Re: Formula for tire size conversions and Dunlop Sport 8000 tires in 195 55 14 for '86 Coupe GT (fwd)

["G. Erickson" <erickson@teleport.com>]

Greetings all, sorry if this shows up twice.  I got a message from the 
local postmaster that said it was undeliverable the first time.

Gary
erickson@teleport.com

'85 Coupe GT
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Wed, 26 Jul 1995 00:15:11 -0700 (PDT)
From: G. Erickson <erickson@teleport.com>
To: gkaufman <gkaufman@tiac.net>
Cc: quattro@coimbra.ans.net
Subject: Re: Formula for tire size conversions and Dunlop Sport 8000 tires in 195 55 14 for '86 Coupe GT

On Tue, 25 Jul 1995, gkaufman wrote:

> I've been searching for a new technology tire in the 195 60 14 size but have 
> struck out.  Since I don't wish to pay for larger wheels for my 9 yr old 
> car, I'm investigating 195 55 14s and 205 55 14s.  Originally, the car came 
> with 185 60 14s.
> 
> Can anyone supply me with the formula to calculate the wheel circumference 
> so that I can see the differences in the two tire sizes?
> 
(Tire width x Aspect ratio x 2) / 25.4 + Wheel size = circumference

eg.  (185 x .60 x 2) / 25.4 + 14 = 22.74015748  (185/60R14)

Just remember that you need to put the aspect ratio in as a percentage 
expressed as a decimal.

> What would be the difference between the 205 55 and the 195 55 sizes?  I 
> guess the 205 would provide greater grip in the dry and less grip in the 
> wet?  Would the suspension need to be modified for 205 55 tires since the 
> car was originally designed for 185 60 tires?

195/55R14 = 22.44488189

205/55R14 = 22.87795276

I don't think that you would see that great a difference.  One thing to 
keep in mind with the 195/55 being marginally smaller (circumference) 
than the stock, you speedo will read slightly faster than you are 
actually going.

> My local dealer says that even though I'm going to a 55 from a 60 series 
> tire, the ride will improve if I choose the Dunlap 8000 since it has a more 
> flexible sidewall than my current Yokohama AVS U+4s.  Does anyone have any 
> experience with this?  If the sidewall is more flexible, won't I lose some 
> steering response?  
> 
Can't help in this department.  The only tires I've run so far are the 
stock 185/60 and the 195/60 that are on the car now.

> My priorities for a 
tire are: > > - excellent wet 
> - good ride characteristics (not harsher than what I have and hopefully better)
> - good in dry
> 
> Is there another summer tire anyone can recommend?
> 
> Thanks for your consideration.  glenn
> 
> 

Hope this helps.  TTYL

Gary
erickson@teleport.com

'85 Coupe GT