Tires and wheels...

[Chas]

Im going to put new tires on my vette this spring.Im going to put on BFG TA's.....And im going to get SS Cragar's too ...i think...I have 255-15-60's all around now and i love them....should i stay this size?
what about going to a 16" wheel?
what about a 17" wheel?
does anyone know which size Cragar's fit a '73?
I have seen photo's of larger rims but i have no idea which way to turn for size...im thinking of getting them at Summit Racing.
Any ideas????
Any photos?
Thanks, Chas

 

[purpleRac3r]

Chas, unless you're into 100% originality, I suggest size up to 16" or even the 17". I have a set of A-mold style wheels in 16" x 8" that look great on a Shark! And at only $750 for the set new it's a good deal. Admittedly, I had to use 2-1/2" spaces for mine (the wheels are Camero fitment), but I know that Mid America Motorworks and others offer the A-mold wheel in 17" x 8-1/2" size that bolt right on Sharks, no adapters required. And they, too are only about $750! Definately the way I'll go at my next upgrade. The bigger diameters will allow you the benefit of modern performance characteristics. I would not suggest going bigger than 17" - I've seen a couple, but the propoertions are all wrong, and I suspect steering becomes an issue.

 

[brandywine]

In my opinion, there appear to be more tire choices in the 17" size than either the 16" or stock 15" wheels. A lot more manufacturers are making 15", 16" and 17" wheels that you can bolt on without clearance issues. I've got American Racing 17" Torq Thrust II on my 1980 with 255/50-17 tires.

 

[Chas]

In my opinion, there appear to be more tire choices in the 17" size than either the 16" or stock 15" wheels. A lot more manufacturers are making 15", 16" and 17" wheels that you can bolt on without clearance issues. I've got American Racing 17" Torq Thrust II on my 1980 with 255/50-17 tires.

This looks great...im rethinking my entire idea now. So the journey begins!
You have 50's all around? do they rub? mine rub now and then and i have 255 60's all around on factory rally rims. Im looking for that 5 spoke SS Cragar look and I remember seeing a C-3 with that look in a bigger rim.
Thanks for the photo, you have a great looking ride!
Chas

 

[groovyjay]

IMO get atleast 17 all around. I have 20" all around, huge improvement on the ride and accrelerating and braking.

 

[70Coupe]

I agree...go with at least 17's. I've got AR Hopsters, 17X8 with 255/50/17's all the way around.

 

[groovyjay]

I agree...go with at least 17's. I've got AR Hopsters, 17X8 with 255/50/17's all the way around.

That's one of my all time favourite rides on the forum!

 

[70Coupe]

That's one of my all time favourite rides on the forum!

Coming from a guy with a Shark like yours Jay, that's a huge compliment...thanks!

 

[Tepot]

You have 50's all around? do they rub? mine rub now and then and i have 255 60's all around on factory rally rims. Chas

Hi Chas,

You said you had 255 60's all around. What does it look like in the back do they rub? Cause i'm thinking to buy new tires on my C3 and I was thinking 225 in front and 265 on rear. With your 255 on rear do you still have room enouph to fit the 265?

 

[brandywine]

This looks great...im rethinking my entire idea now. So the journey begins!
You have 50's all around? do they rub? mine rub now and then and i have 255 60's all around on factory rally rims. Im looking for that 5 spoke SS Cragar look and I remember seeing a C-3 with that look in a bigger rim.
Thanks for the photo, you have a great looking ride!
Chas

If it was me with a 73... I'd go with 17"x8" TTII wheels with 255/50-17 (or 275's if they'll fit) on the rear and 245's on the front. It'd look sweet and I don't think the front would rub. Mine are 17x8 wheels with 255/50-17 all around, but I've got more clearance with a 1980.

 

[Chas]

Hi Chas,

You said you had 255 60's all around. What does it look like in the back do they rub? Cause i'm thinking to buy new tires on my C3 and I was thinking 225 in front and 265 on rear. With your 255 on rear do you still have room enouph to fit the 265?

the only time i rub is if im driving into a driveway, rather steep, and im turning...its during the turn and up the rise that brings the tire into contact.
im not sure if 265 will matter or not in the rear.

