1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

different tire size

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 08-21-03, 04:32 AM
  #1  
Junior Member

Thread Starter
 
1979silver's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: portland,oregon
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
different tire size

Anyone tried 185-70 13's on the front of a 1st gen. and a larger tire on the rear? I would like to keep the lighter steering effort, with better rear traction and grip. I've got a '79 S that likes to swap ends. Any mods to keep the rear under control? Thanks,
Old 08-21-03, 08:02 AM
  #2  
My wife bought me 2 RX-7s

 
MosesX605's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Posts: 2,328
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
The biggest size you should try to use on the stock rim is a 205/60/13. Any bigger and you have scads of unsupported sidewall. Your traction problems will most likely not be solved by the tires, however.

Do you have a rear swaybar on your 'S' model? If so, removing it seems to help calm down the rear end some.
Old 08-21-03, 10:31 AM
  #3  
i say what i want

 
onepointone's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: richmond, va
Posts: 1,866
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
maybe something is wrong with my car, but i dont have any problems with the rear kicking out with the sumitomo htr200's in 205/60/13. everyone says their car is *** happy, but mine isnt


actually, since they are going to start holding drift events locally, i bought a rear sway bar in hope of it helping to kick it out and become more stable.
Old 08-21-03, 10:42 AM
  #4  
Junior Member

 
silver79's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: oregon
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
No rear bar on my S. It does have Koni rear shocks. I need new front struts, any ideas?
Old 08-21-03, 10:53 AM
  #5  
My FSP Fiesta eats Jettas

 
Wankelguy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,616
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
I think you found your problem. The Koni rears are really stiff and if your front struts are not as stiff as the rear end, it will induce oversteer.
Old 08-21-03, 10:55 AM
  #6  
My wife bought me 2 RX-7s

 
MosesX605's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
Posts: 2,328
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Well, these cars are tail happy, there's no question, so it may be an issue of perception. I don't find my car to be uncontrollable, but others have been amazed at its tendency to get loose.

The Koni shocks are stiffer than stock, correct? They may be contributing to the tail happy nature of the car, but I'm not going to bet any money on it.

The only thing I can suggest is to get the car up on jack stands and take a look under the rear axle, and make sure nothing is amiss. I had a broken lower link on my '82 and my car tended to want to swing out because of it.
Old 08-22-03, 02:44 AM
  #7  
Junior Member

 
silver79's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: oregon
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Any ideas on a good front strut? I know the better adjustables don't fit the '79-80 cars without mods. Also, how much are the factory hatch struts,and how do they differ from the aftermarket units?
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Jeff20B
1st Generation Specific (1979-1985)
73
09-16-18 07:16 PM
SakeBomb Garage
Vendor Classifieds
5
08-09-18 05:54 PM
rx7jocke
Suspension/Wheels/Tires/Brakes
72
06-17-16 03:48 AM



Quick Reply: different tire size



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:28 PM.