Tires opinion

Here is the final deal for new wheels and tires... done!!!! I gambled and downsized 1" diameter on the front and left the backs the same. Looking for opinions again. Maybe a 1/2 spring yet on the front (or not), but I think that can wait.

Before:



After:

 

I like. The new rims and tires look great. The old ones..........eh.

 

clearance permitting.. I'd "stuff the tire" just a tad more with another 1/2" down in the back(1/2" block).. 3/4" in the front(half coil should get you pretty close). Rake angle is nice and looks pretty decent either way you go though.

 

Looks great I think

 

What sizes are those?

 

OLD FRONT: 215/70R15 (26.85" diameter)
OLD REAR: 235/70R15 (27.95" diameter)
NEW FRONT: 215/65R15 (downsized to 26" diameter)
NEW REAR: 235/70R15 (same as old, 27.95" diameter)

All are on 15x7 rims with a 4" backspace. No interference except for a slight contact on the new CSRP dual piston front brake calipers which I will fix with a 1/4" or less spacer if I can find one.

I went with the bigger rear tires since I have a 3.80:1 rear which is more than I need.

 

The difference in gear ratio with the taller tires would be barely noticeable.
The front springs definitely need to be shortened a bit; perhaps 3/4 coil.
Of course when you do that, the front will look right but the rake will be drastic with the 28-inch rear tires.
If you can lower the rear some without rubbing issues, I'd suggest that, but what I'd really suggest is a 245/60-15 on the rear. They are nice & beefy and 26-1/2" tall.
Your new front tires are a huge improvement.

 

Thanks for the opinion. I will definitely put this put this on my bucket-list of changes, but out of impatience and lack of any more $, this is how it will look for a few years. I figure the rpm at 65 mph for this setup would be about 3000 rpm vs about 3150 rpm for the tires you recommended, yes minor. If I can ever afford a new 3.25:1 pumpkin, that would bring me down about 400 rpm to around 2600 rpm at 65 mph, much better. Maybe then new tires.

 

I said 26-1/2 inches "wide" (LOL). I meant tall.
I doubt there is a 150 RPM difference between the two tire sizes. I understand you have to run what you can afford at the moment (I'm in the same boat).
A 3.25 is a good choice without having overdrive.

 

Can you grind some off of the calipers in order to not have to use the spacers?

 

Yes. The piece that I would need to grind is the fluid connection between the two dual piston chambers, so you can see why I am not comfortable with this. I suspect there is plenty of margin, but with my luck, fluid would be present after the grind.

 

265 rear and 205 front

 

Thanks for the picture. I can see why I am being told I should cut more front spring and drop my rear.

 

Badass looking ride you have there. Love that stuffed tire and heavily raked look.