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Topic: Tire Size

in Forum: C3 Handling Components


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Tire Size (1/25)
 3/29/10 5:43pm
tinbender
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edgwood, MD - USA

Vette(s):
1975 convertible,with the hard top and power streering.it a 350 L48 with auto trans. the color is light blue.


Joined: 11/1/2007
Posts: 736

What the correct tire size to use on a C-3:225x70-15 or 225x60-15?
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Tire Size (2/25)
 3/29/10 6:06pm
KDADDY79
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Dutchess County, NY - USA

Vette(s):
White '79 Corvette. It's a driver.


Joined: 8/27/2007
Posts: 2484

I'm pretty sure the 225/70-15 is the standard size. An optional size on the later C3's was 255/60-15. The 255's seem most common from what I see.

I have the 225's on my '79. I went with them to not have to deal with fitment issues.
I'm sure others will weigh in on this.
Kevin
Tire Size (3/25)
 3/29/10 9:59pm
Jaws79Lifetime Member
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Sykesville, MD - USA

Vette(s):
1979 Corvette Coupe Corvette Light Blue Midnight Blue interior Mirrored Glass T-tops


Joined: 4/27/2008
Posts: 4238

Rick in '78 I believe they changed the wheel wells to fit the 60 series tires. The earlier cars used the 70 series tires. Some say you can use the 60s on the earlier models but you may have to trim the wheelwell.
 
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Tire Size (4/25)
 3/29/10 10:11pm
JC VETTE 70
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, - Canada

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70 VETTE 350/300HP, AUTOMATIC, ALL STOCK EXCEPT FOR MILD CAM,LAGUNA GREY, 3:55 POSI GEARS


Joined: 3/9/2008
Posts: 164

I put 255/60/15 in the rear and 245/60/15 in the front. People have told me 255 in the front will be to close to the wheelwell. If you hit a pump while you are turning the tire can hit the top of the wheelwellOuchcausing big repaires to the bodyCensored 

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Tire Size (5/25)
 3/29/10 10:17pm
wetvet
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Lake Oswego, OR - USA

Vette(s):
1972 Steel Cities Gray T Top. Original Owner, Original Paint and Interior. The running gear has been rebuilt. only 250,000 miles on the clock..


Joined: 10/17/2003
Posts: 553

I have 255/60/15 on all 4 corners of my Vette. All works well even in tight turns.

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Tire Size (6/25)
 3/29/10 10:20pm
dskopp
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Oak Creek, WI - USA

Vette(s):
1981 Great White Shark. Red Interior, 350/190hp. PS, PB (SS), A/C CC, T-Tops, Going to remain as Stock as possible. Served three years in Active Duty Army, then Retired Air Force after 34 years! Badger State Vetts Car Club. 175,000 Original miles!!


Joined: 5/21/2008
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My 81 Has the Goodyear 225 70 R 15 front and back.  Good riding tire.   If your gonna hit a bump, do it streight on !!!!Embarrasseddskopp2010-03-29 19:22:09

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Tire Size (7/25)
 3/30/10 10:11am
Gunslinger
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Frederick, MD - USA

Vette(s):
1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior


Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398

1968-1972 used F70-15...todays's reference size is P215/70R15.
1973-1978 used GR70-15...today's reference size is P225/70R15.
1978-1982 used P225/70R15 with P255/60R15 as optional.

60-series tires will fit some pre-'78 cars on a car by car basis.  Some have had clearance problems, some haven't.
Tire Size (8/25)
 3/30/10 11:09am
VetteSpecialties
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Mounds View, MN - USA

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70 LT1 coupe, 69 350 HP coupe, 69 390HP 427 coupe, 71 LS5 convert, 85 coupe, 93 coupe


Joined: 5/24/2007
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My '71 big block car has 255/60/15s all around.  It also has freshly rebuilt suspension and new springs, which makes a big difference.

