Need New Tires
12-05-2009, 10:35 PM
#1
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Need New Tires
I recently purchased a 2004 Corvette. It has 44K on it and still has the original tires. Would you recommend the original Goodyear`s or is there another brand that will work just as good? I`d like to try and save a few dollars if at all possible. Thanks in advance for your advice/opinion`s 
12-05-2009, 10:56 PM
#2
Race Director
I recently purchased a 2004 Corvette. It has 44K on it and still has the original tires. Would you recommend the original Goodyear`s or is there another brand that will work just as good? I`d like to try and save a few dollars if at all possible. Thanks in advance for your advice/opinion`s
There are a lot of choices available, including sticking with the OEM Goodyear EMT's.
First of all, understand that the OEM Goodyears are unique in the sense that they are the only tire that will run up to 55mph for up to 200 miles with no air pressure. There are other tires that are considered "run-flats" but none of them will go the distance that the Goodyears can.
That being said - the reason the Goodyears can do this is due to an exceptionally stiff sidewall, that enables them to bear the weight of the car with no air and not roll off the rim. But because of these stiff sidewalls, the ride and the noise generated by the tread is compromised to a degree. Another plus is that the tire is very square when viewed from either the back or the front of the tire, giving the impression that the width of the tread is greater - most of the other tires available are rounder making them look less wide.
If you plan to do any autocross or track driving, there are a lot of choices that will offer better handling. Also - the OEM Goodyears are pretty expensive.
So here's the deal - you need to figure out what you're looking for in a tire - affordability, long lasting, best handling, all-weather, run flat, etc. Then you should determine if you plan to retain the OEM wheels or at least retain the OEM wheel sizes. If you are thinking of upgrading to larger wheels, your choices will be altered, because not every tire is available in every size. Everything is a compromise, and you need to figure out where and what you're willing to compromise.
On my black car, I'm running one inch larger diameter wheels and I don't like the ride and handling characteristics of run flats - so I run Michelin PS2's. Great maximum performance summer tire, but pricey.
On my Pace Car - I want to keep this car as close to stock as possible, so for me, it's the Goodyear OEM EMT's.
These are two totally different cars with different missions. I'm happy with my choices. But there are other tires that I could have chosen for the black car. I happen to like Michelin. BTW - the new Corvette ZR1 is the first Corvette ever to use Michelin as the OEM tire.....it is Michelin's version of the run flat as a PS2.
If I can be of any more assistance (or confusion - whatever the case may be) feel free to contact me.....good luck.
12-05-2009, 10:56 PM
#3
Drifting
Most people will tell you to stay away from the run flats that come on the car. I hear a lot of good things about the Nitto and Wide Oval. I think when I get new ones then I will probably go with the Nittos, heard they ride better and are a lot quieter than the run flats.
12-05-2009, 11:01 PM
#4
Le Mans Master
I like this site because you can read the reviews.
The reviews on this tire were incredibly positive, even against the more pricey tires.
When the time comes to replace my tires, I will definitely try these. I dont believe they are run flats but at this price I could replace every tire and still pay less.
http://www.discounttiredirect.com/di...pager.offset=0
The reviews on this tire were incredibly positive, even against the more pricey tires.
When the time comes to replace my tires, I will definitely try these. I dont believe they are run flats but at this price I could replace every tire and still pay less.
http://www.discounttiredirect.com/di...pager.offset=0
12-05-2009, 11:42 PM
#5
Race Director
1. Are you sure they are the original tires or the previous owner just replaced the original tires with aftermarket identical tires?
have the dealer or a forum member run a GM VIS and find your build date. compare that to the age of your tires using the DOT code.
I have not heard of 40K miles on original runflats.
So what do you want... runflat = insurance
non runflat = performance?
maintaining stock = GoodYear runcraps.
the best runflats = Michelin PS2 ZP
the most cost effective = Kumho ecsta EMT
The best non run flat Michelin PS2 or goodYear GSD-3
The most cost effectiv enon runflat Genreal Exclaim UHP or Cooper Zeon
have the dealer or a forum member run a GM VIS and find your build date. compare that to the age of your tires using the DOT code.
I have not heard of 40K miles on original runflats.
So what do you want... runflat = insurance
non runflat = performance?
maintaining stock = GoodYear runcraps.
the best runflats = Michelin PS2 ZP
the most cost effective = Kumho ecsta EMT
The best non run flat Michelin PS2 or goodYear GSD-3
The most cost effectiv enon runflat Genreal Exclaim UHP or Cooper Zeon
12-05-2009, 11:52 PM
#6
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I'd go with Good Year GS D3's.
12-06-2009, 09:06 AM
#8
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There are a lot of choices available, including sticking with the OEM Goodyear EMT's.
First of all, understand that the OEM Goodyears are unique in the sense that they are the only tire that will run up to 55mph for up to 200 miles with no air pressure. There are other tires that are considered "run-flats" but none of them will go the distance that the Goodyears can.
