Go Back   Third Generation F-Body Message Boards > Tech Boards > Suspension / Chassis
Sign in using an external account
Register Forgot Password?

Suspension / Chassis Questions about your suspension? Need chassis advice?

Welcome to ThirdGen.org!
Welcome to ThirdGen.org.

You are currently viewing our forum as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community, at no cost, you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is free, fast and simple, join the ThirdGen.org community today!


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old 03-03-2008, 10:05 PM   #1
Junior Member
 
The MPI 'Bird's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Manitoba, Canada
Posts: 67
Car: 1989 Pontiac Firebird
Engine: 2.8L V6
Transmission: 5 Speed
Axle/Gears: 3.42's

Classifieds Rating: (0)
Tire Question

Hi there, I'm gonna be buying some Firestone Firehawk Indy 500's for my 'bird pretty soon, but I don't know what to do for size. I pretty much just want a size that will fill out the wheel well on my car because right now I have 215/65/15 (I think) and it just looks way to small. The Wheels I've got is the 15 inch mesh style. I think the size is 15"/7". I'm thinking a size like 235/60/15 would be good, but idk, I'm a rookie when it comes to tire shopping, so if anyone has any suggestions, it would be greatly appreciated, Thanks!
The MPI 'Bird is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote
Old 03-04-2008, 12:07 AM   #2
Senior Member
 
slow_90firebird's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Manchester, CT + Nashua, NH
Posts: 1,461
Car: 90 Firebird Formula
Engine: LO3
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.08 one wheel peel

Classifieds Rating: (0)
Re: Tire Question

235/60/15 would probably be good for the front. You cant go too oversize because it will rub up there.

For the back, you could run a 235/65/15 or maybe even a 245/65/15. Not too sure how a 245 would bead up on a narrow rim though.

Personally, if I was you, I would keep the 215/65/15 up front, and do a 235/65/15 in the rear.
__________________
-Adam

1990 Firebird Formula
Bone Stock 305TBI, T5 tranny, 62k Origional
UMI subframe Connectors
slow_90firebird is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote
Old 03-04-2008, 02:06 PM   #3
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: North TX
Posts: 26
Car: 83 Camaro
Engine: 305
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 342's

Classifieds Rating: (0)
Re: Tire Question

The P235/60R15 Firehawk Indy is 1/10" taller and about 3/4" wider than the OEM tires, no speedo change. The next size up (still a Firestone) is a P255/60R15, the specs allow it to use a 7" rim it would be 1 1/2" wider and 1 1/10" taller (needs a different speedo gear).

BFG makes a P245/60R15 Radial
T/A, it is recomeded for the 7" rim has a 9 8/10" width and is 6/10" taller than stock (needs speedo gear). I think you could run the T/A's on all four corners and still be able to do a traditional tire rotation.
jvontungeln is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote
Old 03-09-2008, 09:17 PM   #4
Junior Member
 
The MPI 'Bird's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Manitoba, Canada
Posts: 67
Car: 1989 Pontiac Firebird
Engine: 2.8L V6
Transmission: 5 Speed
Axle/Gears: 3.42's

Classifieds Rating: (0)
Re: Tire Question

Well I kinda wanna stick to the same size all around for tire rotations. does anyone have any pictures of 15's with something like a 235/65/15 or something like that? I just want to make sure that that I buy a size that will fill in the wheel well, 'cause right now I have a huge gap and it looks really bad and I don't really feel like lowering the car.

