounts that they pass onto the consumer.

Also, just to address a point that I hope to god nobody is dumb enough to make here: don't retread. Just don't, not on a DeLorean anyways.

[mr_maxime]

I wanted the Kumhos but they proved impossible to find. That's what eventually led me to the General Altimax RT43.

[Shep]

I wanted the Kumhos but they proved impossible to find. That's what eventually led me to the General Altimax RT43.DPI carries them, he installed mine while it was there. NTB might be able to source them too, especially since they're still being made.

[novadmc]

... but do remember, they sometimes hold onto their inventory a really long time, I've seen a 5-year-old inventory on tires at times (known only by the fact that the same tires had been "end-of-life" by the manufacturer for that duration). But it's not always done that way either. They buy in batches, it's the volume discounts that they pass onto the consumer....

even buying from a local tire shop can have this issue. that said, I agree, tire age of a "new" tire should be looked at when purchasing. simplifying it to "discount tire shops = poor choice for our cars" is not entirely accurate. a simple solution is to simply check the date code once you get a set of tires, and return them if you feel they are too old for your liking (tirerack in particular allows this return).

that said, i checked my new Generals, oldest MFG date is 1317 (13th week of 2017, so last week in March, 2017). 8 months since being made. not brand spanking new, but not 5 year old inventory by any stretch. barring any issues, I'm expecting an additional 8-10 years out of them.

[ssdelorean]

195/60/14 Cooper Touring in the front and 235/60/15Cooper Cobras in the rear. Drives great! Tread patterns are not the same but at least the brand is matching.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

If you want a closer sidewall look & tread pattern you can go with Cooper CS3 (front) & CS5 (rear). Been running those since July 2017. Tiny bit of more info on them from me here (http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?344-Tires&p=222296&viewfull=1#post222296).

[Shep]

even buying from a local tire shop can have this issue. that said, I agree, tire age of a "new" tire should be looked at when purchasing. simplifying it to "discount tire shops = poor choice for our cars" is not entirely accurate. a simple solution is to simply check the date code once you get a set of tires, and return them if you feel they are too old for your liking (tirerack in particular allows this return).
"sometimes" in my post needed more emphasis, that's not a generalized statement, but definitely sounds like one re-reading it.

Discount Tire is a volume buyer, low-quantity seller. Most discount tire shops are, but if you have a strange tire size, and he tires aren't being produced anymore, and they have it in stock, it's likely from a very early order in the tire's run. As DeLorean owners, we get the double whammy of TWO strange tire sizes, and an even further whammy of only needing two of each. This is why the problem is so prevalent -- it's literally just a byproduct of the business that, unless someone's actively producing tires, is unavoidable.

I'm glad you mentioned Tire Rack, I couldn't find any snow tires in stock anywhere at all and I've been quite confused as a result, I will check them out as its almost Christmas and nobody knows what snow is?!

[novadmc]

"sometimes" in my post needed more emphasis, that's not a generalized statement, but definitely sounds like one re-reading it.

Discount Tire is a volume buyer, low-quantity seller. Most discount tire shops are, but if you have a strange tire size, and he tires aren't being produced anymore, and they have it in stock, it's likely from a very early order in the tire's run. As DeLorean owners, we get the double whammy of TWO strange tire sizes, and an even further whammy of only needing two of each. This is why the problem is so prevalent -- it's literally just a byproduct of the business that, unless someone's actively producing tires, is unavoidable.

I'm glad you mentioned Tire Rack, I couldn't find any snow tires in stock anywhere at all and I've been quite confused as a result, I will check them out as its almost Christmas and nobody knows what snow is?!

it's all good. I do fully agree. the oddball OEM tire sizes does add a greater burden to finding replacement tires nowadays. and matching tread patterns even harder.

update to getting my Generals installed: finally too the car for a drive. what.a.difference.

my assumption was correct that my right front had lost its weight and was out of balance, so having new rubber that isn't flat spotted, plus balanced wheels again made a huge improvement. wheel no longer shakes at highway speeds and feels super smooth under acceleration. the new tires definitely have more grip than what was on the car before. car felt much more glued to the road in aggressive turns. makes driving the car so much more enjoyable (and safe).

[mr_maxime]

I finally had to drive in some pretty bad rain and the Generals did have much better grip than my Toyos did near the end. Before it was my daily driver I avoided driving in the rain with it so I don't exactly remember how it felt.

[spaceboyusa]

I just put new tread on 11749 three months back. I soul-searched through all the issues mentioned in this thread (go bigger, go smaller, go different makes/models to match OEM size). In the end, I went with the BFG Radial T/A RWL 245/60/15s on the back and 215/60/14s up front. My main reasons for doing this: I wanted the same tire on front and back (couldn't do the CS3/CS5 as they simply look too different), and didn't want to knock the back down to 225 to get matching fronts/backs. So far, no regrets: I like the bigger tire filling up the front wheel well more, and the RWL grows on me each day.

[Mark D]

I just put new tread on 11749 three months back. I soul-searched through all the issues mentioned in this thread (go bigger, go smaller, go different makes/models to match OEM size). In the end, I went with the BFG Radial T/A RWL 245/60/15s on the back and 215/60/14s up front. My main reasons for doing this: I wanted the same tire on front and back (couldn't do the CS3/CS5 as they simply look too different), and didn't want to knock the back down to 225 to get matching fronts/backs. So far, no regrets: I like the bigger tire filling up the front wheel well more, and the RWL grows on me each day.

Got any pics of this setup?

Is your car lowered? Any rubbing issues with the wider fronts?

I might be interested in this setup in the future :-)

[Shep]

Second the call for pics, but will extend it to anyone running tires with white lettering. Bonus points for whitewall tires. :) (Wonder if anyone has done graywall?)

[Citizen]

I wanted the Kumhos but they proved impossible to find. That's what eventually led me to the General Altimax RT43.

I just refreshed my DeLorean spare (125/70 R15). I found a Kumho at a local Discount Tire (I used their web site search tool). 45 minutes later and $63.00 + wheel mount/balancing/tax and I was out of there with my refreshed spare.

Funny thing is, I went to the Kumho web site and that tire is not even offered. Does that mean Kumho has discontinued that size, and the tire I got was old stock?

I checked the manufacture date of my new spare, and it is about 3 years old. That may sound bad, but I'm still glad I got it, because what it replaced was pre-2000 (looked good...perfect tread, but it didn't hold air, and the rubber was hard as concrete). This new Kumho, even starting at 3 years old, is insurance worth the price, I felt.

Thomas

...

[Shep]

I actually got lazy and bought a Nissan Versa spare tire from eBay. Same size, I think even four lug nuts too. I mean hey, Nissan must have some supplier, can't hurt to use the rim too (well, THAT badly, it does have a 50-mile life after all).

Come to think of it, isn't a bad idea at all to find cars with 4 lug nuts and check service desks to see who has a matching size rubber.

[dodint]

Second the call for pics, but will extend it to anyone running tires with white lettering. Bonus points for whitewall tires. :) (Wonder if anyone has done graywall?)

