Tires for OEM 15 inch wheels

Does anyone have an update on Pirelli 345/35-15 production lot in 2014? I called Tire Rack who has 14 in stock, but they are lot code from 2012. I guess if I have to, will buy, but already 2 years old.

Any input would be helpful

thanks Andy

Does anyone have a source for yokohama 285/40-15's made in the last batch?

Is anyone running the Michelin TB15 from Coker tires? Any feedback on wear?

nobody has 15" wheels on a flared car anymore?

just asking

Is anyone running Nitto NT555Rs?

I am considering trying these on the rear (8") with Nitto NT450s on the front(7").

Lots of new, ultra high performance tire options available for a widebody car on 15" wheels.

So nice to be able to pick and choose combinations and have instant availability.

The other thread in this section has info.

LSJ

I have just ordered a pair of Avon CR6ZZ 295/50r15 for my 74L (currently on special from vintagetyres.com) and was wondering if anybody has any suggestions for a V rated 225/50R15 front tire which would work well with the Avons?

I live in the UK so normal air temperature range can be 50-75f (10-25c). I don't tend to drive the car in the wet, though inevitably I will get caught in the rain from time to time. I only use the car for road driving so it will not be tracked.

I was looking at the new Toyo R888R, but not sure if that will be suitable? I also notice Pirelli do the Cinurato P7 classic tire?

Thanks
Stephen

quote:

Originally posted by Stee:
I have just ordered a pair of Avon CR6ZZ 295/50r15 for my 74L (currently on special from vintagetyres.com) and was wondering if anybody has any suggestions for a V rated 225/50R15 front tire which would work well with the Avons?

I live in the UK so normal air temperature range can be 50-75f (10-25c). I don't tend to drive the car in the wet, though inevitably I will get caught in the rain from time to time. I only use the car for road driving so it will not be tracked.

I was looking at the new Toyo R888R, but not sure if that will be suitable? I also notice Pirelli do the Cinurato P7 classic tire?

Thanks
Stephen

Pirelli P7, 225-50-15. The only issue I have found with them is cold weather. The tread compound seems not to be designed to stick well in cold weather. Cold weather defined as being under about 35F.

They really would be a perfect LA tire, but what isn't?

Run them at 35psi. They will work on the 7 or 8" rims. Mine are on 8"s.

They don't take any practice to "learn them" and seem to stay the same on the street or on the track.

The rear tires in that size are going to change the rear bite some in turns. I think a tire that is a little slick in the back is a little better then one that bites too much.

I don't know how that particular tread and compound works though. Sorry.

Race "slicks", by comparison, get their traction from a controlled slide through the turns. Those you need to learn how to use.



You can put the bigger GTS rear anti-sway bar on the car but make sure you take the spring spacers out (if you have a US car). You want to reduce the roll in cornering as much as you can to make the tires work.

Oh, and watch your ground clearance in the front. The car is like a go cart with them on.

Why not 225/65/R15 99V TL Avon CR6 ZZ Compétition:
http://www.oldtimerreifen24.de...earchparam=225+65+15

which have a diameter very close to the original 185/70/15 and would be the same as back?

Agree on the matching Avon CR6ZZ front when possible.

There are many new 15" options available. Enough to make running original wheels almost confusing with choices.

I would also ask Longstone for advice if you are mixing and matching.

I am running the Toyo R888R on the front with P Zero Pirellis on the rear. The combination has been excellent for performance.

LSJ

Thanks everyone for their help so far. A match set would be nice but I have 8" in the front.

Avon do a 225/60R15 but I am not sure if I will have clearance issues at the front? I was also trying to take George's advice on trying to get the same fill of the wheel arches front and back which a 225/50R15 would do better.

I don't mind a mixed set, and I am interested in others members experiences. So thanks for your sharing your experiences of the P7's and the R888R'r.

I will try Longstone for some advice when they open this week.

Thanks
Stephen

OEM 185/70/15 diameter is 25.2"

and 225/60/15 diameter is 25,6"

225/50/15 diameter is only 23,9"

quote:

Originally posted by René #4406:
OEM 185/70/15 diameter is 25.2"

and 225/60/15 diameter is 25,6"

225/50/15 diameter is only 23,9"

The difference is that with the 225/60 if you make a fist and hold it vertically, you can slide it under the lower front radiator support.

