275/60/15 clearance issue
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,194
Likes: 109
From: Las Vegas NV
275/60/15 clearance issue
Here's a possibility that I've never seen discussed on the forum regarding clearance of 275s on the back of a c3.
This is a '79 with the VB&P street/slalom kit, aftermarket 15x8 wheels, and small spacers that I believe at 1/4". The 275s cleared the parking brake tab with no issue. I never had any rubbing at all until I hit the autocross track and took some very hard turns.
It isn't as bad as it looks. Most of the carnage is from the raised white letters:
I'm guessing that as I took hard turns, the suspension compressed. As the suspension compressed, the spring flattened out, pushing it out further. That action, along with the sidewall flex, resulted in contact. The tires were aired up to 40psi at the time.
I think its fine for the street, I never had contact on the street. I'm going to be on the hunt for a set of wheels/tires for the track as soon as I replenish my budget. The track was fun, but it's gonna be a little while before I go back out.
This is a '79 with the VB&P street/slalom kit, aftermarket 15x8 wheels, and small spacers that I believe at 1/4". The 275s cleared the parking brake tab with no issue. I never had any rubbing at all until I hit the autocross track and took some very hard turns.
It isn't as bad as it looks. Most of the carnage is from the raised white letters:
I'm guessing that as I took hard turns, the suspension compressed. As the suspension compressed, the spring flattened out, pushing it out further. That action, along with the sidewall flex, resulted in contact. The tires were aired up to 40psi at the time.
I think its fine for the street, I never had contact on the street. I'm going to be on the hunt for a set of wheels/tires for the track as soon as I replenish my budget. The track was fun, but it's gonna be a little while before I go back out.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 3,814
Likes: 105
From: Dearborn Heights Michigan
You could add a bit of negative camber that will give more clearance.
I run 275/50/15 R6 Hoosiers on my 70 with a 1/4 " spacer, also lowered about 2"" with a mono fiberglass 330 spring..
Close clearance , but, no rub problems.
I run 275/50/15 R6 Hoosiers on my 70 with a 1/4 " spacer, also lowered about 2"" with a mono fiberglass 330 spring..
Close clearance , but, no rub problems.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,194
Likes: 109
From: Las Vegas NV
That's a good idea. Super easy to do with the adjustable lower arms I have. I could adjust the camber more aggressively for track days and put it back on street driving days.
