tires and wheels Wheel/tires options for 73 2002 tii?

[sansloy]

I need to replace some shot tires (165-13) on my tii, and I'm getting pretty confused. The stock tires for my 13x5.5 steel wheels are 165-13, which tire rack currently doesn't carry.

If I was willing to get new or used non-stock wheels, does anybody know what will work on my model?

If I google 73 200tii wheel, I see people describing VW wheels that will work. I just want to get my baby up and running as cheaply (and safely) as possible.

Tire rack tells me that 15X7 with a 195/55R15 are viable options, but now I'm up to $800.

Thoughts

[tlapham]

165-70-13 are still available, but you have to shop around. most local shops can order them within a day or 2, i currently run them on my E21. I used to run 205's because they look a lot better but I ended up preferring how the 165's fill the wheel well better.

If you have the money, i would recommend upgrading your wheels to at least 14" (they came stock with 14's) and you will have many more tire options.

[JohnS]

185/70 13's will fit your rims and tire rack has a few tires available in that size.

[Preyupy]

I agree the 187/70 13 is a great size for the '02 and will fit very well on 5.5" rims. The steering effort is not much different than the 165 13's and it is a size that is still available from a number of tire manufacturers (I wish we could still get the 185/70 13 P3 Pirelli's)

[c.d.iesel]

....... and 02's never came with " 14" as stock "

14" is a popular PLUS 1 fitment

shop for 185/70x13" rubber

[SteveJ]

Where are you located at?

I got my last set of skinnies from Les Schwab tires. Pretty inexpensive as I recall.

the original tires on the 02's was a 155 or 165R-13. No profile aspect number usually meant they were like 78 or 80's. The stock skinnies are out there, but not as common anymore.

One option is to go up to 14" wheels. The E30 bottlecaps are a common choice and the offset is close enough to work. E30 steel wheels also work, but you may need to get creative with the center caps. Tire size for the 14" should be 185/65-14. I have not had any rubbing problems. Be careful, as most of the E30 wheels were shod with different sized tires that won't be ideal for your 02.

[photog02]

I'll add some dissent and say you should go to 15". The car can handle it and performance tires are much easier to find in 15" as opposed to 14". That being said, if you aren't going to put some extreme summer tires on and want all-seasons, then 13" or 14" will be fine.

[jgerock]

185/70 13's will fit your rims and tire rack has a few tires available in that size.

I like this size for ti/tii 5" wide wheel.

These tires are getting harder to find. During lunch, I looked at Tire Rack and Discount Tire. Not many choices there.

[tjones02]

185/70 13's will fit your rims and tire rack has a few tires available in that size.

+1 on this size for ti/tii 5" wide wheel.

I always thought that going larger on stock wheels was +0?

And yes, I'll agree that 185/70-13 is the size to go.

[sansloy]

Thanks everybody.

I think I'll keep my old steel wheels and go for the 185/70-13.

That puts me in relative motion for around $200.

After that, dropping a new battery in. Funny what happens when you do nothing to your car for 5 years.

[jgerock]

185/70 13's will fit your rims and tire rack has a few tires available in that size.

+1 on this size for ti/tii 5" wide wheel.

I always thought that going larger on stock wheels was +0?

And yes, I'll agree that 185/70-13 is the size to go.

Geez - Tom you are tough! I'll edit my response just for you.

[BradB]

185/70 13's will fit your rims and tire rack has a few tires available in that size.

Agree. This is what I have done. Works great.