killian96ss

Hey guys, I'm looking at getting some new tires for my 02Z which still hass factory rims. I'm looking at Toyo Proxes T1 Sport, Nitto NT05 and Continental Extreme Contact DW. The Toyos are the only one of these 3 choices in stock sizes, but I really don't mind running 275 up front. I've used the Continentals on a 96 Impala SS with good results, but obviously it's a way different car. My Z is never driven in the rain, but I want to make sure it could safely if needed. What would you guys recommend? Thanks.

Steve

gbrtng

I went with the DWs - but I put 255s on the front. I have the same tires on Wifey's base C6 and like 'em.

jonnyc

i would get the DWs also.i have the nt05 now and they are a decent tire but can be sketchy in the rain at freeway speeds.
if you could get a pair of rear wheels off ebay or somewhere you could run the 18x10.5 front and rear.then run 275/35/18 front and 295/35/18 rear and you'll have alot more tire options.
tire rack has the DWs on sale right now 275/35/18 are about $145 and the 295/35/18 are $200.my nt05 are only 6 months old otherwise i would get a set of the DWs at that price.

silverbird

FYI.....Conti (DW) and Michelin (PSS) are introducing new & (supposed) improved versions of these summer tires in the next couple of months.
I plan on going 18's front and rear when the time comes.
Silverbird

S.C. vette

Price + performance = Nittos

aaronc7

I hope the new and improved DW addresses the soft sidewall, then it should be a great tire all around.

JuanZ06

This is exactly what I'm in the process of doing. Plan on running those exact sizes but right now cant decide if I should get the DWs or wait for the new Extremecontact Sport (DW replacement).

S.C. vette

If you have the patience, wait.

04silverZ06

Lets hope they make these in our stock sizes as they do with the DW.

I will be waiting and crossing my fingers.

racebum

t1s has been out of production for some time unless it was recently restarted..which would be odd. any remaining tires are aged and worthless

real choice is the nt05 and dw

how you drive and where you drive will answer which is best

racebum

if you're running that size the Michelin pss is amazing. best rain tire on the market and extremely precise. will absolutely liquidate a DW in the dry too

striper

I am using Continental Extreme Contact DW on my car. I have 18" wheels front and rear, 10" front and 11" rear. Tires are 265/35 and 295/35. Size wise they are perfectly in proportion and drive very well, too. If it sounds good to anybody I highly recommend my fitments. I have no complaints with the DW's except a little noisier than I expected. Ride and handling is very good. All-around pretty good tire, price was good too. I bought them from Discount Tire. Free shipping!

killian96ss

These tires are still in production and sold at most tire shops. I've been getting some quotes locally for around $1000 OTD. They have very good user ratings, but I'm not seeing a lot of Vette owner in those reviews.

The new Continental Sports coming in Feb have a tread design which looks like a mix of the Michelin PS & Toyo T1 Sport. I'll probably wait a few more weeks for them unless someone can really convince me that the Nittos or Toyos are better. Thanks for all the suggestions so far.

Steve

racebum

ask for production dates. the last i knew of were in 2014

it was a pretty good tire but 265 40 17 was discontinued something like 3yrs ago. if they restarted and you can get proof of it please post it as there are currently no real choices in 265 40 17 and 295 35 18. the re760 exists....kind of but even it is slated to discontinue 265 and it's a worse tire than the t1s was

https://www.toyotires.com/tire/patte...e-summer-tires

actually shows c5z sizes so ?? find out. this would be a GREAT OE replacement tire for people staying factory correct

Z16Jim

I had the Toyo T1 Sports on my car. Tried to replace them but rears are on indefinite back order, ended up putting on Michelin PS, not happy with these at all.

racebum

the ps2? if it's a current production date they should be pretty good

the only other issue i can think of is 295 35 18 is now not made in the standard compound. it's only available in porsche specific. beings those have a lot more weight on the rear there may have been a compound change that did not work well on the c5

back in 2003 the ps2 performed well when it was the original compound

killian96ss

Alright, so I just spoke to Toyo's customer service and they said the T1 Sport tires are still in production and that both stock C5 Z sizes are readily available. How do these tires compare to the Conti Extreme DW's?

Steve

racebum

cosmetically better, steering response better

as for actual time trials or ultimate grip i have actually never tested either on g meter or slalom

the dw is not available in 265 only 255 or 275 and the 275 is porky

having somewhat limited experience with both tires but still having some i would go for the t1s without a second thought.

the tread compound is softer, the design is better, if you look at the pss or ps2 one way michelin keeps their tread so stable is by making sure it's vertically unbroken ala new gen F1 tires. the t1s copies the same trait. it has a responsive casing and i'm sure will produce more dry grip, i just couldn't tell you actual numbers.

Dave02C5

275/295 conti DW here.. getting new rears in a month. LOVE em for a street tire!

LT1driver

I tried DWs and took them back, squishy in corners, got michelin ps and love them