Topic: 295 50R15 tires
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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Davenport, IA - USA
Joined: 6/28/2004
Posts: 4
Vette(s): 67-427/435hp convertible Yellow/Black-4 Speed
72-350/300 Red/Red-Auto
79-L-82 Brown/Tan-Auto
79-L-82 Red/Black-4 Speed
Has anyone used 295 50R 15 tires on the rear of a 79 vette. I'm currently installing a 406 engine in my 79 and would like a little more rubber on the back to handle the power the engine will give me. I'm planning on using the orginal 255 60R 15's on the front. Will the 295's fit the stock fiberglass and will I have to install the bowed trailing arms?? The diameter is the same but the overall tire width is almost 2" wider. Inquiring minds want to know.
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I have been running 275-50-15 BFG's on my '72 for 20 years. Never had any problem until I changed my rear spring. The car sat too high. When I installed the longer bolts to bring it down, the spring hit the tires. I am going to get a shortened spring from Gulstrand. I am running the stock 15x8 Ralley Wheels. You didn't mention what wheel you will be using, but I do believe you are going to need a 10" wide wheel for 295's and probably off set trailing arms.......
Reid '72 T-top

Former Member
Send PM
Davenport, IA - USA
Joined: 6/28/2004
Posts: 4
Vette(s): 67-427/435hp convertible Yellow/Black-4 Speed
72-350/300 Red/Red-Auto
79-L-82 Brown/Tan-Auto
79-L-82 Red/Black-4 Speed
Thanks for the spring tip! I'm guessing that the rear sway bar is going to be tight too. I'm using the orginal aluminum Kelsey Hays 8" wheels because I'm trying to make this car look totally "stock". I'm using Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 tires because I've had wonderful luck with this tire. The 295s are spec'd for an 8" to 10" rim, but all listed section widths are for a 9.5" rim. This makes the section width wider than the number for an 8" rim, but how much?.?.? Guess I'll have to mount one and find out. Two reasons for using this size is it has the same diameter as the 255/60R 15, diameter will not change with rim width, and it has about a 2" wider tread. It seems like I always running into guys that have a friend of a friend who has done this, by just adding off set trailing arms, but I've yet to talk directly to anyone who has 295/50R-15 on the rear of the car. Thanks again for the feedback.........

DeBerry, TX - USA
Joined: 2/27/2002
Posts: 1006
Vette(s): 1971 383 Stroker- mille miglia red...5 speed
Check this out for your offset trailing arms. You can make an offer on them too and maybe get them even cheaper. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1965-1979-CORVETTE-OFFSET-TRAILING-ARMS-NEW_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ34200QQihZ017QQitemZ270089878645QQtcZphoto
I know the voices aren't real, but they have some pretty cool ideas...
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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