I'm interested in opinions on mounting wider tires than what originally came on the '74 coupe that I am restoring, simply because I like the look, and I am really interested in staggering them. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated...thanks!

 

Welcome to the forum! I would suggest seaching "wheel tire fitment". This will bring up page after page. The most important aspect (from a visual) is to maintain a 27"+- dia. For ex. a 225-60-15 (25 5/8" dia)up front will not fill the wheel well. Ask me how I know???

What type of restoration are you starting?

Regards,
Pete

 

Hi Pete...

Thanks for the insight. As for maintaining the 27" +/- overall diameter, I have read that it's extremely important to stay close to the factory 27.4" diameter since that is what the speedometer is calibrated for, agreed?

What I don't understand from your post is why a slightly smaller tire didn't fit.

As for my rebuild, not sure how to answer your question, since I'm brand new to this. I plan on driving it, so I am going to make a few modifications from '74 options, like paint (leaning towards dark metallic blue or black) and wheels/tires, to make it how I want it. My 12 y/o son is going to be involved, so my long-term plans are for him to receive it (once I am dead and buried).

The car I picked up has no interior at all (I mean only a steering column, loose wires, and a pile of trash)! It has the 454, which the previous owner said ran perfectly when he parked it 15 years ago. The body looks like it is in pretty good shape, with two small repairs to fiberglass I will have to make.

 

Here's a handy chart I put together. This shows tire availability at Tire Rack. It's a few months old but should still be close.

 

By maintaining the specified dia. (27 +-)you'll maint. the speedo calibration though I believe you can replace the gear for diff dia. size tires. Maintaining the propper dia tire is usually done to maint appearance. IMHO a smaller tire doesn't look appropriate for the size wheel wells these cars have though this is pretty much opinion based only. In 1993 I fell in love with Eagle Gator Backs which were one of the first directional tires.. I purchased a staggered setup with 225-60's in the front and 245-60's in the rear, never considering the ramifications of not filling the wheel well. Judge for yourself with photo of my car with the old setup. Another thing to consider is the inability to rotating front to rear. The only way to rotate a directional tire is to break it down from the rim and remount on the other side.

To answer your question, a slightly smaller tire will fit, just aesthetics.

Type of restoration: There are many types; full body off, body on, restomod, cosmetic. My guess is you're doing a cosmetic with a resto flare. Great!

You'll create great memories having your 12 yr old involved. Be patient! LOL. Above all teach him auto safety first. It took awhile to sink in... but my boys will never get under a car until jack stands are in place.

During repairs determine if the parts being replace are the originals. By rebuilding the originals you'll end up with a higher quality part than today's replacements.

Use this forum for any and all of your questions. A wealth of information!

Does yor car have the "born with" engine still in place?

Regards,
Pete

 

Really, 275/35-19 on the front? Do they extend beyond the fender? Rub on the frame in turns?

 

It's frustrating. The 255/35-19 and 255/40-18 are an easier fit but they are short.

Run the 275/35-19 or 275/40-18 at -14mm offset and use a bolt-on fender flare. Lowering helps tuck the tops of the tires and only the tire tread must be under the fender line. They might claim the homologated ZL1 width which is really just the L88 (race part) fender flares. Basically, if they are using a C3 suspension geometry, the 275 tire, the 9.5" wide wheel, and offset between 0mm and -14mm then no-one is going to argue against a little fender flare.

Here is one suspension kit:

http://www.corvetteamerica.com/cf/di...ategoryid=x935
.

 

if you lower the car you can get away with a 26'' tire

 

Love the wheels can you tell us brand,size,backspace and source?

 

Thanks

Rev Wheels, Classic 100. 17''x8'' -12mm offset. (4'' backspace)
Continental Extreme Contact DW 255/45ZR17 (26'' tire)

 

A little visual aid.
Rims: 15 x 8.5
Tires: Rear - 255/60/15
Front - 235/60/15







Mike

 

American Racing Torq Thrust IIs 16x8
Front 255/60/R16
Rear 255/50/R17

 

Staggered is an option for these c5 z06 wheels.

 

18 x 8 with 255/45-18's here

 

Your car looks great, Dawson

 

Go to the C3 Tech Forum and check out the wheel/tire sticky at the very top of the page. You can get several ideas there. See what you like.