Avanti, tire size and pressure settings

[dynolou2]

My 1985 Avanti has the Goodyear Gt plus 4's on it 215/60/15 on front 245/60/15 on rear is that correct? or should it be 215/60/15's all around? This car does have the Touring package amoung other options. Also, I haven't been able to find a suggested tire pressures data decal on this car, does someone have one on their 85? Thanks in advance!!!! Lou Cote

[Jackson]

My 85 Touring Avanti has 215/65/15 on the front and 245/60/15 on the rear, I pressurize them to 30 lbs. There should be a manufacturer's recommended pressure on the tire sidewall.

[studegary]

My 85 Touring Avanti has 215/65/15 on the front and 245/60/15 on the rear, I pressurize them to 30 lbs. There should be a manufacturer's recommended pressure on the tire sidewall.

For any car, new or old, not just Avanti - The tire pressure on the sidewall of the tire is the recommended maximum pressure that the tire should be used at. The sticker on the car (or sometimes owner's manual) shows the correct pressure for that particular vehicle. This pressure takes into account things like the weight of the vehicle. Some vehicles require different front and rear pressures. The tire manufacturer is concerned with the tire and has no idea what that tire will be used on.

[Gunslinger]

I've found with Avanti's, regardless of year and make and model of tire, whether radial or bias-ply, keep four psi less in the rear tires compared to the front and you'll find improved handling. It helps negate the forward weight bias some. For me, I tend to maintain air pressure towards the higher end of the tire's maximum cold air pressure...a bit firmer ride, but better tire wear.

[bige]

I've found with Avanti's, regardless of year and make and model of tire, whether radial or bias-ply, keep four psi less in the rear tires compared to the front and you'll find improved handling. It helps negate the forward weight bias some. For me, I tend to maintain air pressure towards the higher end of the tire's maximum cold air pressure...a bit firmer ride, but better tire wear.

I agree, except I run lower pressures 28 front 24 rear. When I increase the pressure the tail feels like it wants to slide out on me.

ErnieR

[dynolou2]

Jackson, I see that your Touring Coupe' is equipped like mine, black with the Western honeycomb wheels. Does yours have a 5 speed in it? Mine has a 2.87 rear gears, all ready for Bonneville with that set. I'm just learning more about these cars as my previous car was a 62 Hawk GT. I met John Hull at Glendale, he's quite a character. Are there any other sources of info on these cars besides his book? shop manuals etc; Thanks for any and all help. Lou Cote RQB 4240

[Jackson]

Dynolou2: My 85 Touring Coupe has a 305HO with a 700R4 trans, the diff. is factory original and I have not checked the ratio.
I check the following sites for Avanti info (I also recommend a web search):
Bob Johnson at Studebaker-info.org
Nostalgic Motor Cars at Avantiparts.net

Additional photos of my 85 Touring Coupe

http://forum.studebakerdriversclub.com/showthread.php?34344-85-Avanti-documented-10K-miles

[dynolou2]

Well the cars look about identical, with a few differences on my car: the 5 speed, the color/type of wood in the instrument and console surround. My car has a black wood, ebony? My Avanti has a few more miles at 64K and a few bugs to be worked out. I wonder how many more of these 85's were black with the Touring Coupe' options. You have a beautiful Avanti !!!! Lou Cote

[studegary]

Jackson, I see that your Touring Coupe' is equipped like mine, black with the Western honeycomb wheels. Does yours have a 5 speed in it? Mine has a 2.87 rear gears, all ready for Bonneville with that set. I'm just learning more about these cars as my previous car was a 62 Hawk GT. I met John Hull at Glendale, he's quite a character. Are there any other sources of info on these cars besides his book? shop manuals etc; Thanks for any and all help. Lou Cote RQB 4240

There were only four more Avanti coupes built on Studebaker frames after your car.