Re: Tire selection

[Godfrey DiGiorgi <ramarren@domain.elided>]

"Best" is an elusive evaluation... depends on what you like, what works, 
etc. If your car has the 14x5.5J Turbina wheels, the original tire size 
was either a 165-14 or 185/70-14 radial. I have the later, '82 series 5 
spoke Campis on my '79 which are 14x6.0J sized, and am currently running 
185/70-14 Michelins. 

With the 6" width, I'll fit a set of 195/65s next. 205/60s are a little 
severe in my opinion, I happen to like the ride that a slightly taller 
profile gives. I'm looking for a little stiffer sidewall for better 
steering responsiveness, a 195/65 should have more than adequate traction 
for any sensible street use. 

If you go to a larger diameter rim, I'd check the load rating on the 
tires you're interested in to be sure they are safely fitted before 
buying. Just running the numbers, a 195/60-15 should nominally be about 
.2" taller than a 195/65-14. That's only about a 1% difference in height, 
which is mostly insignificant and is likely just about identical to a 
185/70-14 in use.

I know the Spider chassis flexes a lot more than the GTV or Alfettas, but 
once I got rid of those awful heavy stupid bumpers on the '79 and fitted 
the fiberglass replicas, the sensation of cowl shake and flexibility has 
just about disappeared. Be thankful you have one of the earlier cars 
without all that weight hung at the ends...

Godfrey

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