If anyone has any pictures, that would be great!
The MPI 'Bird is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote
Old 03-09-2008, 10:02 PM   #5
Senior Member
 
slow_90firebird's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Manchester, CT + Nashua, NH
Posts: 1,461
Car: 90 Firebird Formula
Engine: LO3
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.08 one wheel peel

Classifieds Rating: (0)
Re: Tire Question

If you get a tire that is way too big, just to "fill the wheel well" its gonna end up looking like a monstor truck.
__________________
-Adam

1990 Firebird Formula
Bone Stock 305TBI, T5 tranny, 62k Origional
UMI subframe Connectors
slow_90firebird is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote
Old 03-09-2008, 11:43 PM   #6
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Tampa Bay, FL
Posts: 687
Car: 85 IROC
Engine: LB9
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42

Classifieds Rating: (0)
Re: Tire Question

not to mention that too much of an increase in outside tire radius will need a speedo gear swap or you'll be reading slow
IROCmonkey is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote
Old 03-11-2008, 06:40 PM   #7
Senior Member
 
DLV555's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Raleigh, NC USA
Posts: 357
Car: 1992 Firebird/1987 Monte Carlo SS
Engine: L03/L69
Transmission: 700-R4/200-4R
Axle/Gears: 3.42 Gov-Lock/3.73

Classifieds Rating: (1)
Send a message via AIM to DLV555
Re: Tire Question

My Monte SS runs the same sizes tires (215/65R15) and rims (15x7) as the 15" f-body rims. I run 255/60R15s on the rear of my SS and 235/60R15s in front (screw tire rotations), and I didn't change my speedo gears. Yeah the speedo is a little off, but it is not that bad. It's off by 2.5 mph at 65mph...big deal. That is a really small problem that is overhyped.

I'm going to test fit the 255s from my SS onto my Firebird (maybe this week before I go to the track), and see how they fit. I also found that Cooper makes a Cobra GT in 265/50/15. That's actually shorter than stock and is very likely pushing it as far as how wide you can go on a 15x7 rim, but mated with some 215/60R15 Cooper Cobras for the front it would make a good combo I think. Espesically if the car was lowered a little bit.

When I bought my Firebird it already had 235/60R15s on it all the way around, the rears were fine but the fronts scrubbed hard on a sharp turn. So when it needed tires I went back to the stock 215/65R15 all the way around. And put the 2 good 235s on my SS. I regret that because now I have started drag racing and those 215s SUCK for traction at the dragstrip. Hence why I want to test fit my 255s.
DLV555 is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote
Old 03-11-2008, 08:31 PM   #8
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Tampa Bay, FL
Posts: 687
Car: 85 IROC
Engine: LB9
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42

Classifieds Rating: (0)
Re: Tire Question

Quote:
Originally Posted by DLV555 View Post
Yeah the speedo is a little off, but it is not that bad. It's off by 2.5 mph at 65mph...big deal. That is a really small problem that is overhyped.
Honestly it depends on how far you are off whether its a big deal or not. If you are running different tires and different rear gears or changed one of them a lot say like 2:73 to a 4:10 your speedo will be further and further off by a percentage. Get far enough off and its hello officer.

You may not need to do a swap but you definately need to be aware of how far your speedo is off.

LOL the speedo in my truck doesnt even work most of the time. But I just compute it by what gear I'm in at what RPM, because I went to the trouble of figuring the approx ratio, so I am usually within 5mph of where I should be.
IROCmonkey is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote
Old 03-12-2008, 12:24 PM   #9
Senior Member
 
DLV555's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Raleigh, NC USA
Posts: 357
Car: 1992 Firebird/1987 Monte Carlo SS
Engine: L03/L69
Transmission: 700-R4/200-4R
Axle/Gears: 3.42 Gov-Lock/3.73

Classifieds Rating: (1)
Send a message via AIM to DLV555
Re: Tire Question

Yes, but I am referring to going from 215s to 255s. Your speedo will be off by 2.5 mph at 65mph...that's not likely gonna get you too many tickets. When I put in my 3.42s in place of my 2.73s I changed my speedo gear (which is REALLY easy on a VSS car) because that is a drastic change. I'll have to do it again if and when I change to 3.73s.