I third this request. My car is slightly lowered. And the tires that are on it were bought in 2011 and I suspect they were old stock then so I'm due for new rubber soon.

They're only .7" wider but they're a full 1" taller up front. Rears look like they'd be fine as the difference from stock is nominal.

The picture he posted in his thread shows a car that, when purchased, has the stock US ride height. He could have changed that since then but my guess is he didn't since he said he liked how it filled the wheel well. Just an inference though.

[Shep]

I just refreshed my DeLorean spare (125/70 R15). I found a Kumho at a local Discount Tire (I used their web site search tool). 45 minutes later and $63.00 + wheel mount/balancing/tax and I was out of there with my refreshed spare.

Funny thing is, I went to the Kumho web site and that tire is not even offered. Does that mean Kumho has discontinued that size, and the tire I got was old stock?More directly answering that question as I see I didn't before: yes. DPI Josh confirmed this at one point back when they first discontinued it (<4 degrees of Kumho rep / Kevin Bacon), and everyone was saying he was wrong because NTB for example had them. Nevermind that they're ordered in batches.

As cars shift further away from spare tires to offset fuel economy needs (still waiting for them to wise up and slim down interior weight), the demand isn't there for spare rubber unless a manufacturer strikes a contract. Problem is, usually they are attached to rims also, but perhaps the best news: most "donut" spares I've seen are the same size that the DeLorean needs, so we're not in danger of extinction of the spare sizes any time soon.

As long as donut spares are still selling included with the car or available later, we should have a source somewhere. I don't think we can be nitpicky on who supplies it, but also remember it's lifespan is 50 miles one-use-only anyhow. That said, would be interested in seeing data on how old a spare can be before it's unsafe, knowing they're stored at 60 PSI. I'd argue far sooner than the main four tires personally.

[spaceboyusa]

Hey guys...sorry for being so slow in posting pics (cool to blame the Colorado ski season? =). Took this one today; hope it helps show the white lettering. After being around the car for 7 months now with the white lettering out, I still like the decision as much as the day I decided to do it. I know to each their own so welcome your thoughts. Also, please remember that the fronts are 215s, not 195s and again, to each their own, but I like how it gives the front end (or at least the front wheel wells) a more beefy/full feel.

[hippieman9]

I have a matching set Michelin Pilot's on mine. I am planning on going to BF Goodrich Radial T/As in the back when they are needed and Not sure for the fronts as of yet. (Wish there was a matching set of Radial T/As, Love the look of raised white letters) From what I understand The Michelin's aren't made any longer.

[JIMJAM]

I still have not bought any tires. Just as I think I have found what I want either someone praises another brand, I find out ones that many are praising are as old as mine and no longer around....
So yeah, any one who has a link to mid to higher end tires that are a good match "in stock and current" feel free to post the link. Not picky but avoiding Chinese or Japanese names and raised white lettering. Cost really is not a issue.

[spaceboyusa]

The BFG Radial T/As are easy to find, usually in stock, and you can put the blackwalls out/not go RWL. They have the OEM back size in these, but the fronts need to be either smaller (185s) or bigger (the 215s which I went with). My Dad's a 37-year Firestone veteran so trust me when I say I did the same research you're doing and the choice is simple: Either compromise on the vendor/line of front/back and stay OEM sizes, or stay same vendor/line and go with a different size front, back, or front and back. That's it. I, of course, take no pleasure in saying what I just said as I so want there to be an easy-to-get OEM set from the same vendor in the same line. #aboycandream

[DMC-Ron]

The BFG Radial T/As are easy to find, usually in stock, and you can put the blackwalls out/not go RWL. They have the OEM back size in these, but the fronts need to be either smaller (185s) or bigger (the 215s which I went with). My Dad's a 37-year Firestone veteran so trust me when I say I did the same research you're doing and the choice is simple: Either compromise on the vendor/line of front/back and stay OEM sizes, or stay same vendor/line and go with a different size front, back, or front and back. That's it. I, of course, take no pleasure in saying what I just said as I so want there to be an easy-to-get OEM set from the same vendor in the same line. #aboycandream

Rob,
Did you go with P215/70R14 96S for the front BFG tires? Is there any issue with the tire rubbing with full turn?
Ron

[JIMJAM]

Spaceboy......
Are you running stock or lowered?

I have iirc Eibach all around and the fronts/rears are about as low as it gets. I have not looked the up the larger tire you suggested.
Unlike most, my D sits mostly during the summer so I have lots of time. I actually need tired for 3 cars so within the next month going to be buying some rubber.

BTW- Just 2 msc pics for those who stumble across.
Pic 1 is how close the rear bolt/shock comes to the rear tire wall. I was always concerned if ran LOW it could scrape but assured it could not happen. :umm:

2nd is a brand NEW front after only 200 miles!! Both were toed in really bad and ruined in 3 hrs. Driving this car with a light front, toed in and in rain was one of the most scary things I have ever done. If your front end "dances" and chatters in rain check alignment. Also imo the front "optional, no longer made iirc" ss bar that connects the front 2 shock towers really makes a difference in this car as does added weight.

This is my new helper bred specifically for low cars.

[spaceboyusa]

Rob,
Did you go with P215/70R14 96S for the front BFG tires? Is there any issue with the tire rubbing with full turn?
Ron

I went with BFG Radial T/As P215/60R15 on the front, and yes, I have a little rubbing on the passenger side tie rod at a full 100% left turn as well as a little rubbing on the plastic black trim at the bottom of the front end that wraps around to the bottom front of the wheel well. I solved the latter by dremelling it down a bit from the inside so that from the outside, there's no impact to the cosmetic visible nature of the piece. As for the rubbing on the tie rod, I figure I have bigger problems to worry about if I'm cranked 100% left on the wheel with such force that the rubbing would cause damage to the tire. FWIW, the Discount Tire guy that mounted the tires, who has put tires on all my cars for the past 10 years, said my rubbing on the tie rod is nowhere near the rubbing he sees when guys put oversized tires on Jeeps. Not trying to justify anything; just telling you what I was told.

[spaceboyusa]

Spaceboy......
Are you running stock or lowered?


Stock.

[DMC-Ron]

I went with BFG Radial T/As P215/60R15 on the front, and yes, I have a little rubbing on the passenger side tie rod at a full 100% left turn as well as a little rubbing on the plastic black trim at the bottom of the front end that wraps around to the bottom front of the wheel well. I solved the latter by dremelling it down a bit from the inside so that from the outside, there's no impact to the cosmetic visible nature of the piece. As for the rubbing on the tie rod, I figure I have bigger problems to worry about if I'm cranked 100% left on the wheel with such force that the rubbing would cause damage to the tire. FWIW, the Discount Tire guy that mounted the tires, who has put tires on all my cars for the past 10 years, said my rubbing on the tie rod is nowhere near the rubbing he sees when guys put oversized tires on Jeeps. Not trying to justify anything; just telling you what I was told.

So you have 15 inch wheels in the front? Are you using rear DeLorean wheels for front rims?

