Need advice on tire choice
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Tampa FL
Need advice on tire choice
I recently bought my first Corvette, a modified 1980. The tires on the car are mismatched by manufacturer, and the rear wheels are shod with drag radials. I plan to participate in the upcoming Caravan and want to put modern, high-performance tires on the car for the drive. The car has 330 hp with a 3.73:1 rear (though that may become more conservative soon), so rear traction is an issue. A wider rear tire is preferred, and my car as offset t-arms to accommodate.
The wheels are stock, giving the car a deceptively original appearance, though I might consider aftermarket wheels, especially if needed for decent tires.
I attended the St. Armands Circle event this past weekend, looking at the tire fitments for inspiration. By and large, the tires struck me as being non performance oriented, at least by 2003 standards. I am realizing tire selection for 15-inch wheels is limited these days, and that's why I am turning to the forum for advice...
What is a good performing tire for this application?
Current sizes:
Front: 255/60R15
Rear: 275/50R15
Thanks for the advice!
The wheels are stock, giving the car a deceptively original appearance, though I might consider aftermarket wheels, especially if needed for decent tires.
I attended the St. Armands Circle event this past weekend, looking at the tire fitments for inspiration. By and large, the tires struck me as being non performance oriented, at least by 2003 standards. I am realizing tire selection for 15-inch wheels is limited these days, and that's why I am turning to the forum for advice...
What is a good performing tire for this application?
Current sizes:
Front: 255/60R15
Rear: 275/50R15
Thanks for the advice!
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 34,454
Likes: 665
From: Republic of Texas
Re: Need advice on tire choice (barticus)
There isn't too mant choices in 275 X 50 X 15's
BF Goodrich Radials TA's is about all I see.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Compar...m=1&pagemark=1
[Modified by Corey 68, 7:26 PM 5/4/2003]
BF Goodrich Radials TA's is about all I see.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Compar...m=1&pagemark=1
[Modified by Corey 68, 7:26 PM 5/4/2003]
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Tampa FL
Re: Need advice on tire choice (Corey 68)
Yeah, that was the most popular tire I saw at the show. Hard to believe the best fitment for classic, high-performance car is a $63 all-season tire... Reading reviews at The Tire Rack, even owners of modern, commuter cars find the performance lacking. Can't imagine the tire plume with 330-rubber-atomizing horsepower clawing for traction. Any other proven suggestions?
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 238
Likes: 0
From: Tee Tops off all year FL
Re: Need advice on tire choice (barticus)
Mine has the 255/60/15 BFG T/A which matches the original size as ordered from the factory and seems like a pretty good match for the car. :jester
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,407
Likes: 2
From: Carmichael CA
Re: Need advice on tire choice (barticus)
Here's my excel spreadsheet to help you out:
http://67.116.80.82/Vette/Files/TireRackTires2003.xls
If you like a beefy rear tire then check out the Mickey Thompson Street tires:
http://www.mickeythompsontires.com/street.html
The Sportsman 1557's should fit like a charm and they don't use a tube. You might want to try the Sportsman Pro 6557, but with a 13" section width I'm not sure you can fit them under the body even with the offset TAs. there's also the Sportsman I 1568 which is basically a 275/60-15, but it appears to be just a slick (no DOT approval). The Mickey Thompson are also more expensive.
For the front tires I would recommend the Dunlop Sport 8000 in a 245/50-15. It will drop your front end about 1/2", but hey...it will give it that "jacked up" look! :cool:
So, if you want to spend more money, or allow the chassis to get lower to the ground, then there are tires that fit those 8" x 15" stock rims.
I just went with the BFGoodrich Radial T/A's...cheap, look good, and all season fair traction. But, if I had a few hundred dollars and wanted to do some auto-X-ing then I'd put my money in 4 Dunlop Sport 8000's. When I went to the 1/4 mile for some drag racing then I'd bolt on some Mickey Thompson Sportsman Pro 6542's to the rear and still be able to drive to the track and back.
[Modified by Rockn-Roll, 7:15 PM 5/4/2003]
http://67.116.80.82/Vette/Files/TireRackTires2003.xls
If you like a beefy rear tire then check out the Mickey Thompson Street tires:
http://www.mickeythompsontires.com/street.html
The Sportsman 1557's should fit like a charm and they don't use a tube. You might want to try the Sportsman Pro 6557, but with a 13" section width I'm not sure you can fit them under the body even with the offset TAs. there's also the Sportsman I 1568 which is basically a 275/60-15, but it appears to be just a slick (no DOT approval). The Mickey Thompson are also more expensive.
For the front tires I would recommend the Dunlop Sport 8000 in a 245/50-15. It will drop your front end about 1/2", but hey...it will give it that "jacked up" look! :cool:
So, if you want to spend more money, or allow the chassis to get lower to the ground, then there are tires that fit those 8" x 15" stock rims.
I just went with the BFGoodrich Radial T/A's...cheap, look good, and all season fair traction. But, if I had a few hundred dollars and wanted to do some auto-X-ing then I'd put my money in 4 Dunlop Sport 8000's. When I went to the 1/4 mile for some drag racing then I'd bolt on some Mickey Thompson Sportsman Pro 6542's to the rear and still be able to drive to the track and back.
[Modified by Rockn-Roll, 7:15 PM 5/4/2003]
