Tires, which size?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 6,399
Likes: 1,226
From: Tampa Florida
Tires, which size?
I currently have 235/60/15 BFG RWL TA's on my '71 LS5. I bought them in 1990 and they have about 200 miles on them, so it's time for new ones.
Should I stick with the 235's or change to 245's?
Thanks,
Dave
Should I stick with the 235's or change to 245's?
Thanks,
Dave
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 6,399
Likes: 1,226
From: Tampa Florida
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,343
Likes: 4
From: Anderson SC
Not to deflect the question but is there actually anything "wrong" with them? Are they showing real signs of age cracks, dryrot, etc etc?
Depending on conditions - they could junk, as good as new, or anywhere in between. Have an expert look at them - WITHOUT mentioning age which will bias the judgement.
Yes, It seems to me that P235/60/R15 is indeed the "default" tire used on most C3's with 8" factory rims. Most people I know seem to use the Radial T/A as well - by default anyway.
-W
Depending on conditions - they could junk, as good as new, or anywhere in between. Have an expert look at them - WITHOUT mentioning age which will bias the judgement.
Yes, It seems to me that P235/60/R15 is indeed the "default" tire used on most C3's with 8" factory rims. Most people I know seem to use the Radial T/A as well - by default anyway.
-W
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
Dave
255/60/15 are the correct dia. for speedo & should fit fine in back. Some have some rubbing in front & use 235/60 or 245/60/15 in front.
You could get 2 255/60/15 & try front fit first.
255/60/15 are the correct dia. for speedo & should fit fine in back. Some have some rubbing in front & use 235/60 or 245/60/15 in front.
You could get 2 255/60/15 & try front fit first.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 6,399
Likes: 1,226
From: Tampa Florida
Not to deflect the question but is there actually anything "wrong" with them? Are they showing real signs of age cracks, dryrot, etc etc?
Depending on conditions - they could junk, as good as new, or anywhere in between. Have an expert look at them - WITHOUT mentioning age which will bias the judgement.
Yes, It seems to me that P235/60/R15 is indeed the "default" tire used on most C3's with 8" factory rims. Most people I know seem to use the Radial T/A as well - by default anyway.
-W
Depending on conditions - they could junk, as good as new, or anywhere in between. Have an expert look at them - WITHOUT mentioning age which will bias the judgement.
Yes, It seems to me that P235/60/R15 is indeed the "default" tire used on most C3's with 8" factory rims. Most people I know seem to use the Radial T/A as well - by default anyway.
-W
The other 3 tires look good and all have full tread depth (200 miles on them), but I wouldn't trust them so I'm going to replace all 4.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,832
Likes: 38
From: Cedar,BC
245/60/15 will rub slightly on full lock parking lot turns in the front.I returned to a very original looking 225/70/15,the height seems to fill the wheelwells better,I was worried the "skinny" tires would look funny but so far the car drives a lot better than it did with the 295/50 and 245/60 combo.I don't think these cars were ever intended/engineered for monstrously wide + low aspect ratio tires.
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Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 6,399
Likes: 1,226
From: Tampa Florida
Defective tire photos
I was backing the car out of the garage on Wednesday and there were black crumbs on the floor in the path of the tires. I was puzzled and looked under the car and saw nothing to cause this. When I looked up at the left front tire, strands of steel were exposed and the tread separated from the tire....scared the hell out of me.
The other 3 tires look good and all have full tread depth (200 miles on them), but I wouldn't trust them so I'm going to replace all 4.
The other 3 tires look good and all have full tread depth (200 miles on them), but I wouldn't trust them so I'm going to replace all 4.
Good side:
Defective side:
Glad that didn't happen out on the highway!
Racer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 315
Likes: 5
From: Sheboygan Wisconsin
I have 235/60/15's in the front and 255/60/15's in the back. I used to run 235's all the way around but decided to try the 255's. When I ran the stock 8" rims, there was no rubbing, but when I switched to the 8.5" wide aluminum rims the front tires rubbed on full turn. So I went with the 235's on the front. In hind site, I probably could have gone with 245's in the front but I had the 235's on hand. I have a friend who ran 245/60/15's on his stock '72 with no problems.
Mike
Mike
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,810
Likes: 0
From: NJ
I have 235/60/15's in the front and 255/60/15's in the back. I used to run 235's all the way around but decided to try the 255's. When I ran the stock 8" rims, there was no rubbing, but when I switched to the 8.5" wide aluminum rims the front tires rubbed on full turn. So I went with the 235's on the front. In hind site, I probably could have gone with 245's in the front but I had the 235's on hand. I have a friend who ran 245/60/15's on his stock '72 with no problems.
Mike
Mike
Your car looks nice
I have 4 255 60 15's on my 72 and the fronts are close but they don't rub. I had put them on because they looked nice and that's what was on the car when I bought it but when I need tires again...I'll change them up and might go with 235 or 245's
Instructor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: Malvern PA
Great thread. Just what I was looking for. I have a 75 that's getting pretty close to needing new tires. I bought it with P245/60/R15s on it (looks & drvives great), but was thinking of going with P235/60/R15s this time around or even P235/70/R15 to get back closer to factory specs, without losing handling or looks. Want the best of both worlds. I think 225s are too skinny.
Any suggestions, one vs. the other, as well as tire brands?
Much thanks!
Any suggestions, one vs. the other, as well as tire brands?
Much thanks!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,545
Likes: 3
From: 406ci SB, AFR 180 Heads - 490 HP @5,600 RPM 529 lb-ft @ 4,100 RPM
Since your asking what tire size is best on a 71, I'd stick with 245/60/15 anything larger seems to be a problem on early years as far as rubbing.
Most answer here are for non chrome bumper and it does make a difference because the fender lips are not trimmed like later years.
Most answer here are for non chrome bumper and it does make a difference because the fender lips are not trimmed like later years.