[spaceboyusa]

Apologies, total typo in my post...will try to edit. I'm on stock rims so I meant/I'm on 215/60R14s in the front. Sorry for the confusion.

[HollywoodF1]

195/60/14 Cooper Touring in the front and 235/60/15Cooper Cobras in the rear. Drives great! Tread patterns are not the same but at least the brand is matching.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I just ordered this particular set-- white letters on the rear. There seems to be a logic to me to have the front tires that are cutting through water on wet pavement to be all-season, clearing the path for the grippier powered tires in the rear.

[AugustneverEnds]

I just ordered this particular set-- white letters on the rear. There seems to be a logic to me to have the front tires that are cutting through water on wet pavement to be all-season, clearing the path for the grippier powered tires in the rear.

I'm happy to report that in year two running on Coopers I've had zero issues or complaints. Probably covered 4,000 miles or thereabouts.

[JIMJAM]

I also have a 2005 Mustang GT that I just replaced the original tires last week. Tires were 19 years old but only had 10 thousand on them. Looked brand new but it was time. Quickly noticed the new tires felt like I put softer shocks on the car so the old tires were getting brittle.
That said I still have not decided on which tires to put on the D. Seeing I am only putting about 30 miles a month on it, like the Stang no hurry.

[hippieman9]

I recently installed Riken Raptors on the front and I am running older Michelin 's on the rear. I will most likely go to BFG Radial T/A's in the rear when the time comes.

The Rikens are the correct size, Got them from Tire rack, and drive very nice, no complaints. the price was great too.

[DMC1890]

I recently replaced my 22 yr-old tires on my recently reborn D with Ohtsu FP0612 (225/60/15 rear, 195/60/14 front), on stock wheels with stock suspension. I wanted matching appearance, and to me the size looks fine. I won't be going 88 MPH, and won't put on more than a few miles per month, never in rain or snow. I got these from Discount.

[nkemp]

So what is the input about the Vredestein Sportrac 5's (225/195)? I like the look ... somewhat unique for a tire and there is not a lot you can do with tire design. A little hard to find but doable.

I currently have 245/60's and going to 225/60's will be a bit of a shock after all these years (I'm embarrassed to say they are upwards of 30 years old :shock: )

[dmcnc]

I've had Vredsteins for over a year - significant better ride-wise than the Fuzions I replaced them with (also way better looking).

[QUOTE=nkemp;239550]So what is the input about the Vredestein Sportrac 5's (225/195)? I like the look ... somewhat unique for a tire and there is not a lot you can do with tire design. A little hard to find but doable.

[CFI]

I’ve got Peerless Sprint GT’s on mine. Original size front and rear. I’ve never heard of this brand. The fronts say MADE IN USA.

[SS Spoiler]

If one were to find several sets of good new
tires and you wanted to save, "preserve" them for
future use years from now, how would you do that?

[nkemp]

...you wanted to save, "preserve" them for
future use years from now, how would you do that?

The first Google result is here: https://www.tirebuyer.com/education/storing-tires-for-longer-life
and per: https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/buying-maintenance/a25577/how-to-make-your-tires-last-10-years/ ..."When properly stored in a climate controlled warehouse, tires have an almost unlimited shelf life, and once they're on the road, proper care can add many years to a tire's life." and then goes on to say ""In general, we see six years of service with no more than 10 years of total life since manufacture."" Which seems to conflict with the first quote. Hmmmmmm

Then it appears the general consensus is that tires older than 6 years are expired regardless of mileage and simply storing them causes them to age and become less reliable.

[David T]

The compounds in the tires continues to age once made and if they don't get worn out they change composition and are no longer usable after about 7 years. Exposure to heat and sunlight may accelerate that and storing in a cool, dark place unmounted may extend that. Figure 10 years max but inspect for "dry rot" or cracking, small tears, in the sidewalls. Also realize the rubber gets harder as tires get older so you get a harder ride and they won't grip the road as well. Replacing an old tire with a new one is no comparison as to brand since the new tire will ride SO much better no matter what brand you get.

[SS Spoiler]

Thanks for the info....

[DMC1890]

"When properly stored in a climate controlled warehouse, tires have an almost unlimited shelf life, and once they're on the road, proper care can add many years to a tire's life."

That's a bunch of double-talk to get you to accept tires that have been sitting in the warehouse for 3 years. On a recent visit to Discount to get an alignment on another vehicle, they said they could not do it because the tires had a date code more than 10-years old. I don't think they would care much about how long they had been properly stored.

[Stainless]

That's a bunch of double-talk to get you to accept tires that have been sitting in the warehouse for 3 years. On a recent visit to Discount to get an alignment on another vehicle, they said they could not do it because the tires had a date code more than 10-years old. I don't think they would care much about how long they had been properly stored.

Did you mean a tire rotation instead of an alignment, since Discount doesn't do alignments? https://www.discounttire.com/learn/services-not-offered

[David T]

When you buy old tires there is no way you can know what conditions they were stored in during that time. Sometimes 3 of the 4 tires will be OK but they toss one really old one in hoping no one will notice. After all, how many people will actually read the date codes on the new tires they just bought? Like food stores, tire places are supposed to work on FIFO (First one In-First one Out) to rotate their stock and always have the oldest stock rotated out. Sometimes they find an old one and have to pass it off onto someone. One of the dirty little secrets of the tire industry. Don't be that someone. Also, when balancing a tire, if they have to use excessive weight and multiple times to get it balanced (and it isn't a bent rim) that tire is defective and should not be used but many tire shops will just keep throwing weights onto it and hope the owner doesn't know any better.

[DMC1890]

Did you mean a tire rotation instead of an alignment, since Discount doesn't do alignments? https://www.discounttire.com/learn/services-not-offered
I think they might do a toe-in, but they did refer me to a proper shop that found a caster problem (Ram pickup).

[DaraSue]

I recently replaced my 22 yr-old tires on my recently reborn D with Ohtsu FP0612 (225/60/15 rear, 195/60/14 front), on stock wheels with stock suspension. I wanted matching appearance, and to me the size looks fine. I won't be going 88 MPH, and won't put on more than a few miles per month, never in rain or snow. I got these from Discount.

That's what I have on mine, I didn't even know they weren't the right ones. :eek5: FWIW, I've gotten caught out in blizzards and squall lines more than once and haven't ended up in a ditch. If the front ones are the correct size my speedo/odometer should still read correctly, right?

[DMC-81]

That's what I have on mine, I didn't even know they weren't the right ones. :eek5: FWIW, I've gotten caught out in blizzards and squall lines more than once and haven't ended up in a ditch. If the front ones are the correct size my speedo/odometer should still read correctly, right?

I think they are a good choice for a matching set in a 225 size. The difference between 225 and the OEM 235 is 10 mm so, all things being equal, it's barely noticeable. I have 225s too and they perform well, but my tire installer needed to blast extra compressed air around the bead to get them to expand on the rim and seal. So, he said that the downside to this slightly undersized tire is I won't be able to temporarily fix a flat on the side of the road with those repair-in-a can products.