That being said - the reason the Goodyears can do this is due to an exceptionally stiff sidewall, that enables them to bear the weight of the car with no air and not roll off the rim. But because of these stiff sidewalls, the ride and the noise generated by the tread is compromised to a degree. Another plus is that the tire is very square when viewed from either the back or the front of the tire, giving the impression that the width of the tread is greater - most of the other tires available are rounder making them look less wide.
If you plan to do any autocross or track driving, there are a lot of choices that will offer better handling. Also - the OEM Goodyears are pretty expensive.
So here's the deal - you need to figure out what you're looking for in a tire - affordability, long lasting, best handling, all-weather, run flat, etc. Then you should determine if you plan to retain the OEM wheels or at least retain the OEM wheel sizes. If you are thinking of upgrading to larger wheels, your choices will be altered, because not every tire is available in every size. Everything is a compromise, and you need to figure out where and what you're willing to compromise.
On my black car, I'm running one inch larger diameter wheels and I don't like the ride and handling characteristics of run flats - so I run Michelin PS2's. Great maximum performance summer tire, but pricey.
On my Pace Car - I want to keep this car as close to stock as possible, so for me, it's the Goodyear OEM EMT's.
These are two totally different cars with different missions. I'm happy with my choices. But there are other tires that I could have chosen for the black car. I happen to like Michelin. BTW - the new Corvette ZR1 is the first Corvette ever to use Michelin as the OEM tire.....it is Michelin's version of the run flat as a PS2.
If I can be of any more assistance (or confusion - whatever the case may be) feel free to contact me.....good luck.
First of all, understand that the OEM Goodyears are unique in the sense that they are the only tire that will run up to 55mph for up to 200 miles with no air pressure. There are other tires that are considered "run-flats" but none of them will go the distance that the Goodyears can.
That being said - the reason the Goodyears can do this is due to an exceptionally stiff sidewall, that enables them to bear the weight of the car with no air and not roll off the rim. But because of these stiff sidewalls, the ride and the noise generated by the tread is compromised to a degree. Another plus is that the tire is very square when viewed from either the back or the front of the tire, giving the impression that the width of the tread is greater - most of the other tires available are rounder making them look less wide.
If you plan to do any autocross or track driving, there are a lot of choices that will offer better handling. Also - the OEM Goodyears are pretty expensive.
So here's the deal - you need to figure out what you're looking for in a tire - affordability, long lasting, best handling, all-weather, run flat, etc. Then you should determine if you plan to retain the OEM wheels or at least retain the OEM wheel sizes. If you are thinking of upgrading to larger wheels, your choices will be altered, because not every tire is available in every size. Everything is a compromise, and you need to figure out where and what you're willing to compromise.
On my black car, I'm running one inch larger diameter wheels and I don't like the ride and handling characteristics of run flats - so I run Michelin PS2's. Great maximum performance summer tire, but pricey.
On my Pace Car - I want to keep this car as close to stock as possible, so for me, it's the Goodyear OEM EMT's.
These are two totally different cars with different missions. I'm happy with my choices. But there are other tires that I could have chosen for the black car. I happen to like Michelin. BTW - the new Corvette ZR1 is the first Corvette ever to use Michelin as the OEM tire.....it is Michelin's version of the run flat as a PS2.
If I can be of any more assistance (or confusion - whatever the case may be) feel free to contact me.....good luck.
As always I appreciate all the info I receive here.
12-06-2009, 09:14 AM
#9
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1. Are you sure they are the original tires or the previous owner just replaced the original tires with aftermarket identical tires?
have the dealer or a forum member run a GM VIS and find your build date. compare that to the age of your tires using the DOT code.
I have not heard of 40K miles on original runflats.
So what do you want... runflat = insurance
non runflat = performance?
maintaining stock = GoodYear runcraps.
the best runflats = Michelin PS2 ZP
the most cost effective = Kumho ecsta EMT
The best non run flat Michelin PS2 or goodYear GSD-3
The most cost effectiv enon runflat Genreal Exclaim UHP or Cooper Zeon
have the dealer or a forum member run a GM VIS and find your build date. compare that to the age of your tires using the DOT code.
I have not heard of 40K miles on original runflats.
So what do you want... runflat = insurance
non runflat = performance?
maintaining stock = GoodYear runcraps.
the best runflats = Michelin PS2 ZP
the most cost effective = Kumho ecsta EMT
The best non run flat Michelin PS2 or goodYear GSD-3
The most cost effectiv enon runflat Genreal Exclaim UHP or Cooper Zeon
While driving the car home on it`s 225 mile trip I did notice a lot of road noise.
12-06-2009, 09:22 AM
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I like this site because you can read the reviews.
The reviews on this tire were incredibly positive, even against the more pricey tires.
When the time comes to replace my tires, I will definitely try these. I dont believe they are run flats but at this price I could replace every tire and still pay less.
http://www.discounttiredirect.com/di...pager.offset=0
The reviews on this tire were incredibly positive, even against the more pricey tires.
