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Topic: size matters

in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling


size matters

Posted: 3/19/07 5:53pm Message 1 of 6
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Many references to tires and how they relate to body posture have been posted here and along with these topics the tire sizes have been mentioned as being correct at 225-70's. This briefly concerned me because I knew mine are 255-60's.
 
Went to my owners manual and found the larger tires were an option for my 78 S.A..
 
Did all C3's have this option or was it offered just in the later C3 years?
 
 



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size matters

Posted: 3/19/07 5:57pm Message 2 of 6
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Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
P255/60R15 was an option for '78s and later C3's. Prior to that 70 series tires were the only authorized tires. In '78 Chevy made some fenderwell modifications to allow the wider tires.


size matters

Posted: 3/19/07 7:24pm Message 3 of 6
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
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Vette(s): #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
The '73-'74 cars also had a slight "thinning" of the upper lip fender area, to clear the then new 70 series Radial tires. When the larger 60 series tires were made optional(for Pacers only?) in '78, there were even more "mods" to the fender lips.
Most of the data/info you've seen about this has probably been related to the earlier cars, and that's why you'll see the 225/70/R15 mentioned the most, as a replacement size for those factory tires. The 225 is the closest match to that.


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size matters

Posted: 3/22/07 5:52pm Message 4 of 6
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I'm currently investigating new tire for my 72. Based on these posts it seems to suggest that 255/60-15 won't fit on anything prior to 78.

Can anyone shed some light on this. In the meantime I'll try to search some previous posts.
 
Local tire suppliers have recommended both 225/70-15 and 255/60-15. I would like to be confident that what I purshase is not going to result in any clearance issues.
 
 



size matters

Posted: 3/22/07 6:16pm Message 5 of 6
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255/60s are hit or miss on pre 78 without the trimmed openings. Best bet is to get a Corvette friend with that size tire to spend an afternoon with ya swapping em over to yours to see if they clear in the front when turning.  Mike


size matters

Posted: 3/22/07 7:35pm Message 6 of 6
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HOWELL, NJ - USA
Joined: 5/18/2004
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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.

I have the 60s on mine. They ride a bit lower to the ground and I experience some rubbing on the inner fender wells from time to time....




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in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling


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