1980 Tire Size Question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
From: Yerington NV
1980 Tire Size Question
I have seen previous posts, on previous years', about tire size issues over 245-60-15 on the front, that causes one to have to trim fender to fit.
Does that still apply to 80+ models that optional tire size from factory was 255-60-15 or had the body already been modified to fit that size by then?
I have 235's now, but when it is time, I want to get the largest tire I can fit without body mod, so I throw this out to other 80 owners (and of course those of you, that know it all
)
Does that still apply to 80+ models that optional tire size from factory was 255-60-15 or had the body already been modified to fit that size by then?
I have 235's now, but when it is time, I want to get the largest tire I can fit without body mod, so I throw this out to other 80 owners (and of course those of you, that know it all
)
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,876
Likes: 1
From: Jersey Shore Exit 98
the factory original tire size was 225/70/15 the 255/60/15 was an upgrade. the 245's should fit the front end w/no rubbing issues. if you have a problem w/your vette I would go w/the 225/70's over the smaller 235's
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 478
Likes: 0
From: Ellicott City MD
When I got my 1980 I was the 3rd owner, but I believe mine originally came with the 255/60-15's as an option. In any case, mine never rubbed with the aluminum 15x8 wheel even at full turn. I have now switched to a 17" wheel, but that's another topic altogether...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,100
Likes: 12
From: Frederick Maryland
The tire rubbing issue was moot after the '77 model year...for '78 there were modifications to the body panels for wider tires and P255/60R15 tires were optional. Your '80 is fine going to P255's all the way around.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,740
Likes: 3
From: Aurora Ontario
I have seen previous posts, on previous years', about tire size issues over 245-60-15 on the front, that causes one to have to trim fender to fit.
Does that still apply to 80+ models that optional tire size from factory was 255-60-15 or had the body already been modified to fit that size by then?
I have 235's now, but when it is time, I want to get the largest tire I can fit without body mod, so I throw this out to other 80 owners (and of course those of you, that know it all )
Does that still apply to 80+ models that optional tire size from factory was 255-60-15 or had the body already been modified to fit that size by then?
I have 235's now, but when it is time, I want to get the largest tire I can fit without body mod, so I throw this out to other 80 owners (and of course those of you, that know it all
)Try this site for calculations...http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html
Jim
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2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: quebec city Canada
Hi.
I have a C3 1980 and i want to change tire some people told me to have smaller size in front ..... should I ?? I have 255 60r15 rear tire and should have a size like 235 60r15 in front.... for a better road holding.... what is your opinion ... thanks..
I have a C3 1980 and i want to change tire some people told me to have smaller size in front ..... should I ?? I have 255 60r15 rear tire and should have a size like 235 60r15 in front.... for a better road holding.... what is your opinion ... thanks..
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,154
Likes: 69
From: Regina Sk Canada
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,154
Likes: 69
From: Regina Sk Canada
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,934
Likes: 4,498
From: Virginia
Mine came with N90 aluminum wheels (YJ8, but lighter for 80-82) and sits on 255/60-R15 tires. No rubbing, looks correct for the car, and I prefer to have the same wheel and tire all the way around.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,154
Likes: 69
From: Regina Sk Canada
Thank you the car is a result of a 3-4 year body off rebuild. I replaced everything in the car except the t-roofs and the paint. The paint is a 7 out of 10 and the car is a driver so not too scared if it gets a stone chip.