Regarding the brand, Otshu is in the same corporate family as the performance brand Falken. I have Falkens and the Otshu FP0612 have the same tread profile. I bet that they are the same/similar tire.

Here's a review: https://talkcarswell.com/ohtsu-fp0612-a-s-tire-review/

I was suitably impressed at the Falkens so I decided to try the Otshu 8000 for my daily driver. They have also performed well for the last 2 years.

Also, you are correct, if the front size is the same as stock size, then your speedo is fine.

[nkemp]

Waking up this napping thread. I'm in search of tires now that the camber is fixed much to my delight. Any updated opinions?

I currently have 245/60/15 on the rears and I like the wider look ... more appropriate to the car's styling as viewed from the rear IMHO. But 245/60/15 doesn't really open up the options much. Since our tires tend to age out before they wear out, and the car doesn not get driven at a high performance, I'm not really sure spending a lot for performance makes sense.

=========================================
I found https://tiresize.com/ and it is pretty helpful being that it does a lot of the computations and comparisons for you. At TireSize.com you can input the front size and rear size separately and it will search 24 tire companies for matching tires. For 225/60/15 D sizes it found matched sets as follows (try https://tiresize.com/tiresizes/staggered/?size1=195-60R14&size2=225-60R15):
- Fuzion Turing
- UniRoyal Tiger Paw Touring A/S
- General Tire Altimax RT43

I have no idea as to the worthwhileness of these tires, they all seem to be yawns, but they are matched sets if that is your driving interest

They have a number of tire calculating tools and one is that they will find tires near your stated size (as well as stating how much they vary). For example, since we seem to have more trouble finding rears, you can vary the front size to see if a close fit on the front generates a matching rear (FWIW, I didn't find any matching sets using that approach ... yet). And, of course, you can vary the rear to see what fronts fall out.

But be forewarned, if you search a front/rear combination and it does not find a match, it clears the 6 inputs and you have to start over. So use the right-click and open the results in a new tab.

[Josh]

Im not sure why everyone gets so concerned about having matching tires.
I think it is more of a concern putting too narrow of tires on the rear.

I have tried several different setups on my car and 235/60r15 BFGs on the back and whatever the highest rated 195/60r14 at the time (here and on tirerack) is what the car gets. Put the white lettering in, or leave the white lettering out on the rears and use tire stickers on the front.

[Rich_NYS]

Mine don't match.... 'cause I'm a straight-up gangsta!

Sent from my LGL164VL using Tapatalk

[nkemp]

I've pretty much decided on the BF Goodrich TA's for the rear (available in 235 and 245's in 60's). I like the wider look for the rears. For the fronts I'm leaning towards Cooper Evolution Tours. They seem well reviewed.

I was in process of deciding the fronts when I had one of those ideas that results in not getting things done ... Why put off until tomorrow what you can do today? ... Here's why ... Why get new tires now instead of waiting until spring. We only have a month or so until it takes it's long winter nap. Another month wouldn't add much to tires already way to old (I hope). They wouldn't have to sit on the new tires over the winter. And it would add about a half year to the tire's calendar life.

I'll be piss'd if one of those tires fails catastrophically in the next month or so!

[David T]

I am going to wait till Spring too. My concerns about changing tire sizes is that the Delorean was very well designed so that the front tires are supposed to break loose BEFORE the rear tires. The logic being that if you break the rear loose first it will swing around too quickly to recover because of the rear engine and the high polar moment of inertia. Going to a wider tire size in the rear means a wider footprint and lower pressure per square inch so less traction. Not that I drive the Delorean close to it's limits but why take the chance if you can find the right size but it may mean different tires front and rear.

[Josh]

I am going to wait till Spring too. My concerns about changing tire sizes is that the Delorean was very well designed so that the front tires are supposed to break loose BEFORE the rear tires. The logic being that if you break the rear loose first it will swing around too quickly to recover because of the rear engine and the high polar moment of inertia. Going to a wider tire size in the rear means a wider footprint and lower pressure per square inch so less traction. Not that I drive the Delorean close to it's limits but why take the chance if you can find the right size but it may mean different tires front and rear.

You are putting too much confidence in the original design (intent).

The rim/tire setup on these cars is terrible, only outdone by the weight distribution. The front setup is too small both in width and diameter.

You are right the car will understeer very easily. I find this very annoying. I can take a cloverleaf faster in my 4x4 pickup truck than the delorean.

[David T]

You are right and wrong. The weight distribution is the source of the problem. Lotus did the best they could do with the technology and engineering available at the time. They also had to meet the price point so they had to stay in budget using as many off-the-shelf parts as possible and also save on tooling and production costs. What we have is the best compromise they could achieve while minimizing all of the bad effects. Pretty good for a 1st gen production car. I am sure it would have gotten better and better. For instance there is no rear sway bar. The car was not meant to be a track car but it really isn't a sports car either. Anyway, the design of the suspension is very dependent on the size of the tires with no brake proportioning and no ABS or traction control to mitigate the bad characteristics of the car. On new cars with drive-by-wire, you can tailor the feel and the control effects so you can't get yourself into trouble. They couldn't do that in 1980.

[Josh]

You are right and wrong. The weight distribution is the source of the problem. Lotus did the best they could do with the technology and engineering available at the time. They also had to meet the price point so they had to stay in budget using as many off-the-shelf parts as possible and also save on tooling and production costs. What we have is the best compromise they could achieve while minimizing all of the bad effects. Pretty good for a 1st gen production car. I am sure it would have gotten better and better. For instance there is no rear sway bar. The car was not meant to be a track car but it really isn't a sports car either. Anyway, the design of the suspension is very dependent on the size of the tires with no brake proportioning and no ABS or traction control to mitigate the bad characteristics of the car. On new cars with drive-by-wire, you can tailor the feel and the control effects so you can't get yourself into trouble. They couldn't do that in 1980.

I dont see how I am wrong.

You just are explaining why the design is poor.

Also, my car is drive by wire.

[Ron]

Im not sure why everyone gets so concerned about having matching tires.
I think it is more of a concern putting too narrow of tires on the rear.

I have tried several different setups on my car and 235/60r15 BFGs on the back and whatever the highest rated 195/60r14 at the time (here and on tirerack) is what the car gets. Put the white lettering in, or leave the white lettering out on the rears and use tire stickers on the front.Agreed. Like I said in the other thread, there is no such thing as matching fronts and rear on a DeLorean, except for aesthetics...

[white out]

Going to a wider tire size in the rear means a wider footprint and lower pressure per square inch so less traction.

wait. what? :confused2:

[David T]

A bigger (wider) tire spreads the weight out over a larger area so the pressure per square inch is lower so while you have more surface area in contact with the road, you have a lighter pressure. Less grip. Don't confuse this with the air pressure inside the tire.

[Stainless]

A bigger (wider) tire spreads the weight out over a larger area so the pressure per square inch is lower so while you have more surface area in contact with the road, you have a lighter pressure. Less grip. Don't confuse this with the air pressure inside the tire.

