Tires!!!
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,546
Likes: 282
From: Back in Nebraska
Tires!!!
It's time for new rubber on the vette. I have a 1970 and presently have Goodyear Eagles P225/70/15's. I probably only drive 2000 miles a year or less. I want a quality tire but don't want to go to the poor house it get them. Any suggestions on brands and types of tires to consider?
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,720
Likes: 19
From: Manhattan Beach Ca
If you like white lettering on the outside then stay with Goodyear GT II but go 255/60/15 all the way around and you wont break the bank.
Others will say BFGoodrich which also have white lettering.
Others will say BFGoodrich which also have white lettering.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,546
Likes: 282
From: Back in Nebraska
I really don't know that much about tire size, but wouldn't 255's be too wide for the front. As it is now my 225's make contact with the wheel well when I make a sharp turn. How is a 60 different from a 70?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
BFGoodrich which also have white lettering. 
Hard to beat 255/60/15's on 8x15 rims, but earlier C3's often need 245's on the front. The 60 or 70 is the aspect ratio of the tire. Smaller the number the lower profile in relation to width.
edit - Here's a chart on tire dimensions that should help... http://www.rogerkrausracing.com/Tech.../tiredem.shtml
Hard to beat 255/60/15's on 8x15 rims, but earlier C3's often need 245's on the front. The 60 or 70 is the aspect ratio of the tire. Smaller the number the lower profile in relation to width.
edit - Here's a chart on tire dimensions that should help... http://www.rogerkrausracing.com/Tech.../tiredem.shtml
Last edited by TheSkunkWorks; Jul 26, 2008 at 04:47 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 2
From: Lewisburg WV
thegazman
255/60/15's were an option on C3's. That's what I have on my 79 as they came from the factory with that size tire. They fit prefect on an
8" rim and have no clearance problem. While you're looking at tires check Tire Rack for price. That's where I bought my last set.
8" rim and have no clearance problem. While you're looking at tires check Tire Rack for price. That's where I bought my last set.
Last edited by thegazman; Jul 26, 2008 at 04:58 PM. Reason: add photo
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 7,831
Likes: 5
From: Austin TX
"Wider 60-series tires became available as a 1978 Corvette option and required fender trimming at the Corvette assembly plant for clearance"
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
I believe it was the 265/60's, first offered in '78, which required the fender trimming. On earlier C3's, you can either run smaller tires all around or just on the front as required for clearance. Lots of owners have done one or the other with satisfaction.
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Burning Brakes
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From: SAN FRANCISCO CA
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
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From: if you have a ? on my avatar, please contact me directly, you spineless twit
St. Jude Donor '09
I have Dunlop GT Qualifiers and they have RWL, but not sure if they have those in the size you are looking for.
Like them better then the BFGs that were on before.
Like them better then the BFGs that were on before.
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: North Bend OH
BFG's
When I purchased my 68' it came with a set of BFG Radial TA R1 265-60-15's mounted on a set of 8"American Wheels. I bolted them on and had no problems with fender rub. They really looked great but being R1's and old the rubber was hard and I couldn't keep the tire spin down.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 716
Likes: 1
From: Albuquerque New Mexico
Agreed-
After looking at the 3 options (BFG, Firestone & Eagle GTs) this is what I'm going to get for my '82. Tire Rack has a nice comparison of the three and the ratings on the Firestones are higher across the board. They also have a very nice tread pattern. I know BFG TAs have been the standard for many years but I've never thought too highly of their tread pattern design - very boring and not too sporty or innovative in my opinion. Check out the Firestones - I was quoted $83/tire by a local Firestone shop and will have some put on later this week.
After looking at the 3 options (BFG, Firestone & Eagle GTs) this is what I'm going to get for my '82. Tire Rack has a nice comparison of the three and the ratings on the Firestones are higher across the board. They also have a very nice tread pattern. I know BFG TAs have been the standard for many years but I've never thought too highly of their tread pattern design - very boring and not too sporty or innovative in my opinion. Check out the Firestones - I was quoted $83/tire by a local Firestone shop and will have some put on later this week.
