Slightly pricey for the little bit you drive, but an awesome tire.
Good performance Tires
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: Langley British columbia
Good performance Tires
Hello all, I'm thinking of buying some new tires for my 1988 Corvette Z51. I've looked at all kinds of performance tires, of many different brands and I would like to hear what some other Corvette owner recomend for tires.
I am looking for either 275/40 ZR17 or 285/40 ZR17 tire size.
I only drive the car 4 or 5 months in the summer, the car never see's snow or ice and is seldom driven in the rain (I might get caught in the rain once a year), I only drive about 2,000km a year and I generally drag race or auto cross between 2 and 10+ times a year. Cost is an issue at least to a certin extent. Also I don't care about ride quality or road noise, I'm looking for a good performance tire, but not an all out race tire.
So let me know your what kind tires you think will work well, thanks.
I am looking for either 275/40 ZR17 or 285/40 ZR17 tire size.
I only drive the car 4 or 5 months in the summer, the car never see's snow or ice and is seldom driven in the rain (I might get caught in the rain once a year), I only drive about 2,000km a year and I generally drag race or auto cross between 2 and 10+ times a year. Cost is an issue at least to a certin extent. Also I don't care about ride quality or road noise, I'm looking for a good performance tire, but not an all out race tire.
So let me know your what kind tires you think will work well, thanks.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
From: Port Saint Lucie Florida
Kumhos from tirerack are 125 a piece and have great traction and awesome treadwear. I also like the firestones/bridgestone Firehawk wide ovals. but treadwear is down for super stick tires... 20 bucks more per tire but they r worth it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,564
Likes: 6
From: Woodstock Georgia
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 6,314
Likes: 508
From: South-central Missouri
One of the best...
A recent article by Road and Track comparing performance (not racing) tires came up with their "Top 10" list.
Making a long story short, the article rated the dry (only) performance of the BFG KDs best. However, only .1 g (lateral force test) back from the BFGs (on dry road) was the GY F1 GS D3s. The big difference is the GY D3s are almost as sticky on wet pavement, whereas the wet performance of the BFG KDs was only in the middle of the pack - not so good. So, I bought the GYs. So far they are simply amazing tires! They ain't cheap, but then again it is a Vette and you like to play. At 2km per year you can spread the cost of the GY tires over a long period - mitigating the cost, more or less, over a looooong time of excellent performance.
See the tread pattern in the picture...
However, for the drag strip, a set of dedicated BFG drag radials on a separate set of rims might be the ticket.
FWIW,
P.
Making a long story short, the article rated the dry (only) performance of the BFG KDs best. However, only .1 g (lateral force test) back from the BFGs (on dry road) was the GY F1 GS D3s. The big difference is the GY D3s are almost as sticky on wet pavement, whereas the wet performance of the BFG KDs was only in the middle of the pack - not so good. So, I bought the GYs. So far they are simply amazing tires! They ain't cheap, but then again it is a Vette and you like to play. At 2km per year you can spread the cost of the GY tires over a long period - mitigating the cost, more or less, over a looooong time of excellent performance.
See the tread pattern in the picture...
However, for the drag strip, a set of dedicated BFG drag radials on a separate set of rims might be the ticket.
FWIW,
P.
Last edited by Paul Workman; May 1, 2008 at 10:35 AM. Reason: pic added
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,554
Likes: 13
From: Romeoville IL
I bought a set of BFG KDW's and love them. They are a great tire... not the cheapest on the block, but I think worth the money. Great daily driving ride, and performed well around the SCCA Solo track.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 10
From: Austin TX
For the money, I don't see how you can beat the Firestone Wide Ovals. Here's a good site in case you don't already know about it:
www.tirerack.com
www.tirerack.com
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Perth Western Australia
Gee tires are cheap in the US. Had to fork out $360 each tire for my ones :O Although they are an awesome tire, Hankook Ventus K104. Probably a little overkill, but it prevents me from doing burnouts 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,204
Likes: 4
From: Midland Georgia
St. Jude Donor '06
The 315-35ZR-17's are on back order at Tirerack. You can get the 285's pretty easily... The smaller sizes are readily available. The local Goodyear folks should be able to help you.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 610
Likes: 2
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,204
Likes: 4
From: Midland Georgia
St. Jude Donor '06
Lot of work under that car!
Alot of aluminum polishing! The calipers were sent to VBP (Vette Brake Products) in Florida. The calipers were Powder Coated and then rebuilt! I believe the total cost a pair was around $100. The powder coating is standing up well!Installed those "fat-daddy" 315's today. Holy smoke they look much better than the Sumitomos!!!! Also pulled the KYB's and installed the Bilsteins! Cant wait to drive it tomorrow!
Last edited by jakers; May 3, 2008 at 10:32 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 10,641
Likes: 13
From: Slidell Louisiana
I love my Good year F1 GS D3s
But its my daily driver and it rains buckets here.
However, if you drive in the winter the F1s sucked in cold (IE spun even in the dry when temps were near or below freezing )
The best C4 tires IMO were discontinued "(Bridgestone Potenza RE 730)
They rocked in the cold, snow, wet and dry, but when I needed replacements I couldn't find them.
But its my daily driver and it rains buckets here.
However, if you drive in the winter the F1s sucked in cold (IE spun even in the dry when temps were near or below freezing )
The best C4 tires IMO were discontinued "(Bridgestone Potenza RE 730)
They rocked in the cold, snow, wet and dry, but when I needed replacements I couldn't find them.