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My understanding is that the 255/60-15 tire size was offered starting in the 1978 model year, either as an option or standard equipment. Can someone tell me if the wheel size changed, backspace or offset? Or was it the same wheel used on pre-'78 cars?
The standard wheel used on all 69-82 Corvettes, was the 15x8 AZ coded rally wheel. The aluminum wheel became an option in 1976, and it too was a 15x8. The back spacing is also the same on both wheels.
The P255/60R15 tire became an option in 1978, and was available with either the standard steel rally wheels, or the optional aluminum wheels.
Installation of the optional 60 series tire on 78 and 79 Corvettes, did require the factory to make a modification to the body. On cars ordered with the 60's, the forward edge of the front wheel lip was trimmed away to provide additional clearance for the front tires. The front fenders were redesigned in 1980, to allow for more clearance, so it was no longer necessarily to trim the wheel lips.
Thanks all. I ask because I just installed a 255/60 on my spare wheel and tried it on the front and back (of my '77) to test for clearance. I didn't notice any issue with fender clearance. The only tight area I noted in the front was at the tire to frame with the wheel fully cut, could about fit a fingertip between, and in the rear I could again get about a finger tip between the spring and the tire. I'm thinking the tire change is a go next season.
Post '77 Wheels
