C2 Radials.

[Paul L.]

Re: C2 Radials.

Rick,
I went through this two years ago. I was well advised by Duke Williams' article in the Spring 2003 issue of "The Corvette Restorer" on police pursuit tires, Z-rated. And some on-line comments to me. I took his advice and have never looked back. Right tire, right size. Wow, they perform. Thanks (again) Duke!

[Duke W.]

Re: C2 Radials.

The "police pursuit tires" I recommended are all V-rated 225/70R-15s, but I only recommended them for C3s due to potential fender clearance problems with C2s and the narrower wheels.

For C2s I recommended the W-rated 215/70ZR-15 Pirelli P4000 Super Touring.

The P4000s also look very good on your car in the photo.

In judging a non-OE brand will take a hit, which is too bad because the modern radial tire choices in C2 compatible sizes in OE brands are now pretty much limited to rock hard, low speed rated "van tires" or those atrocious driving repro bias plys.

But for a lot of guys two sets or wheels/tires make sense given that 6" repro Rally wheels are relatively inexpensive and will fit all C2s while accepting the OE wheelcovers.

So a good set of driving tires on the wheel of your choice and a set of repro bias plys on the OE wheels for judging and show.

Duke

[Richard S.]

Re: C2 Radials.

Duke,

Thanks for the info. Are you saying the Goodyear Regatta 2 tires are too harsh for every day cruising. I have Michelin XH4's on my 66 and like that ride. They are 205/70/15 and rub the frame with wheels turned all the way. I'm hoping the 205/75/15 or 215/70/15's will not rub on the 67. The 66 has power steering....the 67 does not. Could this be the difference.

[Duke W.]

Re: C2 Radials.

No, I doubt if they will be too harsh, but they are only S-rated and lack the nylon cap belt, which makes them weaker and more prone to tread separation than a tire with a nylon cap belt, which is usually any tire with a "H" or above speed rating.

The 215/70 P4000 Super Touring was developed for a Jaguar Sedan, so is combines a good ride with decent grip and high speed stability with the inherent safety of a nylon cap belt.

If the 205/70s rub the frame at max steering lock, the other sizes likely will too, due to being slightly wider (215/70) or taller (205/75), but I don't consider this to be a safety issue, because you only achieve full lock at parking lot speeds, and it's something you can avoid by being aware and backing away a little from full lock when you do a U-turn.

It's possible that power/non power steering affects frame rub due to a slight difference in max wheel angle acheived because of the different holes uses for attaching the tie rods to the knuckle steering arms.

Duke

[Richard S.]

Re: C2 Radials.

Thanks Duke....you're always helpful.

very best regards from Montreal.....

Rick.