195/50 tyres on a 205 Gti 1.9?

[sniff petrol]

I need some new tyres for my track car, have found a supplier doing 195/50R15 's for a very reasonable price. I know the standard size is 185/55R15 so would the above size be OK or what handling differences would I notice? I imagine being a bit lower and wider they should make it grip even better but at the expense of ride comfort.

[screwloose]

Most 205 gti owners will opt for 195/50/R15 as their preferred tyre size choice.
as you have suggested they offer better handling etc. but also look much better too!
They comfortably fit the standard 1.9 speedline or SMR alloy.

hope this helps

Jonny

[pdd144c]

195's are cheaper and make the car more stable. Easy choice!

[Simes205]

pdd144c said:

195's are cheaper and make the car more stable. Easy choice!

Yep almost 50% cheaper than 185's - most of us run them these days.

[Save Ferris]

TVR Moneypit said:

I used to run 195/50/15 Toyos on both my 309gti's without any problems.

Same here..... but with Yoko's

[TEKNOPUG]

Less demand for 185/55's so they are more expensive. As said, vast majority of people run 195/50's.

Bear in mind though that with the 185/55's you will get a more comfortable ride but also with less grip and more sidewall flex, you'll get a more "slidey" drive - which maybe something you'd enjoy on track....

[sniff petrol]

Wow, 6 replies in less than 24 hours all agreeing with me - thanks guys! 195's it is then.

[sleep envy]

make it 7

had 195s on all my 3 1.9s

[sniff petrol]

This may be of interest to you then - 4 new Toyo Proxos T1R for £125 delivered:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Set-of-4-Toyo-T1R-Tyres-1955...

I've ordered a set.

[WEREWOLF]

How do the TIR`S compare to the 888`s for performance?

[GnuBee]

T1R are a good all round tyre suitable for every day use in all weather conditions. R888s develop more grip, have a stiffer sidewall, will wear faster and can be a "challenge" in the wet.

If it's a track car then R888s will be better than the T1-Rs assuming it doesn't rain.

On the road with varying conditions you may be more comfortable with the T1-Rs

Edited by GnuBee on Friday 25th January 14:55

[sniff petrol]

WEREWOLF said:

How do the TIR`S compare to the 888`s for performance?

I can't afford 888's for now

[106 gti]

I run T1R's on mine and they are great in the dry and wet .

I also ran the tyre choice 195/50 on my 205 with Yoko's and around combe they were as good as any wet or dry ...