gonzotrader

Time to make a choice, and could use a little help. Currently have 15 x 9.5 in American Racing Aluminum wheels. Need new tires, probably 255/60. Should I stick with 15" tires or go modern with 17". What wheels would work for this car. Thanks

Sunstroked

You have to make that decision yourself. I think the 15" wheels look perfect on our early C3's. It just looks right. But I also think the 17"s are a good match too. Updates the look a bit. I'm still undecided what size wheel I will run myself, but am leaning towards a stock ralley.

Les

It depends on what you value more- correct appearance (to be competitive in car shows or for personal preference) or improved performance. I needed new tires all the way around on my 69 this summer and I stayed with 15s largely because I like the looks of my wheels and I didn't want to change them. The choices in tires for 15s are very limited at this point. Goodrich Radial TAs and Mickey Thompson Sportsman S/Ts are the 2 choices I narrowed it down to. I ended up with the MT S/Ts on the front and a set of their ET Street Drag Radials on the back since regular tires don't get it done back there for me.

My 69 will never be much of a corner carver, so I'm happy with what I have. However, if you really want to use your car that way the 17s offer far superior tire options. So, it really comes down to how you want to use your LT-1.

gonzotrader

I am really torn on this subject. Being on a budget doesn't help. my plans for the car are to be a not so daily driver. Mostly stock but it was an autocross car for a few years. If I keep the currant wheels to save money I'm stuck with 15's. Tires are shot and must be replaced. 17 inch wheels open up the tire and wheel choices but is there a wheel that works well and not too expensive? thanks for the reply

Ironcross

rallys are nice, but not everyone needs them

3JsVette

What's the budget? Then what look are you after? A traditional 5 spoke wheel from American Racing or Vintage Wheel Works does not look out of place on a C3. On the other hand if you look around you can find C4 - C5 - C6 "take off" wheels at bargain prices sometimes even with tires and get yourself a quality set of adapters and you could be riding on 17s or 18s at a very low price point. This is always a hot topic but at the end of the day it's not like it's a permanent modification. A jack, wrench, and 20 lug nuts later and they're off.

gonzotrader

Very good point, are these 20's, they look great.

gonzotrader

The budget is to stay close to the cost of Rallys with caps and rings. Best I could do seems to be $70 for wheel and $50 to $70 for caps and rings. What can be had for $150 in a 17 or 18?

Sunstroked

Used. The wheels that appeal to me for my 72 are in the $1200-$1500 range new. I picked up a set of 4 wheels for my C4 for $500. They are the C6 Z06 wheel, and they go extremely well on my 92. I get many compliments on how nice they look. But in my opinion, are not suited for the look I'm after on the C3. Again, what look you are after and a budget you can work with will ultimately be the deciding factor. When I get to the point where wheels are the next piece of the puzzle I will certainly look at used wheels. You will save a bundle.

Solid LT1

I went 16X8 with 235/60/16 tires good thing is GTOs take same tire size as do many Cop cars so supply should be good for many years. Tires are Kuhmos they are speed rated to 130MPH don't intend to go faster than that in a roadster.

I'm not a big fan of HUGE "Ghetto wheels" on our classic Vettes.

iokepakai

Check out this thread on Summit Wheels,They have them in 17's also..
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...-5-wheels.html

CQRT

At 17s, I would think that you'll easily spend $200 minimum per wheel- even used- and another $200 each for tires - - plus mounting etc - so you're going to be into it for $1500 for a decent set.

The other alternative is to watch your local Craig's list, find a deal and hope that the guy they stole them from the night before doesn't see them on your car!

You can always put up a WTB notice in the parts wanted/for sale section and include your city in your profile - - -you might get lucky.

OR- you can pick up a set of C6 wheels/tires (18's & 19's) for a grand or less and use spacers/adapters . . .you my have to relocate/remove your e-brake.

Mr. Gizmo

IMO --I think the C3's look best with their factory issued 15 inch wheels and 255/60's black wall side facing out all the way around the car.

Solid LT1

BIG PROBLEM, if you love to drive your C3 Vette as Zora meant for it to be driven, just about all the 15" tires are CRAP! That forced me to go 16X8 on our 70 LT-1

gdh

I'm looking at 17" rims s there are plenty of tire options and more sidewall over the 18" rims. Like others I wish there was a performance tire option for our 15" rims.

Mr. Gizmo

Good point. -- Dream Car garage a few years back featured a wheel maker that was replicating the look of 60's and 70's factory style wheels in 16 and 17 inch versions. For me that would be a good compromise of looks and performance should I go down the path of a 69 Big Block. -- which I could see in my future.

24695bob

Its your car ...do what you feel like doing...

IF IT WERE MY CAR .... no way ... would I run anything BUT 15 inch tires on ANY 15 inch wheel that were current and popular in the late 1960's thru the Mid 1970's...
OEM Stock is ok but a set of slots etc which were "the" thing in the late 60's early 70's would also be fine...

Bob G.

CQRT

Where are you located - -there's some great deals on Phoenix Caig's list.

gdh

Wheel Vintique has both steel and billet rally style rims in 17".

DC3

I went with 17's on my '73 due to better tire choices. I think the look is perfect. American Racing makes several wheels that fit.

DC