With the 50, you have to turn your first vertically to clear it.

Hi

I have to say De Tomaso are possibly one of the trickiest cars to find tyre fitment for.

Pirelli have made quite a few new tyres that might be of interest to you guys https://www.longstonetyres.co....relli-cinturato.html

They are also making a new tyre 285/40R15 Cinturato P7 which i beleive is a tyre that might be of interest to Pantera people. They do currently make a 225/50R15 P7 and a 205/50R15 P7. Any day now i should have a 345/35R15 P7. https://www.longstonetyres.co....li-cinturato/p7.html

I hope these are useful to you.

Hi Dougal,
It is great that there are some quality classic tyres with decent speed ratings coming on to the market for our cars. However, it would be great if you could convince them to make a matching 285/50/15 or 295/50/15 for the 10 inch back wheels, as the 285/40/15s are far too small - they are the front tyres for the wide body cars.
Cheers, Tim.

quote:

Originally posted by Timsteren:
Hi Dougal,
It is great that there are some quality classic tyres with decent speed ratings coming on to the market for our cars. However, it would be great if you could convince them to make a matching 285/50/15 or 295/50/15 for the 10 inch back wheels, as the 285/40/15s are far too small - they are the front tyres for the wide body cars.
Cheers, Tim.

+1.

Yup I need 295-50-15 minimum for the rear with 10x15" wheels. 305's would be perfect though.

Avon currently does make them.

quote:

Originally posted by www.longstone.com:

... I have to say De Tomaso are possibly one of the trickiest cars to find tyre fitment for ...

Dougal

Three tyre "sets" will suffice for all but the last 40 Panteras that were manufactured.

One "set" of tyres the Pantera world needs is 285/40R15 and 345/35R15 for the wide body versions of the Pantera, i.e. the GT5 and GT5-S. There were a small number of Panteras for which these sizes were original equipment, and the Panteras which have been customized as Group 4 race car replicas also need these tires. It appears this set of tyres is now available, which is certainly good news for the owners who need these tires.

Another "set" of tyres the Pantera world needs is 225/50R15 and 285/50R15 for the GTS and Group 3 versions of the Pantera. There are a small number of Panteras for which these sizes were original equipment. It appears the front tyre is already available, but the rear tyre is yet to be made available.

However, the majority of Pantera owners would profit by a "set" composed of 225/55R15 front and 275/55R15 rear. The tyres were the ideal upgrade for Panteras originally equipped with 185/70R15 and 215/70R15 radial tyres, or C60 & H60 Goodyear Arrivas; which is by far the majority of Panteras manufactured. Those cars have 15x7 front wheels, and 15x8 rear wheels. All 5200 Panteras exported to the US were so equipped, the earliest Panteras sold in Europe were also so equipped. Many owners chose to upgrade to 15x10 rear wheels, an option once available via the factory, and via Hall Pantera in the US. That option is still available today via the aftermarket. That set of "55 series" tyres had the proper outside diameters (24.74" front & 26.91" rear). The front tyres were the ideal width for the 15x7 front campy wheels, the rear tyres were rated for 15x8 wheels minimum width to 15x10 wheels maximum width; so they fit the rear wheels no matter which rear wheels the Pantera had been fitted with.

Strange that the front 225/55R15 tyre fell out of availability because it was original equipment on 3 series BMWs (1992 through 1997). BMW owners would certainly be another market for the 225/55R15 tyres. The 275/55VR15 tyres were OEM on the Bentley Turbo R (1985 through 1992).

If you have any "pull" with Pirelli, and could influence the availability of the 285/50R15 tyre for the second set and the "55 series" tyres for the third set, you would have the De Tomaso market cornered. Something to consider anyway.

quote:

Dougal

Three tyre "sets" will suffice for all but the last 40 Panteras that were manufactured.

One "set" of tyres the Pantera world needs is 285/40R15 and 345/35R15 for the wide body versions of the Pantera, i.e. the GT5 and GT5-S. There were a small number of Panteras for which these sizes were original equipment, and the Panteras which have been customized as Group 4 race car replicas also need these tires. It appears this set of tyres is now available, which is certainly good news for the owners who need these tires.

