c-3 tires: what size???
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 38
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From: troutville virginia
c-3 tires: what size???
what size tires are you using. My information says that stock tires are 205-75-15. I would prefer wider tires but dont want to run into fender rubbing problems.what tire sizes are people running?
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,557
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From: Ridgeway VA
22570R15 BF Goodrich TA radials work great - cost about $80-$90
each depending on where you get them.
It's about 8" wide and after 10 years of use no problems whatsoever.
Search other threads to get more info.
each depending on where you get them.
It's about 8" wide and after 10 years of use no problems whatsoever.
Search other threads to get more info.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 8,319
Likes: 7
From: Wilmington DE, Drive it like you stole it, 68 327 4 speed coupe
Originally Posted by gregc3
what size tires are you using. My information says that stock tires are 205-75-15. I would prefer wider tires but dont want to run into fender rubbing problems.what tire sizes are people running?
255 60 is the largest i think and still go lock to lock without trouble on later sharks
Last edited by sweethence; Nov 20, 2006 at 11:58 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,881
Likes: 9
From: staten island ny
255 60 r15 yokohamas on my 79, this was the wider factory option size, no rubbing issues at all. www.tireack.com
ESU
ESU
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
Originally Posted by PETKAH
22570R15 BF Goodrich TA radials work great - cost about $80-$90
each depending on where you get them.
It's about 8" wide and after 10 years of use no problems whatsoever.
Search other threads to get more info.
each depending on where you get them.
It's about 8" wide and after 10 years of use no problems whatsoever.
Search other threads to get more info.
Thats what tires i use.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,716
Likes: 4
From: New Baden Illinois
225/70R15 was the factory tire for the late 70's. You could get an optional 255/60R15, and this was more common for the 80, 81, 82. You just have to make sure that you have enough clearance on the front for the 255. I have seen it rub on more than one occasion.
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If you wire tie the hand-brake cables to the trailing arms (or move them to the top of the TA etc), you can run 275/50/15's all around, though they're an inch or more shorter than the stock sizes, plus they're really too wide for the 8" rim to give max performance (but they'll fit and work well under normal driving). I ran 265/50/15's for years with no problems (though I wire tied the hand-brake cables etc).
Some have stuffed 295/50/15's out back on stock 8" rims, but they're really way too big for the rim, and not really safe if you drive hard etc.
Best size that fits all C3's and maintains a near stock diameter is likely the 245/60/15, while the 255/60/15's will fit early C3's with possibly a minor trim of the front inner wheel-well lip (I currently have 255/60ZR/15 BFG R1's on my 71 Coupe, and they work fine).
Each C3 is a little different with regards to body and frame alignment.
The 255's were optional in 79, and I believe standard 80 - 82. C3's with 255's had the minor trim of the front inner wheel-well lip from the factory.
The Firestones and Yokohama's seem to be the best performing 245 - 255/60/15's, though by current standards you should consider going to larger diameter rims if you want the latest hi perf tires...
Doug
Some have stuffed 295/50/15's out back on stock 8" rims, but they're really way too big for the rim, and not really safe if you drive hard etc.
Best size that fits all C3's and maintains a near stock diameter is likely the 245/60/15, while the 255/60/15's will fit early C3's with possibly a minor trim of the front inner wheel-well lip (I currently have 255/60ZR/15 BFG R1's on my 71 Coupe, and they work fine).
Each C3 is a little different with regards to body and frame alignment.
The 255's were optional in 79, and I believe standard 80 - 82. C3's with 255's had the minor trim of the front inner wheel-well lip from the factory.
The Firestones and Yokohama's seem to be the best performing 245 - 255/60/15's, though by current standards you should consider going to larger diameter rims if you want the latest hi perf tires...
Doug
Originally Posted by hensen1954
So whats the widest rear tyre you can go on a stock 1981 rim and suspension ??
Don't mind front and rear being different widths.
Don't mind front and rear being different widths.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,876
Likes: 1
From: Jersey Shore Exit 98
Originally Posted by dgruenke
225/70R15 was the factory tire for the late 70's. You could get an optional 255/60R15, and this was more common for the 80, 81, 82. You just have to make sure that you have enough clearance on the front for the 255. I have seen it rub on more than one occasion.
supprised how many guys didn't know this. I put the 255's on the rear & 245's on the front because of tire rub w/the bigger tires. Don't put the 235/60's on the car its a small tire & looks small. Go w/the original option 225/70's if you have a clearance issue. Looks right on the car. G/L post pic's
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 410
Likes: 0
From: Wichita Kansas
275/40/17's on the front and 295/35/17's on the rear all on 9 1/2 inch rims. The car is lowered 2 inchs all around. Fronts rub on the sway bar the rears don't rub but the emergency brake cable was rerouted to the inside of the trailing arm, no rear sway bar and the mufflers, tail pipe entrance had to be moved. Probably wouldn't suggest this for a street car without flairs