1969 tire replacement

[Harold M.]

Would like to get high quality radial tires that appear close to original in size. Also, originals are black wall?
Thanks

[Duke W.]

Re: 1969 tire replacement

On of the three V-rated 225/70R-15 police pursuit tires. (see the spring and summer, 2003 Corvette Restorer issues.) These have slightly lower revs per mile (760) than the OE F70-15s (775).

During the C2 era GM did not change the speedo gearing from the 6.70-15 (760 rev/mile) to the 7.75-15 (775 revs/mile). They just accepted the 2 percent higher readings, so if anything, your speedo will be more accurate with 225/70s rather than 215/70s, which are 775/revs/mile.

Also, as the tires wear, the revs per mile increase - about 2 percent from new to the wear bars.

Duke