I have 1996 camero with235/55/16 tires that I need to replace as all four are bald. I need all purpose as I will be driving in some snow and find the car does not have much traction in the rain. I am already experiencing bottoming out in my driveway and expect it to get much worse once there is snow. The tire companies here are having trouble locating my original tires and recommend a 235/60/16 to raise my height. I have read this could cause trouble braking and I am also concerned that it could cause mileage and speedometer changes as it is 3.67 and a recommended change is 3.0 and under. From what I have read plus sizing a tire would mean a change in width as well as percent so this suggestion seems kind of odd. Would anyone be able to tell me the tires I should get I need all four as they just passed safety and no I can't afford to buy winter tires as I don't have enough money to buy two sets I desperately need to get tires before the snow starts in oct

 

Let's move this to "Wheels and Tires" forum.

The 235/55-16's (26.1" diameter) are getting difficult to find. Looking at Tire Rack, they carry 3 tires in that size, and the are all "all season". But they have very little feedback on performance.

Changing to a 235/60-16 would increase the diameter by 1". It would not affect braking, if you are concerned about the ABS system. It would cause a speedometer/odometer error resulting in indicated MPH and miles driven of about 3.4% less than actual (example - at a true 60MPH, speedo would indicate 58 MPH). You can adjust the tire diameter in the PCM program to correct the speedo/odo. This could be done by a mail order tuner, or with a hand held like the Hypertech programmer. Tire Rack does show 32 different tires in that size, so it would give you a larger choice and a better chance of finding an all season tire with good wet traction and braking. All season tires are not necessarily outstanding in snow.

Plus sizing generally refers to increasing the diameter of the wheel, in this case +1 being an increase from 16" to 17". To hold the tire diameter constant, you have to reduce the "aspect ratio" (e.g. 40, 55, 60). You do not necessarily change "section width" when you "plus size".

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete....jsp?techid=25

An example of plus sizing would be going from your 235/55-16 (26.1") to a 235/50-17 (26.2"). Alternatively, you could also go to a 1" taller tire to gain the ground clearance you want. 235/55-17 would give you a 27.2" diameter, and there is a large number of tires available in that size.

Or go crazy and opt for a 255/50-17 (27.1") on a 17 x 8.0" wheel.

 

There were three 16" size tires available on the 4th Gen. F-Bodies. 215/60/16 (base tire mounted on 16x7.5 steel rim w/wheel covers), 235/55/16 was the base tire on the Z28's, and the upgraded tires for the V6's, and then the 245/50/16 was the optional Z28 tire size. Both of the latter were only available on the 16x8 rims. However, back when I had a V6, I did run the 215/60/16's on the 16x8's for a short while when I upgraded rims but didn't have the money for new tires yet. As soon as I had the money, I then went with 245/50/16's. I mention all of this because I would think any of those 3 sizes would work if you can find them.

Generally, the "popular" plus sizing for 4th Gens is as follows:

Plus One = 275/40/17 on 17x9 or 17x9.5 rims
Plus Two = 275/35/18 on 18x9 or 18x9.5 rims
Plus Three = 275/30/19 or 285/30/19 on 19x9.5 or 19x10 rims

I've actually run the +1, +2, and +3 sizes above on my '98 Z28 and my personal favorite for all around performance and comfort was the 275/40/17. I currently run the 275/35/18 because I like the look of the 18's on my lowered '98 Z28, I am making a compromise in traction and ride...Don't even ask me how bad the traction and ride was on the 19's...I wasted A LOT of money on that experiment!

 

Thanks for the responses. I went to the garage and they looked under the wheel well and are now recommending the 225/60/16 which only gives me 1/2 extra height instead of the 235-60/16 which would have given me an extra inch . I am not positive how this relates to the fact that the tire they are trying to sell me doesn't come in a 235/60/16. However There seems to be lots of all purpose tires in the 225/60/16 size and looking on the Internet at the top five recommended for winter driving #3michelin defender and #4 Goodyear assurance triple tread both tires come in the 225/60/16 I will probably choose the Goodyear assurance because the garage I have been dealing with doesn't carry the michelin and currently have a sale buy three tires get one free. As well they are the only place I have got any customer service from as most of the garages just told me we don't carry 235/55/16 and hung up. The rating on the new tire is 98 H which exceeds my current tire which is a 96T. I am thinking about taking the car in tomorrow so if anyone know why this would not be a good decision please let me know soon. I am now wondering about the spare tire now it is 1/2 inch lower would it still be okay to use it

I am pretty sure that the 225/60/16 is the closet size to the 235/55/16 tire for the fourth generation 1996 camero
I found a good link to a tire converter Tire Size Calculator

 

...even though I ran the 215/60/16 on my '96 V6, I always thought they looked a little odd because they were so "tall"...a 225/60/16 is going to be even taller. If there's anyway you can stay with the 55 series or even 50 series tire (245/50/16 or 255/50/16), I would try my best to go that route...

 

It's been over a week now, guess he got some new tires.

I was going to say an overall height increase of 1" will only lift the car 1/2". These cars are "sports cars" and sit lower to begin with.

There are folks that have two sets of wheels, one for winter and the other for the rest of the year. It might be a good investment to grab another set of wheels for the winter tires. Or get a truck or Subaru.

If the Camaro is your only vehicle you don't have the best vehicle for snow conditions but many make it work. Hope it works for you, wendytbay.

When I can I'm going to look into upgrading to 17" wheels. The tire choices vastly increase and the looks do too. I would like 18" wheels and since I have other veh's to drive I may go that route as the Z28 will only be driven in good conditions, on the weekends and to car shows. There are some takeoffs on CraigsList from the newest Gen5 Camaro's which are outselling Mustang's and Challenger's by quite a bit.