205/75-14 tires

[cadurning]

Are 205/75 -14 tires too big for a W108 with 6J-14 Bundt wheels? The car has a 2.8 engine and automagic trans.

Right now I have 205/70-14 tires on the car. At 70mph in high gear the engine is screaming. I'm hoping a taller tire will slow down the engine, even if it's a little bit. As far as the speedo error, I have ways to deal with that issue.

[Tomguy]

Be aware the rears will probably wear quicker w/o adjusting the spring perches (if they're not already at the max) because of the added height makes the wheels' camber off. They'll fit and clear.

[cadurning]

Tomguy,

I can see using a wheel with a different wheel offset affecting the camber. I don't see where a larger dia tire would effect the relationship between the axle and the chassis. Since the diff is attached to the body/frame of the car the only way to affect camber, that I am aware of, would to change the springs or use a wheel with a different offset. Changing the dia of the tire would only serve to change the distance from the alxe to the road and change the clearance within the wheel well & openings.

What I can see is if there is a significant difference in the weight of the tires, handling may be affected because of the difference in un-sprung weight.

Please correct me if I am wrong.

[jkeith72]

I bought 195/75/15 goodyears from Walmart. I normally wouldnt even think of walmart for tires, but they are 60 each, come in white wall and fit perfectly. Best thing is they mount and balance for 2.00 a tire!
Just my 2 cents...the size seems right.

[cadurning]

jkeith72,

I ended up getting 205/70-14 BFG tires for $60 each at Sams Club. Those had a $40 mail in rebate. Goodyear has a $50 instant rebate on 4 tires but frankly I've had so much trouble with the Goodyears on my other cars I elected to pass on those.

The BFG's on my newly found bundts are smooooth.

[t walgamuth]

Originally Posted by cadurning

Tomguy,

I can see using a wheel with a different wheel offset affecting the camber. I don't see where a larger dia tire would effect the relationship between the axle and the chassis. Since the diff is attached to the body/frame of the car the only way to affect camber, that I am aware of, would to change the springs or use a wheel with a different offset. Changing the dia of the tire would only serve to change the distance from the alxe to the road and change the clearance within the wheel well & openings.

What I can see is if there is a significant difference in the weight of the tires, handling may be affected because of the difference in un-sprung weight.

Please correct me if I am wrong.

It is not often I disagree with tomguy but I agree that it should not affect the camber. and I agree a taller tire will increase unsprung weight and negatively impact ride and handling....it might well be worth it though to reduce cruising rpm.

[Tomguy]

Just posting from my experience. I had to adjust my perches. Maybe they were just that far off. From 185/70 to 205/70 I had to adjust each one to the next level.