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Topic: C3 Tire Specs

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C3 Tire Specs (1/19)
6/12/15 1:03am

Vman73
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Gig Harbor, WA - USA

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1973 L82 4 Speed Coupe - Very original, well documented driver/survivor. 2016 Bend Regional NCRS Top Flight.

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I attended our local Cars and Coffee last weekend (known here as Griot's Caffeine and Gasoline) and our favorite subject of C3 tire sizes came up with several folks in attendance.

Everyone seemed to remember things a little differently so I decided to do some research and came up with the following based on information from The Corvette Black Book (2002 Edition), Corvette 1968-1982 Restoration Guide by Richard Prince and an online tire conversion chart on TireRack.com. Note these are the specs on what was stock and optional for C3 Corvettes from the factory, not what might fit based on custom wheels, tires and other modifications.

I actually found the progression of sizes and styles very interesting as the C3 matured.

1968

F70x15 BW - Std. (215/70R15)

F70x15 R/S - Opt. (215/70R15)

F70x15 W/S - Opt. (215/70R15)

1969

F70x15 BW - Std. (215/70R15)

F70x15 R/S - Opt. (215/70R15)

F70x15 W/S - Opt. (215/70R15)

F70x15 R/W/L - Opt. (215/70R15)

1970 thru 1972

F70x15 BW - Std. (215/70R15)

F70x15 W/S - Opt. (215/70R15)

F70x15 R/W/L - Opt. (215/70R15)

1973 thru 1976

GR70x15 BW - Std. (225/70R15)

GR70x15 W/S - Opt. (225/70R15)

GR70x15 R/W/L - Opt. (225/70R15)

1977

GR70x15 BW - Std. (225/70R15)

GR70x15 R/W/L - Opt. (225/70R15)

1978 and 1979

P225/70R15 BW - Std.

P225/70R15 R/W/L - Opt.

P255/60R15 R/W/L - Opt. ***

1980 thru 1982

P225/70R15 BW - Std.

P225/70R15 R/W/L - Opt.

P255/60R15 R/W/L - Opt.

*** "Larger tires necessitated trimming the front and rear lower edges of the front fenders for clearance"

In a nut shell, F70x15's (P215) were the standard for 1968 to 1972. Standard sizes upgraded to GR70x15's (P225) in 1973 when radial tires were introduced. That remained the standard size until 1982 with the P255/60's available as an optional size from 1978 to 1982. Note that P255's required trimming of the front fenders until the front ends were redesigned in 1980.

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Re: C3 Tire Specs (2/19)
6/12/15 7:16am

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Re: C3 Tire Specs (3/19)
6/12/15 7:58am

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CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH - USA

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When the optional 60 series came out, we got some of these cars in the Chevy dealer where I was working. When we first saw them we thought they screwed up on the body work. The front fender lips were cut back about 1/2 inch into the lip and from the bottom edge up about 1 1/2 feet, maybe less. It took a bit of research to learn the trimming was done on purpose for the 60 series. This is an easy way to tell if the cars came from the factory with 60s. Some times the tires will fit without any trimming. I have 60 series on my 75 with no problems. Others will rub if not trimmed. Luck of the draw.

Re: C3 Tire Specs (4/19)
6/12/15 12:39pm

Vman73
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Gig Harbor, WA - USA

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I agree with you on the hit or miss (no pun intended). I've seen a lot of 73 to 79 cars with 255-60's on, some were obviously trimmed, some were not. I think it would be great if someone could supply some pics of a factory trimmed 78-79 car, any body got one we could see ?? Send pics to my email address if you cannot post and I will add them to this thread. I can also add some shots of my untrimmed '73 for comparison.

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Re: C3 Tire Specs (5/19)
6/12/15 1:05pm

dwa175
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leesburg, FL - USA

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ketyer mauybe you can save me some time will 2007 wheels on a 1985 vet dwa Beer

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Re: C3 Tire Specs (6/19)
6/14/15 5:01pm

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CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH - USA

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The C3 rims will not fit a C6 due to brake clearance. But your question was will the C6 fit the C3. The newer rim has more offset and is wider. Part of the answer depends on what tire you put on the rim, and if your car has trimmed wheel arches. By the way that was only done on the front. I called Tire Rack trying to get rim and tire specs and the guy acted stupid. He said he did not have the info. I told him I just want the rim and tire specs. He would not even give me the bolt pattern size. I know they have this info, I'm guessing he was just lazy. If you can get a tire store to talk you need bolt pattern, offset positive/negative and distance, rim width, and tire diameters. It will take a bit more research. A dealer will usually only go by part number. The problem is still not completely answered until you try them on the car. Has anyone here given it a try? I think one of our members did this but I don't really know.

|UPDATED|6/14/2015 2:01:50 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

Re: C3 Tire Specs (7/19)
6/14/15 6:42pm

dwa175
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leesburg, FL - USA

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I will put on lift and see if they will works I we tell what happens,do you think this change frt align ment Beer

Beer

Re: C3 Tire Specs (8/19)
6/15/15 1:48pm

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CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH - USA

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It wont' change the alignment per say.

If the overall diameter and center position of the wheel is the same, it won't affect it at all.

If either of these vary, the alignment will show okay on a machine, but some of the angles won't interact with the road the same way, and may have an affect.

Re: C3 Tire Specs (9/19)
7/20/15 4:01pm

wetvet
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Lake Oswego, OR - USA

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John,
Good info.
Thanks.

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Re: C3 Tire Specs (10/19)
7/20/15 4:53pm

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Joel, who is this "Kstyer" guy?

