15" vs. 17"
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
I'll PM you the dealer. A+ for service from them.
here's the wheels site
http://www.rev-wheels.com/rev-wheel....=5838&cat=1270
here's the wheels site
http://www.rev-wheels.com/rev-wheel....=5838&cat=1270
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
...I'm amazed how many people on this forum feel the difference in the ride a Corvette that is at least 30+ years old goes from comfortable to objectionable by going from 15" wheels to 17" wheels. 
These cars really ride that smooth and comfortable that 17" wheels are a deal breaker? Really?
These cars really ride that smooth and comfortable that 17" wheels are a deal breaker? Really?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,721
Likes: 108
From: Canada
A little off topic but I love watching F1 racing with those @ 12" - 14" front and @14"-15" rears. I just wish that someone made performance tires for our 15" wheels, keeping original height even if limited to a couple of widths like original and maybe 255's.
Back on topic, I still have my original wheels in storage, am currently running with15" Cragars with Indy 500's. When these Indy's need replacement I will likely move to 17"/18" wheels just for the better tires.
Back on topic, I still have my original wheels in storage, am currently running with15" Cragars with Indy 500's. When these Indy's need replacement I will likely move to 17"/18" wheels just for the better tires.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,797
Likes: 608
From: Dallas Georgia
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (track prepared)
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I just converted my 71 from 15" TT-D to 17" Vintage Wheel Works V40s and I LOVE the difference both in appearance and ride quality (my 15s were old and had been sitting flat for a number of years so just having new tires drastically improved ride quality.)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
polishing wheels sucks
http://www.wheelsforless.com/america...l.aspx?ID=9755
Last edited by qwank; Apr 19, 2013 at 07:56 PM.
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: hebron IL
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 12
From: SoCal
I've got a '72 with 15" TTIIs on it and I'm about to put a new set of Wildwood calipers on it, so I was thinking this might be a good time to put some new 17" rims on it in order to get some performance tires. Seems like there's a bunch of variables to worry about! 
So, what's the "total solution" if I want to go with TTII 17" rims and without making any mods to my '72 and still have my speedo/odo accurate and everything fit in the wheel wells?
4" backspacing, 17x8 rims? And what size tires (preferably the same size all the way around so that I can rotate them)?
So, what's the "total solution" if I want to go with TTII 17" rims and without making any mods to my '72 and still have my speedo/odo accurate and everything fit in the wheel wells?
4" backspacing, 17x8 rims? And what size tires (preferably the same size all the way around so that I can rotate them)?
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 14,948
Likes: 3,351
From: NYC NY
Thanks TSWIt's real easy to blame wheel diameter for the short comings of a 30+ year old chassis that may or may not have any of the following that needs attention: bushings, steering components, springs, shocks, or seat cushions for that matter. The other thing that is never really considered when talking about the "ride" is aspect ratio. A 60 series tire is going to ride alot better than a 35 series tire. When I made the original post I was joking (concluding with
). Although I still find it hard to believe that a C2 or C3 Corvette (that is not in need of suspension work) goes from Caddy comfortable to buck board stiff by going from a 255/60-15 to a 255/50-17. If someone wants to be objective you can deteriorate the ride of a car by changing tire brands within the same diameter for that matter. When performance is the top priority there are not that many choises in 15" and 16" diameters. So 17s and up dominate the responses. Again IMCO if ride comfort is the #1 concern no reason to even discuss performance tires and plus 2 or plus 3 sizes.
Opinions and/or advise dominate most of the threads. Our differences and are ability to tolerate conflicting opinions are what makes this forum what it is.
Last edited by 3JsVette; Apr 19, 2013 at 10:22 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 14,948
Likes: 3,351
From: NYC NY
So, what's the "total solution" if I want to go with TTII 17" rims and without making any mods to my '72 and still have my speedo/odo accurate and everything fit in the wheel wells?
4" backspacing, 17x8 rims? And what size tires (preferably the same size all the way around so that I can rotate them)?
4" backspacing, 17x8 rims? And what size tires (preferably the same size all the way around so that I can rotate them)?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 926
Likes: 2
From: Castle Rock CO
My 1977 has 15s on it with 225 70 R 15 tires and to retain the touring car feel when these tires wear out I will install the 255 60 R 15 tires to handle better while keeping the car all orginal. For me it is not about handling but ride quality since I am going to just enjoy the ride and once you go with thinner side walls than it is a choice do want your kidneys to bounce or do want a soft ride. Mine was bought for touring back roads and not performance. So it is a choice you would make. If you want it handle better than I say go for it.
Last edited by MakoJoe; Apr 19, 2013 at 10:03 PM.
Racer
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From: Island Lake IL
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
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From: Southern NH
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: hebron IL
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