We will get the 345/35R15 Cinturato P7 very soon.
285/40R15 Cinturato P7 will be a few months yet.
They will be listed on here when they come in. https://www.longstonetyres.co....li-cinturato/p7.html
I must say i am a bit releived because i had asked Pirelli to make the 285/40. the wheels are inn motion, then i noticed earlier in this post there is a table that only lists the 285/50. i thought we were making a size nobody wanted.

quote:

Another "set" of tyres the Pantera world needs is 225/50R15 and 285/50R15 for the GTS and Group 3 versions of the Pantera. There are a small number of Panteras for which these sizes were original equipment. It appears the front tyre is already available, but the rear tyre is yet to be made available.

Pirelli do already make a 225/50R15 Cinturato P7 https://www.longstonetyres.co....relli-cinturato.html

My guess is that if we sell the 285/40R15 Cinturato P7. then i can go back to Pirelli and ask for a 285/50R15.

quote:

However, the majority of Pantera owners would profit by a "set" composed of 225/55R15 front and 275/55R15 rear. The tyres were the ideal upgrade for Panteras originally equipped with 185/70R15 and 215/70R15 radial tyres, or C60 & H60 Goodyear Arrivas; which is by far the majority of Panteras manufactured. Those cars have 15x7 front wheels, and 15x8 rear wheels. All 5200 Panteras exported to the US were so equipped, the earliest Panteras sold in Europe were also so equipped. Many owners chose to upgrade to 15x10 rear wheels, an option once available via the factory, and via Hall Pantera in the US. That option is still available today via the aftermarket. That set of "55 series" tyres had the proper outside diameters (24.74" front & 26.91" rear). The front tyres were the ideal width for the 15x7 front campy wheels, the rear tyres were rated for 15x8 wheels minimum width to 15x10 wheels maximum width; so they fit the rear wheels no matter which rear wheels the Pantera had been fitted with.

Flippin heck! Pantera fitment is complicated.

Sadly, although Pirelli have most of sizes you want, we sadly end up with a mixture of tread pattern.

185/70VR15 - easy we have a Cinturato CN36 which is great and would look super cool https://www.longstonetyres.co....nturato-cn36-n4.html

unfortunately they don't make a 215/70VR15 in the CN36 tread pattern, but they do make a 215/60VR15 https://www.longstonetyres.co....pirelli-cn36-n4.html my guess is that will be too small in diameter

However they do make a 215/70VR15 CN12! https://www.longstonetyres.co....-cinturato-cn12.html

I suppose at least they are still the same manufacturer. and they do have high speed rating.

In the bigger sizes; could you get away with fitting a 205/70WR15 Cinturato CN12 on the front? https://www.longstonetyres.co....-cinturato-cn12.html

Because Pirelli do currently make a 255/60VR15 Cinturato CN12 https://www.longstonetyres.co....-cinturato-cn12.html (a 255/60R15 is close to a 275/55R15. The Muira SV fitted 255/60, and so did the Aston Martin Vantage. However because it wasn't available for some time both those cars have had to fit the CR6ZZ 275/55R15, which although it is a great track tyre isn't really ideal for a road car, specially if it doesn't do many miles.

We do sell the CR6ZZ too https://www.longstonetyres.co....s/avon-cr6zz/15.html

All our tyre pages show the dimentyions of the tyres if you want to work stuff out.

quote:

Strange that the front 225/55R15 tyre fell out of availability because it was original equipment on 3 series BMWs for many years. BMW owners would certainly be another market for the 225/55R15 tyres. I have no recollection of what the original application for 275/55R15 tyres had been.

I guess Avon do make a 225/60 https://www.longstonetyres.co....vr15-avon-cr6zz.html

quote:

If you have any "pull" with Pirelli, and could influence the availability of the 285/50R15 tyre for the second set and the "55 series" tyres for the third set, you would have the De Tomaso market cornered. Something to consider anyway.

Maybe.

CN36 - CN12 - P7

I do not understand why ask for 285x50x15, the diameter is 3,1% smaller than the 255x60x15. Why not ask for 295x50x15 or 285x55x15?

What is the maximum width that can be mounted on Campy 8x15?

I'm leaning towards the Avon's with the outer wall shaved and GOODYEAR letters applied.

For the use I put the car to, they are fine and seem more appropriate to the car then the Pirelli's are.

I currently have P7's on it now but they need to be freshened up due to age.



I agree that the Avon TENDS to be more of a race tire then a street tire but for my use they are fine.

