69 Z28 radial tires

[69Z28-RS]

I replaced the actuator covers with GM parts when I purchased my car in 1976, and sure enough.. the LH side cover was rubbed by the tires on hard turns... Maybe driver weight??   who knows...

[BULLITT65]

Intersting topic.For my white 69 RS Z, it came with 17" AR wheels.  I put on a set of BFG radials on the original 15" rally wheels, and had a rubbing issue when turning on the right side. I swapped those when I found a good used set of wide tread GT, and thought that may solve the problem. Still have the rubbing issue, on a full lock but only turning left. After inspecting the car a bit I attributed it to a worn suspension, and it needing new bushings and possibly new ball joints with the amount of slop that is present. Could that may be the issue, with the rubbing on other cars as well.

[Rufcar]

I know this topic is 2 years old but anyway. I have run 235  /60 15s on the font and 235/70s on the rear of 10 years with zero issues. currently looking to go to all 60 series with amybe 2555/60s on the rear.

[msbrunner@ucdavis.edu]

I recently got a set of BFGs for my factory rallys on my ‘69 RS Z in 215/65. I don’t like the look as much as the bias-ply E70s as the 215/65 is smaller in diameter (plus of course a more square sidewall as a radial). If I got another set I would go for 215/70.

[Sauron327]

I recently got a set of BFGs for my factory rallys on my ‘69 RS Z in 215/65. I don’t like the look as much as the bias-ply E70s as the 215/65 is smaller in diameter (plus of course a more square sidewall as a radial). If I got another set I would go for 215/70.

Coker sell radials that look like a bias ply.

[Rufcar]

I guess I was not clear:  I have run 235  /60 15s on the font and 235/70s on the rear of 10 years with zero issues. currently looking to go to all 60 series with possibly 2555/60s on the rear. Can anyone give me any advice about these sizes? and possibly your thoughts?

[msbrunner@ucdavis.edu]

I run 255/60 BFGs in the rear of my Z on a 15x8 (4.5” BS) and it fits great. Not sure about fitment on the stock 15x7 rally in that size. (for reference these are BFGs modified by Diamond Back Tires to have smooth sidewalls)

Edit to my above post: the 215/65 BFG is the same diameter as the E70, at least unloaded. My mistake. The radial just looks smaller, something to do with the wider tread or sidewall shape I think.

[Rufcar]

 Matt what measurements do you happen to have in your front and rear fender lip to floor? Jim

[msbrunner@ucdavis.edu]

Right now the fronts are 25 1/2” and the rears are 24 3/8” when on the BFG 215/65s on factory rallys. I have new custom springs on order from Coil Spring Specialties to drop the fronts to bring them level with the rears.

[Rufcar]

Tkx big help

[Dave69x33]

When not showing my '69, I prefer the ride and handling with radials.  I use 15x8 Corvette Rally rims (w/standard offset) with BF Goodrich 235-60 on front and 245-60 on the rear with no rubbing issues. NOTE: If you run old original front coil springs, they may have sagged over time and allow the front ride height to drop a bit.  This was my situation which caused the driver's side front 235-60 tire to rub on the center (12 o'clock position) trim-to-finder bolt, during a sharp turn over a bump, or weight shift lean.  New front coil springs corrected the ride height and solved the rubbing issue.

[Rufcar]

Those were the sizes I recently had in mine with the exception or maybe 255/60/15 rears. My front was never the problem even though they are sagged a bit but Im pretty certain my car left the factory as a 396 and Im running a 350 so that loss of weight cancels out the loss. I put new spring in the rear but I have those 70s back there the PO installed. going 60 to the rears will lower it 1 to 1.5". Im just not sure the 255s will fit but I see others have done that. Tkx

[David K]

I’m curious if this tire fitment thread works on any 1st Gen.

[Rufcar]

all cars in this discussion is for the 1st generation.