Hello, need some tires quick as I have a flat that can't be fixed on an 8 year old tire. Stock size of 235 /55 R16 is special order, and available are 215/60-16 OR 255/50-16. Camaro is 1996 RS V6 with auto trans.

Leaning towards the larger size since this car is so low already, perhaps do better on gas on commutes to work?

Not so sure about the smaller ones as far as leaving the car too close to the ground, but they are definitely less expensive which is a plus.

Other option is to wait and special order correct stock size and find another way to work for now.

Anything in particular I should be aware of?

Thanks for your time.

 

Ok, so here's the differences in the aspect ratio of the 3 different sizes:

215/60-16 = aspect ratio of 129

255/50-16 = aspect ratio of 127.5

235/55-16 = aspect ratio of 129.25 (stock oem size).

(lower ratio= better handling, higher= smoother ride).


But does anyone know how the aspect ratio relates to actual height off the ground?

Thanks, Kirk

 

OK, found a way to calculate width and height in inches..


215/60-16 = 8.46" width 26.16" Height

255/50-16 = 10.04" width 26.04" Height

235/55-16 = 9.25" width 26.18" Height


Summary: The 215's are almost the same exact height as stock, but about 3/4" narrower.

255's are 3/4 inch wider and a hair lower.

Source: Tire Height Calculator - Wallace Racing

 

You can also go on tirerack.com, look up the tire brand and size you like, and they give you all the specs. Fwiw, I had 255/50's on my old 96 and liked them just fine.
Where are you located? I still have my 4 1997-up 5 spoke wheels with 2 almost like new tires collecting dust.

 

Hello Camaro 69,

Thanks for the input. I am located here in Santa Fe, NM. The RS does have descent stock aluminum rims on it, so I think I'm all set on that front. I appreciate the offer though.. I'm about to call the local store here where I qualified for credit.. Kind of on my last dime right now... : ) Best, KIrk

 

Ok, found this:

1996 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 tire sizes (since mid-year 1995 for North America )

May be helpful to others needing similar info.

Decided on the 225/60-16's a bit taller but only 3/8 narrower. I'm on dirt road daily, sometimes muffler drags, so the extra height is welcome, hopefully not too much of a loss of handling. Would have gone with z-28 size camaro_69 suggested but all they had was a summer performance option in that size, and was $30 more ea. plus needed all season. Thanks again camaro_69 for your help! over and out

 

Just wanted to follow up and say how suprising it is how much different the 225/60's feel. Handles kind of "spongy" It's going to take some getting used to.

Also the size Camaro 69 mentioned is also a good one if you like a but wider tire.

Me thinks 215/55-R16 is probably a good choice for these Camaros. About the only choice we have.

Next time I will try the 215/s Driving feels way different and not in a good way, but will take getting used to.

So after all that research, I ended worse off than just taking the suggestion of the tire dealer! (laughs).

I could take them back but It does ride smoother so that's the plus side if there is any.

Just wanted to share that with you all! (laughs) Have a great weekend!

 

you either have the 16x8 aluminium wheel or the steel hubcap wheel. an since you say that you'er stock tire was 235/55/16 you have the aluminum wheel and the y87 performance package (only why to get that tire on a v6). why would you want such a skinny tall tire, why not go up to the 245/50/16 V8 stock tire? the wheels are the same on both cars.

 

theres nothing like having good rubber all the way around as new as possible on these cars

 

I have 20 on mine and I need to figure out how to stop the rubbing over bumps at high speed