January 15, 2003

New Tires for Fiero LT1

This is what they looked like when FedEx dropped them off on my porch.

Dunlop SP® Sport 8000             Ultra-High Performance Radial                                   Directional tread pattern offers enhanced anti-hydroplaning performance and maximizes dry grip and handling for high performance cars. Triple treadradius provides increased contact patch area during cornering for greater traction and control.   Twin shift noise reduction for quiet performance sophistication.           Jointless Nylon Band JLB construction for dependable ride uniformity and excellent contact patch shape.   Steel or Aramid® lower sidewall stabilizer for responsive handling and road comfort.       Max Flange Shield MFS rim flange protection feature on select sizes helps protect alloy wheels from curb damage. Treadwear Traction Temperature 200 AA A Specifications and Data                               Overall Static Rolling         Max. Max.   Size and Rim Section Tire Loaded Circum- Revs/ Tread Tread Tire load pressure Stock Service Description Width Width Diameter Radius ference Mile Width Depth Weight (lbs.) (PSI) Number                         P245/50ZR-15 7.0 9.6 24.7 11.3 74.7 848 9.1 10/32 25.8 1499 44 0332-28     Dunlop SP® Sport A2                 H-Rated All-Season High-Performance Radial                                   • Delivering a uncompromising blend of design and performance.             • High-Performance All-Season tread pattern with non-directional asymmetric design for optimized balance between responsive handling and All-Season performance. • Large,stable, high-density outer tread blocks for precise corneringcontrol and stability.         • Inner trea blocks with increased siping and lateral edges forreassuring wet performance, snow/ice grip and braking response. • Mammoth 3-ribcenter contact patch for improved straight-line stability, overall handling and treadwear.     • Widecircumferential and sweeping intermediate tread grooves evacuate water from the contact patch for excellent wet traction and hydroplaning resistance. • CHAOStread-pitch sequencing minimizes noise for a very quiet ride.           • Jointless Nylon Band JLB spliceless overlay technology for improved tire uniformity and smooth ride comfort.   • Innovativedual-phase tread compound enhances wet surface grip and snow performance plus superb heat dissipation. • Full-width, high-density steel belts for excellent control and long,  even tread life.         • Hard rubber bead apex and high ply turn-up combine for confident handling and predictable steering response.   • Available in 27 sizes with sleek, serrated black sidewall styling, enhancing vehicle's overall appearance. Treadwear Traction Temperature 420 AA A Specifications and Data                               Overall Static Rolling         Max. Max.   Size and Rim Section Tire Loaded Circum- Revs/ Tread Tread Tire load pressure Stock Service Description Width Width Diameter Radius ference Mile Width Depth Weight (lbs.) (PSI) Number                           P215/60R15 93H  B 6.5 8.7 25.1 11.4 76.2 832 6.9 10/32 22.5 1412 35 0138-42

OK, this is how it looked with the REAR factory size tires.

Original rear setup look with 215R60-15

Now for the after shots...

This is the new set of Dunlops installed.

My first impression was that the Dunlops were a little too wide and it gave the Fiero that skateboard look. Not very happy with it. so.... What I did was to have the tires remounted on a spare set of 88 front wheels which happen to have a smaller offset, thus pushing the tires into the wheel well by about 1/2 inch.

And this is how it looks from above. Before and After

Again... Before and After

I like this look better with more rubber tucked into the well. And thanks to the coil overs, there was plenty more room in there.

REFERENCES:       Discount Tire Direct       Dunlop Tire