Chumley

Hey all, what is the difference in width between a 215 and a 205 size tire? If my math serves me correctly and the numbers are in millimeters, I figure it works out to about 1/2 inch. I like the 215's, but have an opportunity to get a set of 205's and don't want them to look too narrow.( BFG Radial T/A's). Any thoughts? Chumley

2blu442

I've gone as narrow as 195's and as wide as 295's. I believe the 205's will look close to the stock tires that came on the car. Gotta get out a metric converstion, but I think you'll be seeing something like 7-8 inches of tread width. I really like the looks of 245 or even 255's but if you've got a chance at a good deal on the 205's I'd consider it. John

gearheads78

The first number is mm sidewall to sidewall and the 2nd number is the aspect ratio. If it 70 the that means the sidewall height is 70% of the width. That makes a 205-70-14 narrower and shorter than a 215-70-14. IMO the 205 is too small

Chumley

Any issues with rubbing on 225's? I guess it would depend on aspect ratio here. Dropping down to 60 with a wider tire?

2blu442

I've got 245/60/14's on my 1970, no rubbing or any other problems.
John

fourtwenty

Try this chart you can see the size difference from the side or the end

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

cheers Orrick

oldcutlass

And... Try this link also.

http://www.turbinecar.com/tires.htm

my72vert

I got 225/60/14's on my 72 Cutlass convertible. Their wider than stock but not too wide as to cause problems. Their mounted on stock SS1 wheels. Fit and look perfect for me.

TripDeuces

25.4 mm per inch. You have a 10 mm difference so less than 1/2 inch. 12.7 mm = 1/2 inch

BlackGold

As was mentioned, the first number in the tire size is the section width, not tread width. Tread widths vary all over the place depending on the tire's design.

To my eyes, the tread width, pattern, and the way it meets the sidewall are some of the most important issues when it comes to whether or not a particular modern tire looks "right" on an old car. In particular, the original bias ply tires from the late '60s and early '70s had a very sharp, crisp edge to the tread. Many modern radials really round the corner of the tread and wrap it an inch or more up the sidewall.

Chumley

Have the design of BFG Radial T/A's changed much from 1976? That's the last set I owned, although the terminology was different. (i.e. G60 14" , L50 15, etc.) At any rate my tires are due here tomorrow, and will look better on my SSII's than the current Costco Kirklands on old beat up aftermarket wheels. Chumley

oldcutlass

Well Chumley your question has a 2 part answer, the BFG radial T/A's are still similar to what was out back then. However the letter designation tires were mostly bias ply. So a P275-60-15 is the equivelent to a L60-15. There are some manufacturers still making the old bias ply style tire like Mickey Thompson!

Use this shortcut to compare sizes:

http://www.turbinecar.com/tires.htm

joe_padavano

Sorry, but those tires are TINY for an A-body. 225/70-14 would be better. I've run 245/60-14s and they don't rub, again because they are so small in diameter. Frankly, if you're going to run 60-series tires on an A-body, you really need 15" wheels. Otherwise there's way too much daylight between the tire and the fender opening.

Jesse

Just picked up a set of 15x7 SSII rims.

I am leaning towards 245x60x15 . Will this give a similar stance to the way it sits now with 225x70x14 tires ? Also has anyone used 245x60x15 tires ? any issue with rubbing ? I have a 72 cutlass convertible & wanted the 15 in wheel , but I do like the way it sits now with the 14s .

Thanks for an input would be appreciated !

Jesse

joe_padavano

245/60-15s are an EXCELLENT choice. They are nearly the same outside diameter as the 225/70-14s.

Chumley

Too late, the tires are in my shed waiting for their new home. I wanted to go with 70's, but they were not available in the 225 width. Had to make a decision, it was the last day of sale and promotion. If I keep the car, maybe I will swap them out later. Joe, why didn't you post sooner? Anyone got pix of this tire size on an A-body? Chumley

Jesse

Thanks Joe !

I appreciate the response .

Thats what someone else told me but just wanted to reconfirm here.

Jesse

arodenhiser

245-60-15 on SSIII 15x7's is what I am running. Here is what my stance looks like. I have not had any issues with rubbing. My suspension is stock and I have 4 wheel drum brakes.







I do like them. I have had 255's before without any issues.

Adam

Jesse

Thanks Adam,

They look great !!!

Appreciate the pics , nice car !!!!!

There is something about these cars , cant explain just love the way they look.

Thanks Again !!!