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substitute for RS OEM tires

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Old Aug 22, 2018 | 04:58 PM
  #1  
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From: Des Moines, Iowa
Car: 1991 Camaro RS yellow
Engine: was '91 V6, now '89 5.7/355 TPI
Transmission: 4 speed automatic
Axle/Gears: Moser 3.73 with zexel posi
substitute for RS OEM tires

Since wide P285/50r15 is no longer made anywhere (even China), would P275/50/r15 be a substitute? How about P295/60/r15? I've used the on-line tire size calculator, and these two are pretty close, but would like to know what experts think would work best to get more traction and whether anyone has experience with either that they'd like to share. P215/65r15 on my 1991 RS now, but slicks were on there when I bought it, so I'm assuming the rims are wide enough..
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Old Aug 22, 2018 | 08:50 PM
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Re: substitute for RS OEM tires

I pay attention to the suggested rim range. Like BFG recommends their 295/50R15 installed on between an 8" to 10.5" wheel, see attached.

On an 8" wide wheel, the tire is going to look a bit bubbly, and it is going to be able to shift laterally, with poorer handling. Also, if it is aired to spec. the center of the tread may wear out sooner (that was my experience with that model of tire in 235/60R15 on a 7" wheel. Airing it down can help, but then handling is sloppier, and load capacity is reduced.)

on a 10.5" wheel, the tire will ride and handle a little firmer.

If you can match up a tire to a wheel in the middle of the suggested rim range, that is usually the best bet.
Attached Thumbnails substitute for RS OEM tires-image.jpeg  
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Old Aug 24, 2018 | 10:47 AM
  #3  
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Car: 1984 LG4 Camaro
Engine: 350 Roller Motor
Transmission: Level 10 700R4
Axle/Gears: Strange 12 bolt 3.42
Re: substitute for RS OEM tires

285 requires a 9" wheel - 9.5" or even 10" is optimal. Too wide for any stock 3rd gen wheel - they max out at 8".
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Old Aug 24, 2018 | 01:05 PM
  #4  
James Sutton's Avatar
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From: Des Moines, Iowa
Car: 1991 Camaro RS yellow
Engine: was '91 V6, now '89 5.7/355 TPI
Transmission: 4 speed automatic
Axle/Gears: Moser 3.73 with zexel posi
Re: substitute for RS OEM tires

Originally Posted by paul_huryk
285 requires a 9" wheel - 9.5" or even 10" is optimal. Too wide for any stock 3rd gen wheel - they max out at 8".
Did the '91 RS come with wider wheels?
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Old Aug 24, 2018 | 06:52 PM
  #5  
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Car: 1984 LG4 Camaro
Engine: 350 Roller Motor
Transmission: Level 10 700R4
Axle/Gears: Strange 12 bolt 3.42
Re: substitute for RS OEM tires

Larges wheel OEM was the 16" x 8" with the oddball 235-50-16 tire.

Originally Posted by James Sutton
Did the '91 RS come with wider wheels?
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Old Aug 25, 2018 | 06:33 AM
  #6  
James Sutton's Avatar
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From: Des Moines, Iowa
Car: 1991 Camaro RS yellow
Engine: was '91 V6, now '89 5.7/355 TPI
Transmission: 4 speed automatic
Axle/Gears: Moser 3.73 with zexel posi
Re: substitute for RS OEM tires

Thank you, Paul.
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