Making Room for Wider Tires

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08-12-2005, 10:33 AM

Cla$$ics

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Join Date: Aug 2005

Posts: 3

Making Room for Wider Tires

I want to put some wider rear tires (15/275) on my 62 to accomodate my new ZZ383/425 HP motor. I don't want to cut/tub the wheel wheels but rather go inside by moving the leaf springs over and maybe doing coil over shocks or adding an air suspension system. Anybody have any experience doing this or suggestions on what to do/not do?

08-12-2005, 10:54 AM

Danase

Join Date: Aug 2005

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Posts: 230

RE: Making Room for Wider Tires

I would not go with an air suspension. They seem to be too bouncy and not that great for high HP cars like yours. I would start buy moving the wheels as far out as possible. Pick a wheel with an offset that allows you to get as close to the outer fender as possible without rubbing it. This will give you more room to play with on the inside and will give you a little wider stance.

08-12-2005, 08:01 PM

Cla$$ics

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Join Date: Aug 2005

Posts: 3

RE: Making Room for Wider Tires

Thanks Danase - Great advice! I've decided against the air suspension for the reasons you state. Who wants to turn a Vette into a bouncy, floating ride like a Lincoln . . . The coil over shocks will work. However, the wheel offset advice you offer works, but only up to a point . . . those damn leaf springs are still close-in that no amount of offset will allow a fat tire to fit. Looks like I'll have to have the leaf springs moved inward to make room . . or rip out the entire diff and start from scratch with a whole new rear end & suspension. Just trying to save some money, not be too radical and still have some room to squeeze in some P275's or P285's. Again, thanks for your advice . . .

08-13-2005, 07:42 PM

Danase

Join Date: Aug 2005

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Posts: 230

RE: Making Room for Wider Tires

Quote:

ORIGINAL: Cla$$ics

Thanks Danase - Great advice! I've decided against the air suspension for the reasons you state. Who wants to turn a Vette into a bouncy, floating ride like a Lincoln . . . The coil over shocks will work. However, the wheel offset advice you offer works, but only up to a point . . . those damn leaf springs are still close-in that no amount of offset will allow a fat tire to fit. Looks like I'll have to have the leaf springs moved inward to make room . . or rip out the entire diff and start from scratch with a whole new rear end & suspension. Just trying to save some money, not be too radical and still have some room to squeeze in some P275's or P285's. Again, thanks for your advice . . .

No problem! Glad I could help a bit. Coilovers are a great way to go for suspension so you can't go wrong there. Keep us informed at how the project is going!

08-15-2005, 11:36 AM

Patrick

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Join Date: Apr 2005

Posts: 761

RE: Making Room for Wider Tires

and if you want something that will REALLY boost the cars handling and launching ability, look into CalTracs.

08-29-2005, 10:33 PM

V6DVette

Join Date: Aug 2005

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Posts: 1

RE: Making Room for Wider Tires

Just signed up to add a little info here.
No way will you get 275s under unless you move the inner fender wells in about 2". I didn't want to tub mine either and oppted to do just that. Along with the 4 link.[

I hated the idea of having the tire hang out past the fender. I only have an old set of G60s to test fit but theres plenty of room now.

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