tire question
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,716
Likes: 4
From: New Baden Illinois
I think you mean 255/60R15 and 225/70R15. The difference is mainly in the width. They are both near the same height. A 255 may fit alright on a 78. I'm sure someone with a 78 will chime in.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,100
Likes: 12
From: Frederick Maryland
225/70R15 is standard on '78 Vettes. 255/60R15 is optional.
In general, the 70 series will ride better, the 60 series will handle better. While that's a generality, the real difference is in the make tire, tread design and tread compound. Tires are not created equal. Many, many threads on the subject abound on this site, with just as many opinions.
In general, the 70 series will ride better, the 60 series will handle better. While that's a generality, the real difference is in the make tire, tread design and tread compound. Tires are not created equal. Many, many threads on the subject abound on this site, with just as many opinions.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 21,422
Likes: 453
From: Massillon,Ohio USA
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Cruise-In VI Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12
...the original tires were either the P225-70R-15 Goodyear PolySteel Radial in either blackwall or solid block white letter style. This tire was a one year design tire as late '78/early '79 the size of the lettering became larger. The P255-60R-15 original tire was an outline white letter tire designated as "Goodyear GT Radial".
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,100
Likes: 12
From: Frederick Maryland
There's a lot of good make tires out there. To be honest, the best tire technology today is put into the 16" and larger sizes. The sizes our Vettes use is essentially obsolete technology when compared to the newer stuff.
What it generally comes down to now for our cars is price and the look you want. The BFG Radial T/A seems to have the look most seem to want, but they're in short supply according to other threads here.
I have T/A's on my '78 and think they're excellent tires. On my '69 I have Coopers and think they're excellent as well.
Take your time, look at the tire manufacturer websites and check the ratings, the appearance, the availablilty, etc. Then you can make up for mind what to go after.
What it generally comes down to now for our cars is price and the look you want. The BFG Radial T/A seems to have the look most seem to want, but they're in short supply according to other threads here.
I have T/A's on my '78 and think they're excellent tires. On my '69 I have Coopers and think they're excellent as well.
Take your time, look at the tire manufacturer websites and check the ratings, the appearance, the availablilty, etc. Then you can make up for mind what to go after.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,100
Likes: 12
From: Frederick Maryland
That tire isn't made anymore and I don't believe anyone is reproducing them either. I guess there's a possibility of finding an original set, but remember they're thirty years old if you do and who knows what kind of storage conditions they've endured. Even if you found a pristine NOS set, I would consider them show only and not for driving on.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Check this tire calculator out, it will help tremendously!
http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/infoTireMath.dos
http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/infoTireMath.dos
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,797
Likes: 466
From: Wichita Kansas
Check this tire calculator out, it will help tremendously!
http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/infoTireMath.dos
http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/infoTireMath.dos
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 518
Likes: 0
From: Oldsmar FL
Check this tire calculator out, it will help tremendously!
http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/infoTireMath.dos
http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/infoTireMath.dos
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
You know what you do after you install new tires? you get your car alligned.
i did not. after 2 summers i Got 2 buy 4 new tires...but before i have to install a new control valve and a couple of tie-rods. live n learn.
i did not. after 2 summers i Got 2 buy 4 new tires...but before i have to install a new control valve and a couple of tie-rods. live n learn.
