Tire Size opinion for 80 Monte Carlo

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jimsmonte80

Apprentice
Aug 22, 2011
63
17
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I have had BFGoodrich P265/50R15 tires on my 1980 Monte for some time, This tire is 25.4 tall and 10.43 wide. The width looks awesome, but needs to be taller to fill the wheel well openings better. The 2 tire profiles I am looking at are: P255/60R15 which is 27.1 tall x 10.2 wide and P275/60R15 which is 28 tall x 11 wide. I am trying to cut down engine RPM's with a taller tire and give a much better look. However, I am worried with the larger tire I could have rubbing issues with the quarter panels, and/or the exhaust tail pipes which curve behind the tire and exit to the rear. Any opinions or pictures with these combinations on your G-body?
Monte2.jpg
 

565bbchevy

Geezer
Aug 8, 2011
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What size rims do you currently have?
 

565bbchevy

Geezer
Aug 8, 2011
9,590
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I personally think the tire he has is too short at 25.4" tall, I think if there is clearance issues with the wheelwell or exhaust the 255/60R15 will probably be the best bet but this all depends on the overall width and backspacing of his rims.
I do prefer a 275/60R15 as a rear tire on Gbodies if the clearance is there along with at least a 26" front to offset the rake look.
 

jimsmonte80

Apprentice
Aug 22, 2011
63
17
8
I personally think the tire he has is too short at 25.4" tall, I think if there is clearance issues with the wheelwell or exhaust the 255/60R15 will probably be the best bet but this all depends on the overall width and backspacing of his rims.
I do prefer a 275/60R15 as a rear tire on Gbodies if the clearance is there along with at least a 26" front to offset the rake look.
I was leaning towards the 255/60R15. Taller tire with no clearance issues. I would like to go with the 275/60R15, but heard of clearance issues. I guess at this point, I am going with the majority vote on which tire to go with.
 

565bbchevy

Geezer
Aug 8, 2011
9,590
12,611
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You figure the 255/60 will reduce your wheelwell gap by another 3/4" but the 275/60 would be 1.25" and with 3.5" of backspace that might cause rubbing issues on the outer wheelwell with that tall a tire, I would still check clearances around your current tires to make sure they is room to go an additional 1-1/2' diameter that the 255/60 will provide.
 

Turbo Zach

Comic Book Super Hero
Sep 8, 2015
2,534
5,874
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50130
I'm running a 275 40 17 on my 80 Monte Carlo. I think I need a little taller tire my self, but I plan to lower the car a little in the rear. Good looking car by the way!
 

jimsmonte80

Apprentice
Aug 22, 2011
63
17
8
You figure the 255/60 will reduce your wheelwell gap by another 3/4" but the 275/60 would be 1.25" and with 3.5" of backspace that might cause rubbing issues on the outer wheelwell with that tall a tire, I would still check clearances around your current tires to make sure they is room to go an additional 1-1/2' diameter that the 255/60 will provide.
I would love to go with the 275/60, but it might be a safer bet to go with the 255/60. Don't need to spend $350 on a set of tires to have rubbing issues. The extra 3/4 of an inch does not seem like a lot, but the tires I have now just give that too low of a profile tire. I was hoping to see some pictures of BFGoodrich tires of these sizes installed on a gbody. Thanks for the info.
 
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