Tires: 1984 Corvette, rim width, tire manufacturers

Question
Hi David,

I have a 1984 Chev Corvette. I am in the process of making this car run again. It was towed to my home. I have it running now. The next step is brakes and tires. The original tires are 255/50/16. The tires on the car now are BG Goodrich. I understand that this size tire is now made in limited numbers. I have heard that I can purchase 245/50/16 and this would be fine. I am looking for an expert to verify this info.

Thanks,
John

Answer
John,

First, David is no longer doing this.  So I am stepping in to help.

Discount Tire provides some optional fitments for your vehicle.    

215/60-16 - some tire manufacturers may not approve the wide rim width
225/55-16 - some tire manufacturers may not approve the wide rim width
225/60-16 - some tire manufacturers may not approve the wide rim width
235/55-16 - No rim width problems.

I notice that Discount Tire doesn't list the 245/50R16 - and I suspect it is because that is going down in load carrying capacity - never a good idea.

Barry