<VV> LATE MODEL TIRE SIZE QUESTION

[Bruce Schug]

On Sep 20, 2004, at 3:28 PM, Sethracer@aol.com wrote:

> In a message dated 9/20/2004 12:08:03 PM Pacific Standard Time,
> Rod.Murray@disney.com writes:
>
> i  have a 66 convt w/ non-modified wheel wells...am looking to put on 
> a set
> of 15" rally wheels (w/ 4 1/4" backspacing), and wondering what's the  
> biggest
> size tire i can put on w/o encountering problems.  i was  thinking that
> 205/60/15's would work...any thoughts? many thanks! Rod  Murray
>
>
> Wheels - Well. . . .
>
> 15" x 6" no problem
>
> 15" x 7" slight front end issues  - I have run this set-up.  
> Interference at
> full turn lock at front of wheelwell
>
> 15" x 8" major issues
>
> Another variable is lowering. If the car is at stock height, you have  
> better
> clearance.
>
> - Seth Emerson
>

As Seth wrote, there are many variables here - lowering, backspacing, 
tire size, even to a smaller degree, tire construction. One guy can run 
a tire, another can't. I used to autocross with 15 x 8 Corvette rally 
wheels with little backspacing - lots of dish - with 225/50-15's. Often 
times wide, low profile tires (225/50) will fit better than taller 
(205/60) tires will simply because they're smaller. I think the 
225/50's rubbed the inside of the front fender opening at the top - but 
no where else. A little trimming and they worked fine. But they are a 
lot smaller diameter than 205/60's.

Personally, I think a 205/60-15 is an excellent street tire for a 
late-model Corvair - with the right wheel. If I'm correct, Bob Marlow 
was unsuccessful with this size because the wheels he was using had too 
little backspacing (lots of dish which pulled the tire out into the 
fender and rubbed).  I can't tell you if a 4 1/4 backspace wheel will 
work. It seems to me it would. Others??? You won't have a problem on 
the rear. If you don't care about rotating tires, you could use a 
narrower wheel on the front. If you get the backspace right you'll be 
okay.

Bruce