tire size
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Winnipeg Manitoba
tire size
I have a 1970 Corvette. I want to retain the stock Rally rims, and want to install the widest tire this rim will accept. Currently my Corvette has B.F.Goodrich Radial T/A. Front size is 215/65r15 and rear size is 255/60r15. Oh, and must have raised white lettering, and of Radial construction. Any thoughts?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
FYI: there have been some reports of front tires larger than 245's rubbing early C3 frames. Don't recall if that included 70's, but may be a reason that a good number of C3's are running 245 fronts / 255 rears. You can probably mount larger tires than the 255's on the stock rims, but handling will suffer due to increased sidewall instability.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
I put 225/60s on the front...I think you can go up to 235/60s without any rubbing. On the back you can get 255/60s on it. If you go larger width, you might want to get 55s so that the diameter of the tire isn't too big [see above]. The bigger problem may be finding something in those sizes with RWL on them [that you like!].
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,712
Likes: 31
From: Shreveport LA
LA Events Coordinator
I put 245's on mine (front) and they rubbed when I turned the wheel lock-to-lock....went down to 235's and they worked perfectly.
The next set I get I may go to 70 series...they do fill the tire wells alot better and (to me) make the care look more "era correct". Good Luck!
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 6
From: Nevada City California
I ran a 265x50x15 B.F. Goodrich Radial T/A all the way around on several of my '70 Corvettes, worked fine with stock 15x8 rally wheels.
Last edited by early shark; May 30, 2007 at 09:00 PM.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 402
Likes: 2
From: Los Angeles
I put 245's on mine (front) and they rubbed when I turned the wheel lock-to-lock....went down to 235's and they worked perfectly.
The next set I get I may go to 70 series...they do fill the tire wells alot better and (to me) make the care look more "era correct". Good Luck!I started a thread on this same topic a few weeks ago. Decided to stay with 225/70-15's instead of going to 245/60-15's. No regrets. The 70's are plenty wide, are close to stock, don't rub, handle great and fill the wheel wells.
James1970
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Southern Indiana
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