The difference is basically because of the softer compound on the Avons vs. the P7's. The Pirelli's are a little hard on the treads compound and basically are banana skins by the time the temps drop under 40 degrees.


I'm getting reliable reports of the Avon's delivering 20,000 mile wear. By the time I put another 20,000 miles on this car, I'll already have been dead 10 years.



US cars were delivered with Goodyear's and here, raced with "Bluestreaks". They seem to me as appropriate or more so then the Pirelli's do for a US car. Particularly with my racer on the street perspective. Kind of like a Cobra 427 S/C.

The blue streak on those tires then and these Avon's now are painted on and optional. It can be left off.

This is a pricey decision since it's an $800 upcharge to do the sidewalls like this.

Theoretically these tyres should have this heighth of side wall (these are the calculations. actual tyres sizes vary a little)

285/50 = 142.5mm (50% of 285mm)
295/50 = 147.5mm
285/55 = 156.75mm (55% of 285mm)

255/60 = 153mm
275/55 = 151.25mm
215/70 = 150.5mm

Really on an 8" wide wheel
with a profile above 50% you can go from 225 - 285
with a profile below 50% 205 - 245
This i believe is recommended - not necessarily law. however that could vary from country to country

Looking again at George P's chart. I'm wondering if you could use Pirelli's 215/60R15 CN36 on the front of the 60% profile mid '70s era

Interestingly (maybe only to a nerd like me) De Tommaso were right on it because i beleive that 60% profile tyres were only just developed in the second half of 1972. I am suprised to see Good year making them that early. Untill now i thought the first was Pirelli Cinturato CN36

quote:

Originally posted by PanteraDoug:
I'm leaning towards the Avon's with the outer wall shaved and GOODYEAR letters applied.



For the use I put the car to, they are fine and seem more appropriate to the car then the Pirelli's are.

I like your printing and the Avon carcass is the right shape (a large part of why they handle well on cars of this period). but the tread pattern looks nothing like a '70s tyre.

quote:

I currently have P7's on it now but they need to be freshened up due to age.

Age is critical. you cannot compare an old rubber with new. Its like comparing Granite with modern rubber

[QUOTE]I agree that the Avon TENDS to be more of a race tire then a street tire but for my use they are fine.

agreed, however a harsher ride and heavier than a road tyre.

quote:

The difference is basically because of the softer compound on the Avons vs. the P7's. The Pirelli's are a little hard on the treads compound and basically are banana skins by the time the temps drop under 40 degrees.

You cannot compare compounds you must be talking about some old rubber you have. the new P7's, when they come, will be made with up to date rubber compounds. the compounds in the old P7 will not be as sophisticated as the new production of P7.

The Avon is a racing tyre and will be great when it gets hot, but as it goes through heat cycles, racing compounds will work better, but deteriorate and loose grip with age faster than a road tyre.

However any tyre doesn't work at all well when it is 10 years old. but i would rather drive on a 7 year old road tyre than a 5 year old racing tyre.

quote:

I'm getting reliable reports of the Avon's delivering 20,000 mile wear. By the time I put another 20,000 miles on this car, I'll already have been dead 10 years.

As the tyre gets older with age and heat cycles the compounds deteriorate and give less grip. As the tyre grips less the wear rate slows down. so if you fit a really old tyre that doesn't grip it will last for ages, because there is less movement in hard rubber that doesn't move. Racing compounds are built to achieve different goals.

It sounds like i am slamming the CR6ZZ. i'm not they are great. However i know what i would rather have as a road car. and i know what i would rather be driving on when the tyres are 6 years old. Specially if i lived in a hot dry country!

quote:

US cars were delivered with Goodyear's and here, raced with "Bluestreaks". They seem to me as appropriate or more so then the Pirelli's do for a US car. Particularly with my racer on the street perspective. Kind of like a Cobra 427 S/C.

The blue streak on those tires then and these Avon's now are painted on and optional. It can be left off.

This is a pricey decision since it's an $800 upcharge to do the sidewalls like this.

Hmm i get that a Goodyear would be more correct, but a CR6ZZ isn't, and it is also a new tyre I think from memory it was a new retro tyre range that that begann in the '90s. It is a shame for Avon that they didn't use a period tread pattern.