 

[Tepot]

the only time i rub is if im driving into a driveway, rather steep, and im turning...its during the turn and up the rise that brings the tire into contact.
im not sure if 265 will matter or not in the rear.

So you are saying it only rubs on the front right???. Cause I don't think I'll have problems in the front cause i'll be running 225 in the front. I'm just wondering if 265 will fit on the rear

 

[Chas]

So you are saying it only rubs on the front right???. Cause I don't think I'll have problems in the front cause i'll be running 225 in the front. I'm just wondering if 265 will fit on the rear

I will look at my clearances in the rear tire area tonight after work....i havent heard a rub in a few years , as i know when to go easy on her...i dont think you will have issues in the rear ....Chas

 

[corvetjerryd]

Hey Chas, I just recently put the 17" cragar ss wheels on my 73.....I put 17x8 with 235/45 on the front and 17x9 with 255/45 on the back...use the yahoo link in my signature to see the latest pics.....I haven't even gotten to drive it with them on it yet but I really luv the ol' skool look....Is this what you had in mind????

 

[Evolution1980]

IMO get atleast 17 all around. I have 20" all around, huge improvement on the ride and accrelerating and braking.

I'm with ya on the handling and braking, but on the ride? I assume you mean "comfort" when you say "ride". No car rides comfortably with 30 series rubber. :eyerole Especially in a C3 which already is a jarring ride...

Charlie, as long as you don't mind not having any white letter radials as choices, any 16 and most 17's shouldn't give you issue.
As for running 265 in the rear, you'll definitely need bigger than the 15x8" rim. 255 is the biggest you want to run on an 8" rim.

I would assume when you talk of rubbing, you are referring to the front? I'd suggest 245's up front. Smaller width tire will give you better turning characteristics. 245's also shouldn't rub. However, just remember with larger rim diameter comes a smaller profile tire, which typically leads to a harsher ride ("comfort") overall.
And me personally, I'm not a fan of spacers...Anything that slightly changes the geometry of the original setup. It also put a bit more load/stress on your axle/bearings.

 

[Tepot]

As for running 265 in the rear, you'll definitely need bigger than the 15x8" rim. 255 is the biggest you want to run on an 8" rim.

Thanks for the info Evolution1980. I'll will go with 255 in the rear then and 225 in the front. If ever I want 265 in the rear and decides to go with a larger rim, Will there be enouph clearance?

 

[Evolution1980]

If ever I want 265 in the rear and decides to go with a larger rim, Will there be enouph clearance?

What I would do now is to measure the distance from the inner tire wall to the trailing arm (or the wheel well, whichever is closer). I'm not sure how much clearance will be there with 265's. The distance to the trailing arm won't change with suspension travel, but keep in mind other places that will become nearer to the tire's edge when the suspension is compressed.
If you had an automatic trans, one easy way to get a rough estimate of tire clearances with a load on the suspension is to have someone in the driver seat, one foot firmly on the brake. Put the car in gear and start giving it a little gas. This will cause the car to squat in the rear. More gas, more squat. Pop under there and check clearances again. (Hint: Check it from behind the tire should your brakes just happen to fail...heheheh)
But you don't have an auto, so...oh well...

 

[Chas]

I love this kind of post....Thanks for the fotos and advise ...I am on my way to new stuff with plenty of information to help make my choice.
Your rides all look amazing and Im sure you turn alot of heads when you roll by...thats a great feeling to have folks looking at it.
Again , Many thanks for the replys,
Chas

 

[Rowdy1]

April Hot Rod

Cragar is running a half page ad that they are back and original making sizes 13,14,15,16,17,18,20 & 22"

909-947-1831
cragarwheel.com

 

[Chas]

Cragar is running a half page ad that they are back and original making sizes 13,14,15,16,17,18,20 & 22"

909-947-1831
cragarwheel.com

Thanks Lou...