Topic: tire pressure
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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Easthampton, MA - USA
Joined: 5/27/2007
Posts: 114
Vette(s): 1970 corvette conv, 350 auto.
Well I think I have got a slow leak in my front passenger side tire....certainly not a big problem, but. BRINGS up the question of what is the correct tire pressure. The repro book I got with the car lists 24lbs as the correct tire pressure, BUT, I assume this is for the bias ply tires it would have had on it originally, I have a set of cooper cobra's that are more modern (radial) and they list there max pressure at 44 lbs. I think they look pretty soft at 24 lbs but.... what do you guys and gals feel is about right? Thanks!
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Former Member
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Canada
Joined: 3/9/2008
Posts: 164
Vette(s): 70 VETTE 350/300HP, AUTOMATIC, ALL STOCK EXCEPT FOR MILD CAM,LAGUNA GREY, 3:55 POSI GEARS
I HAVE BF"S 245/60/15 IN THE FRONT AND 255/60/15 IN THE REAR, I KEEP THEM AROUND 28-29.
Former Member
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Easthampton, MA - USA
Joined: 5/27/2007
Posts: 114
Vette(s): 1970 corvette conv, 350 auto.

I let the wear of my tires determine the pressure. If you check tread depth often you can keep track of how they are wearing from middle to the edges. I have to run my front tires a little higher at 30 psi and the rear down at 26 psi. This is due to engine weight in the front and having a big block makes that even more of a problem. I have BFG TA's 255/60-15 all around. I have a little tread depth gauge I got from my tire guy several years ago that makes it easy.

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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20225
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 factory specs on my '74 is for 20psi front and rear. It did come with radials originally. Lots of folks think this is too low. Maybe....maybe not. I've kept mine at 20 since I've had it, and only raise it on road trips, when I'm carrying a lot of weight.
The car handles, and rides really nice with 20psi.
Of course, tire technology has come a long wat since '74, I'll give ya that. The way I see it, Zora determined that 20psi was a good compromise between ride and handling.....that's good enough fer me!
My '85 is set at 28psi, I think. It may be 32, but I can't remember what the specs are for it. It rides ok on the road, but like a truck in town!
28psi for your car is prolly OK.
The car handles, and rides really nice with 20psi.
Of course, tire technology has come a long wat since '74, I'll give ya that. The way I see it, Zora determined that 20psi was a good compromise between ride and handling.....that's good enough fer me!

My '85 is set at 28psi, I think. It may be 32, but I can't remember what the specs are for it. It rides ok on the road, but like a truck in town!

28psi for your car is prolly OK.

Joel Adams
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in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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