Larry
Tire Size (9/25)
 3/30/10 11:50am
aceintheholeLifetime Member
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Manteca, CA - USA

Vette(s):
1978,two tone,Metalic Rootbeer & gold 1975 L48 4 speed


Joined: 11/20/2005
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I too have the 245/60s on the front of the wifes car and 255s all around on my '81, but ours are all newer types cars so,.......no issues with these sizes.  

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Tire Size (10/25)
 3/30/10 2:00pm
81zoomzoom
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Lusby, MD - USA

Vette(s):
1981 WHITE ALT WITH ALL THE BELLS


Joined: 10/18/2003
Posts: 56

My tire guy say 225/75r15 are way better.   There 1/4 inch taller.  He says its got stronger side walls.    I havent tryed them yet.    I have 255/70r15 now.    there BF Goodrich.  There way better than the junk the car had when I got it.  
Tire Size (11/25)
 3/30/10 11:45pm
tinbender
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edgwood, MD - USA

Vette(s):
1975 convertible,with the hard top and power streering.it a 350 L48 with auto trans. the color is light blue.


Joined: 11/1/2007
Posts: 736

I have 225x70-15's on my car,and I saw a post here where someone mentioned 225x60's.So I figured I just check.With some of the micky mouse things I found done to my caar I wanted to be sure things were right.
                      Thanks everyone  Rick
Tire Size (12/25)
 4/1/10 9:09am
chances rLifetime Member
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spicewood, TX - USA

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Sold them Both


Joined: 9/13/2009
Posts: 72

I have no clearance issues with the 255/60 15's.  But I have major suspension upgrades, which gave me room for error in ride height adjustments.  Have not gotten to the stock version car yet so I do not know what issues I would have there.  Now I am curious if it is gonna be an issue.

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Tire Size (13/25)
 4/1/10 12:48pm
81zoomzoom
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Lusby, MD - USA

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1981 WHITE ALT WITH ALL THE BELLS


Joined: 10/18/2003
Posts: 56

 Just thinkin guys.  I saw a post about spare tires. One of you said Gm  would not have made it so the flat wouldnt fit in the tire tub.   I tryed real hard  and a  225/70r15  wont fit.  HAD TO GO IN FRONT SEAT. I was mad too   You know a flat never happens at a good time.
Tire Size (14/25)
 4/1/10 1:09pm
Adams' AppleLifetime Member
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Duncanville, TX - USA

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#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas


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Charlie, the tire tub on our Sharks have to be adjusted down a bit to fit a 225 sized tire in them, but they are all adjustable. In fact, your '81 is easier than my '74 to adjust. From '78 up, the tubs had a slotted front mount for the tub that can be slid down to fit the full-sized tire. The original spare was a space saver spare, so it was waaay smaller than the road tires to start with. The engineers designed the tub the drop down in order to fit the road tire in there in place of the space saver.
I had some pics somewhere that showed how to adjust the earlier tubs. If someone here has a '79-up owner's manual, they could copy & post the page in it that shows how to drop the tub down for the larger tire...


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Tire Size (15/25)
 4/1/10 3:28pm
81zoomzoom
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Lusby, MD - USA

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1981 WHITE ALT WITH ALL THE BELLS


Joined: 10/18/2003
Posts: 56

    Thanks  Adam.   Ill check this weekend.   Boy was I mad, got all wet and dirty.   I need a new tub anyway  mine got hurt when the wheel came off.
Tire Size (16/25)
 4/1/10 7:37pm
tinbender
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edgwood, MD - USA

Vette(s):
1975 convertible,with the hard top and power streering.it a 350 L48 with auto trans. the color is light blue.


