TYRES - 255x60x15 for rear OK? 215x60x14 for front OK?

[MRDMC]

Hey Guys,
Picking up a set of 255x60x15 tyres at a dirt cheap price and they are BF Goodrich Radial T/As.

Just wondering if they will fit on the rear, without rubbing? I measured it and it seems REALLY close!

Cheers,
James.

[MRDMC]

Hey guys,
I'm looking at getting a pair of BF Goodrich Radial T/A tyres for the front of my Delorean to suit the rear.

Just wondering if 215x60x14 will be ok for the front?

Cheers,
James.

[Brisfx]

Hey James

Brad in Brsbane here. I am running 255's on mine with no probems

[WelmoedJ]

Hey guys,
I'm looking at getting a pair of BF Goodrich Radial T/A tyres for the front of my Delorean to suit the rear.

Just wondering if 215x60x14 will be ok for the front?

Cheers,
James.

215 is probably a bit too large.
Turning the wheel will make it rub the sway bar or the fender.
Perhaps a 215x55x14 (makes it about the same size) will avoid that and also will keep your speedo on track.

[Dangermouse]

This seems to be a popular choice for rears for those owners who must have a matched set of tires/tyres all round.

[MRDMC]

AWESOME

Will look mint on there :D!

[pezzonovante88]

Oh man, I wish I knew I could have put 255s on my car!

[Dangermouse]

Crap - I was misreading.

I read it as 225s. Which are the popular choice. not 255s.

Though I have seen a car with 265s which were meaty.

[dvonk]

Though I have seen a car with 265s which were meaty.

i remember seeing a photo of 265s on a DeLorean. if i recall correctly, it was a D from the Netherlands, but i believe it was on the old forum as i cannot seem to find the picture...

anyone have a photo of 265s on a D? also, are there any potential issues with using them?

[Dangermouse]

The one I saw was nullsets second car, 2930, I think, when we lifted the tub off, there were these monster wheels at the back. Well monster for a D anyway. I think there were some rub marks on the inside iirc

[StainlessBullet]

i remember seeing a photo of 265s on a DeLorean. if i recall correctly, it was a D from the Netherlands, but i believe it was on the old forum as i cannot seem to find the picture...

anyone have a photo of 265s on a D? also, are there any potential issues with using them?

I believe these are the pictures you are referring to.

11453

11454

11455

Note: These are not my pictures, nor my car. I had the pictures saved on my hard drive from the last time I asked this question.

[dvonk]

I believe these are the pictures you are referring to...

:yesss:

those are the photos! i almost said it was on a barge/boat but i wasnt positive. do you remember whose/what VIN it is, perchance?

thanks for posting! :)

[Brisfx]

Here are a couple of pics of mine, I am running 255's on the rear.

[Jeff K]

Here are a couple of pics of mine, I am running 255's on the rear.

What size fronts are you running?

Thanks
Jeff

[Brisfx]

195 60 14, though I am looking for matching tyres with white lettering as I am currently converting into a BTTF replica

[Dangermouse]

These are pics of nullset's 265s. A bit hard to judge as the tub is 3 feet off the ground.

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=11467&d=1340797910

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=11468&d=1340797915

[MRDMC]

195 60 14, though I am looking for matching tyres with white lettering as I am currently converting into a BTTF replica

That's mad. Good luck with the conversion mate ;).

I'm getting BF Goodrich Radial T/As as I want the white lettering for my tyres too. They have 255x60x15 availible which I'm picking up tomorrow.

The reason I'm asking if the 215x60x15 fit is that BF only has the T/As with the white lettering, in that size that's closest to the original. They discontinued the 195x60x14 in that particular tyre a few years back :(

So if anyone does have 215x60x14 on the front of their D's, let me know how they are :).

[Brisfx]

Is that from Antique Tyres in Melbourne? I calledvthem a mony
Th or so ago andvwas considering the same sizes. Let me knowbhow u go buddy

Brad

[MRDMC]

Yea, I might get the front ones from them. I called them about sizes availible and they let me know about it.

