What sized tires does the forum recommend for these Alpina rim?

HonaloochieBoogie

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I’ve never liked the look of the tires on my 72 3.0 csi with the 14” Alpinas. I notice the prior owner put a size (215/60 R14) that didn’t correspond to either the size that came on the OG csl (195/70 R14) or the apparently popular after market size (205/70 R14). What should I consider if I keep the existing rims?
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E3-3.0Si

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I’d get rid of those S rated tyres straight away. I don’t know how it is in the States, but in lots of countries your insurance is invalid if you fit the wrong speed rated tyre to your car. Original spec was a V rated tyre.

Your choices are either fitting a standard sized 195/70 tyre, or the more popular (for 7” width rim at least) 205/70 size.

In terms of choice in 205/70 size, the three credible options are Michelin XWX , Dunlop Sport Classic or Pirelli CN36. All are expensive though!
 

Stevehose

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In the states it doesn’t matter if you put lower speed rating on tires in terms of inspection. If you’re not going over 90mph or so on a regular basis i dont see it as a problem.

i have 205/70 Pirelli Cinturatos on my alpinas and the lust continues now for 2 years.
 

HB Chris

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In 73 the coupes came with 175 HR 14, the upgrade was 195/70 VR 14 based on the tire stickers. Today if you want a decent 195/70 tire the Michelin Defender is not bad but the best would be the Pirelli or Michelin XWX in 205/70-14.
 

rsporsche

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I’ve never liked the look of the tires on my 72 3.0 csi with the 14” Alpinas. I notice the prior owner put a size (215/60 R14) that didn’t correspond to either the size that came on the OG csl (195/70 R14) or the apparently popular after market size (205/70 R14). What should I consider if I keep the existing rims? View attachment 91135View attachment 91136View attachment 91137
i think you should put the original wheels back on with a standard size tire and sell these alpinas to me for a very inexpensive price ... (tongue firmly planted in cheek).

in all seriousness, you have great advice from Stevehose, HBChris + Gransin ... i have always loved the pirelli CN-36 tires and they look amazing on the coupe with the alpinas. truly period correct in the 205/70-14 size ... another good + slightly less expensive option than the pirellis or michelins is the vredestein sprint classic - https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Vredestein&tireModel=Sprint+Classic&sidewall=Blackwall Alternate Design&partnum=97VR4SC&tab=Sizes ... v rated tire available in 195/70-14 ...

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sandhu

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We have 195/70/14 , Kumho summer tyres on the car ... looks and drives great

Came with 205 tyres all round and the car felt bouncy and uncomfortable on country lanes
But every one to their own , as long as the car is on the road , 195 or 205 size tyres are ok
 

E3-3.0Si

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We have 195/70/14 , Kumho summer tyres on the car ... looks and drives great

Came with 205 tyres all round and the car felt bouncy and uncomfortable on country lanes
But every one to their own , as long as the car is on the road , 195 or 205 size tyres are ok
That’s interesting as I’ve seen that Kumho do a V rated tyre in 205/65, so that’s only 1% over the standard rolling radius, but at a very reasonable price. I wonder how good they are.
 

day66

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I bought a set of the Kumhos - when I get the car on the road I'll let you know how they are! I figured they would be at least as good as anything available in the 1970s, and being in mass production the quality control should be decent.
 

sandhu

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That’s interesting as I’ve seen that Kumho do a V rated tyre in 205/65, so that’s only 1% over the standard rolling radius, but at a very reasonable price. I wonder how good they are.
We have 195/70/14 , Kumho summer tyres on the car ... looks and drives great

Came with 205 tyres all round and the car felt bouncy and uncomfortable on country lanes
But every one to their own , as long as the car is on the road , 195 or 205 size tyres are ok
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Sitting on 195/70/14 kumho tyres
 

adawil2002

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Probably Kumho Solus TA11.

Fair warning, I have run these tires on my 1973 2002Tii for years. They are quiet on dry roads and will not make any noise when they lose grip. They are OK in the rain on the highway yet terrible when roads are damp, nearly smashed into a sone wall in 2016 when they lost all grip unexpectedly. Thes tire are NOT made for "spirited" driving. They are intended as a "Touring" tire which means "Lazy Sunday" drive.

Pirelli CN36 are the way to go, They have more grip in the wet than the Solus TA11 and excellent grip in the dry. They are a more spirited driving tire.
 
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