The tread patterns of the Pirelli are actually period correct. I guess also the Pirelli is cheaper and more suited to the road https://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/tyres/215-70x15.html this page demonstrated the prices of 215/70r15 tyres and a 255/60 Pirelli costs £ 339 compared to Avon 275/55 £ 368

PanteraDoug

I'm sorry i feel like a bit of a tosser recommending alternatives to your Avon's. no doubt they look epic with the printing on the side. On top of that you do also get to have the same tread pattern front and rear which is seeming a bit of a pain in the Bum with the Pirelli Cinturato range. and no doubt the CR6ZZ is a great tyre so i am sorry if i sound like i am criticizing your choice. many of these Pirelli have only just been made again, so i bet they weren't there when you started making decisions. And the CR6ZZ carcass is built to be progressive, and handle great on old cars.

There is no perfect choice here. I have to go with tastes rather than correctness.

Look. The Pantera is an American-Italian hybrid.

If I'm in Italy I wear the P7's, here I wear the
Avon-Goodyears.

The Italian side of the family gets insulted for Americanizing the car. Good for them?

HERE the "Goodyears" are PROBABLY more correct for a Grp4 Pantera then the Pirelli's? In addition, they more closely resemble the Goodyear Arriva's then the Pirelli's do?


I lean more to the '60s cars plus the early '70s such as the Cobra, the GT40, the Shelby Mustangs. The Pantera is their Italian cousin who moved here from Italy.

In Rome, do as the Romans do. In the US...

The Avon tread pattern is my least favorite part of the tire. It does resemble the tread of the Goodyear blue streaks as well as the Goodyear Polyglass tire.

The tread looks dead nuts on to the first GT40's.


It just comes down to taste. This is like debating over Momma Celeste's Lasagna. I like some sweet sausage mixed into it and a crispy baked top layer.

My Italian cousin says I'm crazy. That's fine. I wear that like a red badge of courage!

It would make sense then that I like Pinot Grigio with the Lasagna rather then Merlot?

Actually Bud Light is even better. Great taste, less filling.

I don't wear socks with my sandals. What can I say? I'm an independent thinker...sometimes.

Chow bambino.


In the US, the 69 Shelby's were one of the first, if not the first to be factory installed with 60 profiles Goodyear Polyglass GT tires (F60-15).

quote:

Originally posted by www.longstone.com:

... Flippin heck! Pantera fitment is complicated ...

Yeah, tyres that vary in cross-section by 30mm to 60mm, plus vary in diameter front to rear by 2 inches.

Thank you for taking time to answer member's questions, to update us regarding tyre availability, and to investigate matching your inventory with our needs.

I am not aware of any owner, not even among those whom are most discriminating in regards to originality, that want to equip their car with a 185/70 & 215/70 tyre set. I would discourage you from putting any effort in that direction.

Oddly, back in the 1990s when the 225/55 and 275/55 P7 tyres were available, most owners were not aware they existed as an option (when combined) for the Pantera. Considering the popularity of the P7 in that era, if owners had been aware many would have opted for that tyre set rather than continuing to use the Goodyear Arrivas.

Some owners adopted use of 225/50 and 285/50 P7s 20 to 30 years ago, only to have the rear tyre fall-out of production. Many chose not to upgrade to the 50 series P7s however, because their diameters were wrong or because they refused to purchase the requisite 15x10 rear wheels (Pantera wheels are magnesium and expensive).

Today many owners "settle on" or "tolerate" 205/60 or 215/60 in the front and 245/60 or 255/60 in the rear for lack of anything better. All have given-up on ever having speed rated performance radials available again for their cars. Many have given up on having the same make and model tyres on the front and rear. Some have taken to using truck tyres like the Pirelli Scorpion, others have taken to using street legal race tyres. Other owners have upgraded to larger diameter wheels so they can use modern low profile tyres; but with the rising value of the Pantera, and the emphasis on originality, many who installed the larger wheels would prefer to return to the original wheels IF a good set of tyres were available for them (I'm one of those myself). I firmly believe a great many Pantera owners would embrace a 225/55 and 275/55 tyre set in a speed rated radial with modern rubber compounds and construction (i.e. the P7 reproductions).

I've altered the last chart I posted, splitting it into two, adding production numbers.

Cheers.