Joined: 11/1/2007
Posts: 736

My spare is a 225x70 -15 and it fit in the tub on my 75.Only problem I am going to have with that is my new tires are going to be Firestones.(The spare is a brand new BFG)Oh wellLOL
                              Rick
Tire Size (17/25)
 4/1/10 11:03pm
Jaws79Lifetime Member
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Sykesville, MD - USA

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1979 Corvette Coupe Corvette Light Blue Midnight Blue interior Mirrored Glass T-tops


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Firestones are the best, Rick! I love mine! ( although mine are 255/60-15 )
 
Barry
 
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Tire Size (18/25)
 4/4/10 1:01pm
81zoomzoom
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Lusby, MD - USA

Vette(s):
1981 WHITE ALT WITH ALL THE BELLS


Joined: 10/18/2003
Posts: 56

    Hi ADAM    Just looked at my spare tire and read owners book.  The book says road tires have to be flat??   I cant see what you are saying.     I'm getting a used tub maybe it will work. 
Tire Size (19/25)
 4/4/10 8:53pm
eboLifetime Member
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Holland Patent, NY - USA

Vette(s):
#1 *1980 White, Red interior 14,000 mile #2 *1980 Red, Oyster interior 93,000 miles Resto project car, rebuilt to 383 stroker


Joined: 6/3/2008
Posts: 4421

  my new tires are going to be Firestones.(The spare is a brand new BFG)Oh wellLOL
                              Rick
[/QUOTE]
Well if you have a flat it will only look odd for a short while.
Barry is right about the indy 500's I love mine. At first the look is a bit different as it not the pinstripe letering look the goodyears were. But the solid look grows on you, and they are rated at the top of the charts. They sure held great with only a 100 miles or so on them when we threw it into turn one at Watkins Glen.....
can you say "sticker tires"LOL
Evil Smileebo
ebo2010-04-04 17:56:20

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Tire Size (20/25)
 4/5/10 8:52pm
tinbender
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edgwood, MD - USA

Vette(s):
1975 convertible,with the hard top and power streering.it a 350 L48 with auto trans. the color is light blue.


Joined: 11/1/2007
Posts: 736

Naw the bubba at the tire shop put the white letters on the inside,so if I get a flat you'll see the black wallsLOL
Tire Size (21/25)
 4/5/10 10:37pm
KDADDY79
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Dutchess County, NY - USA

Vette(s):
White '79 Corvette. It's a driver.


Joined: 8/27/2007
Posts: 2484

When I had the aluminum rims I had the white letters on the outside.

When I switched to the ralley rims I had them mounted so the white letters were on the inside.

Just my preference. I like the look.
I hope your new Firestones "feel" good when you hit the road.
 
P.S. Which size did you go with?
KDADDY792010-04-05 19:40:47
Tire Size (22/25)
 4/6/10 5:53am
Willis76Lifetime Member
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Rockland, MA - USA

Vette(s):
76, L48, 4spd & 09, LS3, 6spd


Joined: 1/30/2003
Posts: 584

[QUOTE=tinbender]Naw the bubba at the tire shop put the white letters on the inside,so if I get a flat you'll see the black wallsLOL[/QUOTE]

....... that feller sure gets around, looks like he spent some time with mine too.....LOL


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Tire Size (23/25)
 4/6/10 2:16pm
T-Mans70,73Lifetime Member
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Elma, WA - USA

Vette(s):
Red 1973 Convertible. L-48 Auto #'s matching Red 1970 LT-1 Convertible #'s matching


Joined: 6/25/2007
Posts: 692

On the 70 I have 245/60/15's.
Even though I took off 255's the new BFG's were just too big for the front wheel well and I went down to the 245's.
The 1975 may have a bigger wheel well, that I dont know.

The 73 has 225/70/15's.
The tires on the 70, (245/60's) look much better.

Hope that adds to the confusion!





Tire Size (24/25)
 4/7/10 12:18am
lukesvetteLifetime Member
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HOWELL, NJ - USA

Vette(s):
1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.


Joined: 5/18/2004
Posts: 6812

Had both sizes on the Lukester - like em both!! 225/70s on currently - BFG TA Radials...
Tire Size (25/25)
 4/22/10 1:15am
Breasandog
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Pocatello, ID - USA

Vette(s):
1969 L-36, 427- 390 hp. coupe. 4spd. air.


Joined: 8/4/2009
Posts: 10

I have 235 60's all around on my 69 and never had a problem.
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