The rear ones I found on gumtree luckily. They are 2nd hand, with over 80% tread apparently and for the pair @ $80, I'm definitely not complaining :).

[Fox2506]

Radial T/A's come in 245. Why skip to 255??

Or rather, any tire may come in 245.

[MRDMC]

Cause I found the 255s for cheap and I want the white writing on the walls too.

[StainlessBullet]

:yesss:

those are the photos! i almost said it was on a barge/boat but i wasnt positive. do you remember whose/what VIN it is, perchance?

thanks for posting! :)

No problem.

I can't remember whose car it was. I know they were pretty active on the old forum.

[Marty]

I don't understand how you guys run 255s and larger without issue. My 245s rub against the lower link/bottom of the shock when I turn. Maybe I corner too aggressively? But I guess technically I haven't had an issue... yet.

[dmc6960]

I don't understand how you guys run 255s and larger without issue. My 245s rub against the lower link/bottom of the shock when I turn. Maybe I corner too aggressively? But I guess technically I haven't had an issue... yet.

There is supposed to be a stock spacer on the rear hub. Perhaps your car is missing this? My car had 245's when I bought it and never had any problems.

11479

http://store.delorean.com/p-7431-adapter-plate.aspx

[Marty]

There is supposed to be a stock spacer on the rear hub. Perhaps your car is missing this?
11479

http://store.delorean.com/p-7431-adapter-plate.aspx

Thanks Jim. Something I'll have to check for.

[MRDMC]

So, does anyone know if 215/60/14 are fine for the front??

I ended up getting a pair but haven't had them put on yet.

Cheers,
James.

[DMCMW Dave]

So, does anyone know if 215/60/14 are fine for the front??

I ended up getting a pair but haven't had them put on yet.

Cheers,
James.

Is it lowered? They may hit the fenders.

[MRDMC]

It has been lowered about 3.5 in from stock height, but I'm putting other springs in it that should raise it 1 in

[DMCMW Dave]

Some will hit, some won't. The fit of the fenders from car to car is somewhat variable. As is the tire size from different manufacturers.

I have one here now with 205s on the front and it hits like crazy on one side.

[MRDMC]

Damn! Fingers crossed my 215s squeeze in.

Do the 205s just rub on full lock?

Have you ever had 215s on the front of a D?

[nullset]

The one I saw was nullsets second car, 2930, I think, when we lifted the tub off, there were these monster wheels at the back. Well monster for a D anyway. I think there were some rub marks on the inside iirc

Yeah, it's pretty scary. I really think if it ever hit a bump hard enough the lower arm would tear a nice hole in the tire.

--buddy

[artisticent]

Any luck with that front tire fitting in the 215 size? I guess that is the only tire match to the bf Goodrich rear 255/60/15. Would be nice to know what 4 tires match with keeping the rear as wide as can fit

[MRDMC]

I didn't attempt to have them fitted. I didn't have time and kinda new it was cutting it too fine, especially at the height my car is sitting :(

[artisticent]

So what are people doing to keep all their tires matching while keeping a nice fat tire in the rear. I'm at that point now where I need all new tires.

[AirmanPika]

I'm glad I stuck with 195/60 R14s on the front and 225/60 R15s on the rear. My car is lowered so I definitely don't want any rubbing issues.

[LordFly]

So what are the stock sized tires? I had a feeling my 265's on the back were a little fatter than normal ;)
17754

[WelmoedJ]

So what are the stock sized tires? I had a feeling my 265's on the back were a little fatter than normal ;)
17754

Here are the correct (original) sizes:
Front 195/60R14
Rear 235/60R15

The first value is the heel/heel size of the tire (circumference).

If you increase that first figure, you should decrease the second value to keep the measurement equal to the original size.
That applies especially to the front as you don't want the speedo and ODOmeter the read incorrectly.

215/60R14 would rub against the wheel well and most likely the sway bar.

[vtdmc]

I did a search at tirerack and costco, neither had a matching set for the front and rear tires. Have you guys found it difficult to get a match these days?

