1985 Toronado Brougham

Tom Dietrich · Postby **Tom Dietrich** » Sun Nov 08, 2015 10:03 am

I have a 1985 Toronado Brougham. Factory tires are P205/75R15. Can I put on P215/75R15 tires? Will it cause any problems with clearance and ride? Thanks, Tom

Otto Skorzeny · Postby **Otto Skorzeny** » Sun Nov 08, 2015 11:19 am

I don't know anything about the geometry of that car's steering and suspension but I'd have to say that I doubt there will be any problems.

Different tire brands' dimensions vary among tires of the same nominal size but on average the difference in diameter and section width between those two tire sizes is only about 1/2" in diameter and 1/2"-5/8" in section width.

Those are the two measurements were clearance might come into play and I'm sure there's more than 1/2" of clearance between the rubber and steering and suspension parts on a lock to lock turn (section width).

As for an extra 1/2" inch in tire height, you're really only talking about a quarter inch more if the chassis bottoms out on its suspension. I don't think the clearance between the top of the tire and the fender well is close enough that a quarter inch will matter.

As for the wheel opening, the tire shop guy would notice a clearance issue as soon as they are installed if the extra half inch diameter (1/4" on all sides) was too close to the wheel arches.

If you want to know your actual measurements, look up the tires you are going to buy on Tirerack.com or discount tire.com and look at the specs. Diameter and section width will be listed. Look up your old tires to find the difference.

Tread width is irrelevant as it is always smaller than the section width.

If you're really worried, go under the car with the steering wheel turned to full stop in one direction and measure the clearance from wheel opening to tread, and sidewall to steering components/frame, etc. Look at both sides of the car. If the measurements are less than an inch (I'm sure they won't be) then you might have trouble.

Tom Dietrich · Postby **Tom Dietrich** » Sun Nov 08, 2015 2:54 pm

Otto, Thanks for all the information. I will check it out on Monday. Thanks, Tom

bcroe · Postby **bcroe** » Sun Nov 08, 2015 9:21 pm

Tom Dietrich wrote:I have a 1985 Toronado Brougham. Factory tires are P205/75R15. Can I put on P215/75R15 tires? Will it cause any problems with clearance and ride? Thanks, Tom

That is the size on my 79, same size E car as yours: no problems. Bruce Roe

Tom Dietrich · Postby **Tom Dietrich** » Mon Nov 09, 2015 4:11 am

Bruce, Thanks for your comments. Tom

Otto Skorzeny · Postby **Otto Skorzeny** » Mon Nov 09, 2015 12:48 pm

That saves a lot of time and effort.

bcroe · Postby **bcroe** » Mon Nov 09, 2015 6:09 pm

bcroe wrote:
Tom Dietrich wrote:I have a 1985 Toronado Brougham. Factory tires are P205/75R15. Can I put on P215/75R15 tires? Will it cause any problems with clearance and ride? Thanks, Tom

That is the size on my 79, same size E car as yours: no problems. Bruce Roe

Just pulled the receipt; to be perfectly correct, mine are TOYO 215/70R15. Bruce Roe

Otto Skorzeny · Postby **Otto Skorzeny** » Mon Nov 09, 2015 6:39 pm

The 215/70 series will be slightly SMALLER in diameter than your current tires.

The section width of the 215/70 will likely be about 1 inch wider than your current tires.

What are you seeking to do with a change in tire size? Get a wider tread? Fill up the wheel well with a larger diameter tire?

bcroe · Postby **bcroe** » Mon Nov 09, 2015 6:48 pm

Otto Skorzeny wrote:The 215/70 series will be slightly SMALLER in diameter than your current tires.

The section width of the 215/70 will likely be about 1 inch wider than your current tires.

What are you seeking to do with a change in tire size? Get a wider tread? Fill up the wheel well with a larger diameter tire?

If you mean me, cars seem to me, to come with too small tires. My driving really goes
through tires, bigger ones should last a little longer. Usually a size bigger will fit the
same rims. Bruce Roe

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