Has anyone tried 205/60R16 tires on a 98 V70?

dogphife · Post by **dogphife** » 11 Oct 2016, 20:36

Hi, new member here. I recently purchased a 1998 V70 AWD with 190,000 miles. I took the car for inspection and everything passed except tires. It had the Michelin Primacy OE tires on it, badly worn. The car also has a very harsh ride, feeling every little bump. As I plan to overhaul the struts, ect, the first thing to do was get tires and get it inspected. I was wondering if anyone has tried 205/60r16 tires on this car before? The only reason I would do this is to have a little more sidewall to dampen the ride. I don't mind if the speedometer is off a little. My main concern is if this size tire would rub. So has anyone tried this before, or know if it's possible? Thanks. Great site by the way

Post by **scot850** » 11 Oct 2016, 22:47

The width of the tire should not be an issue although check for rubbing on the front inner fender liners on full lock both ways. Watch the height of the tire does not foul with the front strut seats if they are too tall. Volvo ran these rims on 55 profile tires as a modification to the original 50 profile tires.

Neil.

Post by **j-dawg** » 11 Oct 2016, 23:09

i dunno, but i saw your username and spent like 20 minutes watching A Tribe Called Quest videos.

RIP Phife Dawg.

charleskennedy23 · Post by **charleskennedy23** » 12 Oct 2016, 03:28

These cars were well designed from the factory. I would be inclined to stay away from modding the car from a "comfort" perspective (if you want to go faster, then mod away). My guess is that if you get the wheels, suspension, and motor mounts back to factory spec you would not need a bigger tire to smooth out the ride. my v70 had a really rough ride when I got it, but after new tires, shocks, control arms, end links and sway bar links the car finally rides great! That's even with Monroe shocks on the car which I am not overly pleased with...

Post by **sleddriver** » 12 Oct 2016, 13:10

Don't know about the larger tires. I do know about the rough ride though. New struts/shocks, spring seats, tower bearings (maybe) and ALL front engine/torque mounts, including both hydraulic MM's. Mine were both shot after 19yrs: no more fluid. World of difference in the ride with new ones.

dogphife · Post by **dogphife** » 16 Oct 2016, 00:10

j-dawg wrote:i dunno, but i saw your username and spent like 20 minutes watching A Tribe Called Quest videos.

RIP Phife Dawg.

That's awesome. I have had that email handle for about 16 years and only 4 people ever got the reference! Plus, that was my actual dogs name. Love the Tribe Called Quest!

dogphife · Post by **dogphife** » 16 Oct 2016, 00:21

charleskennedy23 wrote:These cars were well designed from the factory. I would be inclined to stay away from modding the car from a "comfort" perspective (if you want to go faster, then mod away). My guess is that if you get the wheels, suspension, and motor mounts back to factory spec you would not need a bigger tire to smooth out the ride. my V70 had a really rough ride when I got it, but after new tires, shocks, control arms, end links and sway bar links the car finally rides great! That's even with Monroe shocks on the car which I am not overly pleased with...

I appreciate the feedback. The previous owner stated that the engine mounts were recently replaced. The struts and EVERYTHING passed inspection but the tires. I love the car. It is my 4th car that I currently drive. I want it to be my fun family car. It rides so harsh and needs a water pump. I have a lot of work to do, but think this website is great. It has surely helped me so far

2004 Chevy cavalier
1998 Volvo V70 AWD
1985 Chevy G20 Sportwagon
1978 2 Door Malibu Classic

dogphife · Post by **dogphife** » 16 Oct 2016, 00:30

I am still serious about if 205/60r16's rub. Anyone that's tried it?

dogphife · Post by **dogphife** » 07 Nov 2016, 20:24

UPDATE!!!! I went ahead and put 205/60r16 tires on it. They were a nervous, tight fit, but ended up working great! So to answer my question, 205/60r16tires DO fit on a 1998 V70! The car seems happy too!

Peter V70 · Post by **Peter V70** » 05 Apr 2017, 04:03

Dear Dogphile,

Could u post or send a few photo's? I am very curious. I was thinking about the same thing. In my opinion there is too much space around the tyres with 205/55R16 and it would look much better if it is filled up a bit more with a 205/60R16.

I would like to see the result on your car

Kind regards,
Peter