[Michael Ciccolini]

I need some technical help on my latest purchase for my 1968 z28 Camaro (In frame up restoration process). I bought a set of Torq-Thrust II 17/8 from summit racing. They advised a 225/45/17 set of Riken Raptor tires. However when the tires are put on the car I have almost 0 clearance from the ground. From my understanding this car has never been lowered. What size tire should I be running on this application to get enough ground clearance? Also what brand would anyone advise? Any help is much appreciated.

[South Side Goons & Hitmen]

First and foremost Welcome to Team Camaro!

When you are referring to ground clearance are you referring to the top of the tire is about to hit the fender or quarter panel or the sidewall profile which is also called the aspect ratio? The 225/45/R17 has an overall diameter of 24.97" and IMHO that is very small in overall diameter (less than 25")....The bias ply tires in 14" of D78x14 or E78x14 (before my time) were 25.5" or 26.0" respectively...

In my experience in the tire & auto service industry (during the 1990's) too small of an overall diameter tire would cause undue stress on suspension components such as ball joints etc....Even if it has never been lowered if someone dropped a big block in there with old worn out springs which were designed for a small block, that may cause issues.

Please advise/elaborate....There's alot of good advice from and alot of respect from the fellow Team Camaro members. We'll do what we can to offer advice & help.

[Mike's67]

I run 245/45-17 on the front and 255/50-17 rear on 17X8's w/ no problems