Torque-thrust II's-15" or 16"-Help!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 865
Likes: 4
From: troy, mi
Torque-thrust II's-15" or 16"-Help!
Looking for pics/opinions for my '71 vert to go with either 15 or 16" polished torque-thrust II's on, but can't decide on the look. Don't want 17", car is manual steering. If you have pics of your car with these 2 sizes, please post one and indicate rim/tire size, backspace, etc. Thanks a ton!!!!!!!!!!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 865
Likes: 4
From: troy, mi
I don't want to go very wide on the fronts, currently have 235/60/15s. I know 17s start to limit which tires I can run ( I want a Mickey drag radial in back, so I want some sidewall for better hooking) No offset trailing arme either.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 9,622
Likes: 16
From: absecon nj
You should be able to run a 17x8 with a 255/50/17 front tire or all around and steer fine,thats on my fronts,i have power but my pump went a few weeks ago s o it was worse then manual and i could drive it ok.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
I am running 17/18s with 255 45 17 front and 275 40 18s rear. Stock trailing arms with a 5.5 backspace in the rear and 4 inch in the front. If you want to go racing just keep the 15 inch rims and mount up a set of drag radials.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,456
Likes: 102
From: Piedmont Va
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13,'19-'20
16x8 TT-D...
225/60 Front
235/60 Rear
Manual Steering...I went with the smaller tire as well for the same concerns you have....yes you can still drive it with bigger tires and wheels, but I also considered ease of driving in parking lot's and at slow speeds...I have no regrets, these have worked out very nicely...
225/60 Front
235/60 Rear
Manual Steering...I went with the smaller tire as well for the same concerns you have....yes you can still drive it with bigger tires and wheels, but I also considered ease of driving in parking lot's and at slow speeds...I have no regrets, these have worked out very nicely...
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 8,575
Likes: 3
From: On an island surrounded by sharks Hawaii
Check my webpage for pics of 15's on my yellow 77. Tire and rims size is shown on webpage. Also the fronts just barely start to rub on really tight turns.HTH
Last edited by DMONSVETTE; Aug 2, 2006 at 05:44 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,209
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From: Putnam county NY
2025 c3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Originally Posted by DaveP
Looking for pics/opinions for my '71 vert to go with either 15 or 16" polished torque-thrust II's on, but can't decide on the look. Don't want 17", car is manual steering. If you have pics of your car with these 2 sizes, please post one and indicate rim/tire size, backspace, etc. Thanks a ton!!!!!!!!!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 8,319
Likes: 7
From: Wilmington DE, Drive it like you stole it, 68 327 4 speed coupe
Originally Posted by SEE3ER
16"s all the way around!
the only real thing in my opinion, is you cant get raised white letter on anything over 15" or at least i havent found it.
I like the RWL so 15 for me
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 54
From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
Originally Posted by Jughead
I went with 16's because I wanted a little more rubber showing. 16x8's with 255-50-16 Goodyear's.
If you prefer the 'classic' look 16" is the way to go.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,456
Likes: 102
From: Piedmont Va
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13,'19-'20
the only real thing in my opinion, is you cant get raised white letter on anything over 15" or at least i havent found it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 914
Likes: 14
From: Aberdeen, Scotland
16"s
I have 16's just like Dosoctaves. And I like the look. I run 235/60/16's front and 255/50/16's back. I have Dunlop 8000's on the rear, nice. BUT I really want a 255/55/60. I would like just a little more sidewall for look and how the car sits. I too kept my BFG's and stock wheels just in case. Anyone know of a taller tire that might suit? I do like the Dunlops though.
The Blue vette looks sweet too!
Carbster
The Blue vette looks sweet too!
Carbster
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,078
Likes: 0
From: Santee CA
Originally Posted by SEE3ER
16"s all the way around!
The only reason for this, though, is that I've found a better cushion riding on 16's than 17's or 18's. It makes for a smoother ride with that extra rubber when you're riding around town in an area with as many potholes as I've got...Hit one with the shorter sidewalls and you're picking your teeth up off the floor of the car.
