Another Tire sizing question
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
Another Tire sizing question
I will be needing new tires for my 1977 (stock 15 inch rally's).
I was pretty dead set on the stock 225/70/R15...but as I get close to ordering time, I am considering other sizes...
I have heard that some have had fitment issues with 255/70R15's...is that accurate, or can i get away with the wider tires...
If the 255's are a potential issue, what is the widest tire size you would recommend (short of the 255)?
I was pretty dead set on the stock 225/70/R15...but as I get close to ordering time, I am considering other sizes...
I have heard that some have had fitment issues with 255/70R15's...is that accurate, or can i get away with the wider tires...
If the 255's are a potential issue, what is the widest tire size you would recommend (short of the 255)?
#2
Instructor
I hope you meant to type 255-60 15. I had 255-70 15 tires on my truck and while they looked great on the truck with 15x8 rims, I can't imagine they would fit on the Vette! Even 255-60 15 tires sometimes give trouble at full lock turning on C3 cars. The factory trimmed the front edge of the front wheel openings and I think something is a little different at the back edge of 78 and 79 models equipped with the optional 255-60 15 tires. I knew some that ran 245-60 15 tires without issues, but I never liked the look of the shorter tire and now I don't think that size is readily available. On stock wheels, I personally think 225-70 15 looks best on 68-77 Vettes.
#3
Nam Labrat
Member Since: Sep 2013
Location: New Orleans Loo-z-anna
Posts: 33,997
Received 4,267 Likes
on
2,790 Posts
225/70/15 on the front of my '68........they fill the wheel well with 1.5" clearance above the tire. 225's look too thin on the rear though......235's or 245's would look better, but they can't be rotated to the front because they would rub badly.
#5
Racer
Thread Starter
225/70/15 @ 8.86" wide 27.4" tall
235/60/15 @ 9.25" wide 26.1" tall
245/60/15 @ 9.65" wide 26.57" tall
255/60/15 @ 10.04" wide 27.05" tall
Would the tire height be noticeble to the naked eye if I went with a .9" shorter tire on the rear?
235/60/15 @ 9.25" wide 26.1" tall
245/60/15 @ 9.65" wide 26.57" tall
255/60/15 @ 10.04" wide 27.05" tall
Would the tire height be noticeble to the naked eye if I went with a .9" shorter tire on the rear?
#7
Race Director
#8
Racer
#9
Drifting
Lots of choices.If you don't want the front tire taller than the rear but want a wide tire on the back then you could go;
255/60/15 rear
215/65/15 front
Unless it is lowered slightly in the front it may not look right.
225/70/15 front and 255/60/15 rear is less than half an inch in height difference and the casual looker may not even notice the difference.
255/60/15 rear
215/65/15 front
Unless it is lowered slightly in the front it may not look right.
225/70/15 front and 255/60/15 rear is less than half an inch in height difference and the casual looker may not even notice the difference.
#11
#12
Racer
Thread Starter
Thanks to all for the responses so far...Just trying to figure out the best way to go, and since I have to replace both the drive and driven gear in the trans anyway this spring, no time like the present to make a change...
Just hate to spend the $$$ and end up having to buy new tires later on anyway due to fitment issues.
#14
Drifting
Width will be fine.You will have a slightly larger gap from tire to fender on the front.1 inch shorter tire.
#15
Burning Brakes
#16
Le Mans Master
I have a 77 that I'm running cooper radials. 255/60 on the rear 225/70 on the front. The 255's are too wide for the front. Even the 225/70's rub just a little at full lock. Here is what it looks like.
#17
Racer
Thread Starter
Thanks for the photos and thoughts...
I am not considering the 255/60/15's for the rear, and the 245/60/15 for the fronts...
I have seen a few other threads where folks mention having to make 'adjustments" to the wheel wells in the fronts with 255's...I do not want to get into all of that...
The 245's are also slightly taller than the 235's, so they should fit the wheel well a bit better as well...
I'll be ordering sometime in the next week or so--Discounttiredirect is having a sale--$40 off a set of 4 coopers, and free shipping...
Will also be picking up a set for the Camaro as well...
I am not considering the 255/60/15's for the rear, and the 245/60/15 for the fronts...
I have seen a few other threads where folks mention having to make 'adjustments" to the wheel wells in the fronts with 255's...I do not want to get into all of that...
The 245's are also slightly taller than the 235's, so they should fit the wheel well a bit better as well...
I'll be ordering sometime in the next week or so--Discounttiredirect is having a sale--$40 off a set of 4 coopers, and free shipping...
Will also be picking up a set for the Camaro as well...
#18
here is 235/60/15, i just got 245/60/15 so soon as i pick it up from the shop ill post pics
more pics
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...2546803&type=1
more pics
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...2546803&type=1
Last edited by R6n350GT; 02-21-2015 at 04:35 PM.
#19
GR70-15. Before I threw out the ancient spare, I carefully measured it. It was closer in size to the 235/60R15 than the 225/70R15. I have them now, Firestones, and I like them.
Years ago, I used the 255/60R15 tires and they rubbed a bit in the front when at full lock. Also, they tended to "tramline", and followed all the ruts in the road. The thinner tires, IMHO, offer better steering feel.
#20
My 69 had 255/60R/15s on the original wheel when I purchased it. They did rub on the front when turning hard. These are 215/70R/15s all the way around which are equivalent to the F70/15 Wide Ovals that were original equipment. Great improvement in ride and handling with no rubbing.