Our C4 'vert (with Z52 option) wants new shoes pretty badly, but after hitting up the usual websites (TireRack.com etc) and phoning a couple of local tire dealers, it seems the stock tires (255/50/16) aren't readily available unless I buy either drag radials or Toyo RA-1s for a ludicrous amount of money. RA-1s would be a waste, this car only sees the track through the fence...

It seems that at the moment, you're either looking at BFG gForce Sports or Falken ZE-512s in that size, both are showing on back order with no ETA for the local tire places...

Anybody got a recommendation what other tire brands to look for? Alternatively, if I try to run later C4 wheels I know I need spacers, but do those with the later stock tire sizes fit OK otherwise or do I risk rubbing issues?

We clearly don't have enough working cars at the moment .

Tim -

We just had a recent post on this, basically the same info you're saying:

http://www.corvette-guru.com/modules/ ... id=158932#forumpost158932

BFG is about your choice in a 16" rim.

If you want to step up to a 17" rim, I'd look for a used set of aftermarket a-molds or similar that matches your backspacing, then you don't need adapters. If you choose to go with later c4/c5 rims that have the later offset, you want to use adapters as opposed to spacers.

You should not experience any rubbing or fitment issues with later wheels other than that. You will want to pick the appropriate tire height to match your speedometer to you previous sized tires. Kevin has a calculator for that on his website.

Matthew

Matthew,
apologies for re-asking that question, for some reason I must have overlooked the thread you linked to in the search results. Only managed to dig out older threads that also recommended the BFG.

Guess I'll see if I can find a set of 17s for a reasonable price unless the tires suddenly become available again.

No problem....I am not the search police, trust me! Just wanted to point that out in case you missed it.

Here's a set in your correct offset if you have an extra 700 clams.....geeze.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/84-85- ... ories&hash=item35aeb9b0f6

17x9.5 38mm offset

I'd look on CL and see if anything pops up.

Matthew

Well, a set of late C4 wheels have turned up locally for a lot less, probably even once I factor in the adaptors.

Summit Racing is actually showing the gForce to be available again towards the end of May and the Ze-512 (which I have on there now) as available, too. Although I'd prefer to call them first to check up on that one.

The 17 in. choices ain't what they used to be either.

That's not really reassuring .

I would like to stay with the 16" as the car is pretty original as is and I'd like to keep it that way.

Another option, although not necessarily the most popular is to run 245/50r16. It will be slightly smaller in width and slightly less in diameter, but will be close:

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

You can find those tires very reasonably priced, under $100 each. Not necessarily "z" rated, but are you driving 150 mph?

Matthew

ps - another calculator:

http://www.1010tires.com/tiresizecalculator.asp

That size had been mentioned to me on another board (GRM), but someone on there also pointed out that Discount Tire supposedly has gForces for a 2-3 day delivery. Time to give them a call and see...

That is what I have on my 84, the 245/50r16. Is that what was stock on an 84, or were these downsized also? They look to me that they might be stockers. Just curious. Mark

Good question. I know the Z51s with 9.5" wheel came with 255s, but am not sure about the 8.5" wheel. An 8.5 can accomodate a 255 just fine. A 9.5 can handle up to a 285 or so.

The Z52 should have the same 9.5" wheels as the Z51, but the PO replaced the wheels with refurbished ones so I have to check if he put 8.5" or 9.5" wheels on...