It is not that cut and dry. All other things being equal (car weight, air pressure, etc), a wider tire will give a car more grip, with exceptions.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=8&v=Bgz0qF3CuNA


For our cars with a stock motor and with regular street driving, tire width probably makes little noticeable difference. Wide tire, skinny tire, go with what you like. Taking your car to the track? You should care more about the size and likely choose the wider tire for... wait for it... better grip.

[L3V3L1]

https://www.autoevolution.com/news/yokohama-rolls-out-hobby-tires-for-classic-cars-140813.html
I can't find any exact sizes but there are 14 and 15 inch diameter coming out.

[Michael]

https://www.autoevolution.com/news/yokohama-rolls-out-hobby-tires-for-classic-cars-140813.html
I can't find any exact sizes but there are 14 and 15 inch diameter coming out.

That's great news. I'll be honest, I'm glad someone is [possibly] doing this but I would be much happier if it were not Yokohama. I went to their website as the article said they were avaliable. That site sucks wet dog fur. I figure I got about 3 years life left out of mine, maybe by then they will have tires for us and a way to order them.

Edit
After more research most of us are out of luck. Only available in Japan. Also not really the look I wanted but I would rock them just the same.

https://www.hagerty.com/articles-videos/articles/2017/11/03/yokohama-tires

[white out]

If you can lower the car, Toyo R888r look great and perform better than anything sky of slicks. With stock height they look odd though.

[Josh]

If you can lower the car, Toyo R888r look great and perform better than anything sky of slicks. With stock height they look odd though.

how are they in the rain though?

Also none of the sizes are very close to stock. I know your setup is different though.

185/60r14

235/50r15

[JIMJAM]

I still have not replaced my tires. I maybe drive the D locally 50-100 miles a month tops. That is my excuse for putting it off. Replacing batteries in my Mustang has been keeping me busy. I am still looking for tires. Price is not a concern and the only thing I don't want is white letters or a name that sounds like a Ninja warrior. If someone who either has them or knows for sure they fit, feel free to add a link or links and I will go ahead and get them.

[mr_maxime]

I still have not replaced my tires. I maybe drive the D locally 50-100 miles a month tops. That is my excuse for putting it off. Replacing batteries in my Mustang has been keeping me busy. I am still looking for tires. Price is not a concern and the only thing I don't want is white letters or a name that sounds like a Ninja warrior. If someone who either has them or knows for sure they fit, feel free to add a link or links and I will go ahead and get them.

General Altimax RT43 in 195/60r14 and 225/60r15. The best reviewed tires with longest warranty that come close to stock sizes. https://tirereviewsandmore.com/general-altimax-rt43-reviews/ https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=General&tireModel=AltiMAX+RT43+%28H-+or+V-Speed+Rated%29#RatingsReviews

I got them on my delorean and my mazda protege. Would have gotten them for my z3 too, but they dont have the proper size, so i went with a different model they had. Theyre modestly priced all around great tires with plain looks. Unless youre racing the delorean or going after a very specific look, these should be your first choice.

[Riley88]

General Altimax RT43 in 195/60r14 and 225/60r15. The best reviewed tires with longest warranty that come close to stock sizes. https://tirereviewsandmore.com/general-altimax-rt43-reviews/ https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=General&tireModel=AltiMAX+RT43+%28H-+or+V-Speed+Rated%29#RatingsReviews

I got them on my delorean and my mazda protege. Would have gotten them for my z3 too, but they dont have the proper size, so i went with a different model they had. Theyre modestly priced all around great tires with plain looks. Unless youre racing the delorean or going after a very specific look, these should be your first choice.
I am also running these tires on the DeLorean, recommended by Toby. Great tires so far!

[Michael]

General Altimax RT43 in 195/60r14 and 225/60r15. The best reviewed tires with longest warranty that come close to stock sizes. https://tirereviewsandmore.com/general-altimax-rt43-reviews/ https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=General&tireModel=AltiMAX+RT43+%28H-+or+V-Speed+Rated%29#RatingsReviews

I got them on my delorean and my mazda protege. Would have gotten them for my z3 too, but they dont have the proper size, so i went with a different model they had. Theyre modestly priced all around great tires with plain looks. Unless youre racing the delorean or going after a very specific look, these should be your first choice.

Can you post a pic of your car with this setup? Thanks for the info!

[JIMJAM]

Thanks for the replies.

[mr_maxime]

Can you post a pic of your car with this setup? Thanks for the info!

I actually dont have any with the body on. This is the best I got until i reinstall the body lol
https://i.imgur.com/mhhvFaO.jpg?1

[Gary 5314]

I decided on the Cooper tires for my DeLorean last summer. They looked more like the original Goodyear tires. Didn't like the way the tread on the Generals wrapped around onto the sidewalls. Looked like snowtires to me.

[mr_maxime]

I decided on the Cooper tires for my DeLorean last summer. They looked more like the original Goodyear tires. Didn't like the way the tread on the Generals wrapped around onto the sidewalls. Looked like snowtires to me.

Which coopers? The CS3 touring also wrap around. Anyways, I didn't care about looks. Wet traction and warranty were my biggest deciding factors since I was using it as a daily driver.

[Gary 5314]

6267862679

CS3's (195/60/14) Front CS5's (225/60/15) Rear

Everyone's got their own opinion on tires. :)

[David T]

After a lot of searching I found the following combination;

Fronts 195/60/R/14 Michelin MXV3-A

Rears 235/60D/15 BF Goodrich Radial T/A

While I am not crazy about having to use different manufacturer's tires front and rear, they are the correct sizes. Does anyone have any comments?

[Michael]

After a lot of searching I found the following combination;

Fronts 195/60/R/14 Michelin MXV3-A

Rears 235/60D/15 BF Goodrich Radial T/A

While I am not crazy about having to use different manufacturer's tires front and rear, they are the correct sizes. Does anyone have any comments?

Yes. Finding matching OE sizes is not the problem. Finding them in matching brands' lines is. I would even settle for different lines of tires as long as the sidewalls match.

[David T]

Since we do blackwalls (not raised white lettering) at least it is not so obvious. Anyway is anyone running either brand? They are both good brands.

[louielouie2000]

Not sure if this has been brought up yet, but for the first time in years, matching tires are available for the DeLorean in the stock sizes. Tire Rack has the Hankook Kinergy ST in 195/60/14 and 235/60/15 sizes; set of 4 $380. It's not exactly a performance tire, but it should work fine for most owners. The tread design is fairly similar to the original equipment Goodyear NCTs... though I'm not crazy about the sidewalls. Anyway, I thought y'all might want to check this out:

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Hankook&tireModel=Kinergy+ST&frontTire=96TR4H735&rearTire=36TR5H735RWL&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes

[Stainless]

Not sure if this has been brought up yet, but for the first time in years, matching tires are available for the DeLorean in the stock sizes. Tire Rack has the Hankook Kinergy ST in 195/60/14 and 235/60/15 sizes; set of 4 $380. It's not exactly a performance tire, but it should work fine for most owners. The tread design is fairly similar to the original equipment Goodyear NCTs... though I'm not crazy about the sidewalls. Anyway, I thought y'all might want to check this out:

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Hankook&tireModel=Kinergy+ST&frontTire=96TR4H735&rearTire=36TR5H735RWL&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes

Not bad! That's the best option I've seen in a long time. I have been running the matching Cooper Cobras since 2011, but haven't been keeping on top of tire availability since then. It's one of those things that I haven't paid attention to since I haven't been in the market, but I'm getting close as my tires are clearly getting old and need to be replaced soon.

