C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Different tire sizes

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 16, 2018 | 12:10 AM
  #1  
theboss84's Avatar
theboss84
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 34
Likes: 2
Default Different tire sizes

I've got an 84 C4 with the Z51 package. According to my research and what is currently on the car the tires are all the same size, 255/50/16. Since the rims on the rear are 1" wider why not put a wider tire on the rear?
Reply
Old Dec 16, 2018 | 09:20 AM
  #2  
project C4's Avatar
project C4
Pro
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 621
Likes: 37
From: Texas
Default

easy answer to that question. there is nothing wider in a regular street tire. 16" sizes are very limited. there are some larger sizes but they are drag race tires and most are larger diameter.
Reply
Old Dec 16, 2018 | 11:31 AM
  #3  
c4cruiser's Avatar
c4cruiser
Team Owner
20 Year Member
Veteran: Army
 
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Default

Originally Posted by theboss84
I've got an 84 C4 with the Z51 package. According to my research and what is currently on the car the tires are all the same size, 255/50/16. Since the rims on the rear are 1" wider why not put a wider tire on the rear?
Did you mean front?? The '84 Z51 package did have a 16x9.5" wheel and a 255/60-16 tire in the rear, But you can easily get a rear wheel and rear tire and install them up front. They will fit wit no problems and will also give you the ability to rotate the tires for better tread life. For that 255/60 tire, check with the Tire Rack or Discount Tire websites. You should be able to find tires in that size. You may want to check to see how old the current 255/60 tires; look for the date code on the sidewall. The Tire Rack website has a good informational page about date codes and why tires should be replaced every 5-7 years regardless of the tread remaining.
Reply
Old Dec 16, 2018 | 01:22 PM
  #4  
cv67's Avatar
cv67
Team Owner
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,062
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Default

You should be able to get a 275 on a 9.5" wheel (or larger) without a problem. Go too wide and your sidewall will roll some, you dont want that.
I had mounted a 315 on a 9.5" wheel to put on an older car, it fit but was concerned about the sidewall thing.
Reply
Old Dec 16, 2018 | 02:02 PM
  #5  
MatthewMiller's Avatar
MatthewMiller
Le Mans Master
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 6,081
Likes: 1,968
From: St. Charles MO
Default

Originally Posted by project C4
easy answer to that question. there is nothing wider in a regular street tire. 16" sizes are very limited. there are some larger sizes but they are drag race tires and most are larger diameter.
Correct. A 275/45r16 would be the right size, but like he says, there are only a few competition-grade tires in that size and nothing in regular street tires.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Different tire sizes





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:02 AM.

story-0
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-1
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-20 17:58:41


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE
story-3
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

Slideshow: 5 most and least popular Corvette model years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 13:25:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette buyer's guide

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-17 16:41:08


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)

Slideshow: 10 things C8 Corvette owners hate, but won't tell you.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-01 18:36:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!

Slideshow: Should you add one of these incredible Corvettes to your garage?

By Brett Foote | 2026-04-01 18:14:05


VIEW MORE
story-7
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)

Slideshow: Every Corvette Grand Sport explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-26 07:13:44


VIEW MORE
story-8
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!

Slideshow: Breaking down the 2027 Grand Sport, Grand Sport X, Stingray, and LS6 V8.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-03-26 13:48:45


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!

Slideshow: 5 reasons bad drivers crash sports cars & 5 ways to avoid a costly shame!

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-25 16:32:55


VIEW MORE