My point was I wouldn't let speedometer inaccuracy stop me from changing tires sizes. It's not that big of a deal.
DLV555 is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote
Old 03-12-2008, 10:27 PM   #10
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: elk point ,south dakota
Posts: 40
Car: 1991 firebird formula
Engine: 350
Transmission: auto.
Axle/Gears: ?

Classifieds Rating: (1)
Re: Tire Question

what is standard tires on a 91 firebird 215/78/15 ? because my speedo is way off ,had trany gear checked it right .they toled me that it could be the dash? are they for real do they make different dashes for sticks an atuos?
bruce lamoureux is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote
Old 03-13-2008, 03:00 PM   #11
Senior Member
 
DLV555's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Raleigh, NC USA
Posts: 357
Car: 1992 Firebird/1987 Monte Carlo SS
Engine: L03/L69
Transmission: 700-R4/200-4R
Axle/Gears: 3.42 Gov-Lock/3.73

Classifieds Rating: (1)
Send a message via AIM to DLV555
Re: Tire Question

Quote:
Originally Posted by bruce lamoureux View Post
what is standard tires on a 91 firebird 215/78/15 ? because my speedo is way off ,had trany gear checked it right .they toled me that it could be the dash? are they for real do they make different dashes for sticks an atuos?
215/65R15 is stock. There is no such tire as 215/78R15.
DLV555 is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote
Old 03-13-2008, 06:57 PM   #12
Supreme Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,078
Car: 2005 Mercedes C55, 2002 Trailblazer
Engine: 5.5L V8, 4.2L I6
Transmission: 5G, 4L60E

Classifieds Rating: (17)
Re: Tire Question

If you don't like the gap you need to lower the car. If you get taller tires to fill the gap, it will look worse and then you'll have to change the speedo driven gear and possibly the drive gear too. Having the speedo off is a big deal because it messes with the odometer too. For 15" wheels, 235/60/15 is a good size.
compuwiz1937 is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote
Old 03-14-2008, 12:43 PM   #13
Senior Member
 
DLV555's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Raleigh, NC USA
Posts: 357
Car: 1992 Firebird/1987 Monte Carlo SS
Engine: L03/L69
Transmission: 700-R4/200-4R
Axle/Gears: 3.42 Gov-Lock/3.73

Classifieds Rating: (1)
Send a message via AIM to DLV555
Re: Tire Question

Quote:
Originally Posted by compuwiz1937 View Post
If you don't like the gap you need to lower the car. If you get taller tires to fill the gap, it will look worse and then you'll have to change the speedo driven gear and possibly the drive gear too. Having the speedo off is a big deal because it messes with the odometer too. For 15" wheels, 235/60/15 is a good size.

I disagree. I put 255/60R15s on my 'bird last night to go to the track. it looked sweet. That is definitely the size I'm going to (for the rear) next time I get tires. IMO the cars are low enough already.
DLV555 is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote
Old 03-24-2008, 07:27 PM   #14
Junior Member
 
The MPI 'Bird's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Manitoba, Canada
Posts: 67
Car: 1989 Pontiac Firebird
Engine: 2.8L V6
Transmission: 5 Speed
Axle/Gears: 3.42's

Classifieds Rating: (0)
Re: Tire Question

Well I bought my Tires. I bought 4 tires, all of them 235/60/R15. I double checked my original tire size and it was actually 205/65/R15. I figure the 235's will look a whole lot better then the 205's, which is what I was looking for.

Thanks for the help guys! It's a good thing I asked you guys first, otherwise I probably would've bought some huge freakin' tires that would've made it look like a "monster truck" lol
The MPI 'Bird is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote
Old 03-24-2008, 08:03 PM   #15
Member
 
chrisblazzer89's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Brockton MA
Posts: 111
Car: 1986 Camaro
Engine: 350 v8
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt,disks, 3.23 posi rear

Classifieds Rating: (0)
Send a message via AIM to chrisblazzer89
Re: Tire Question

Do you guys think I could fit a set of 275/60/15s BFG Radial T/A on the rear of my Camaro??

