Tires and rims ?

[tonylukejr]

I am looking to put new tires and rims on my 87 GN but I don’t no what size, I would like to put SKINNYS on the front and the widest tires I can on the back without rubbing. But remember this is a daily driver and I often have people sitting in the back seat. Someone told me for the front I should use 165/15 but I cannot find them anywhere.

Thanks
Tony

 

[1FASTV6]

Pep Boys

The front tires I bought used. They were from Pep Boys. 165s

 

[azgn]

right...you want VW tires on the front of your 3500+ lb GN daily driver

Wrong!

the skinniest tires you want on there are the stock factory size 215/65/15

put some bigger ones on the back, but leave the front alone

 

[salvageV6]

I agree with Woody.

215/65/15 for a daily driver with passengers.

If you get wide tires out back they will look like skinnys anyway.

And be safe with handling.

Use a good tire too.

 

[UNGN]

205/65's will work fine and still handle OK. Not much difference from 215's but every tiny bit helps, right?

 

[tonylukejr]

If I leave the stock tires upfront and put 275/60/15 in the back will that effect the calibration on the speedometer.

Tony

 

[UNGN]

yeah, it will be off about 7% or around read around 60 mph when you are really going about 65.

 

[85_SS]

Originally posted by tonylukejr
If I leave the stock tires upfront and put 275/60/15 in the back will that effect the calibration on the speedometer.

Tony

As UNGN said - yes. But 275/50/15's will keep your speedo accurate (as will 235/60/15's but your looking for something wider than that)

HTH

 

[tonylukejr]

Thanks for all the input, as usual you guys are a big help. After reading all your suggestions I decided to go with the stock tires upfront and 275/50/15 on the rear. I just bought weld ultra light rims for the car to match those tires. Thanks again.

Tony

 

[TR Custom Parts]

You can always change the speedo gear to compensate for the taller tires. Easy 10 minute change but they cost around $30 or so. For somewhat safe skinnies you can use the M/T 8 ply rated 26x7.50 15 LT tires. Wouldn't really recommend them for daily driver but I use them on 15x4 Welds with 27 x10.50 Hoosier Quick Time Pros out back on 15x8 Welds with 3.5" rear spacing. I have another set of tires and wheels for "legal" street driving. Using 215/65 15's on front with 15x6 Torque Thrust 2 wheels and 275/60 Drag Radials on the back with 15x7 TT2's.

 

[85_SS]

Originally posted by BuickGn Boosted
You can always change the speedo gear to compensate for the taller tires. Easy 10 minute change ...

You wouldn't say that after trying to get the driven gear out of some 200-4R's - as Bruce has said, some will NOT come out after years of corrosion

 

[TR Custom Parts]

Originally posted by 85_SS
You wouldn't say that after trying to get the driven gear out of some 200-4R's - as Bruce has said, some will NOT come out after years of corrosion

Ah, yes, the penalty of owning a low mileage car. Things still come apart easily.