For the standard body cars, I think that the 225/50/15 fronts and 285/50/15 rears fit well and looks nice. If I remember correctly, I had the 285’s mounted on my 8” wheels before I purchased the 10” wheels. Due to the offset of the 10’s and the 285’s, the fit was pretty much flush with the body. A tire too much wider might stick out past the body a bit. Due to the lack of availability, I have upgraded to larger wheels and brakes. I think it would be great if they started producing some of these sizes again.

quote:

Originally posted by René #4406:
I do not understand why ask for 285x50x15, the diameter is 3,1% smaller than the 255x60x15. Why not ask for 295x50x15 or 285x55x15?

What is the maximum width that can be mounted on Campy 8x15?

Pirelli did make the 285/50/15. I don’t think Pirelli ever made a 295/50/15 or 285/55/15,

The picture is of the Mickey Thompson 26x12-15 fits well on the 10" wheel also. It's right in that 285-295 range.
-section: 12.0
-tread: 10.60
-OD: 26.10
-wheel:8-10
-price: $238.50
-speed rating H = 130mph


The 305 BFG's Euro rally tire is right on the verge of hanging out. The 285 is acceptable but the 295-50-15 is about as "perfect" as you can get unless you go to the 17" aftermarket Campi look alike's.

I would go for 295-50-15 P7's if they became available.
The BFG would be a substitute for that currently.
-section:12.2
-tread: 10.0'
-od: 26.7
-wheel: 8-10
-speed rating: S = 112 mph
-price: $210.40


I personally like the fit of the 225-50-15 P7's on the front on 8" Campi's but it does lower the front just a hair.

I'm not that concerned with the speed rating of the tires. V or better is nice but S was fine even on the Autobahn long before the V became available.

quote:

Originally posted by PanteraDoug:
The Mickey Thompson 26x12-15 fits well on the 10" wheel also. It's right in that 285-295 range.

The 305 BFG's Euro rally tire is right on the verge of hanging out. The 285 is acceptable but the 295-50-15 is about as "perfect" as you can get unless you go to the 17" aftermarket Campi look alikes.

I would go for 295-50-15 P7's if they became available.

I personally like the fit of the 225-50-15 P7's on the front on 8" Campi's but it does lower the front just a hair.

I'm not that concerned with the speed rating of the tires. V or better is nice but S was fine even on the Autobahn long before the V became available.

It is true in the United States but in Europe, and especially in Germany which is only a few tens of kilometers from my home, there are freeways where the speed is free and with 400, 450, ... 500 CV a Pantera must be able to approach 200 mph and compete with Porsche, Ferrari and other AMG.

Jimmy, the max front tire size I found usable was 245-50 (or better- 245-40), which fit well on 8" Campys and clear -barely- the outer fenders. With a few strategically placed dents here and there, they also clear the inner fenders, the windshield wiper shield and the left cowl drain-pipe. This mostly happens in full-lock turns with two people aboard. Tires that size have been on the front of our car for some 20 yrs of street use including track days and autocrossing.

This is with the factory spring spacers removed, front fender lips rolled the max, a 2 degree nose lowering and with -4 degrees of caster. Extra caster pulls the wheels back toward the cabin, making contact with things that formerly had plenty of clearance in turns- like front brake hose routings and the wiper shield. Radical lowering does the same.

Most tire clearance problems on our '72 'L' were on the left side, as many unmolested Pantera front clips seem to be slightly asymmetric from the factory. I suspect multiple factory weld-jigs were used to complete the shells and were not quite identical, or maybe the L models got a second, asymmetric jig. Avon and Hoosier sell usable street-DOT 245-40 x 15s.

quote:

Originally posted by Bosswrench:
Jimmy, the max front tire size I found usable was 245-50 (or better- 245-40), which fit well on 8" Campys and clear -barely- the outer fenders. With a few strategically placed dents here and there, they also clear the inner fenders, the windshield wiper shield and the left cowl drain-pipe. This mostly happens in full-lock turns with two people aboard. Tires that size have been on the front of our car for some 20 yrs of street use including track days and autocrossing.

This is with the factory spring spacers removed, front fender lips rolled the max, a 2 degree nose lowering and with -4 degrees of caster. Extra caster pulls the wheels back toward the cabin, making contact with things that formerly had plenty of clearance in turns- like front brake hose routings and the wiper shield. Radical lowering does the same.