I saw a set of those on a Monte SS And they looked BAD AZZ!!

The Monte was also not tubbed or anything.
chrisblazzer89 is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote
Old 03-25-2008, 07:31 PM   #16
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Las Vegas NV
Posts: 171
Car: 92RS
Engine: 305= boat anchor
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 4th gen 3.23

Classifieds Rating: (0)
Re: Tire Question

You can make them fit, but it all depends what rims you got.Stock/aftermarket, backspacing,stuff like that.

Last edited by 92RS702; 03-26-2008 at 04:11 PM.
92RS702 is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote
Old 03-27-2008, 11:53 AM   #17
Senior Member
 
DLV555's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Raleigh, NC USA
Posts: 357
Car: 1992 Firebird/1987 Monte Carlo SS
Engine: L03/L69
Transmission: 700-R4/200-4R
Axle/Gears: 3.42 Gov-Lock/3.73

Classifieds Rating: (1)
Send a message via AIM to DLV555
Re: Tire Question

Quote:
Originally Posted by chrisblazzer89 View Post
Do you guys think I could fit a set of 275/60/15s BFG Radial T/A on the rear of my Camaro??

I saw a set of those on a Monte SS And they looked BAD AZZ!!

The Monte was also not tubbed or anything.

I wouldn't use those on a stock size (15x7) rim. That would be smaller than the manufacturer would recommend. But yes they can fit in the car, tubs shouldn't be necessary. Especially on an SS.
DLV555 is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote
Old 03-27-2008, 01:27 PM   #18
Member
 
chrisblazzer89's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Brockton MA
Posts: 111
Car: 1986 Camaro
Engine: 350 v8
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt,disks, 3.23 posi rear

Classifieds Rating: (0)
Send a message via AIM to chrisblazzer89
Re: Tire Question

Ok does can some one recommend some tires for me I like wide tires so I'm thinking maybe 275/50/15 can some one point me in the right direction
chrisblazzer89 is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote
Old 03-28-2008, 12:32 PM   #19
Senior Member
 
DLV555's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Raleigh, NC USA
Posts: 357
Car: 1992 Firebird/1987 Monte Carlo SS
Engine: L03/L69
Transmission: 700-R4/200-4R
Axle/Gears: 3.42 Gov-Lock/3.73

Classifieds Rating: (1)
Send a message via AIM to DLV555
Re: Tire Question

On a stock rim, no those would not be recommended. Most companies would recommend a minimum rim width of 7.5" for that size tire, some even recommend 8". So if you have a rim that size and with the proper backspacing then give it a shot. I think the widest that is recommended on the stock 15x7" rim are the 255 tires. Keep in mind you can do and try whatever you like, I'm just giving you guidelines. If you run a tire/rim combo that is not recommended and have a tire failure you will likely not be able to use a tire warranty and no one will accept any liability for damages or injuries.
DLV555 is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote
Old 03-28-2008, 12:32 PM
ThirdGen
1992 Camaro




Paid Advertisement


Reply

Go Back   Third Generation F-Body Message Boards > Tech Boards > Suspension / Chassis

Tags
20565r15, 21578, 23560r15, 23578r15, 78r15, 87, carlo, monte, p255, put, r15, replace, size, taller, tire, tires
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off

 


1982 Camaro '82 || 1983 Camaro '83 || 1984 Camaro '84 || 1985 Camaro '85 || 1986 Camaro '86 || 1987 Camaro '87 || 1988 Camaro '88 || 1989 Camaro '89 || 1990 Camaro '90 || 1991 Camaro '91 || 1992 Camaro '92


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:52 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.7.5
Copyright ©2000 - 2012, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Friendly URLs by vBSEO 3.5.2
All content copyright © 1997 - 2012 ThirdGen.org. All rights reserved. No part of this website may be reproduced without the expressed, documented, and written consent of ThirdGen.org's Administrators.

Emails & Contact Details