i just bought the ZR1 style wheels from ecklers for my 69 corvette
they are 17x8
here is the link to them-->http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...29&dept_id=257

what is the the ideal tire size for these rims?

245/?R17?

i have stock trailing arms in the rear

thanks for any help
frankie

 

I have 245/45/17 up front and 255/50/17 out back. I like the staggered look, others like to run 255/50/17 all around since that was the stock tire height. My car has stock trailing arms with the parking brake bracket relocated (not sure if it was necessary or not). Tires are Nitto NT555's

 

The stock tire height is 27" tall. As stated above the 255/50-17 is the same height as the stock tire. There are guys running 245/45-17s, 255/45-17s, 245/50-17s, 255/50-17s, and if you like the staggered look various combinations of all of them. On a '69 you have to watch the leading edge of the front fender. In '78 when GM made the 255/60-15s an option they trimmed the front fender lip to get them to fit. Check out a '78 or '79 with the optional tires to see what I'm talking about. If you want to go with the staggered look this won't be an issue. If you want to use the same size all the way around because you perfer that look or allow you to rotate the tires if you desire you may want to go with a slightly shorter or narrower tire. It would be best if you could find a local tire guy to work with that would allow you to "test fit". Good luck with what ever you decide.

 

You could start by getting 2 255/50/17, needed in back, to check fit.

 

I have the exact same rims on my 78 which previously had 255/60/15 BFG Radial T/A's S-Rated which as a performance tire have much to be desired. I primarily switched the rims to obtain ultra High Performance Summer tires with a Z speed rating. I run 255/50/17's (Kuhmo Esta ZR's) in the rear and they fit perfectly withy zero modifocations including any problems with the e brake cable although it is close to the rim with about a 1/4 inch clearance but no rubbing at all. I put the 255/50/17 ZR's in the rear since I needed to preserve the overall tire diameter as the 255/60/15's since I have 3.70 gears with the 4 speed and it rev's high with that setup. In the front, I have 255/45/17 ZR's which is really the perfect tire for looks (In my opinion), handling, steering response, and ride. I do like the staggered look since the front tires in this size are 1 inch shorter than the 255/50/17's. I also have 1 inch shorter front coil springs and run a rear 360 composite which is approximately 1 inch taller than the OEM steel spring. All in all, a great look and incredible difference versus the OEM poor performance tires. With a ZR rated tire (If you want real performance, resist the urge to go as wide as possible and concentrate on getting ultra high performance tires, ZR/VR and stay away from S,T, U, and even h rated tires), my car steers, handles, and rides like a modern sports, hard to believe with a C3, but I have done many other suspension modifications but the tire/rim change was a gigantic leap forward! I often read of people changing rims and then putting on 20 year old tire technology rubber on the rims, looks good but really no performance on the street!

 

I have Cragars on mine and they are 17x9.5. Front tires are 245x45x17. Backs are 275x40x17. No special adjustments needed when I put them on. No rubbing no problem. I even lowered the rear with the longer bolts.

 

[QUOTE=marz;1571936157]I have Cragars on mine and they are 17x9.5. Front tires are 245x45x17. Backs are 275x40x17.

Do you know what the back spacing was on this set up?

Thanks

 

Too bad you bought rims before you came here and asked about them. If you had started a thread titled "What wheels and tires will fit on my Vette" you would have unlimited options.

Since you already bought the rims now you are limited because their is not as much variety in the 17in high performance tires, as compared to 18-19in.

Hope you can find a tire that looks good on your Vette. Don't forget stock height is 27in and you don't want to get too much smaller because they will not fill the wheelwell.

 

Yeah, the tall 17" tires are only 225 wide.

 

Thread is from 2009 guys.

 

I have the same sizes. I'm not very confident that the 255/50 would be ok on the front of mine. It sits low all the way around. I put Kumho's on mine.




The little one took a size smaller!

 

Somebody, somewhere is asking the same question today. Next it will be double pumpers and which is the best oil.

 

Yup, OP is long gone...


Last Activity: 03-22-2011 02:53 PM
Member Since: 10-24-2009