Most tire clearance problems on our '72 'L' were on the left side, as many unmolested Pantera front clips seem to be slightly asymmetric from the factory. I suspect multiple factory weld-jigs were used to complete the shells and were not quite identical, or maybe the L models got a second, asymmetric jig. Avon and Hoosier sell usable street-DOT 245-40 x 15s.

I probably should have clarified this, the 285/50/15’s that were mounted on the 8’s were on the rear. I had a 215/60/15 on 7” rims that were on the front of the car. Those tires came on the car. The rears had a tall 60 series that came on the car as well. I thought they were a little too tall. I found out that the 285/50/15 would fit on the 15x8’s so I put those tires on the 15x8’s until I found a set of 15x10’s. If there was a potential for these tires to be made, I would have kept the stock set up and not gone with the bigger Campy style wheels.(17x8 245/40/17 front,18x11.5 335/30/18 rear). I agree with regards to the front’s. I wouldn’t think a tire much bigger than a 245 would fit on the front of a narrow body without modifications.

Hi

I suppose here are my suggestions from what is available currently

early cars are easy 185/70VR15 and 215/70VR15 are both available from Avon CR6ZZ https://www.longstonetyres.co....yres/avon-cr6zz.html or Michelin XWX https://www.longstonetyres.co....es/michelin-xwx.html I would fit XWX. they are more of a road tyre. Pirelli make both these sizes, but not in the same tread pattern. and XWX is of course correct. XWX came out at the end of the '60s and was their flag ship tyre which was being fitted to cars like 6.9 Mercedes Ferrari's, and the early Countach.

this gets tricky. Goodyear aren't making any classic tyres. (except a few crossply tyres for pre war Model A Ford). we would really like to go down the rout of Pirelli's CN12, https://www.longstonetyres.co....-cinturato/cn12.html because it is period (1971). It has a very high speed rating (W), they are the only company to make the correct 255/60VR15. It wouldn't suprise meif they were a European option, becvause not many commpanies made thsi size tyre, but Pirelli did for the Aston Martin Vantage and the Lamborghini Muira SV. However Pirelli don't make a 205/60VR15 (why would you. it is not a comon classic car size) Pirelli do make a 205/70WR15 Cinturato CN12 which is high performance and matches the 255/60WR15 CN12 Rear. I suppose the question is can you fit a 205/70WR15 in the front. They will be a b it taller. Pirelli do also make a 215/60R15 CN36 wich will bit a little larger, but have a different tread pattern. However all these CN12 and CN36 tread patterns will be great road tyres and handle really well. The next best option i would think will again be Avon CR6 ZZ they do make a 275/55 https://www.longstonetyres.co....vr15-avon-cr6zz.html then you are left with the choice of 205/70VR15 or 215/60R15 again. If 205/70VR15 fits then you will be better off on the road with Pirelli, but if you need to fit 215/60R15 or 185/70VR15 then you do have the option of having the same tread pattern. Although i am a fan of same smaaller tyres on cars i think if you up the size of the rear, reverting back to 185/70 on the front could lead to some dramatic under steer, with the power on. I still think if you can fit 205/70 on the fron CN12 is the best option.

225/50R15 is easy https://www.longstonetyres.co....relli-cinturato.html they are on the shelf. what you do for the 285/50R15 rears for now i don't know, with there being only 100 cars it is difficult to ask a tyre manufacturer to make them

285/40R15 easy they are on the way from Pirelli. 345/35R15 No problem. i should have them in a month or so https://www.longstonetyres.co....li-cinturato-p7.html

quote:

Originally posted by www.longstone.com

225/50R15 is easy https://www.longstonetyres.co....relli-cinturato.html they are on the shelf. what you do for the 285/50R15 rears for now i don't know, with there being only 100 cars it is difficult to ask a tyre manufacturer to make them

285/40R15 easy they are on the way from Pirelli. 345/35R15 No problem. i should have them in a month or so https://www.longstonetyres.co....li-cinturato-p7.html

Hi Dougal, the 285/50/15 will fit on all of the narrow body cars, which is ~ 5000+ cars. I had the 285/50/15’s mounted on my 15x8” rear rims first then switched them to the 15x10’s later on. So the 285/50/15’s will work on a lot more than 100 cars.

285/50 is just OK on a 8" rim, but not really that good. a 285mm tyre is really over 11 inches wide.

