Tire height on ERA

DanEC · #1 (**permalink**) 08-31-2009, 05:44 PM

Bob - The maximum tire height described in the assembly manual - 26.5 in max in front, and 27 in max in the rear - are these really pretty much the max with a stock height suspension settings? I know - probably a redundant question. Since I'm building a street car I'm not looking to run the widest tires I can fit under the fenders. But, I want to fill the wheel wells height-wise - don't like too-small diameter tires. Is it that close or would another 1/2 inch height make any difference if it took that to get the tire size I'm shooting for?

Thanks

rustyBob · #2 (**permalink**) 08-31-2009, 08:16 PM

look at my car 235/60-15 on 7's in front and 255/60-15 on 8's in the rear and they fill the wheel wells just fine

Excaliber · #3 (**permalink**) 09-01-2009, 12:38 AM

I agree, the 235X60X15's look fine, fill up the wheel well nicely. On the OLDER ERA's that was the recommended size, the newer ones can accept a slightly larger tire. I was running the Goodyear "Bill Boards" and the FRONTS in particular are taller, wider than the 235's. Either tire looks fine. BUT, the big Goodyears actually did rub a little when turned to the extreme, the 235's do not. Not a bad rub, it was OK. I suspect the Bill Boards would not rub at all on the newer ERA's.

I'm currently running 235X60X15's on the front, 295X60X15's on the rear. They seem to be slightly smaller than the Bill Boards, which I will most likely go back to, soon, for increased traction. Just because it's "only" a street car doesn't mean you should sacrafice traction!

strictlypersonl · #4 (**permalink**) 09-01-2009, 04:05 AM

The maximum tire sizes mentioned are correct unless the tire is considerably narrower than what is normally used. If the tire is wider, the maximum diameter may have to be reduced, especially in the front.

Now, a little rant...

Static ride height should have no effect on whether a tire rubs. A tire should NOT RUB over the full range of suspension movement. If it does, the tire is too large or the wheel offset is incorrect.

DanEC · #5 (**permalink**) 09-01-2009, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rustyBob

look at my car 235/60-15 on 7's in front and 255/60-15 on 8's in the rear and they fill the wheel wells just fine

My research was indicating that a 255/60-15 was probably the biggest 60 series tire that fit in the rear based on a 27 inch diameter. The 275/60 tire is shown as about 28 inches in diameter - thus my question for Bob. The 255 tire would probably give me more room for undercar exhaust too, with a 10.2 inch section width - but by the time they are stretched out on 9.5 inch KO wheels some of that will disappear. What wheels your running on your car if you don't mind my asking?

The 235/60-15 look to be the best match for the front.

Tried to open up your Avatar in a new screen for an enlarged view of your car - but no luck??

Thanks

Dan