15" Tire Recommendations for 2022

[Marty Rogan]

Hey Guys,

I am way over-due for new tires on my '70 240z. I am looking for some great performing summer tires.  I don't track or autocross the car anymore, just spirited driving on dry days only.   Finding performance tires in 15" is getting to be a challenge.  What are you guys using now, and what sizes?

My current tires are Yokos, 205/60/15 on Panasports.  That size does not seem readily available in a performance tire anymore.  

I look forward to seeing what you have and/or your opinions.

Thanks,

 

Marty

[SteveJ]

I run the Falken Azenis RT615K+ in 14" on my 240Z.

https://www.falkentire.com/tires/passenger-car-tires/azenis-rt615k-tire

There is also the Azenis RT660. https://www.falkentire.com/tires/passenger-car-tires/azenis-rt660-tire

Both are available as 205/50R15, so they are slightly smaller than your current tires. From doing a search on Tire Rack, I would say that going with a slightly smaller tire is your best option.

[Pilgrim]

I have an '82 ZX Turbo with the 15" stock wheels.  I'm looking at BFG TAs for my next set.  

 

They're available in 205/60/15.

[SteveJ]

9 minutes ago, Pilgrim said:

I have an '82 ZX Turbo with the 15" stock wheels.  I'm looking at BFG TAs for my next set.  

 

They're available in 205/60/15.

While the Radial TAs are available in that size, they really aren't performance tires.

[w3wilkes]

I'm currently running Bridgestone Ecopia's, 205/60/15 and they're okay. My next tires I'll be going back to BFG Radial T/A's in that size. I found them easier to turn the steering wheel at low speed, run more quiet and definitely easier to balance than the Michelins I had before them. Never did get the Michelins to balance very well. The T/A's may not be "performance", but they handled my "spirited" driving just fine. I did have them mounted black walls out, the raised white letters look great on a '70 Chevelle SS, but that's not for me on the Datsun.

[Marty Rogan]

7 hours ago, SteveJ said:

I run the Falken Azenis RT615K+ in 14" on my 240Z.

https://www.falkentire.com/tires/passenger-car-tires/azenis-rt615k-tire

There is also the Azenis RT660. https://www.falkentire.com/tires/passenger-car-tires/azenis-rt660-tire

Both are available as 205/50R15, so they are slightly smaller than your current tires. From doing a search on Tire Rack, I would say that going with a slightly smaller tire is your best option.

 

I have the European springs on the car, with higher spring rates, which tends to lift the car up a bit.   I am a little concerned that a 60 series tire might leave too much of a gap between the tire and the fender.  The Falkens do look like nice tires though.

[SteveJ]

I have 195/60 R14 in the Falkens. That would be close to the same size as the 205/50 R15.

My car is on the left. It has stock springs and very old struts.

Here is more of a side view.

Last photo

While the gap may seem big, the traction is very good.

[siteunseen]

FWIW I run Hankook 205/55-15 that looks really good in my opinion. They're all around tire that wasn't too expensive. Seems like Venturis or something? I'll look back at my account tomorrow and can say what they are for sure.

 

[KenFirch]

I've been happy with the Yokahama Avid Accend GT's, 205/60-15 (24.7" diameter) tires on my Z.  

[Marty Rogan]

16 hours ago, SteveJ said:

I have 195/60 R14 in the Falkens. That would be close to the same size as the 205/50 R15.

My car is on the left. It has stock springs and very old struts.

Here is more of a side view.

Last photo

While the gap may seem big, the traction is very good.

Thanks for the pics, they are very helpful.

[Marty Rogan]

17 hours ago, Marty Rogan said:

 

I have the European springs on the car, with higher spring rates, which tends to lift the car up a bit.   I am a little concerned that a 60 series tire might leave too much of a gap between the tire and the fender.  The Falkens do look like nice tires though.

I just noticed a typo.  I meant to say I was concerned with the gap on a 50 series tire.

[SteveJ]

1 minute ago, Marty Rogan said:

I just noticed a typo.  I meant to say I was concerned with the gap on a 50 series tire.

We knew what you meant.

I knew the Falkens were smaller than the Radial TAs I pulled off the wheels, and the visual did surprise me at first. However, when I'm behind the wheel with tires that grip well, I don't worry about it in the least. 🙂