When the time comes to replace my tires, I will definitely try these. I dont believe they are run flats but at this price I could replace every tire and still pay less.
http://www.discounttiredirect.com/di...pager.offset=0
12-06-2009, 09:32 AM
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After a lot of research on this forum, I chose Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus ZP's. Not wanting a pure summer tire, and wanting an EMT tire, these seemed like a good compromise.
The price for 4 from Tirerack was a little under $1000.00 shipped. Overall, they are quiet, good grip, great in the wet and are a 40,000+ mile tire.
The price for 4 from Tirerack was a little under $1000.00 shipped. Overall, they are quiet, good grip, great in the wet and are a 40,000+ mile tire.
12-06-2009, 09:54 AM
#13
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How many out here have actually had a flat tire on their vet while out driving? Curious as flat tires apper to be a vanishing breed unless actually running over something sharp on the roadways. And most carry tire repair service with their insurance so the question is, why put up with loud noisy tires and harsh rides along with compromised handling with OEM RFs?
12-06-2009, 01:19 PM
#14
Burning Brakes
My .02:
I, too, will be purchasing new tires for the 01 TR Vert in the spring. So far, my research has concluded the same as MagRedGeoff: for about $1,000, the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus ZP's seem to be the best compromise. If cost is not an issue, go for the non-A/S ZP's, which, of course, are std. on the ZR1. I like the fact that both of these tires were specifically developed for the C5 and C6.
Absolutely DO NOT purchase another set of the original GY EMT's. That design is now more than 13 years old. I am tempted to go non-RF with the Hankook Ventus V12 Evo's (see above), in C5 sizes for $107front, $169 rear. They finished a solid #2 in Car & Driver's test of budget tires, on page 97, Aug. 09.
However, the thought of plugging a C5 tire in the dark on the shoulder of Rt. 95 scares me more than Elin with a 3 iron scares Tiger Woods. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe that AAA will only CHANGE a tire if you have a spare, not plug one. The only other cost effective EMT I would consider is Kumho.
Rickman
I, too, will be purchasing new tires for the 01 TR Vert in the spring. So far, my research has concluded the same as MagRedGeoff: for about $1,000, the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus ZP's seem to be the best compromise. If cost is not an issue, go for the non-A/S ZP's, which, of course, are std. on the ZR1. I like the fact that both of these tires were specifically developed for the C5 and C6.
Absolutely DO NOT purchase another set of the original GY EMT's. That design is now more than 13 years old. I am tempted to go non-RF with the Hankook Ventus V12 Evo's (see above), in C5 sizes for $107front, $169 rear. They finished a solid #2 in Car & Driver's test of budget tires, on page 97, Aug. 09.
However, the thought of plugging a C5 tire in the dark on the shoulder of Rt. 95 scares me more than Elin with a 3 iron scares Tiger Woods. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe that AAA will only CHANGE a tire if you have a spare, not plug one. The only other cost effective EMT I would consider is Kumho.
Rickman
12-06-2009, 02:17 PM
#15
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My .02:
I, too, will be purchasing new tires for the 01 TR Vert in the spring. So far, my research has concluded the same as MagRedGeoff: for about $1,000, the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus ZP's seem to be the best compromise. If cost is not an issue, go for the non-A/S ZP's, which, of course, are std. on the ZR1. I like the fact that both of these tires were specifically developed for the C5 and C6.
Absolutely DO NOT purchase another set of the original GY EMT's. That design is now more than 13 years old. I am tempted to go non-RF with the Hankook Ventus V12 Evo's (see above), in C5 sizes for $107front, $169 rear. They finished a solid #2 in Car & Driver's test of budget tires, on page 97, Aug. 09.
However, the thought of plugging a C5 tire in the dark on the shoulder of Rt. 95 scares me more than Elin with a 3 iron scares Tiger Woods. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe that AAA will only CHANGE a tire if you have a spare, not plug one. The only other cost effective EMT I would consider is Kumho.
Rickman
I, too, will be purchasing new tires for the 01 TR Vert in the spring. So far, my research has concluded the same as MagRedGeoff: for about $1,000, the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus ZP's seem to be the best compromise. If cost is not an issue, go for the non-A/S ZP's, which, of course, are std. on the ZR1. I like the fact that both of these tires were specifically developed for the C5 and C6.
Absolutely DO NOT purchase another set of the original GY EMT's. That design is now more than 13 years old. I am tempted to go non-RF with the Hankook Ventus V12 Evo's (see above), in C5 sizes for $107front, $169 rear. They finished a solid #2 in Car & Driver's test of budget tires, on page 97, Aug. 09.
However, the thought of plugging a C5 tire in the dark on the shoulder of Rt. 95 scares me more than Elin with a 3 iron scares Tiger Woods. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe that AAA will only CHANGE a tire if you have a spare, not plug one. The only other cost effective EMT I would consider is Kumho.
Rickman
12-06-2009, 02:53 PM
#16
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If you want to stick with runflats, I'd recommend either the Firestone Firehawks or the Michelin Pilot Sport runflats. For non-runflats, try the Goodyear GS-D3, Michelin Pilot Sports or Firestone Wide Ovals,
12-06-2009, 03:41 PM
#17
Le Mans Master
