Need help ordering tires
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 17
From: Sewell NJ
Need help ordering tires
I'm going to order tires today and I'm concerned with the size. I currently have BFG 225x70x15 Radial TAs on the car and I'm replacing them because they're 17 years old. :eek: I would like to go with a 255x60x15 Radial TA because the wheels on the car are 15 x8 1/2 which is a little wide for the 225 crosssection. I've also installed the VB&P front monoleaf conversion with offset upper control arms which should give me more caster. Here's the question. Does anyone have this combo or something similar on a 74 or like car. Do you have any clearance problems or rubbing. I'd rather go with the 225 tire if there is going to be clearance problems but I'd like the wider 255s because of the rim size and looks. The wheels are original Fenton Fanjets from the 70s so they ain't going anywhere. :lol: Any help would be appreciated.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Re: Need help ordering tires (vettfixr)
I don't think you will have any problems. I had a set of 255 60 15s on mine from an 81 Vette with stock rims. They rubbed on extreme turns while coming into the driveway. I could probably get away with 255s but I went with 245 60 15s to be safe. My dad ran 255 60 15s on his 69 with no problems at all.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 17
From: Sewell NJ
Re: Need help ordering tires (Gordonm)
Thanks Gordon. I think I'll be OK too. The 225s come close to the rocker panel and front lip but the 255s should be about 1/2 inch less diameter. I was more concerned that the offset upper arms would cause a problem once aligned correctly.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Florida
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Re: Need help ordering tires (vettfixr)
I had 255s w/stock wheels and no rubbing! :)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
Re: Need help ordering tires (vettfixr)
I've seen about 50/50 rubbing/not with 255-60s.
Usually, it is light rubbing against the frame near the power steering ram bracket area.
Later model vettes have the inner lip of the fender removed to help rubbing
here. I've never seen problems with the lip on older C3s and stock suspension height.
I'd definitely go with the 255s. Even if you do rub the frame at extreme lock,
it rarely happens and it is a smooth rub.
:seeya
[Modified by NHvette, 10:31 AM 4/26/2004]
Usually, it is light rubbing against the frame near the power steering ram bracket area.
Later model vettes have the inner lip of the fender removed to help rubbing
here. I've never seen problems with the lip on older C3s and stock suspension height.
I'd definitely go with the 255s. Even if you do rub the frame at extreme lock,
it rarely happens and it is a smooth rub.
:seeya
[Modified by NHvette, 10:31 AM 4/26/2004]
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 17
From: Sewell NJ
Re: Need help ordering tires (81' Corvette Guy)
Thanks guys. The order is in and I'm going with the 255x60x15 BFGs. Now, if they align the car right, I'll be out on the road with it this weekend. :thumbs:
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