[Rich]

Good catch on this one.

If the fronts/rears are truly matching this is a significant development.

+ points in addition: Hankook is a major mfgr with a very good quality reputation
- points: as noted, this is an all-season sedan/minivan design

Here is the Hankook page with specs on their Kinergy ST line: https://www.hankooktire.com/us/passenger-cars/hankook-kinergy-st-h735.html

Here is the Hankook press release from last month announcing this tire: https://www.hankooktire.com/us/about-hankook-tire/media-center/press-room.67172.html?div=&text=&selsort=&tab=&page=

Questionable points:
- Tire Rack webpage in that link describes the 235's as having raised white letters (?)
- That page also shows the 235's being made in Indonesia and the 195's being made in USA. Not a big deal if they are otherwise the same.
- So far I'm seeing no other domestic retailers listing the 235's, some showing only the 195's in that model. Again, no big deal if at least one retailer offers them both at decent prices.

If anybody gets a set of these for their D or discovers additional info/retailers for them please post up. Nothing wrong with The Tire Rack, just looking for the complete story at least for NorthAm.


Not sure if this has been brought up yet, but for the first time in years, matching tires are available for the DeLorean in the stock sizes. Tire Rack has the Hankook Kinergy ST in 195/60/14 and 235/60/15 sizes; set of 4 $380. It's not exactly a performance tire, but it should work fine for most owners. The tread design is fairly similar to the original equipment Goodyear NCTs... though I'm not crazy about the sidewalls. Anyway, I thought y'all might want to check this out:

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Hankook&tireModel=Kinergy+ST&frontTire=96TR4H735&rearTire=36TR5H735RWL&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes

[jackb]

I have Falken Zeix 912 on the front and rear

Front 195/60r14
Rear 225/60r15

[louielouie2000]

I just noticed this '83 for sale at DMC Florida appears to have the Hankook Kinergy ST tires installed front & rear in the correct 195/60/14 & 235/60/15 sizes. You can see the rears are in fact raised white letters, but in this instance the RWL side is mounted on the inside. Outwardly, the sidewalls seem to be identical front to back. It'll be interesting to hear how these tires perform. Are they smooth, quiet, easy to balance, etc.

https://www.delorean.com/1983-dmc-delorean-c-5651.htm


Good catch on this one.

If the fronts/rears are truly matching this is a significant development.

+ points in addition: Hankook is a major mfgr with a very good quality reputation
- points: as noted, this is an all-season sedan/minivan design

Here is the Hankook page with specs on their Kinergy ST line: https://www.hankooktire.com/us/passenger-cars/hankook-kinergy-st-h735.html

Here is the Hankook press release from last month announcing this tire: https://www.hankooktire.com/us/about-hankook-tire/media-center/press-room.67172.html?div=&text=&selsort=&tab=&page=

Questionable points:
- Tire Rack webpage in that link describes the 235's as having raised white letters (?)
- That page also shows the 235's being made in Indonesia and the 195's being made in USA. Not a big deal if they are otherwise the same.
- So far I'm seeing no other domestic retailers listing the 235's, some showing only the 195's in that model. Again, no big deal if at least one retailer offers them both at decent prices.

If anybody gets a set of these for their D or discovers additional info/retailers for them please post up. Nothing wrong with The Tire Rack, just looking for the complete story at least for NorthAm.

[dmcman73]

Good catch on this one.

If the fronts/rears are truly matching this is a significant development.

+ points in addition: Hankook is a major mfgr with a very good quality reputation
- points: as noted, this is an all-season sedan/minivan design

Here is the Hankook page with specs on their Kinergy ST line: https://www.hankooktire.com/us/passenger-cars/hankook-kinergy-st-h735.html

Here is the Hankook press release from last month announcing this tire: https://www.hankooktire.com/us/about-hankook-tire/media-center/press-room.67172.html?div=&text=&selsort=&tab=&page=

Questionable points:
- Tire Rack webpage in that link describes the 235's as having raised white letters (?)
- That page also shows the 235's being made in Indonesia and the 195's being made in USA. Not a big deal if they are otherwise the same.
- So far I'm seeing no other domestic retailers listing the 235's, some showing only the 195's in that model. Again, no big deal if at least one retailer offers them both at decent prices.

If anybody gets a set of these for their D or discovers additional info/retailers for them please post up. Nothing wrong with The Tire Rack, just looking for the complete story at least for NorthAm.

I just received these tires from Tirerack. The rears do indeed have the raised white lettering on one side and black on the other. The fronts are only raised black.

[Stainless]

I just received these tires from Tirerack. The rears do indeed have the raised white lettering on one side and black on the other. The fronts are only raised black.

Nice. When you going to mount them? Would love to see some pics.

[dmcman73]

Nice. When you going to mount them? Would love to see some pics.

Not for a while, still restoring my car and I have to send the wheels out to get refinished first. Maybe within the next few months.

[DL4567]

I just noticed this '83 for sale at DMC Florida appears to have the Hankook Kinergy ST tires installed front & rear in the correct 195/60/14 & 235/60/15 sizes. You can see the rears are in fact raised white letters, but in this instance the RWL side is mounted on the inside. Outwardly, the sidewalls seem to be identical front to back. It'll be interesting to hear how these tires perform. Are they smooth, quiet, easy to balance, etc.

https://www.delorean.com/1983-dmc-delorean-c-5651.htm

Someone posted on Reddit today that they bought an unlisted car from there, very similar to the one you linked above. Someone in the comments even thought it was that 83 car as well. Anyway, looks like it has the Hankook tires installed as well, and the picture shows them pretty well.

https://i.redd.it/w2bcw0o1y3651.jpg

https://old.reddit.com/r/delorean/comments/hcr4c3/yep_just_spent_60k_on_the_ultimate_dmc12/

[DMC5180]

(Brodizzle83). Just recently installed the Hankook Kinergy ST’s set on his car. He might chime in here with a road report. I suspect they are reasonably quiet, but lets be real, the road surface makes the biggest impact on noise.

[Nate88]

I ordered the Hankook Kinergy ST set and they were delivered today. I’m hoping to have them installed in the next week. My plan is to put the RWL on the inside as well. I’ll report back with pics and thoughts once installed.

[nkemp]

... to put the RWL on the inside ...

Has anyone tried the tire paint/markers to black out the RWL's? I know it is a tiniest of nits but I prefer not seeing the letters when one looks under the car.

[Nate88]

6427164272

Got the tires installed yesterday. They replaced 12 year old Prime-Well's that the PO had installed when getting the car back on the road in 2011/2012 (so that means they were already 4 years old when installed!). They seemed fine with no signs of age and plenty of tread left, but they were getting too old for my liking.

