1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Tire Size

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Old 04-03-04, 03:47 AM
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Wink Tire Size

Hey I was wondering What size tires will fit under my 85' GSL I like the look of low profile tires but not too low profile does anyone have a clue about how big of tires i can put on my baby without problems

Thanx for your input
Old 04-03-04, 05:09 AM
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Are your rims stock or...
Old 04-03-04, 05:41 AM
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I just bought Sumitomos for my stock rims. 215/50/13. I'll let you know how I like them. I loved my BFG's in that size, but Sumi's are half the price!
Old 04-03-04, 06:00 AM
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Oh so you finally did Carl? Let me know how u like them.
Old 04-03-04, 07:29 AM
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Half the price? Where did you get 'em? Local tire store or like Tire Rack or something?
Old 04-03-04, 07:54 AM
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Stock is nice - 185/70-13. I've got the Yokohama Avid Tourings, around $220 at Discount tire, which included mounting, balancing, shipping and a roadside warranty. These tires are great on the highway, very smooth. They also handle well and have good wet and dry traction. They are higly rated by Consumer Reports and by consumers who report back to the tire distributers. Also, they have an 80,000 mile tread life guarantee and they maintain the stock look of the GSL. Here's a picture:

http://www.cardomain.com/member_page...57_35_full.jpg

Ra7
Old 04-03-04, 08:20 AM
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Yeah, where did you get those tires rx7carl? Around here, I ask for Sumitomo tires. People behind the desk say Sumi-what. Nobody has even heard of them.
Old 04-03-04, 11:12 AM
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I'll let you all know how they are (havent mounted them yet). I got them from www.tirerack.com . Look at the survey results. Very impressive. Only problem for alot of people is that they are summer only tires. No snow capability at all.
Old 04-03-04, 11:39 AM
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But not a problem for SoCal or FL
Old 04-03-04, 04:33 PM
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Exactly. And for those whos sevens are parked for the winter its not a problem either.
Old 04-03-04, 06:48 PM
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Or if you have dedicated snow tires and rims its not a problem. I need some hi-po summer tires for my 7. But like I said, no one knows what sumitomo's are around here. I would prefer not to order from tire rack because the shipping and customs would be tramendous on those (i'm in canada).
Old 04-03-04, 07:40 PM
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Yeah, checked out www.tirerack.com and the Sumitomos (215/50/13) are on sale! Same price as 185/70/13 tires! Get 'em while they last I say...

The 215s have more bulge, right? So, technically they should be better for hanging curves b/c the bulge will allow more tire roll before breaking loose. Plus, the coopers that I had on mine that size looked alot better too.

Would there be ANY advantages to having the 185/70/13 tires???
Old 04-03-04, 08:03 PM
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I've gone with 205/60/13 since I bought the car. Currently the Sumitomo 200's a good cheap tire.

tire guy said a wider tire would make it squirrely in the rain. Don't know how true that is though. 205 is a good size for the 13" wheels.
Old 04-03-04, 08:15 PM
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Yeah, the bigger ratio tire size creates a wider tire. Therefore, more rubber meeting the road surface.

Result is GOOD in sunny weather, BAD in wet weather. I imagine racing slicks would be a nightmare in the rain.

I'm sure someone out there has a more intelligent answer to why this is...

I'm curious how a new Vette or Viper with their insanely wide tires do in the rain.
Old 04-03-04, 08:21 PM
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as long as the tire thread displaces the water to avoid hydroplaning, wider tires should perform better in the rain than narrower ones, IMO.
Old 04-03-04, 09:20 PM
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"Would there be ANY advantages to having the 185/70/13 tires???"

Better fuel economy
Better handling
Smoother ride
Less tracking
Looks better
Cheaper
Old 04-04-04, 03:41 AM
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I have 275 wide rear tires and 225 fronts ( not stock body though!) and before they wore down to slicks they were really great in the rain, I'd say better than stock. Now all four tires are slicks, so about 55-60 mph is the limit in rain. Oh yeah, havent found a car yet that can beat me though a exit ramp, many a Vette has tried, all have failed. So handling improvement cant be described with mere words. Period.

Last edited by GtoRx7; 04-04-04 at 03:45 AM.
Old 04-05-04, 04:01 AM
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[QUOTE]Originally posted by Suparslinc
[B]I've gone with 205/60/13 since I bought the car.

I agree! Their great,and the improvement from 175 is HUGE!

Besides : I cant find anything wider in good old Africa!

Old 04-05-04, 07:13 AM
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My Sumitomo HTR200's were great in the rain. During an autocross event in heavy rain and standing water they felt VERY grippy and my overall traction level was very good.
Old 04-05-04, 10:51 AM
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So, where did you find Sumitomo's in Soviet Kanukistan? Help a comrad out!
Old 03-25-05, 07:59 PM
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more tire talk.....I am learning a lot
Old 03-26-05, 04:04 AM
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Damn I didn't know about 215/50's! I just ordered a set of sumi 205/60's. I's have to see the 215's in person, anyone got pics. I think the 205's will be fine, got them from tirerack for $199 shipped.
Old 03-26-05, 05:33 AM
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Here you go. 215/50/13

Old 03-26-05, 08:28 AM
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I thought 215 width would rub in the front --- true? I'd like to go with 15" wheels, and was thinking 205/50 front and 215/50 rear.
Old 03-26-05, 10:47 AM
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I got 10 mm spacers in front wheels to avoid that.


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