1962nova
12-08-2009, 06:21 PM
Just wondering what PSI is should be running for my nova. 17" wheels with a 215/45 in front and 255/40 in back, car is about 2900 lbs if that makes a difference.
Thanks,
Kent
6'9"Witha69
12-08-2009, 07:20 PM
i usually have 34-35 in 245/45/17.
86Cutlass383SR
12-08-2009, 07:59 PM
A simple way to determine correct tire pressure is to take a piece of chalk and draw a line across the tread. Drive the car. If the line wears more in the middle, it's overinflated. If it wears more on both outer edges, it's underinflated. Naturally, if the whole line disappears evenly, you are using the tread evenly and have found the correct tire pressure.
If you simply take the car out and drive around the block once, there won't be any heat in the tires. Tire pressure will raise a few pounds when the tire is at operating temps. Drive the car several miles before doing this to get the pressures correct at normal operating range.
Vechicle weight and also weight bias will determine pressures. If it takes more air in the front or rear tires, then go with it. Ultimately, you want 100% of the tread on the surface of the road at correct pressures. No matter what size tire you run, what works for one size tire will be differant for each car. Put a tire of any size on a roadster at 2500# and then put the same tire on a 5000# pickup and the pressure needed for correct contact patch will be differant. This was just an example obviously as the roadster and pickup probably won't run the same size tires. Just used as an example.
After you have found the correct pressure at operating temps, let the car sit overnight. Take another pressure reading and you'll then know the correct cold temps.