I just put new Khumo's up front on the ruby and it is a totally different car. When i bought it two months ago i thought it rode ok and was a little rough but not too bad riding. I bought a Z this weekend and when it was smoother than the C4 i figured i had to change the tires. In their defense they were VERY old GSC's pretty much like bowling *****.

Had the Khumos put on and all 4 wheels balanced. The rear has BFG's with very few miles on them. This car is at least as smooth as my Z06. No where near as fast but nice and smooth all the way up to 120 (Non public road of course LOL)

Glad i made this switch. I was wondering after driving the Z06 for a few days now if i'd still want the ruby and the answer is yes. I don't know why but i have a soft spot for C4's. I'll drive her once a week and she sleeps under a cover in the garage the rest of the time to keep her clean.

 

Thanks for the info. I'll have to remember those tires when I get new ones. I also know what you mean about C4's. I happen to think they are the most beautiful Vettes since the C2.

 

I'll probably have the same experience when I buy tires next. My Firehawks are seven years old (still lots of tread) and probably like a rock compared to new tires.

 

I totally agree...C4's are special and Rubies are a specila C-4. I also have a Ruby and although I have thought about getting a new C-6, there is just something about Ruby that I just can't get over. C-4's have so many differences from the C-5 and 6 that set them apart from the rest.

Keep the Ruby...

RUBY4ME

 

I appreciate the info on the tires even if I eventually choose another brand. It kinda reminds me that there's something to do to make the car feel a little better.

I think those of you who have posted know, and some/most of the other C4ers on this forum, that the C4 is something different. Which makes it special. Different can be bad, or it can be special.

The C5 is a huge leap in almost every way over the C4, and the C6 is beyond even the C5. But...

what can you say about a "sports" car, America's sports car? The one that makes it a little difficult to get in, but once there, ahhhhhh. And doesn't make it easy to leave, either!

Then, there's the "feeling"----this isn't what you'd call a completely, refined and civilized sports car. It is a bit "raw". I don't get the same feeling in later generations. Great cars, but not "raw". Raw power and handling in late gens, but not "raw" like a C4.

A classic example is the "shake", almost unnoticeable to those of us who no longer care about it. Some would say it's the chassis twisting. Yes. And it's because of the "clamshell" hood, the one unlike most other cars (there ya' go again...) that opens to reveal...everything under the hood!! Or the targa top/roof. Yes. So?

It's all part of the feeling of Corvette. Those later gens are great, just great. But three months ago, I chose a C4. And I know why. Most of us do, too. That's why we buy 'em, keep 'em, drive 'em, like 'em.

 

great to hear you're happy with the new shoes. it does make a huge difference, especially compared to those awful GSC's.

my next tire just might be kumho's as well.

 

The tires I've been looking at are Nitto 555s and BFGs (forget exactly which tire - probably the one just short of drag radial performance). How do they compare to Kumhos?

 

Yeah i don't know why the C4 has me the way it does but it does. It's not one of my favorite looking cars. I think i love the uniqueness to it. There is not anything out there really like it. I'm only 28 and this car will be very old when i am in my 40's and 50's so shes a keeper i think. Not too many six speed ruby's out there. I like the Z06 i bought for the reasont hat it is somewhat unique as well.

Both great cars. I'm still shocked new tires could make the car change this much. This is the second time i have bought kumhos and they are dollar for dollar the best out there. I have brand new Michelin Pilot sports on my Z06 and they are just as good but i don't think better and they cost A LOT more

 

I don't care for the BFG's. I have them on the rear of my ruby and they are not anything to write home about. When they wear out (they were pretty much new when i bought the car 900 miles ago so its gonna be a while) but i'll be getting more Khumos

 

Thanks for the input.

What don't you like about the BFGs? Just curious.

 

For one i think they look like **** and two the traction is poor IMO

 

You are right the difference in ride with new tires is amazing!
Just put on four Goodyear GSD’s and could not be happier so far.

 

Good to hear that you like em!

 

I just put new Kumhos on my 95' replaced half worn out BFGs. Aworld of difference. The previous owner spent a lot of 4 replacing ujoints, brake rotors trying to fix a vibration. with the new tires I've gone 135 mph. with no vibration. I'm sold on them. I had a new set of Firestone Firehawk SZ50s on a 91' a couple of years ago and really liked them, but I like these better.

 

How old are the shocks?

I ask because I just replaced the shocks on my '86 (one of the easiest DIY jobs out there on a C4) and the difference was also amazing. If you have 13 year old shocks, that might also be a cause of a harsh ride.

 

I just replaced the stock 9.5 inch wheels on my 87. I had Cooper Cobra tires on them. I bought ZR1 chrome replicas with Kumho Ecsta 712 tires. Right away I noticed two things, a softer, more comfortable ride and a reduction in the responsiveness of the handling. At first I was rather disappointed because I have the Z52 handling package and loved the quickness and "go-cart " feel of the steering and suspension. On bumps or rough road it was brutal though. After these several weeks I have found that the handling is still more than acceptable and the improvement in the ride is astounding. It feels like a new car! I love the look of the kumhos but noticed that they are considerably narrower than the Coopers, one full inch, in fact. My Coopers were always wider than those on my C5 now they are about the same. All in all the look of the new wheels and the look and ride of the new tires is worth any losses.

 

I just replaced Nitto 555s with the Kumho 712s and I like them a lot. The 712s will flat spot if the car sits for more than a couple of days but they round out within 2-3 miles so it's not really an issue. They are a good tire for the money.

 

which kumho's?

 

Dumb question..... Hows the tread pattern look?

 

I just put Yoko's on the back of my '85... I agree with all your reactions at nice, new tires. Holy crap things got quiet and smooth.

I'm sensing a theme with all the Japanese rubber.