71 Lemans Sport Vert Tires?

djw&cjw71lemans

djw&cjw71lemans

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I picked up an all original 71 Lemans from the original owner last year. Although the tires look good the paperwork I got with the car looks like they were put on in 1978! The car sat idle enclosed in CA for 14yrs and much of it was most likely on flat tires. So my question is about size recommendation. It has the steel rims with PMD hubcaps on it. I believe the original manufacturer tire size was p20570r14. I am trying to decide if we stay with that size and replace with BF Goodrich Comp TA's all around or if anyone has any advice on recommended tire size or manufacturer. Thanks for any input or advice.
 
Not sure how wide you can go on 14" rims. My Lemans has 225/70/14 tires all around. No rubbing at all.
 
WHEELS & TIRES
For the first time in 1971, Pontiac offered 15-inch wheels from the factory on the GTO. Steel 14 x 6-inch wheels were standard issue on 1971-'72 GTOs with hubcaps covering the center of the wheel and the five lug nuts. For 1971, those hubcaps spelled out "Pontiac Motor Division" around a smooth center, while 1972 hubcaps had the Pontiac arrowhead in the center of a smooth disc. Steel wheels were offered in a variety of colors, but those who opted for full wheel covers got black ones only. Buyers could also opt for 15 x 7-inch steel wheels.

Rally II styled-steel wheels with a bright trim ring in 14 x 6-, 14 x 7- and 15 x 7-inch sizes were a common option. Also new for 1971 were 14 x 7- and 15 x 7-inch honeycomb-pattern wheels, again with trim rings, which looked like alloys but instead were a composite material bonded to a stamped-steel wheel. Tires ranged from G70 x 14 to G60 x 15, with both narrow whitewall stripes and raised white lettering optional.

6 inch wide wheel would of took a 70 series wide tire , a 7 inch wide rim would of took a 60 series wide tire.

Convert here:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/45_conversionchart.html

Doug in P.R.:cool:
 
You have room for 235x60 front and 245x60 rear. I'm running those on 15" wheels. Remember to change the trani driven gear if you switch sizes.
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the transmission driven gear is matched to rear end ratio and tire size/diameter. If either one is changed a new gear may need to be installed in order to keep speedometer accuracy
 
If you change your rear end gear size and/or tire height, your speedo will be off. It won't do any damage, just won't read right.
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Tire & Wheel Update

We ended going with a set of Pontiac Rally II 14x6 off a 72 GTO and new BF Radial TA 225 70 r 14. What a difference in ride and look. I attached a before and after pic to show how it looked with the stock 14x6 steel with original hubcaps and how it looks now. Very happy! :)[/ATTACH]
 

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  • Lemans37.jpg
    Lemans37.jpg
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What a difference! Went from a boring old man car to young guys hip car. ;)

Bring back the 70's ! :D

Doug in P.R.:cool:
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