1976 - Tires

[born2run]

I need to replace the tires on my 1976.. Currently, I have P255/60/R15s on the back and P225/70/R15s on the front.. Does anyone know whether these are the correct sizes for this car? The car has been sitting in a garage for 10+ years and the tires are very warped and need to be replaced - as the car was sitting on the ground all that time. Thanks for your help..

 

[76okievette]

The ones on the back are the correct size, I am almost certain but I will check when I get home and let you know.

 

[76okievette]

Sorry I meant the ones on the front, I know they did not put 60 series tires on the 1976. I have them on my "76" but they are not the orginal size. The car came with 70 series tires.

 

[Wolverine]

The correct tires for a '76 were GR70x15, and I don't believe they are made any more. A lot of people are using 255/60/R15's all the way around (me included) but they are oversized by quite a bit. At that size, the front tires will come real close to scraping your wheel well in turns.

 

[born2run]

What would be the benefit (if any) in having 2 different sizes as I have currently??

 

[The73vetteman]

I inherited my tires from Bubba (previous owner), which means I have 225 70R15 on the front and 275 60 R15 on the back.

Apart from giving the car a more agressive look I can't think of a practical reason for fitting it out this way. What does concern me is the aspect ratio. Doesn't going to 60s on the back rather than the 70s that I thought were originally fitted mess up the gearing? I thought if you went to a lower profile you had to increase the wheel diameter to keep the same rolling radius. Am I making any sense?
I'm interested in any thoughts on this subject.

'73

 

[tom102]

76 Vette tires

My original window sticker states that the OEM tires were GR70-15 RWL The exact current replacement for that size is P225-70R15

 

[born2run]

So should I go with that size all the way around or should I do the 2 different sizes that are on the car currently?

 

[tom102]

Tires

I stayed with that size all the way around as I did not want to have interferance problems nor have to change the speedometer gear to compensate for a different size tire.

 

[born2run]

This may be a stupid question, but how would I know if the speedometer gear is off?? Currently, I have the 2 different sized tires and the speedo seems to be working ok.. As far as interference, I don't seem to have any.

 

[bossvette]

Its all a matter of choice if you keep the OD close you will have no problem the purists want the correct size on their cars. I prefer the 275-60 on the back for the aggressive look and to get the power to the ground. I do have a set of 225-70 that I use in the winter months they are even on the car now, but in the summer months they spin way too easy for my liking.