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I am restoring a 73 (which I bought new). I have been told I could go with original size tires which are 225 70 15, or can switch to alternate which would be 235 60 15. Any advise? I will be driving weekends and to golf course, probably will not show, but may display in local shows etc. Many Thanks.
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Re: 1973-tires
Gene-----
The 225-70-015 is the closest current tire size to the GR70-15 size originally used on your car. These tires have an OD of about 27.4".
The 235-60-15 has an OD of 26.1". This will result in an approximate 5% speedometer error if you use the alternate tire size. I'd recommend staying with the 225-70-15. You have very little to gain by switching to the 235-60-15.In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: 1973-tires
My personal preference is 245/60R15, they seem to fill the wheel well better. To maintain the diam of the original you can go with 235/65R15, 245/60R15, or 265/50R15. These are all very close to the original diam.
tom...
The '73 SpotComment
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Re: 1973-tires
Size 225/70R-15 is the same revs per mile - 760 - as the original GR70-15s, but you might want to consider 235/70s, which are a bit taller and speced at 744 revs per mile.
If you follow this Board regularly you might recall some recent threads
on "police pursuit tires". If you didn't see them, you should search the recent archives.
DukeComment
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Re: 1973-tires
I put 255/60/15's on my 73. I was told they are the widest that will fit with no problems and I have had no problems and are only a little smaller around then the GR70-15
jayComment
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Re: 1973-tires
My Vette has 235x65-15. They fit in the wheel well just fine. From the rear they appear a wee bit narrow for a "performance" car. There does not appear to be a significant speed difference between the actual speed and the speedometer reading. If I ever get another set of tires I might try the 240x60-15 for the extra width.
RogerComment
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Re: 1973-tires
255/60s were offered as an option, I believe, starting in 1978, but cars delivered with the optional tires had the forward 1/3 to 1/2 of the wheel well 'lip' removed to provide clearance (probably on sharp turns during suspension deflection). The 225/70s were the standard size. Depending on the set-up and condition of your front suspension, you might get away with using the wider size without modifying the wheel well lip.Comment
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Re: 1973-tires
Does anyone make a 240/60R15 in a performance or touring tire?Comment
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Re: 1973-tires
Sixty series tires above 225 mm section width are, for the most part, low performance tires with speed ratings no higher than "S". You can search your desired size at www.tirerack.com to see what is available.
The best available performance tires for Corvettes are the current seventy series police pursuit tires and the vintage Michelin XWX available exclusively from Coker Tire.
DukeComment
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Re: 1973-tires
Thanks Duke!Comment
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