Dunlop SP9000 205 50s Any down sides?

[malcolm]

I need to fit a new set of tyres to my 86 se and just cant stretch to the 215s price. Am I going to notice any down side to using Dunlop SP 9000 205 50 15Zs. The tyre fitting company mentioned the smaller size. Is it much smaller and will it make a big difference.
Many thanks
Malcolm

[lambert.john]

I have been running Dunlop 205/50*15s for over a year now, in the absence of a reliable supply of the specified tyre. The only downsides that I have found are:

1. You are 0.5cm nearer the ground! This may be an issue if you are already troubled with insufficient ground clearance (eg to cope with speed bumps etc.). [You could consider 205/55*15s].

2. If you have a similarly sized spare, you will need to add some packing to raise the boot floor 1cm to ensure it is flat.

Otherwise, there are no problems. The smaller tyre gives ample adhesion (tyre technology has improved over the years - a new 205/50*15 performs much better than an old 215/50*15), ride comfort is good, and the smaller tyre is readily available at a variety of prices (depending on what brand you want). The 205/50*15 certainly seems to be the favoured alternative amongst Excel owners (from my observations).

[mds666]

this might well turn into another one of the which tyre threds but i currently use 205.50.15 toyo proxy Tr1's and cant fault them... and there cheap!...

you may need to tell your insurance company that you are using non standard sizes... it is not uncommon for companys to weastle out of paying clames due to an undisclosed modification... even if you tell them over the phone make sure you get written confirmation.

[Lotus-e-Clan]

The excel runs better on modern 205 50 15s compared to the original spec 215/50/15 and personally I certainly would not go to 225s, which are too big for the front and traction is compromised in the cold and wet, or on loose surfaces (ie the rear is a tad on the light side for 225s). Mine are T1Rs Toyos like mds66.

I use Dunlop 205 50 13 sp9000 on my Clan at the rear (rear engine like a porche only slower) and they are very grippy.

The only downside is erosion of bragging rights down the pub...but only if you really believe bigger is better.

[malcolm]

The only downside is erosion of bragging rights down the pub...but only if you really believe bigger is better.

As my Skoda Superb runs 225s as standard Im covered there Oh no I would then have to admit I own a skoda

Thanks for all your advice 205 50 152 it is. Cheers

[Ozzy_UK]

downsides? they arent R888's? and they are expensive...
www.camskill.com are generally the best price....

[Radar]

Interesting info on the 205/50 15s! I need some tyres urgently

[malcolm]

In the end I went for Dunlop Sport SP01s all round 205 50 15 Vs. I found a web site that calculated how far out the speedo will be and that came to 1.5 mph under that showing on the dial. Havent really tried them out yet so I cant say if good or bad. I did keep the best 215 as the spare as somone here pointed out the boot floor drops a bit otherwise. One thing I have noticed is the old correct size Bridgestones had quite a flat side wall but these seem to have a more curved face to them.

[lambert.john]

Your comment about the greater curvature on the tyre walls reminded me that, with my Dunlop 205/50*15s, I did find, after experimentation, that the car seems to run better with an extra 2/4psi in them (ie 26/28 psi rather than the recommended 24psi).

[The effect of the smaller tyre on the speedo reading is going to be negligible, bearing in mind the likely accuracy of the speedo, anyway!].

John Lambert