The Hankook Kinergy ST's ride well. The sidewalls seem a bit softer than the Prime-Wells, but I'm still able to take my favorite back road curves at my usual speeds (55-60mph on curves marked for 30, this is in the country with the speed limit of 55mph). You don't really notice the RWLs in the rear, which I had put on the inside. I don't think it'll be an issue. In fact, I discovered the Prime-Wells were RWLs as well (which were on the inside) but they were dirty enough that you could barely notice.

Overall I'm pretty happy with them, are they the best tire for the car? Probably not, but I liked the fact that you could get a matching set while keeping the rear tires the same width as stock and the performance (for my driving) didn't seem diminished.

[vwdmc16]

How quiet are they at highway speed?

[Stainless]

6427164272

Got the tires installed yesterday. They replaced 12 year old Prime-Well's that the PO had installed when getting the car back on the road in 2011/2012 (so that means they were already 4 years old when installed!). They seemed fine with no signs of age and plenty of tread left, but they were getting too old for my liking.

The Hankook Kinergy ST's ride well. The sidewalls seem a bit softer than the Prime-Wells, but I'm still able to take my favorite back road curves at my usual speeds (55-60mph on curves marked for 30, this is in the country with the speed limit of 55mph). You don't really notice the RWLs in the rear, which I had put on the inside. I don't think it'll be an issue. In fact, I discovered the Prime-Wells were RWLs as well (which were on the inside) but they were dirty enough that you could barely notice.

Overall I'm pretty happy with them, are they the best tire for the car? Probably not, but I liked the fact that you could get a matching set while keeping the rear tires the same width as stock and the performance (for my driving) didn't seem diminished.

I think they look fine. I prefer the look of my existing and matching Cooper Cobras, but I can definitely see myself getting these in the near future for the sake of matching. Thanks for the update!

[Nate88]

How quiet are they at highway speed?

The fastest I’ve gone so far is 60-65mph on country roads, so I haven’t been on an actual highway yet. They seemed quiet, but I wasn’t really paying attention to that. I also like to have the radio on so that didn’t help either. When I go for another drive I’ll pay attention to that more.

[ssdelorean]

The fastest I’ve gone so far is 60-65mph on country roads, so I haven’t been on an actual highway yet. They seemed quiet, but I wasn’t really paying attention to that. I also like to have the radio on so that didn’t help either. When I go for another drive I’ll pay attention to that more.

I will challenge Nate to a highway drag race this weekend so he will be able to report back on Monday how loud (or not) the tires are! :-)

[Nate88]

I will challenge Nate to a highway drag race this weekend so he will be able to report back on Monday how loud (or not) the tires are! :-)

You’re on!

[Edwin5814]

Walmart is giving them away at $58 and $81.89 each. Tire Rack is pricing them at $71.98 and $115.85 each.

64279

64280

64281

[Michael]

Nice! Sidewall design is a bit "busy" for my taste but I ain't complaining about matching tires in OE sizes.

With no info about this particular setup, I can(after many miles on Hankook tires on my daily and work van and 7 years in my D on Cobras ) can comfortably bet this the best and quietest ride avaliable for our cars since the Pilot was discontinued.

[ssdelorean]

Nice! Sidewall design is a bit "busy" for my taste but I ain't complaining about matching tires in OE sizes.

With no info about this particular setup, I can(after many miles on Hankook tires on my daily and work van and 7 years in my D on Cobras ) can comfortably bet this the best and quietest ride avaliable for our cars since the Pilot was discontinued.

Those Pilots were the BEST!

[FABombjoy]

Those Pilots were the BEST!
If date codes don't bother you, I have a set I'll trade for beer & Pisanellos!

[ssdelorean]

If date codes don't bother you, I have a set I'll trade for beer & Pisanellos!

Oh you temptress! I was gonna see if they would do a half-baked for me to bring up to you but that Tech Day keeps eluding your calendar! :-)

[nkemp]

Walmart is giving them away at $58 and $81.89 each. Tire Rack is pricing them at $71.98 and $115.85 each.

Thanks for posting ... just ordered a set. I hate to get see the old ones go. The rears are only 35'ish years old!

[nkemp]

The new tires were delivered today .... BUT .... the price at Walmart jumped about $10/tire for the 235's. Also, the tires delivered are white lettered. Not a big deal, will mount white inside, but I'd prefer the all black look. No indication of white letters in the listing.

[MrChocky]

The new tires were delivered today .... BUT .... the price at Walmart jumped about $10/tire for the 235's. Also, the tires delivered are white lettered. Not a big deal, will mount white inside, but I'd prefer the all black look. No indication of white letters in the listing.

From Facebook:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WLP44Y2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_G6ApFbWHJ0AES?fbclid=IwAR1K_5 mjoikcfkA7r9ZECvIxkkZJAQ4LvIbVbzmLuf5d_sjJpKOzXoeb xKo

[Nate88]

How quiet are they at highway speed?

Sorry for the delay, the tires are fairly quiet. However, I never paid attention to the old ones to tell if the new ones are quieter, the same, or louder. I usually have the radio on when driving. I didn't notice any weird or obnoxious noises though.

[CFI]

The new tires were delivered today .... BUT .... the price at Walmart jumped about $10/tire for the 235's. Also, the tires delivered are white lettered. Not a big deal, will mount white inside, but I'd prefer the all black look. No indication of white letters in the listing.

The manufacturers website mentions white lettering.

[TTait]

I ordered the Hankook Kinergy oem sized tires from Tire Rack and had them shipped to the local Pep Boys for installation. They put them on for me black wall out and with all the weights on the inside so the installation is clean. While Walmart was a bit cheaper on the purchase price, the pre-negotiated install price for installation was lower with the Tire Rack deal, and they threw in a 2 year road hazard warranty.

The tires drive fine, and are quiet. I live in So Cal and don't generally take the car out in driving rain so even though its only been a few days and 50 miles or so, I think I've see what they have to offer me.

My only complaint is aesthetics. The side walls are very busy, patterned and embossed and very modern looking compared to the old (15 year old actually) TA Radials that came off. The tread doesn't seem to wrap onto the side wall as much as the General Altimax might, based on the photos here, but its still a very busy side wall.

All in all I'm glad though to have new properly sized tires on the car. I wish I could get the side walls "shaved" to lose all the ugly detail, but that sounds like a bad idea even if it was possible.

Before (Radial TA) and after (Hankook Kinergy) photos below. Sorry they were not taken with the same lighting and lens, but the scale is close and you get the idea.

64375

Why do I care really? Below is one of my favorite photos of the car, taken last year at the Peterson. The tire just looks right. I'm glad I got the photo before the Hankooks were mounted.

64377

The Hankooks are perfectly serviceable decent quality tires at a very fair price. They won't be as good as the Pirellis, but they kinda look like they came off of something from the National Rent a Car lot to me. At least I won't die driving on them.

