The 300

[gasman826]

a VERY good friend

[Jeff Norwell]

Well.. finally got around to installing new rear rims and tires.
When I got this car it had 14 stock rear rims with a 225R/70-14 Tire.. a neat wide footprint of almost 10 inches.But with the 3:50 rear gear.. the car at hi way speeds was running at 2900 RPM's  @ 60MPH.... I felt the engine was just working a tad too much at this speed or anything over 65 mph.I plan to go on some long distance runs this summer and this was not gonna cut it.Along with stress on a 44 year old engine and no history on this 460....I decided to go a bigger rim and tire size.

I purchased a few  15 inch Ford factory steelies that would accept a dog dish cap.
After purchasing a set of P-235/75 R 15 Firestones... I think they were worth it after I researched it to death.
The Stones are 29 inches tall as compared to 25.5 inches tall on the old 14's.

so the results were amazing.
225R/7014 @60 mph =2900rpm's
P235/75 R15 @60 mph=2600rpm's

The new rubber gives the ride at least 50% smoother ride.... but to be fare.I have no idea how old the 14's are...have not looked at the date codes...

Wide tires are a problem on these Fords....a 9.5-10 inch foot print is pretty much max.... but I like the fact a tall tire can easily work.Tons of height..... and again to be fare... I needed to deflate the tires to get them past the body lip.... but... that's not an issue for myself.

I do have a an extra 3:25 rear third member to yet be installed which should also bring the revs down a few more 100 rpm's.... but i like the grunt the drivetrain provides...... I am on the fence if i should install........

Anyhow..... just another update in the Dirty Bird's ongoing upgrades....
this is a super fun car too drive......

[gasman826]

fun stuff!!!

[Ecode70D]

Jeff
    Did you happen to stand the mounted 225 /70 R14 tire against the P235/75 R15 to see the difference in height?  I would like to have that measurement.  I'm thinking that my car might need a set of 15" wheels.   
     I really like the stance that you ended up with and the black wall tires look real cool to me.    It looks like a different car.

[Jeff Norwell]

Yes Jay.... the difference in height was a lot.The 14's stood about 25 inches tall... the 15's stand 29 inches tall..... 4 inches in difference..... I do love the stance....But, as mentioned... you must deflate the tires to get them under the 57 fender lip(this does not bother me at all.....)
The ride height has increased about an inch  or slightly higher in the rear...maybe more.I did not measure that.
The tires are Firestone Destinations ...... a good cost effective priced tire....under 150 bucks per tire.

[Jeff Norwell]

I should mention as well. the Ford Steel rims are a 5 inch width..... I run the tires at 25 psi...as you see in the pics..... the tire and rim have mucho room within the wheel well....thank god henry made this deep pockets...on the height anyways......

[RICH MUISE]

If you changed to the '56 shock absorbers we've talked about in the past, you probably wouldn't have to deflate the tires to get them on. Not a big deal in the shop I realize, but on the road might be a different story. With my 235 15's and 7" wide wheels, I could get the tires on easily even before I had the case narrowed.
Car is looking great, Jeff. Nice attitude.

[rmk57]

Jack the car up on rear axle and place jack stands under the frame so the axle can drop 5 inches, should be plenty of room. And yes to the 56 shocks although I have shock extensions for now which lets the axle drop 2-3 inches more.

[Jeff Norwell]

Thanks guys...At this point I am not concerned about that issue... on the other 57 I may get a longer shock like Jim Nolan suggested...but now it's all good.

[Marc]

The car looks great Jeff. I'm also going to ditch the cragars and go with steelies & dog dish caps. Nice combo on these cars.

[Jeff Norwell]

The car looks great Jeff. I'm also going to ditch the cragars and go with steelies & dog dish caps. Nice combo on these cars.

Thanks Mark!!!!..take Pics!

[Jeff Norwell]

I can't get any real work done to the Dirty Bird... cause I can't get my butt out of it long enuff!.... really warm day here(I love it) about 90 and I burned a full tank..... temp gauge never moved from 190.

I am very Happy.

[RICH MUISE]

I think alot of us are in that category. I put 800 miles on a 2 day trip to New Mexico last week. Ran great, no issues other that driver related, scrubbed the bugs off a few times. Took it out yesterday and put another 140 miles on it. So many small projects to do on it..........seems they can wait, lol

[FiveSevenLiter]

Come on Norwell, lets race!

[Jeff Norwell]

Come on Norwell, lets race!

Meet me half way...Saskatoon! lol