Topic: Tire sizes, what changed?
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
I just replaced my Goodyear ST 225/60-15's with BF Goodridge Radial TA's 235/60-15's. So why are the TA's tires shorter then the ST's?
I measured the ST's from ground to the top at 26.5 inches and the TA's at barely 26 inches.
Just curious
Brian - NCM Lifetime Member
73 coupe L48, Flat-top pistons, Performer RPM Heads, Crane Cam and roller rockers, Holley 650 vac sec. Performer intake,
3.55 gear BTO 200-4R trans,
Leather seats, Seatbelt Plus 3point seatbelts, Pioneer CD player
Magnaflow Exhuast System

Brian - NCM Lifetime Member
73 coupe L48, Flat-top pistons, Performer RPM Heads, Crane Cam and roller rockers, Holley 650 vac sec. Performer intake,
3.55 gear BTO 200-4R trans,
Leather seats, Seatbelt Plus 3point seatbelts, Pioneer CD player
Magnaflow Exhuast System

Brian - NCM Lifetime Member
73 coupe L48, Flat-top pistons, Performer RPM Heads, Crane Cam and roller rockers, Holley 650 vac sec. Performer intake,
3.55 gear BTO 200-4R trans,
Leather seats, Seatbelt Plus 3point seatbelts, Pioneer CD player
Magnaflow Exhuast System

From the Yokohama website (please don't flame me for picking a non-American tire...it's simply the first definition when I googled it): Often referred to as the profile or series, the aspect ratio of a tire is determined by dividing a tire's section height by its section width when the tire is: Inflated to maximum air pressure, Mounted on the approved measuring rim, and Under no load. |
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The lower aspect ratio responds to lateral force more effectively
than a tire with a higher aspect ratio. The aspect ratio affects steering stability. Generally, the shorter the sidewall, or the lower the aspect ratio, the less time it takes to transmit the steering input from the wheel to the tread. The result is quicker steering response. Aspect ratio also affects the tread contact patch. As a rule, a low profile tire produces a wider tread contact patch. This wider tread contact patch creates a stiffer footprint that reduces distortion and provides improved cornering traction. Aspect ratio also impacts ride. A low profile tire usually has a stiffer ride than the standard aspect ratio of 75 or more. Also, tread width can differ between two different makes or models of tires the same nominal size. When I was researching tires for my wife's SUV, I checked out a really great sale price at a tire chain store. It turned out the tires were a good name (Continental), and the right size, but had narrow tread and sharply inclined shoulders compared to other makes and models. That was how they could sell them cheaper...making a narrower tread saved a lot of rubber and costs. |