Tom

[David T]

There are mobile services that can come to your house (usually car dealers) and modify the sides of your tires. They can paint them, grind them, put raised lettering on them, paint whitewalls, red strips, you name it. In the meantime you should check that the wheel lugs are properly torqued and you have the correct tire pressures. Most places never install tires right.

[TTait]

I will. I have just completed a lot of service items on the car including steering shaft so its time to go back and check a lot of items like that, thank you.

As for the mobile tire services, I believe you, but I can't come up with the right terms to put into a Google search to find results. I see one guy in AZ doing it.

I'm in the Los Angeles area, so if it exists anywhere, its got to be here. I'm sure I'd void my warranty, but its worth looking into.

[nkemp]

Walmart offers installation for $10 less per tire for tires ordered through them ($15/tire vs $25/tire). 30 years ago I would have been skeptical about not getting tires installed at a tire shop. No so much today.

[drdelorean]

Hey!

Great thread with a lot of good input.

My tires are from 2013, they still look good and have a lot of thread left, but I feel the age might make the tires ready for a change?

I talked to the local tire shop here in Norway, and got an offer on Cooper Cobra Radial 255/60/15 on the rear wheels with RWL (which is the look I want this time).

Like stated earlier in this thread its not possible to get matching radials for the fronts. However they made me an offer for other Cooper tires in the size 175/65/14, I have tried to google it, but can't seem to find anyone using these specs on the fronts? Is it even possible? Or is it better to go up in size rather?

My car is lowered with eibach and has stage 2, dont know if that plays in to this..

Any help or suggestions would be appriciated!

[Timeless]

My tires are from 2013, they still look good and have a lot of thread left, but I feel the age might make the tires ready for a change?

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated!
Get rid of them. I would never run 10+ year old rubber on any of my vehicles.

[Rich]

To answer your main question, yes, 175/65-14 front tires should fit.

From this tire size calculator (https://tiresize.com/calculator/) you can compare that size to the original size or other sizes.

Neutral points: 175/65-14 tires' outside diameter is within 1% of original tires. So the fender clearance should be OK, the speedometer accuracy will be OK and ride height won't change. The size calculator also shows this size works with the 6 inch wide (original) front wheels.

There are three negative points to consider: With 20mm narrower tires the car will understeer even more than it normally does and it will have less cornering power overall. And from some angles the tire will, naturally, look narrow vs the originals. The original fronts already look somewhat narrow on such a low and wide car as a DeLorean.

One side note: from the Cooper Tire USA website (https://www.coopertire.com/en_US/tires) I find no such tire size. Perhaps it is different in Norway.




I talked to the local tire shop here in Norway, and got an offer on Cooper Cobra Radial 255/60/15 on the rear wheels with RWL (which is the look I want this time).

Like stated earlier in this thread its not possible to get matching radials for the fronts. However they made me an offer for other Cooper tires in the size 175/65/14, I have tried to google it, but can't seem to find anyone using these specs on the fronts? Is it even possible? Or is it better to go up in size rather?

My car is lowered with eibach and has stage 2, dont know if that plays in to this..

[drdelorean]

To answer your main question, yes, 175/65-14 front tires should fit.

From this tire size calculator (https://tiresize.com/calculator/) you can compare that size to the original size or other sizes.

Neutral points: 175/65-14 tires' outside diameter is within 1% of original tires. So the fender clearance should be OK, the speedometer accuracy will be OK and ride height won't change. The size calculator also shows this size works with the 6 inch wide (original) front wheels.

There are three negative points to consider: With 20mm narrower tires the car will understeer even more than it normally does and it will have less cornering power overall. And from some angles the tire will, naturally, look narrow vs the originals. The original fronts already look somewhat narrow on such a low and wide car as a DeLorean.

One side note: from the Cooper Tire USA website (https://www.coopertire.com/en_US/tires) I find no such tire size. Perhaps it is different in Norway.

Hi Rich!

And thank you for a very informative reply.
I will double check with the shop if the size is correct. Still debating maybe to go with different brand on the fronts to match the original dimmensions.
Or like I wrote, is it problematic to go up in size to 205/60/14 for example, considering my Delorean is lowered?

[Rich]

In reverse order of your questions/ideas:

-----------------------
I cannot entirely answer your question about using 205/60-14 tires in front.

I have seen two DeLoreans running 205mm section width in front. Both of those cars used highly modified (reconstructed) front suspensions with narrower track dimension. This suggests the factory suspension/fenders will not accept 205mm tires in front.

Perhaps others in this forum can comment about using 205s in front?

------------------------
I recommend you use the factory tire sizes because the car will handle well, look correct and this option is quite affordable. It is also safe.

Here is one idea that may make this option better for you, especially since you want raised white letter tires. Did you know you can modify tires with aftermarket white letters (decals)? "Goodyear Eagle GT" is the BTTF classic. You may like "BF Goodrich Radial T/A"? These letters and logos can now be custom-made in white or other colors. The owner applies them to the tires.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3zairQusxI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3zairQusxI)

Here are just 2 of many tire decal vendors. I have no experience with them and know of no DMC owners using them locally. Best luck in your search for a solution.

Vendor 1 (https://www.tirestickers.com/shop/custom-design/)
Vendor 2 (https://customtireletters.com/collections/all)


...Still debating maybe to go with different brand on the fronts to match the original dimensions.
Or like I wrote, is it problematic to go up in size to 205/60/14 for example, considering my Delorean is lowered?

[r00b]

If you want your tires to match and be the correct sizes, you can get the hankook tires. Unless you are specifically wanting a different size? You can go up in size on the rears but I wouldn't do anything else. The stock sizes let the front end let go first, you can feel this in the steering when you can still do something about it. If you change sizes to something that lets the rear end let go first you will crash and might die.

[drdelorean]

In reverse order of your questions/ideas:

-----------------------
I cannot entirely answer your question about using 205/60-14 tires in front.

I have seen two DeLoreans running 205mm section width in front. Both of those cars used highly modified (reconstructed) front suspensions with narrower track dimension. This suggests the factory suspension/fenders will not accept 205mm tires in front.

Perhaps others in this forum can comment about using 205s in front?

------------------------
I recommend you use the factory tire sizes because the car will handle well, look correct and this option is quite affordable. It is also safe.

Here is one idea that may make this option better for you, especially since you want raised white letter tires. Did you know you can modify tires with aftermarket white letters (decals)? "Goodyear Eagle GT" is the BTTF classic. You may like "BF Goodrich Radial T/A"? These letters and logos can now be custom-made in white or other colors. The owner applies them to the tires.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3zairQusxI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3zairQusxI)

Here are just 2 of many tire decal vendors. I have no experience with them and know of no DMC owners using them locally. Best luck in your search for a solution.

Vendor 1 (https://www.tirestickers.com/shop/custom-design/)
Vendor 2 (https://customtireletters.com/collections/all)


Thanks again for a informative reply.

I think you are right, the better choice would be to go with original size in the front. And maybe I will do different brands front and back and maybe take a look at these letter modifying kit you suggested. Thanks for that!