C3 Wheel/Tires

[Kevin #38315]

I have two questions. I have a 1970 LT1 Convertible, mostly original except for the block. Since I do drive it, I need to put on a new set of tires.

I'd like to improve handling on my car by going with a lower profile tire. Unfortunately, there are few "H" rated options out there in the 15" size, so I'm open (and actually would prefer) going to a 16" wheel and a set of 225/60-16's. I would like to use a stock Rallye lookalike, but only know of "vintiques". Is this a good supplier? Are there others I should be considering?

Also,
My original tank sticker calls for PT7 F70X15 WHITE STRIPE TIRES. What would be a correct tire (that won't have to apply for a mortgage on) that I could obtain today to put on the original 15" rims for show/judging?

[William V.]

Re: C3 Wheel/Tires

Kevin

If you intend to drive the LT1 hard through corners and hang on the edge and for show to have pure stock tires that meet top flight specs, stop reading because what I did will not work for you.

However, for my 64 I went to COKER TIRE and purchased 4 radial goldline tires that look stock and drive nice. (not top flight but good for local show.) COKER may have something to match your needs.

You can find them on the WEB just search COKER TIRE

Good Luck

Bill

[Kevin #38315]

Re: C3 Wheel/Tires

Thanks Bill

Maybe I should have been more clear. I would like to get a new set of performance tires (on new "rallye" lookalike 16" rims) for everyday driving, but ALSO have a set of "correct" tires to put on the original 15" rims for show purposes. I want to be able to safely drive it aggressively. I'm not sure what options are available for the 16" wheels, or even if I can keep it looking more like stock than just some aftermarket wheels.

I did look at the Coker Tire site, but was seeing just "Firestone Wide Oval".. I didn't realize they also had a white strip version instead of just to raised letter version.

Kevin

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 Wheel/Tires

Kevin------

Wheel Vintiques is an excellent source for replacement rally wheels of larger size than stock. The centers are very close to the original configuration, but the diameters are available in larger sizes. They have many different wheel configurations available. Make sure that you get wheels with an offset close to that of the original 69-82 "AZ" wheel. Also, I would recommend staying with the 8" wide wheel.

For original configuration tires on the standard wheels, you can use the Firestone Wide Ovals with white stripe. These are a belted tire and the originals used on Corvettes were not belted, so they are not exactly original. However, for the road, a belted tire is better than non-belted. About $140/each

The closest you can get to overall original configuration in a current reproduction is the Goodyear Speedway Wide Tread available from Kelsey Tire. This tire is available in white stripe, nylon cord, as-original. It is non-belted, just like the originals. Price is about $190/each.

[Al S.]

Re: C3 Wheel/Tires

Kevin,
I have a '72 coupe which had a set of first generation Good Year GR70x15 Custom Steel Guard radial white stripes on it when I got the car. Unfortuneately the first hot day I was on the highway for a few hours three out of four separated due to old age. I replaced them with the Coker Firestone white walls F70x15 like you were describing, and all I have to say is be prepared for a huge letdown in handling. I did it for the same reason, (originality and NCRS judging) which pretty much did the trick with minimal point deduction for 200 smackers less than the Good Years from Kelsey. Don't get me wrong, they look great but that's as far as I'd take it. (only my $.02 and I would take a Good Year over a Firestone any day)

[Warren F.]

Re: C3 Wheel/Tires

Kevin: I've run 265 x 50 15's Euro T/A's on stock rally wheels and they fit fine all the way around, and vastly improve cornering g's for fun driving! Today a lot of early shark owners are running 255 x 60 15's on stock rally wheels and they fit very nicely, and make a huge difference for street driving. I still run original F 70 x15 Goodyears on my '71 LS6 and they do nothing but walk all over the pavement and spin all day long with the throttle down. Good luck.

[Duke W.]

Re: C3 Wheel/Tires

I see you're a member of NCRS. Did you read the article on selecting proper modern performance tires for vintage Corvettes in the current issue of The Corvette Restorer?

The next issue due out soon will profile the three available V-rated 225/70R-15 and 235/70R-15 police pursuit tires, any of which I would highly recommend to you if you are looking for the best current performance tires that are suitably sized for vintage Corvette OEM wheels.

Current sixty series tires are not true performance tires due to their low speed ratings and hard compounds. They're for looks only. If you're looking for the maximum in performance and safety, the police pursuit tires are the way to go.

Duke

[Kevin #38315]

Re: C3 Wheel/Tires

Oh, you mean I'm supposed to READ those??? And I have to go downstairs to the "library" and FIND it???

[turning sarcasm mode 'off' before I get into trouble ]

Well, after tracking down my copy of the Spring edition, I recognized the first two articles ( "Ahead of It's Time" and "Mid-Year Y- Duct Repair" ), but nothing after that. That's probably how far I got the day it came in and then got distracted on some chores. I skipped ahead to page 16 and started reading.

I'd like to say a big THANK YOU for writing it in the first place, and pointing it out to me in the second place. It's VERY informative!!

The "cosmetic performance" tires available in 60 series was one of the reasons I wanted migrate to the 16" wheels for everyday driving. The other reason was so I could put a set of "correct" tires on the original wheels for show/judging, if I ever really get serious about doing that.

Kevin

[Duke W.]

Re: C3 Wheel/Tires

Yeah, I'm sure most us are behind in our homework reading.

Be sure to read Part II due out very soon. My pick is the Firestone Firehawk PV41, but you can't go wrong with any of them, and I recall from my text that both the Goodyear and General are available either in blackwall or with a narrow whitewall if whitewall is your preference, but I prefer blackwalls.

Duke