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|UPDATED|7/20/2015 1:53:23 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

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Re: C3 Tire Specs (11/19)
11/5/15 11:07am

jim in oregon
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Milwaukie, OR - USA

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'78 Silver Anniversary T Top coupe,58k orig miles. THM350 auto, 350 L48, JBM headers,Oyster White interior,.as of Nov '15 in process of painting.

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I have a 78 Silver Anniversary t top..Found the build sheet behind carpet passenger side behind carpeting..in poor condition.

Secured the original factory to dealer invoice and window sticker for the car from GM Archive folks.

Car came equipped with P255/60 R15 RWL tires, factory #8YQBS, window sticker option designated as #QBS.

I cannot tell that the fender wells have been trimmed back..the fender lips are there and continuous from front edges to rear edges down by the rocker panel aluminum chrome-black trims.

Rocker panel trim pieces are 65.25" long.

My rocker panels are in fine condition, but need repainting on the lower black portion.I looked at repacement rocker panels and one of the Corvette parts suppliers shows rocker panels that are two differing lengths for the C3.

The tires I replaced with are BFG P255/60 15 RWL..

They don't rub on the fenders..

I did notice a 2" wide vertical rubbed mark on the dirt-grease-oil of the FRAME where the tires have lightly made contact-rubbed in time past when steering is fully locked for a tight turn..

I've never locked the steering that tightly when driving or even at very slow speed myself.

Anyone else seen that rubbed mark on the frame?..Jim

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Re: C3 Tire Specs (12/19)
11/5/15 7:03pm

Vman73
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Gig Harbor, WA - USA

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1973 L82 4 Speed Coupe - Very original, well documented driver/survivor. 2016 Bend Regional NCRS Top Flight.

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Jim - there was some discussion a few months back regarding some tight turn frame rubbing. I believe it all started with a question on tire size or front suspension steering stops, unfortunately I cannot find the post. There were a few people out there that noticed the rub or polish of the frame bolts on the backside of the front tires.

Personally my '73 has evidence of some polishing on the left side during a full lock left turns. Not sure if its me or the previous owner. I purchased the car with a set of Radial T/A 225/70-15's on it and have replaced them with a new set of the same size.

Your '78 looks like a nice car. Can you post some pics and give us some history ?? Or did I already miss that information somewhere ??

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Re: C3 Tire Specs (13/19)
11/5/15 7:35pm

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Grapevine, TX - USA

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dwa asked if '07 wheels would fit on a C4 ('85), not a C3.

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Re: C3 Tire Specs (14/19)
8/5/16 8:57am

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Titusville, FL - USA

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I've got a new, 4 tire set of BFG's (RWL) P255/70R15 on order for my '82 (what the car was wearing when ordered).

However, I've got Cooper Cobra's on the '77 (P225/60R15). There is no manufactured date, so, I'm a bit concerned about the age of the tires (although there is plenty of tread and shows NO cracking or aging).

I'm contemplating taking the new BFG's ordered for the '82 and putting them on the '77.

Should I have any front fender clearance (turning) concerns for the '77?

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Re: C3 Tire Specs (15/19)
8/5/16 1:17pm

Vman73
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Gig Harbor, WA - USA

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vettejack said: I've got a new, 4 tire set of BFG's (RWL) P255/70R15 on order for my '82 (what the car was wearing when�ordered).

However, I've got Cooper Cobra's on the '77 (P225/60R15). There is no manufactured date, so, I'm a bit concerned about the age of the tires (although there is plenty of tread and shows NO cracking or aging).

�

I'm contemplating taking the new BFG's ordered for the '82 and putting them on the '77.

�

Should I have any front fender clearance (turning) concerns for the '77?

Jack, I believe the optional P255's on your '77 should have the same front clearance issues as '78 and '79 cars. Trimming the front and rear of the front fender well lip was reccomended by GM. However there are a number of people with P255's on their cars with no clearance issues. Assuming you are using stock wheels and your front suspension is in good shape you might be fine. Mount a pair on the front of your '77 and see if you have any issues. Check both tires with the wheels turned full right and full left and bounce the suspension up and down and look for tight spots. Let us know what you find.

|UPDATED|8/5/2016 10:17:48 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

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John Sigmund

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Re: C3 Tire Specs (16/19)
8/16/16 2:20pm

Espressomorning
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, - Canada

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1972 Corvette Stingray Coupe, 350 Base engine, p/s, p/b, a/c, automatic. All as original other than someone repainted it a Bright Yellow. It was Sunflower Yellow originally. Drives great, a nice 20 footer.

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Just a FYI, my '72 had BFG's P235/60R15's all around when purchased, no problems

and they look good.

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Re: C3 Tire Specs (17/19)
8/16/16 4:17pm

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Espressomorning said: Just a FYI, my '72 had BFG's P235/60R15's all around when purchased, no problems

and they look good.

That's what I have on my '72. Wish I had gone with 245/60's.

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Re: C3 Tire Specs (18/19)
8/19/16 1:59pm

73shark
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Overland Park, KS - USA

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I think that the 82 and earlier years had 255/60-15 tires. 70 series tires might be too tall and have some serious rubbing issues. That's (255/60-15) what I have on mine with no issues.

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Re: C3 Tire Specs (19/19)
8/20/16 4:35am

alohajohn
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I have BFG 235 60's on my '72, there has been some minor rubbing on the frame I guess by the previous owner but in the 4 years I have owned the car no problems. I also happen to like that the car sits lower..

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