new tires
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,605
Likes: 2
From: Latrobe PA
new tires
Can anyone recommend the best tire manufacter? I need 4 275s for my 91. Price is not a big obstacle. I am thinking more about comfort and handling.
Thanks guys.
Photoguy PA
Thanks guys.
Photoguy PA
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 9,916
Likes: 38
From: South Carolina
St. Jude Donor '03 & '05
I would recommend Firestone SZ 50's, but get 285's as the Firestones are narrower. These tires are grippy and quiet and very good int herain to boot.
There are so many good tires on the market, these are just some besides the BFG KD's I use now.
There are so many good tires on the market, these are just some besides the BFG KD's I use now.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,564
Likes: 6
From: Woodstock Georgia
I am running F/stone Wide Ovals on the rear and think they are great.
Quiet, and excellent wet or dry. I had BFG KWDs on the back before and they would spin and burn if I got on it from a stop. The Firestone's just dig in and go, so if you want to 'lay rubber' then they aren't for you.
Quiet, and excellent wet or dry. I had BFG KWDs on the back before and they would spin and burn if I got on it from a stop. The Firestone's just dig in and go, so if you want to 'lay rubber' then they aren't for you.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 741
Likes: 37
From: Athens, GA
If price is no object, then you should take a look at Michelin Pilots. I've got a pair on the front of my '95 (I recently replaced the rears with Goodyear Eagle GS D3's - for obvious reasons!). You could also look at the Goodyears - I like mine enough that I've budgeted enough to buy the front pair next year.
Steven
Steven
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,277
Likes: 1
From: Santa Maria CA
Goodyear has several other names it makes tires for like KELLY. The KELLY brand makes the FIERCE tire which is almost identical to the Goodyear EAGLE F1 Supercar tires. Its supposed to be modeled after it. They preform damn near the same and for 1/3rd the price i bought 4 of em' from my shop.
I've driven plenty of C4's and i'd still hit the Kelly Fierce 275/40ZR17 up for 1/3 the price.
I've driven plenty of C4's and i'd still hit the Kelly Fierce 275/40ZR17 up for 1/3 the price.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,491
Likes: 1
From: prescott AZ
Goodyear Super Car (standard on the Z06) tires are some of the best out there. I am not sure if they make 275- but their 265 is wider than the Firestones. The Firestones would be my last choice. I do not think it is a good idea trying to get a wider tire by going to a 285. There was a good reason why GM chose 275 all around on their max performance Z07 and Z51 cars (things like lower center of grav., less unsprung wt., less thread wall squirm {more precise handling} & BEST fit on a 9 1/2" wheel). The BFG KD would be my second choice. I would like to try the Michelin Sport Cup (DOT approved) but I heard its sticky thread picks up small stones.
The bad thing about websites is that there are always people who do not know what they are talking about but are fast to give advise. If I was going to take some Corvette owners advice on anything related to handle I would like to know if they bought a Z51 or Z07 or Z06 car because if they knew the difference and wanted handling they would get a Z car.
The bad thing about websites is that there are always people who do not know what they are talking about but are fast to give advise. If I was going to take some Corvette owners advice on anything related to handle I would like to know if they bought a Z51 or Z07 or Z06 car because if they knew the difference and wanted handling they would get a Z car.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,491
Likes: 1
From: prescott AZ
There is a post on the Z06 C5 forum about people complaining about very noticeable, slower acceleration because they got after market wheels that were only 2-3 lbs (each) heavier. Going from a 275 to a 285 I would imagine is also a 2-3 lbs wt. gain.If you want handling -do not do it. We are talking about an increase in rotational mass not static-BIG difference not just in acceleration but overall handling and braking.
Anyone on a budget who wants the biggest bang for the buck would be wise to get the C5 Z06 wheels-especisally the lighter 2002-2004 wheels vs 2001.
Anyone on a budget who wants the biggest bang for the buck would be wise to get the C5 Z06 wheels-especisally the lighter 2002-2004 wheels vs 2001.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 1,131
Likes: 2
From: Panama City Beach FL
Tire rack has test results, user opinions, etc.
275/40/17 Tires
I chose the BFG G-Force Sport due to price, reviews, and the fact that I do not drive in the rain. So far I am pleased.
--Tor
275/40/17 Tires
I chose the BFG G-Force Sport due to price, reviews, and the fact that I do not drive in the rain. So far I am pleased.
--Tor
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,957
Likes: 6
From: The Woodlands TX TX
I just bought Goodyear GS-D3's, they are the best tires I've owned so far. I've previously had BFG KDW, Khumo MX's and Sumitumo tires. If I were you I'd stay away from those. Sumitumo will not wear out, but they will not perform either, Khumos flat spot bad and worre out quick and seemed bouncy. The BFG tires were a bitch to balance, but they looked good.
These GS-D3's are fantastic, I need to go take a picture of them.
These GS-D3's are fantastic, I need to go take a picture of them.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,874
Likes: 0
From: Littleton CO
Originally Posted by skeet
Going from a 275 to a 285 I would imagine is also a 2-3 lbs wt. gain.
Not to quibble with your point, though, because every little bit makes a difference for some guys.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 21,093
Likes: 282
From: Phila., PA burbs
Originally Posted by steve40th
I would recommend Firestone SZ 50's, but get 285's as the Firestones are narrower.
Great tires, however I'm pretty sure they have discontinued for awhile now.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by tinman332
I love my BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDWS tires. Good in all weather conditions and more comfortable ride and handling than the Goodyear Eagles I used to have. 
Got mine at Tire Rack and great tire.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 246
Likes: 1
From: Kansas
Originally Posted by SHINOBI-X
Goodyear has several other names it makes tires for like KELLY. The KELLY brand makes the FIERCE tire which is almost identical to the Goodyear EAGLE F1 Supercar tires. Its supposed to be modeled after it. They preform damn near the same and for 1/3rd the price i bought 4 of em' from my shop.
I've driven plenty of C4's and i'd still hit the Kelly Fierce 275/40ZR17 up for 1/3 the price.
I've driven plenty of C4's and i'd still hit the Kelly Fierce 275/40ZR17 up for 1/3 the price.