[Dangermouse]

So what are the stock sized tires? I had a feeling my 265's on the back were a little fatter than normal ;)


Devon,

if you don't have a copy, you may want to check this out. Gives some great info on OEM equipment.

http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?2755-DeLorean-Owner-s-Handbook-Manual

[LordFly]

Devon,

if you don't have a copy, you may want to check this out. Gives some great info on OEM equipment.

http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?2755-DeLorean-Owner-s-Handbook-Manual

Awesome, thanks!

[Nicholas R]

Has anyone tried bumping up to the 255s or the 265's in the rear but lowering the sidewall to, say 50% instead of 60%? It would keep the tires from being quite so tall and maybe they wouldn't rub the lower linkage/shock mount if the sidewall isn't as large and able to push out. A 265/60 tire is about 27.5" in diameter where a 235/60 is about 26" in diameter. A 265/50 is about 25.5" so it's not quite as tall, it's just 30mm wider. A 255/50 would be about 25" so you'd be an inch smaller in diameter than stock but still have the extra 20mm of tread. I guess it really depends on whats most important to you. (and what's available as matched sets, haha)

[WelmoedJ]

Nick,

One of the Dutch owners has 265's on the rear.
These are 265/50R15 (approx. conforms to your calculations).

You are right, when you go for larger heel-to-heel size (width), you need to decrease the height.
Doing so keeps the total circumfenernce within the car's "specs".
Especially important if you go for larger front tires (ODO meter and speedo correctness).

T/A's are not meant for a "sports" car.
They are meant for small trucks and vans.
Not the type of tire you want for a car like ours.

[Morpheus]

I did a search at tirerack and costco, neither had a matching set for the front and rear tires. Have you guys found it difficult to get a match these days?

If you can find a Primewell Tires vendor in your area, they make a (not quite matching) set in the stock sizes. The tread patterns are slightly different, but they would be close.

The fronts are the PS830 series, the rears are their PS860 series.

http://www.primewelltires.com/

[Chris 16409]

What is the general consensus on running 225/60/15 tires on the rear? A friend just got some 195 and 225 Falken tires which are a matching set. Has anybody bought Falkens? Do you think the 225 series tires affect the car's appearance?

[vwdmc16]

Ive seen that Falken set up on a car, It drive great but the rear tires just look a bit small. Only a Delorean enthusiast would notice right away however.

[Mark D]

This might be a good opportunity for a general update on what tires are currently available in the correct stock (or near stock) sizes.

I know there are Cooper Cobra 235/60/15's still available for the rear, but the front size 195/60/14's are out of production. I found a set over a year ago and I had them squirreled away up until last week when I finally had them mounted.

Are there any other matching sets currently available?

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=18880&d=1367936327


Has anyone tried the cooper CS4's on the front?
http://us.coopertire.com/Tires/Passenger/CS4-Touring-H-V.aspx

[DMCMW Dave]

Ive seen that Falken set up on a car, It drive great but the rear tires just look a bit small. Only a Delorean enthusiast would notice right away however.

It is less noticable on a lowered car.

They are much better tires than the Coopers IMO. You can also get the 195/225 combination in a Toyo tire but I have not tried it yet.

[dmcnorway]

I asked former Technical Director at DMCL, Mike Loasby, about the tire issues we're having some time back, and he would go for 225s in the rear.

Stian Birkeland
Norway

VIN # 06759
VIN # 07067

[skipwater]

I wanted this year to drive the D to shows so I took off the NCT's and mounted Falken 195/60R 14 and 225/60R 15. Just got them from Discount Tire Direct for $285.95 free shipping with promo of a $50.00 visa card.

16440

[DMC5180]

I'm currently running the Falkens. Normal driving is fine. I can tell a noticeable difference when high speed cornering that is not as good as the previous set of Michelin pilots in correct sizes. I don't recall ever getting that butt pucker feel the back end was going to break loose. The Falkens or 225 sizing does have a noticeable limit. Plus I run slightly higher tire pressures which also effects the contact patch of the tires.

[Mark D]

I was doing some additional research on the Falken tires, it looks like the ZIEX ZE-512 are now superceeded by the ZIEX ZE-912. Still available in 195/60/14 and 225/60/15.

