Tire Size Advice
 

A few years back I bought a set of 14" rims that had almost new 225 60 14 tires on them for a really nice price. This combination looks awesome on my 70 model, but when I put two poeple in the car and take a sharp turn or hit the right bump, the wide tires hit my inner qtr panel wheel well lip. I believe the stock tire size calls for a 195 75 14, but I'd like more tire than that. What size do ya'll suggest would fill out the wheel well the most w/o the inner qtr panel lip rub problem? The suspension is set up like this.

Stock springs
KYB gas struts
Energy suspension bushings

Try rolling the outer lip of the fender. Google fender roller!

Tire Size Advice
 

I already rolled up the lip a bit, but I hate to roll it up completely because I want to keep the body looking as original as possible. I'm also worried about cracking the paint. I've made up my mind to adress the problem via new tires.

Did you buy tires yet?..if so what size did you go with?

Tire Size Advice
 

No, I'm still running my 225 60 14s. Definately too wide.

I am looking at replacing mine also and just thought I'd add what I found. I will stick with 14" rims. So I assume that is where you're coming from, too. I bought my 1978 Z last year and it has steel 14" rims that are pretty cute, er, too cute for my taste. But that's a point for another thread.

The last owner installed 215/60's and they are too wide (just for my taste) and reduced diameter from stock. This size makes the car follow ruts and aggravates bump steer. They do not rub any part of the car. They offset the speedometer +5 mph. They have a smaller diameter than stock and with such a low aspect ratio, they transmit alot of shock to my hands on the steering wheel. I also have stock springs = stock chassis height. Car suspension is not modified.

My stock size is 195/70-14. I like a slightly wider tire than stock that is also slightly larger in diameter to fill the wheel well just a tiny bit without offsetting the Speedometer any noticeable amount. So I have been using the tire calculators like crazy and found that 205/70-14 size tires are perfect for my application. Calculator estimates this size will reduce rev's per mile by 17 compared to stock. When compared to the 215/60's, rev's per mile drop by over 35! Tire selection is definately poor with 14" rims. I'm sure you've already noticed that.

Awesome info! Thanks!!! I was considering 195 70 14s, but I was pretty sure that I'd want something a bit wider than the 195s. To be honest with you, I didn't even consider all of the other variables (i.e. addl revs and stuff), so that info is great to have. As you say, the tire selection in 14" is terrible, but I will try to stick with the 14" rims because I like the ones I have and go with the 205 70 14s (if I can find them) :(