Don't take this personally, but it's a real shame that some of the only tires now available in original C-3 sizes, are truck tires...........

 

That is the reason why I finally switched to 17's a few years ago…could not take the lack of ultra high performance tires any longer..255/45/17 ZR's:

 

I'm sure that SLP making those wheels, for a while, helped influence your decision.....

 

You hit the nail on the head…I struggled with changing out the stock aluminum 15 inch rims for years, since I could not find a 17/18 rim that I felt I could live with in terms of looks. SLP's copy of the C4 ZR1 rim (these SLP rims were made specifically for C3's) and the deal I got for the 4 of them new ($600 free Shipping), closed the deal for me….would NEVER go back to 15 S rated tires….zero comparison in ride, steering response, and handling…

These SLP's are sadly no longer available….

 

Unfortunately, SLP seems to play "hit and run" sometimes, with the parts they make. As contractors to GM for the Camaro SSs and Firebird Firehawks, SLP made/sold dozens of items, both as optional equipment on the F-bodies directly from the factory, as well as "speed parts" directly to the general public. Problem was, they made these items in limited quantities, and when they were gone, they were gone.

Along with my 'Vette, I also have a '96 Z/28, There were a few items I would have liked to have purchased, but back in the '96-'98 timeframe, I either didn't have the extra money in the budget, or the need to make my DD any faster. So I didn't buy any of those "goodies". Today, I'm retired, the car doesn't have to be a practical DD, and I have the time to mess with the car............

 

Doesn't bother me a bit. Can be said of almost all 15 inch tires. Identified as truck tires since there are few other vehicles that use 15 inch tires.

 

Good choice! They've been around for years.

 

When's the last time anybody saw a truck with a set of 15" BFG Radial TA's on it? Nobody buys them for pickups. They're rated and sold as passenger car tires, they're period correct and they look great on a C3. I run 235's on the front and 275's on the back. I can't speak for anyone else but I've never driven my antique `76 Corvette aggressively enough that my BFG's weren't good enough. I'm not saying modern performance tires aren't better, just that in most cases they're a waste of money. Unless it's about bragging rights, in which case they're worth every penny.

 

That's the beauty of modern performance tires, you don't have to drive extremely aggressive for the benefit of a well made tire with modern tire technology. Before I switched from the BFG Radial TA 255/60/15's on the stock aluminum 15 inch rims to the 255/45/17 ZR ultra high performance tire, I thought the same…really will not make that BIG of a difference. I don't drive my 78 with the rear sideways sliding through a turn either BUT 4 things were apparent immediately from the switch to the 255/45/17 ZR's:

1.RIDE. The moment I left my driveway with the modern rubber, I was shocked at how MUCH better the car rode down the road…no more bouncing all over the place from every dip and bump and this in a car with Bilstein Sport R/Heavy Duty F shocks, 550 front springs, 360 mono spring, poly control arm bushings, competition adjustable Heim joint struts etc. The ride is firm but MUCh smoother..incredible. A neighbor of mine with a Lexus LS430 complimented me on how well my C3 rode..all about those tires.

2. STEERING: The steering response is much more immediate BUT no more sawing at the wheel to get the car to track straight or through turns..goes where pointed and holds the line. I can ride down the highway at 80 MPH with 1 hand on the wheel…would never do that with the BFG's

3. HANDLING: The Cars limits are MUCH higher now on exit/entrance ramps where the old BFG's were reluctant to be pushed too hard.. no confidence in their ability to hold a tight line at speed.

4. TRACTION: The old BFG could be spun at will…not so easy now with the ZR tires..better traction and MUCH BETTER wet grip. Want to know the easiest and quickest way to increase the braking ability of a C3 or any car? Better traction tires…softer rubber V/Z tires.

You have to drive both tires back to back on the same car to really experience what I am saying…not to mention its nice to know that a Zrated tire (168 MPH) is MUCH stronger than an S/T rated one (112/118 MPH). My motivation to make the switch has nothing to do with bragging rights and everything to do with improved performance/ride...

 

Depends on what you like, but this is what I liked. American Racing Torque Thrust II with 215 70R15 B F Goodrich Radial TAs, great ride and drive, no rubbing on my 69,. Not sure on other years but I would check the specs and go with a similar tire unless the car is highly modified.

Size Charts
Original tire F70-15 - 1969 Corvette (Still have Original Spare)
F70-15 6.00 8.35 26.92

rev/mile
215-70R15 6.0 26.9 751
225-70R15 6.3 27.4 736
235-70R15 6.6 28.0 722
255-70R15 7.2 29.1 694

 

Actually, I can see them all the time on trucks, but then, this is Texas, where the truck is king.

 

I appreciated your post and the thought you put into it. I've been struggling with the decision of running better 15" tires or springing on 17" or 18" wheels. Still not sure what I want to do. I haven't found larger wheels that I like.

 

I went with 16s years ago so I could run better rubber. Alas the 16" Dunlops which I liked are no longer out there ... I don't really want to go with 17s but I might ... or just find a DOT legal race tire. I only drive in the dry

 

I had the same dilemma for YEARS with the old 15 inch OEM aluminum rims (which I really like and WISH someone would make a replica of in a 17/18 inch rim!!) until I finally settled on the SLP 17's (and the price was great..)…The SLP's have grown on me over the years. At least I could live with the look. The SLP rim at least looks like a Corvette rim (although a C4 ZR1 rim) but at least there is some connection to a corvette and fits an ultra high performance summer only tire. I completely understand your hesitation!

BTW-My cousin who is like a brother and we grew up together in the east lives in Sumerlin…I know the area well...

 

I swear I've seen a photo somewhere of a 17" or larger wheel that is modeled after the original aluminum style C3 wheels. I suspect they are pricey.

Summerlin is a nice area! I played golf there a couple of weekends back. Nice views and they get more snow there than the rest of the valley.

 

Cooper Cobras all day! ... Why are y'all driving these things in the rain? #ChildAbuse

 

I guess You don't live in Florida?

 

I've seen "billet aluminum" Rally re-pops, in larger than 15" diameters.

 

No one makes a 17/18 inch replica of the 15 inch OEM aluminum C3 rim at this time...

 

How the heck did you get the tires to line up like that?????
Have a wonnerful week, Bill