Discount tire still has the 512's that skipwater bought for $285 for a set of four in 195 and 225 sizes.

The tread pattern between the old 512's and new 912's looks to have changed some, so I'm not sure how that will affect grip, noise, wear, etc. From what I was reading online the 512's typically were worn out after 20K miles. Hopefully that is better with the updated version.

Here are a few photos to compare the two:


Falken ZIEX ZE-512:
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=18891&d=1367955863


Falken ZIEX ZE-912:
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=18892&d=1367955864

EDIT: The 912's are also available on Discount Tire. A set of 195's and 225's comes to $299.98

[jawn101]

Interesting, I have the 512s and one complaint I had was that they are directional. Those 912s don't seem to have a directional tread pattern, so you could at least swap them from side to side now and then.

Still... I can definitely tell the difference between the 225s and 235s in the rear, especially when another D is near mine. What's a small difference on paper is very noticeable in person.

[Mark D]

Here are the actual numbers for the difference you'll see between the stock size 235/60/15 and the smaller 225/60/15.

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=18899&d=1367960607


Just checked and the 912's are not directional so they can be swapped left to right if you want to rotate occasionally. They're asymmetrical so all that matters is that when they're mounted the tire goes on the rim with the correct side facing out. From the reviews I've been reading most people agree that there is a noticeable improvement in traction and tire life compared to the 512's.

The 512's are now exclusive to discount tire only and they are listed as discontinued everywhere else. They don't seem to actually be discontinued though as they've been exclusive since '08 and they go in and out of stock regularly. A few other enthusiast forums also confirmed that the 512's are available and should still be available for a while. Apparently the soft side wall makes them a favorite among the 'stance' crowd who like to stretch them over wide rims.

[DMCMW Dave]

not as good as the previous set of Michelin pilots in correct sizes. .

I think this has more to do with the tires construction than the size. I personally believe that the Michelin Pilot Sports were the best tires ever for this car.

[pezzonovante88]

Still... I can definitely tell the difference between the 225s and 235s in the rear, especially when another D is near mine. What's a small difference on paper is very noticeable in person.

I agree. I really would not want to do 225s in the back. If anything I'd go to 245.

[DMCMW Dave]

I agree. I really would not want to do 225s in the back. If anything I'd go to 245.

It's a trade off. Smaller rear tires - - slightly less grip but a better effective axle ratio (lower). Larger rear tires = a bit more grip but a taller ratio, i.e. poorer acceleration. In reality the difference between 225 and 235 is nominally about a quarter inch at the tread, there is more variablility than that between brands.

245s still don't give you much to pick from in matching tires. If you don't care about matching tread patterns and sidewall designs, then there are more options.

[Chris 16409]

It looks like you can get the Cooper CS4 Touring in the 195/60-R15 size. I wonder how they match up with the 235 Cobra's?

[pezzonovante88]

It looks like you can get the Cooper CS4 Touring in the 195/60-R15 size. I wonder how they match up with the 235 Cobra's?

That's probably what I'll buy when my fronts need to be replaced. I have the Cobras on the rear.

[dmc6960]

Just stopped by the local Discount Tire to order a set of the Falken ZIEX ZE-912's (195 and 225). They have a higher "rating" than the older 512's. 2 Discount Tire stars (out of three) instead of 1 which the 512's had. Of course they didn't have them in stock so I need to wait a few days for them to get shipped. Unfortunately the $50 Visa gift card promotion ended on the 13th. Hrmph. This will be the first time I've ever had matching tires on the car.

[Mark D]

Just stopped by the local Discount Tire to order a set of the Falken ZIEX ZE-912's (195 and 225). They have a higher "rating" than the older 512's. 2 Discount Tire stars (out of three) instead of 1 which the 512's had. Of course they didn't have them in stock so I need to wait a few days for them to get shipped. Unfortunately the $50 Visa gift card promotion ended on the 13th. Hrmph. This will be the first time I've ever had matching tires on the car.

Cool, you'll have to let us all know what you think of the tires after you get a few miles on them.

[Ryan S.]

245s still don't give you much to pick from in matching tires. If you don't care about matching tread patterns and sidewall designs, then there are more options.

