Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Wheels & Tires Questions regarding stock 14" steel rims

Folks,

Facts:

1. I need new rubber on all four corners.
2. I must retain the stock 14" steel rims.
3. Label on drivers door shows 185/70 x 14 and
195/65 x 14 as available sizes.
4. I desire Yokomhama Avid tires, either Touring or
T-4's. I have experience withe the Tourings on a
Taurus and am very pleased w/these tires.
5. I plan on purchasing these from discounttiredirect.com

Questions:

1. What is the rim width of these stock steel 14"'s?
2. Will the 195/65 x 14's be an acceptable alternative
to the 185/70 x 14's that came with the vehicle? I
am looking for both subjective as well as factual
experience/opinions. I am concerned with speedo
error as well as appearance.

thanks everyone,
Bill

1. 5.5", I believe.

2. The difference in diameter between a 195/65R14 and 185/70R14 is about 1/4", 195/65 being slightly shorter and slightly wider. It probably wouldn't have much affect on the speedo.

Thanks Tom for the quick response. You are correct about not making much diff on the speedo, I believe.
Also, I have since discovered (correct me if in error) that the 1995 'Tour with the 2.5 V6 and 5 speed MTX had the 14's with the 195/65's on them.
Bill

get the 195s, more contact patch the better, less sidewall the better. my 180/70s had so much sidewall flex it sucked, so even though you're just changing it a little, it'll still help.

I have 185/60/14 Kumho Ecstas on my 14". Very nice!