Tires: 1984 OLDS 98 REGENCY BROUGHAM TIRES, wheel and tire package, tire placard

Question
QUESTION: HEY BARRY,
I HAVE READ A FEW OF YOUR POST AND NOTICED MANY OF THE TIRE SIZE CHANGES OTHERS WOULD LIKE TO MAKE HAVE MUCH TO DO WITH "LOAD". I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF I WOULD BE MAKING A MISTAKE BY CHANGING MY P215 75 R15 TO A DIFFERENT SIZE 17 IN WHEEL AND TIRE PACKAGE ? I HAVE A 1984 OLDS 98 REGENCY BROUGHAM WITH 307CID.

THANKS
ROD

ANSWER: Rod,

If your goal is to improve handling and grip, then going larger in rim diameter is the right move, but you have to be aware that fuel economy, tire wear, ride comfort will suffer.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: THANKS BARRY,
DO YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS ON A BETTER TIRE SIZE THAN 15 INCH THAT MAY HELP WITH THE ISSUES YOU STATED OR MAYBE THERE IS A BETTER 15 INCH WHEEL AND TIRE TO USE. I REALLY DO NOT FEEL THE COMFORT WITH THE P215 75R15.I SPEND MOST OF MY DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY.

THANKS AGAIN !
ROD

Answer
Rod,

A P215/75R15 is the ultimate as far as the 3 properties I stated.  If you are having problems with those, then you need to address the vehicle, not the tire.

But if you are having ride problems, first start by checking the tire pressure:

On every vehicle sold in the US - and I understand this is a worldwide practice as well - there is a sticker – commonly called the vehicle tire placard - that lists the original tire size and the proper pressure for that size.  The placard is usually located on a doorpost or in the glove box – but sometimes it is located in the trunk or on the fuel filler door.

BTW, it doesn't matter who makes the tire or what pressure is listed on the tire's sidewall, if the tire size is the same as the placard, then the pressure listed on placard is also appropriate.

If that doesn't work, I would suggest you look at shocks and bushings.  With a 25 year old car, they could be quite hard.