What would be the downside of mix and match approach, other than the obvious appearance issue? I may have to replace my front Cooper Cobra soon. Rear ones are ok for now. I was thinking about replacing them with Bridgestone g-Force Super Sport A/S.

[Dangermouse]

I would think that for the average driver, there would be no difference.

If you are very "enthusiastic " and have a sticky tire at the front and not-so-sticky at the rear, then you could have traction problems. But the same could be said if you have new tires in front and old worn tires, of the same pattern, at the rear.

For cars that can rotate all four tires, I could see that it wouldn't be desirable to get radically different tires on the same axle. But of course that doesn't apply to us.

I have different brands front and back and will continue to use the best tire on each axle that is available when I need them. And I need fronts pretty soon.

[skipwater]

Well got the Falken ZIEX ZE-512's and was surprised that the max wheel weight was 1.00 oz, two wheels only needed 0.50 oz.

For me the directional tires are fine I only drive the D a little per year.
So in five to six years I will have to change them just because of there age.
I did NOT want raised white letters, wanted all four to be matching, brand and tread pattern.

And the price was good.

Skip

[dmc6960]

Cool, you'll have to let us all know what you think of the tires after you get a few miles on them.

Falken ZIEX ZE-912

Alright, I've had these tires for 2 weeks now and an alignment last Thursday. With that so, I must give these tires a good approval rating. They've been smooth, quiet, and have great traction. Even had to do a panic stop in pouring rain for a bicyclist who didn't stop for a red light. I was very pleased with their performance for that. Have not yet tested their ultimate yeald on dry pavement but so far it's excellent.

Very good buy for matching front and rear tires in a 225 rear width.

[Mark D]

Thanks for the update on the tires, it sounds like they turned out to be pretty nice. These will probably be the next set I buy after the coopers wear out.

[cpistocco]

Thanks for the update on the tires, it sounds like they turned out to be pretty nice. These will probably be the next set I buy after the coopers wear out.

I think that a 215 60 14 would be a really close substitute for the front 195 60 14.
We are talking about mere millimeters

[DMCMW Dave]

I think that a 215 60 14 would be a really close substitute for the front 195 60 14.
We are talking about mere millimeters

On a lowered car they will often hit the fenders on turns. Careful going this large or larger. A lot of mere millimeters adds up. 195 to 215 is 20 mm wider. About 3/4 inch.

[cpistocco]

On a lowered car they will often hit the fenders on turns. Careful going this large or larger. A lot of mere millimeters adds up. 195 to 215 is 20 mm wider. About 3/4 inch.

I agree that little things do add up......AND I don't like taking chances......But if you split those 20 mm to 10mm on the inside of rim and 10 mm on the outside, then it really isn't that much. (10 mm is equal to aprox 3/8 inch. Not alot really). The Tire height is not bad either. It actually is a bit taller, but it works (and looks more balanced).
I have been running these tires for 4 months without issue. I like the look of the raised whites enough to continue the experiment for a while longer! Will keep everyone posted.....

[sdg3205]

I agree that little things do add up......AND I don't like taking chances......But if you split those 20 mm to 10mm on the inside of rim and 10 mm on the outside, then it really isn't that much. (10 mm is equal to aprox 3/8 inch. Not alot really). The Tire height is not bad either. It actually is a bit taller, but it works (and looks more balanced).
I have been running these tires for 4 months without issue. I like the look of the raised whites enough to continue the experiment for a while longer! Will keep everyone posted.....

pics?

[Rich W]

On a lowered car they will often hit the fenders on turns. Careful going this large or larger. A lot of mere millimeters adds up. 195 to 215 is 20 mm wider. About 3/4 inch.

IIRC, Dave had a DeLorean in his shop (at the Open House?) that was running BF Goodrich g-Force Drag Radials. The sizes were 205/55/14 on fronts
and a matching version of 235/60/15 on the backs. For Summer only driving (and not much in the rain), these tires had a great look on the car.

I have thought about getting a set in the past, however, it appears the 205/55/14's have been discontinued, while the 235/60/15's are still available.