DanTanna

What tire sizes are people running on their 63-67's? I'm looking at either 215/65R15 or 225/60R15, both on 6inch rally's. How wide can I go with 60's? I'm looking for a lower profile than 70's. Thanks!

FRAC

I asked this same question recently when I got my 66 cpe, and was told 215, or 205, with I think the 195/75 being the correct size for the 775X15.

I really wanted to go with the 215's but finally chickened out and went with the 205's, and I'm glad that I did. The front seems to have plenty of room, but the rear has about a finger width between the tire and the wheel well.

There are those that say the 215 is fine, and I may have some suspension sag that makes mine tighter. Don't know for sure, but from what I see, the 225's would be too large.

Frac :) GB

66427-450

I was interested in this as well, with so many different tire sizes available now days.... after a little research, I recently concluded that with 5.5" - 6" factory wheels most guys run either 205/75, 215/70, 215/65, or 225/60 (with the 215/70 or 65 the most popular). I used 7" rally’s and G60 TA's back in the late 70's on a 66 (dating myself here), the only thing I altered was the very corner of the front fended, behind the blinker..... then just in inter-most edge/corner, not noticeable at all (just re-contoured corner slightly, probably within factory/original tolerances).


[Modified by 66427-450, 4:28 PM 4/22/2002]

EZG63Conv

Got BFG 215/70/15s on 15x7 Rallys on my 63. No clearance problems, although it is probably at my comfort limit...It does have a new rear leaf though... Thinkin a 65 series tire would be about the limit with a old susp--EZ sends


[Modified by EZG63Conv, 4:36 PM 4/22/2002]

SWCDuke

At 775 revs/mile the 215/70 is equal to the OEM 7.75-15s. The best in this size is the Pirelli P4000 Super Touring, and it is "Z" rated.

There are also V-rated "police pursuit tires" available from GY, General, and Firestone in size 225/70R-15, which at 760 revs per mile match the 6.70-15s, but they should be on at least six inch wide wheels, and fender clearance on a midyear might be iffy.

Tire handling characteristics are primarily a function of construction details and tread compound. Many sixty series tires have hard compounds and low speed ratings. I call them "cosmetic performance tires". If you want to maximize the handling qualities of your Corvette, the above referenced 70 series tires are best, and they won't screw up your speedometer and odometer readings.

Duke

66427-450

EZG63Conv - Ya sure you have 7" rally wheels? '67 had 6" ?

EZG63Conv

OOps, my bad...stand corrected.... EZ sends

DanTanna

Thanks everyone. I've been researching the archives (shoulda thought of that before I posted) and looks like people are saying the 70's are more accurate and give a better ride, although there does seem to be some staunch support for the 215/65's. Thanks again.

Tom/99

I am running 195-75 X 15 Good Year white wall radial tires on my 65 Coupe.

Vetterodder

It doesn't sound like you are too concerned about not having a "correct" size. I've been running 225/60's on my `65 for the past 8 years and I wish I had room for something larger. I've seen 235/60's fit without problems on some midyears but not on others. The 225/60's are available in all speed ratings and, compared to the taller/skinnier tires, make for a noticible handling improvement and also better straight line traction. Different diameter tires than stock will give speedo error but it's a simple thing to calculate and adjust to.

texasplantman

I'm running 225/60/15's (firehawks) on all four corners. I'm on my third set and they're much more stable at speed than the 70 series pirelli's that the car had on it when I purchased it. I don't have any clearance problems, but I rarely do any really hard cornering where some fender contact might show up. They're borderline too small for the wheelwell, but I like the speed rating and the traction.

DanTanna

Well, I don't have to be that "correct", but I do want my speedometer in the ball park. Gotta be honest though, if I could run 235s out back, I would, but I'm chicken that they will rub.

396 RAT

215/65/15 Michelin MXV-4's
Its lowered about 2",
and 10" slicks trimmed the fender lips
yrs ago.
I ran this size on a stock 65 as well.
Its my favorite size on Mid yrs.. Bigger would be better,
but I dont care for flares.


[Modified by 396 RAT, 9:31 PM 4/22/2002]

DanTanna

Thanks all! I decided to go with 215/65/15's. When they are all mounted up and I figure out how to post pics, I will.

67435animal

I run 21570R15 on my 67 with no problems.

StrayDog

A few years ago put 215 X 65 R 15", on my 66........speedometer only off a few MPH , fit nice But consdering 215 X 60 R 15 " for rear as I need a bigger foot print .... :seeya

Vetterodder

Straydog, the 215/60 tread is wider than the 215/65's but, due to it's smaller circumfrence, the contact patch is also shorter so you won't gain much contact area. Also, going to a shorter tire at the rear could affect handling and appearance. I've calculated some diameters that might be helpful- 215/65 = 26.0", 215/60 = 25.16", 225/60 = 25.63, 235/60 = 26.1". Actual dimensions of actual tires are probably a little different but the relationships should give you an idea. As you can see, the 235/60 would maintain the same front/rear height relationship but measure carefully for clearance.

stngry63

I may be wrong, but I thought that 215 is the width of the tire and the second number is the ratio of the sidewall height to the width. 215 is 215mm; about 8.46". A 215/60 series tire would have the same 8.46" width as a 215/65, but be lower profile. I've bolted on a few different 15" tires and have found that 215/70-15 is the widest that would safely go on and keep a near stock diameter. A 215/70-15 tire is 26.8" in dia. A 225/60 and 235/60 will fit but go down in diameter. I haven't driven a 235/60-15 though. If you want good handling with the 215 and up width, a 6 to 7.5" wide wheel is needed. I'm currently running 215/70VR-15 tires on 15X7.5" rims with a negative 1.5 degrees camber in the rear to get a safe fit. Unknowing Folks have pointed out that my rear wheels are sagging. They don't understand that it's on purpose and helps to keep the oversteer from kicking in so quickly.

Vetterodder

Stngry63, the 215 is the width of the cross section of the tire's carcass. As the aspect ratio is decreased, shortening the height of the tire, the tread becomes closer to the cross section and has to become wider to meet it. The end result is the sidewall has less taper between it's widest point and the tread and the tire becomes more square if viewed from front or back. You can see examples of how this works in tire brochures that list dimensions or in the tire sections of mail order catologs like Summit or Jegs.

stngry63

I stand corrected.