Is there a good tyre available in the size 285/50R15?

And the 285/55 WR15 would be even better because closer in diameter to the original 255/60 WR15 and fit better on a 8" rim. Isn't 255 a bit too narrow for cars with improved performance engines?

I don't think 255 is too wide for any car.

quote:

Originally posted by www.longstone.com:
Hi

I suppose here are my suggestions from what is available currently

early cars are easy 185/70VR15 and 215/70VR15 are both available from Avon CR6ZZ https://www.longstonetyres.co....yres/avon-cr6zz.html or Michelin XWX https://www.longstonetyres.co....es/michelin-xwx.html I would fit XWX. they are more of a road tyre. Pirelli make both these sizes, but not in the same tread pattern. and XWX is of course correct. XWX came out at the end of the '60s and was their flag ship tyre which was being fitted to cars like 6.9 Mercedes Ferrari's, and the early Countach.

this gets tricky. Goodyear aren't making any classic tyres. (except a few crossply tyres for pre war Model A Ford). we would really like to go down the rout of Pirelli's CN12, https://www.longstonetyres.co....-cinturato/cn12.html because it is period (1971). It has a very high speed rating (W), they are the only company to make the correct 255/60VR15. It wouldn't suprise meif they were a European option, becvause not many commpanies made thsi size tyre, but Pirelli did for the Aston Martin Vantage and the Lamborghini Muira SV. However Pirelli don't make a 205/60VR15 (why would you. it is not a comon classic car size) Pirelli do make a 205/70WR15 Cinturato CN12 which is high performance and matches the 255/60WR15 CN12 Rear. I suppose the question is can you fit a 205/70WR15 in the front. They will be a b it taller. Pirelli do also make a 215/60R15 CN36 wich will bit a little larger, but have a different tread pattern. However all these CN12 and CN36 tread patterns will be great road tyres and handle really well. The next best option i would think will again be Avon CR6 ZZ they do make a 275/55 https://www.longstonetyres.co....vr15-avon-cr6zz.html then you are left with the choice of 205/70VR15 or 215/60R15 again. If 205/70VR15 fits then you will be better off on the road with Pirelli, but if you need to fit 215/60R15 or 185/70VR15 then you do have the option of having the same tread pattern. Although i am a fan of same smaaller tyres on cars i think if you up the size of the rear, reverting back to 185/70 on the front could lead to some dramatic under steer, with the power on. I still think if you can fit 205/70 on the fron CN12 is the best option.

225/50R15 is easy https://www.longstonetyres.co....relli-cinturato.html they are on the shelf. what you do for the 285/50R15 rears for now i don't know, with there being only 100 cars it is difficult to ask a tyre manufacturer to make them

285/40R15 easy they are on the way from Pirelli. 345/35R15 No problem. i should have them in a month or so https://www.longstonetyres.co....li-cinturato-p7.html

How does this effect us in the US? You are in the UK?

Does Pirelli make the tires available to you or everyone in every market?

quote:

Originally posted by www.longstone.com:
I don't think 255 is too wide for any car.

Not to wide, but too narrow?

quote:

Originally posted by www.longstone.com:
285/50 is just OK on a 8" rim, but not really that good. a 285mm tyre is really over 11 inches wide.

Is there a good tyre available in the size 285/50R15?

With Pirelli making some of the P7’s again, I dug out an old P7 brochure from the early 1990’s. The recommended rim widths for a 285/50/15 were 8” to 10”s. The overall diameter is 26.22” and the cross section is 11.30”. The fact that the tires do fit on the 8” rims makes a great case that it would benefit significantly more than 100 cars. These would benefit any Pantera owner that still has 15” diameter wheels(8’s or 10’s) on a narrow body car.

It also has the 275/55/15” listed. Recommended rim widths are 7” to 9”. Overall diameter is 27.00”. Cross section is 10.51”. Although it is not recommended for a 10” wide rim, I believe that a friend of mine has this size on his car and they look decent.

I don’t believe there is a 285/50/15 from any tire company, if there was, I would still have my 15’s on my car.

Dougal, where did the 100 car limitation come from with regards to the 285/50/15? I haven’t read every post that closely.

I would think there is more potential to sell these than the 285/40/15. Although, I am very happy that they are going to produce the 40’s again for my wide body car. The car currently has P7’s on the front and P Zero’s on the rear.