I am sure this question has been asked a hundred times but i couldn't locate an answer.

What is the diameter of a 78-14 tire? (thats what came on a 1970 malibu) I do not know how to read the old tire sizes and once i get new wheels/tires i want the overall diameter to be close to stock.

I think this should be a sticky.

Brian

I purchased a 70 Malibu about 2 years ago and it had stock wheels and the tires were p205r75 14. These measure 25 3/4" in diameter, and the speedometer reads very close to right. I would have to think that measurement would be fairly accurate.

I was just wondering because some people have 235/60/15 (the same as 205/75/14) which is 26.1 inches. But it does not really matter since i have a GPS, i can use if i ever get the money to put my velle back together. I think i will shoot for a 25-26 inch diameter

thanks man

Originally posted by bri2203:
What is the diameter of a 78-14 tire? (thats what came on a 1970 malibu) I do not know how to read the old tire sizes and once i get new wheels/tires i want the overall diameter to be close to stock.I assume these were F78-14 for a V8 (non SS) Malibu? The F78-14 converts to a 'modern' P205/75R14 which should be 26.1" diameter and 80" in circumference with a 6.1" sidewall. These may vary 1 or 2 tenths by mfg.

If you don't like the 75 aspect ratio, you can go with 215/70R14 (25.9x81.2x5.9). I'd go here (http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html), plug in the 205/70R14 size on one side and play with sizes on the other to see what's close and how far your speedo would be off.

thanks dale!!

I am going to try and fit my 17inch Torque thrust II from my s-10 on there with 255 45