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In the past I have been against anything on a stock wheel well C2 with anything larger than 205R70X15" for fear of front fender damage on a hard turn on curbed drive way. However with the limited selection of available tires in that size I am considering 17" wheels. My 65 of course has disc brakes all around. What is the largest tire I can fit on a 17" rim with either a 50 or 60 sidewall with a standard back spacing wheel and no fear of the above stated damage? Any pictures of what I am speaking of appreciated.
In the past I have been against anything on a stock wheel well C2 with anything larger than 205R70X15" for fear of front fender damage on a hard turn on curbed drive way. However with the limited selection of available tires in that size I am considering 17" wheels. My 65 of course has disc brakes all around. What is the largest tire I can fit on a 17" rim with either a 50 or 60 sidewall with a standard back spacing wheel and no fear of the above stated damage? Any pictures of what I am speaking of appreciated.
Wheels are 17 X 7 with 4 inch back space. Wilwood discs all around. Tires 2:25 50 front and 2:35 50 rear. Car lowered a couple inches and tires are under fender wells and no rubbing as you see in first picture. Have offset trailing arms and could get a 2:45 rear but rim should then be a little wilder than 7 inch. You will have many tire selections more attuned to sports cars, These Kuhmo's are great and priced reasonable. Can also find bigger wheel selection with 17 inch and get nice lighter wheels to reduce unsprund weight and better handling.
These are 18 X 7 with 4" backspace. Wheels are Schotts. Tires are Michelin 225/50 front 235/55 rear.
The front tires do rub if you turn hard either way.
These are 18 X 7 with 4" backspace. Wheels are Schotts. Tires are Michelin 225/50 front 235/55 rear. The front tires do rub if you turn hard either way.
Gorgeous C2 coupe. Is the rubbing on the frame rail?
To get an overall tire diameter in the 26.5"-27.5" height of the original tire fender filling radius, you need to go to a 225/55/17 (~26.8"), or 225/50/18 (~26.9-27.2"). These are typical Mustang GT sizes.
If you prefer more sidewall, a few brands make 225/60/16 tires at ~26.8" tall, the factory Crown Victoria Police Interceptor size.
All of these are Z or W speed rated tires, in a ultra high performance or better summer tread (no SUV tires).
Race tires will grip better, but sizes are more limited.
Wheels are 17 X 7 with 4 inch back space. Wilwood discs all around. Tires 2:25 50 front and 2:35 50 rear. Car lowered a couple inches and tires are under fender wells and no rubbing as you see in first picture. Have offset trailing arms and could get a 2:45 rear but rim should then be a little wilder than 7 inch. You will have many tire selections more attuned to sports cars, These Kuhmo's are great and priced reasonable. Can also find bigger wheel selection with 17 inch and get nice lighter wheels to reduce unsprund weight and better handling.
Are you saying that the tires lowered the car a couple of inches? Or, you lowered the car a couple of inches and the 17" rims fit.
I’m generally a fan of big wheels but not so much on a C2. One of the things I love about the C2 is the look of the stock wheels. My concern would be running 50 series tires on a 50 yr old suspension.
I’m generally a fan of big wheels but not so much on a C2. One of the things I love about the C2 is the look of the stock wheels. My concern would be running 50 series tires on a 50 yr old suspension.
Can you comment on how the ride has changed?
Ed
I agree ED! Big wheels look good on a lot of cars, but not a C2! Ray
I agree ED! Big wheels look good on a lot of cars, but not a C2! Ray
I always like the tire with a bit more sidewall. We don't have the best roads and potholes, and the lower sidewall gives a stiffer ride. I agree, I like the C2 with a bit more tire but the really bigger wheels look cartoonish to me. Just my opinion. I went with a 16x7 with a 205 60 16 on the front with Falken tires, not a SUV tire but not a super high speed tire either. I've got good clearance. Here are a couple pics.
If you like a wide tire close to the stock 27" tall height with sidewall for looks and comfort, these are W rated 225/60/16's, on US Wheel 16x7" Rally rims with 4.25" backspace, on a drum brake (a disc brake car should use 4" backspace, and test to fit under the fender flange). My 63' car is lowered about 1-inch on the equivalent of F41 springs (550/305#/in). The front tires only rub the frame rails at full steering lock, just like my stock rims with 215/70/15's (just in a place slightly closer to the front axle centerline).
The top pic is with 275/45-18's on the rear and 225/45-17's on the front. They seemed a little small so next I went to 295/45-18's on rear and 235/45-17's on the front. Wheel size is 18x9.5 on rear with 5.25" backspacing and 17x7" on front with 4" backspacing. Same size wheel on both sets of tires...just more bling on the newer ones. Obviously I have lip flares on rear so not much help..but the fronts clear fine and my car is lowered in front.
Darryl.
I had these 17 x 7 Wheels and tires on my 67 roadster a few years ago. I sold the car with stock rally wheels and redlines, so these are sitting in my shop. I would have to climb up on the shelving to take a look to see what size they are. I was going to use them on my restomod but went with 18" wheels, so I don't have any plans for these.
Jim
10-26-2018, 03:31 PM
17" wheels and tires for a C2
