Tyre Fitment

[Joe C.]

Dear Sirs and Mesdames:

I have been well advised by a most knowledgeable, and respected chap, that a size 215/70R-15 tyre will neatly fill in for an originally fitted 7.75-15. If the following link is used:

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

then, a compatible size will be 235/65R-15. Have any of you gents, and/or, ladies, actually fitted this size tyre onto your Midyear Corvette? Were there any rubbing issues. I am currently employing Western, aluminium knock-off wheels.

Have any of you gents, and/or, ladies, experienced these tyres, notwithstanding the fact that they are not available in size 235/65R-15:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Pirelli&tireModel=P4000+Super+Touring&vehicleSearch=false&partnum=07WR54000ST2&fromCompare1=yes&place=0

[Stuart F.]

Re: Tyre Fitment

Just before moving from the northern midwest to Florida, I finally changed my 63 over to radials after many years running correct 6.70/15 or 7.75/15 Bias ply tires (tyres) for most of it's life. I went to a Goodyear shop where a GM trained Corvette specialist worked and he recommended I go no bigger than P205/75R-15's for use on my stock 5.5" wide steel wheels. He also did the most important thing for me; and that is the "neutral" front and rear wheel alignment. This was done on a computer controlled machine from which I have a printout. My rear adjusment had to be run out to the maximum to achieve the necessary specifications. I put my faith in his years of experience changing old Corvettes over to radial tires, and I feel it paid off. It tracks beautifully straight and handles/rides like a dream. In looking at my car, specially turning up and down drive ways, I can honestly say I don't think I would want to try any larger tire than these. The other criteria I used for picking the tires was the speed rating. I'm inclined to push it to the red line at least in the first 3 gears and a bit beyond once in a while and did not want a tire that was going to give up on me at speed. Oh yes, I have a 3:36 rear axle ratio so it loves to run right up there with some of the big boys.

Stu Fox

[Wayne W.]

Re: Tyre Fitment

Dear Sirs and Mesdames:

I have been well advised by a most knowledgeable, and respected chap, that a size 215/70R-15 tyre will neatly fill in for an originally fitted 7.75-15. If the following link is used:

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

then, a compatible size will be 235/65R-15. Have any of you gents, and/or, ladies, actually fitted this size tyre onto your Midyear Corvette? Were there any rubbing issues. I am currently employing Western, aluminium knock-off wheels.

Have any of you gents, and/or, ladies, experienced these tyres, notwithstanding the fact that they are not available in size 235/65R-15:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....e1=yes&place=0

I run 215/70s on my 66 with the KOs and they do fine. Cant advise on the 235/65s.

[Michael H.]

Re: Tyre Fitment

I have been well advised by a most knowledgeable, and respected chap, that a size 215/70R-15 tyre will neatly fill in for an originally fitted 7.75-15. If the following link is used:

then, a compatible size will be 235/65R-15. Have any of you gents, and/or, ladies, actually fitted this size tyre onto your Midyear Corvette? Were there any rubbing issues. I am currently employing Western, aluminium knock-off wheels.

Just my personal opinion but I think 235/65's would look stupid on a 63-67 car. Way too short for the body style. I really don't care much for 215/70's either.
As mentioned, a good quality 205/75 will look great and perform very well.

No matter what ya do, ya ainta gunna make yer C2 handle like a new Z06. Enjoy the car for what it is.

[Bruce B.]

Re: Tyre Fitment

I have Goodyear Regetta 2, 215 70 R15 tires on stock steel wheels on my 65 coupe and they look great.
The only problem I have is that on a tight left turn the tire rubs slightly on the frame rail toward the rear of the car. Other then that the car handles well.