|
|
|
Hi. I'm fixing up a '93 240 for my daughter, and I'm interested in maximizing her traction:
I've already got a set of 15" Virgo Turbos (I think they're called) -- they're the standard 6x15" alloys for an older 240 Turbo (e.g., an '84 GLT).
I'm also putting on IPD (25/22)antisway bars, chassis struts (above and below), etc., but I'm not shortening the springs -- she lives in the city, and needs ground clearance from broken streets, etc.
Given these wider and taller wheels and a standard suspension height, I'd like to know what are the widest tires I can put on without modifications (wheel arch rolling, etc.). You see, I've also selected the make/model tires I want to mount, and they only come in limited sizes -- the one I'd especially like to mount is a 225/50-15, but I don't know if I'll have adequate clearance for these.
I'd appreciate any advice. Thanks.
|
|
-
|
|
|
I have been running the following with zero clearence issues on my 81 Wagon.
Front 205/50's on 16*7
Rear 225/50's on 16*7 w/ Front wheel drive offset and 1/4" spacers.
The rubber is Yoko's Avid T4's, and they have performed admirably, not so great in the wet, but good and sticky in the dry.
--
Phil Sinnott '81 245 630,000kms
|
|
-
|
|
|
I am running 215/55 - 16s. This is really pushing it. Any wider will rub unless you play with offsets and roll the fender lip in rear. This is on a 1993 240 wagon.
|
|
-
posted by
someone claiming to be park
on
Fri Oct 22 15:29 CST 2004 [ RELATED]
|
|
The largest tire that I have been able to put on my 240's over the years are 205/65-15.
|
|
-
|
|
|
I have 225/50/15 on 6 x 15 alloys on an 88 745T. The tires really bulge out and the bulge means they roll a bit on the rim when cornering. I would recommend 205/55/15 or 215/50/15. I ran 205/55/15 on an 83 242T and really liked them.
Traction will be best if you spend more on tires and get a high rated high performance tire with a sticky tread compound. Read the reviews at Tire Rack. They are pretty good. I use only ultra high performance tires for 3 season use. I use non performance size snow tires in the winter (like 185/65/15 or at most 205/60/15).
Salvage a limited slip or locker rear if you do not have one if your goal is more traction.
Philip Bradley
|
|
-
|
|
|
Hi.
re: "...I have 225/50/15 on 6 x 15 alloys on an 88 745T. The tires really bulge out and the bulge means they roll a bit on the rim when cornering....."
I agree that I shouldn't go too wide -- I might just settle for a 205 width after all, as the sizes available have the same section height (and rolling circumference). Thanks for the comments.
re: "...Traction will be best if you spend more on tires and get a high rated high performance tire with a sticky tread compound...."
I certainly agree with you 100%. I wanted the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 because of the unbelievably high ratings (trounced the competition like the "Red Sox on Yankees") in a high performance tire test published in "Eurotuner" magazine. Unfortuately, it doesn't come in any 15" size. Researching further, I found that the new Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 (entirely different from the lousy original Exalto -- only the name is similar) is almost as good, and it comes in a few select 15" sizes.
The two tallest 15" tires in this make and model are 225/50-15 and 205/55-15. Compare:
stock 185/70-14 is 614.6 mm
the 225/50-15 is 606 mm.
the 205/55-15 is 606.5 mm.
As you can see, both of these Michelins are about a half inch shorter, and will only lower my daughter's car 1/4" -- not too bad. And the speedometer accuracy will be shifted only 1.3% -- tolerable.
I could also get a Michelin Pilot Primacy, and they come in larger sizes -- e.g., 205/65-15, which is taller, 647.5 mm -- and will give her 1/2" more ground clearance. Of course, then her speedometer would be 5% off, and in the wrong direction (i.e., underreporting speed), and she'd be closer to getting a speeding ticket (she drives fast enough with an accurate speedometer).
But my biggest reluctance to getting Primacy's is that I haven't seen any trustworthy competitive tire tests to find out if these Primacy's are good enough. Even though Michelin (at their website) gives "Wet Traction" scores of 10 and 9, and "Handling" scores of 10 and 8, to the Primacy and Exalto PE2, respectively, I usually don't trust manufacturer's own ratings (even Michelin's).
I'd welcome comments to the above. Thanks.
|
|
-
|
|
|
I would read the reader reviews at the Tire Rack. They are unbiased. You may have to search around the site to find them. It has been a while since I looked. I actually ended up buying a tire that was not included among the ultra high performance tires, the Toyo Proxes T1S, but Tire Rack sells every other ultra high performance tire and most if not all have been user rated by many people.
Some of the ultra high performance Michelins have gotten great reviews, but they cost about $200 each, at least in the size I use. I tried to include a bang for the buck factor in my analysis. I ended up not buying the cheapest, which would have been either Kumhos or a Tire Rack clearance special, or the most expensive. These are family cars, after all. On the other hand, tires make a dramatic difference and you will be feeling them for several years. Another $200 spread over 3 years and felt every day may in the end seem like a small additional price.
Good luck. Many people have their favorite tire. You'll have to do the research and ask around and make the most informed decision you can.
If you want performance, you will have to dip below 60 series tires and into 55 or 50 series. Note that 50 series on an otherwise stock 240 may look a little silly. They would look better on a lowered car.
My advice is to go with a 205/55/15 in an ultra high performance tire.
Philip Bradley
|
|
-
|
|
|
re: "...My advice is to go with a 205/55/15 in an ultra high performance tire....."
Yes, it looks like I'm going that route -- i.e., that size. On anothere list, I got some direct advice from a Tire Rack rep as to those two models of tires, and he recommended one of the two Michelins that I was considering. The brand new Pilot Exalto PE2 is the one. It should do fine.
Thanks again.
|
|
-
|
|
Can anyone tell me what years had LSDs or lockers? I'd be interested in adding one to a 2 series, and I'm wondering what doner cars would be suitable.
--
Drive it like you hate it
|
|
-
|
|
|
Locking and limited slip diffs were NEVER standard in 240's. They were always a dealer-installed option, so they can be found, randomly, in any year 240.
Rather than concentrating on particular years to narrow your search, the better strategy (though unfeasible) is to tend to search cars from areas more likely to need, and therefore have installed, such diffs, such as in the snow states. However, if you're not already there, traveling to such areas is, as I noted, unfeasible.
Bottom line, it's a matter of luck, depending on where you live. If you're in the sunbelt, the odds of winning the lottery are better; if you're up north, your chances improve, I guess.
Sorry.
|
|
|
|
|
