Tires/wheels
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Toledo Ohio
Tires/wheels
I recently bought my first corvette, a 73 convertible, 350ci, 190hsp. It has no spare tire. It has P245/60R15 tires. What size wheel should I purchase for this size tire, 15X8 or 15X7? Is this a correct tire for the year?
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,226
Likes: 643
From: Orange County Ca
You also have to get a Corvette specific wheel. I almost bought some GM rally wheels (15x8) that were off of a Camero. Would not have worked. Would not have cleared the caliper. Different offset.
Also, be careful of what tire you get. Too wide of a tire might not fit the spare tire carrier without hanging down too far. Get a 70's series tire of the same diameter. There are on line sites to help you here.
Also, be careful of what tire you get. Too wide of a tire might not fit the spare tire carrier without hanging down too far. Get a 70's series tire of the same diameter. There are on line sites to help you here.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,274
Likes: 4,366
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi 73,
Welcome! A new, old Corvette, and a CONVERTIBLE, NICE!
The 15x8 is the size of the original wheels on your car.
It's original tire size was GR70-15. A 225/70 spare tire will fit the car and the tub it sits in.
The 245-60 or 255-60 tires are a good choice in a tire that's about the same height as the originals, but a little 'fatter'.
Regards,
Alan
Hi sf,
I thought Camaro wheels were 14" during that era?
Welcome! A new, old Corvette, and a CONVERTIBLE, NICE!
The 15x8 is the size of the original wheels on your car.
It's original tire size was GR70-15. A 225/70 spare tire will fit the car and the tub it sits in.
The 245-60 or 255-60 tires are a good choice in a tire that's about the same height as the originals, but a little 'fatter'.
Regards,
Alan
Hi sf,
I thought Camaro wheels were 14" during that era?
Last edited by Alan 71; Mar 2, 2014 at 02:37 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,886
Likes: 9
You may be able to get a 245 tire to fit by slightly unscrewing the front mounting bolts on the tire tray and allowing the wheel tub to drop. Tie them in with locknuts.
Try it with one of your existing wheels first before you buy a new spare.
Good luck.
Try it with one of your existing wheels first before you buy a new spare.
Good luck.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,226
Likes: 643
From: Orange County Ca
I don't know. It was 12/13 years ago at a Goodyear tire store. They advertized used rally wheels. When I got there they told me they were off a Camaro. Maybe a Monte Carlo or Impalla?
Anyway, the point is that they had a different offset.
Anyway, the point is that they had a different offset.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,226
Likes: 643
From: Orange County Ca
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
From: Newman Lake Wa
I have 15 x 8 wheels with 245/60's on my '74. You can't fit a 60 series in the spare tire tub. For a spare the closest diameter tire that will fit is a 215/70 15 inch.
I believe your car has a limited slip rear end. Getting a tire that is too different in circumference from the one on the other axle can cause problems, assuming you have to use it.
Hope this helps,
Ray
I believe your car has a limited slip rear end. Getting a tire that is too different in circumference from the one on the other axle can cause problems, assuming you have to use it.
Hope this helps,
Ray
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