A-Mold Wheels?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 2,069
Likes: 262
From: Park Ridge New Jersey
If you do expect to drive below freezing, then yes an all-season starts to make sense. In 275/40/17, I'd probably look at the BFG G-Force Comp 2 A/S and the General G-Max AS-05. I've seen good reviews of both. The BFG is a bit faster in terms of having more grip, and may last fewer miles, based on the UTQG treadware numbers plus the Tire Rack test results. If it were me, I'd go with it. The Riken Raptor is a hell of a bargain at only $101. It is pretty grippy in the dry, but with fairly slow steering response albeit a decent ride quality. It's not so awesome in the wet or snow. I used those on my C4 for winter driving and had no complaints - I just wanted something cheap and all-season. If you want the best performance from an all-season, then the BFG is probably your best best.
https://www.discounttiredirect.com/b...rs3-g1/p/31789
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 6,091
Likes: 1,972
From: St. Charles MO
Matt what are your thoughts on these all season Coopers? I have them on another car and I believe dr cook has them as well.
https://www.discounttiredirect.com/b...rs3-g1/p/31789
https://www.discounttiredirect.com/b...rs3-g1/p/31789
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 114
Likes: 16
From: NE Ohio
Wow, even more excellent responses! Thanks again.
It will definitely not be driven in cold weather. Most driving will be on the street, including the rain when I get caught. I expect 2 or 3 "driver's ed" track days at Mid-Ohio and Nelson Ledges and probably a few autocrosses a year. I'm not a hard core track day guy. I do those to learn and become a better driver. Again, if I get caught in the wet stuff it's not a reason to go home. I'd prefer a balance of performance and comfort. My 2007 Z4 3.0si wears Michelin PS4's and they are amazing on that platform but I don't have the budget to put those on the Vette.
It will definitely not be driven in cold weather. Most driving will be on the street, including the rain when I get caught. I expect 2 or 3 "driver's ed" track days at Mid-Ohio and Nelson Ledges and probably a few autocrosses a year. I'm not a hard core track day guy. I do those to learn and become a better driver. Again, if I get caught in the wet stuff it's not a reason to go home. I'd prefer a balance of performance and comfort. My 2007 Z4 3.0si wears Michelin PS4's and they are amazing on that platform but I don't have the budget to put those on the Vette.
Last edited by meh92; Jun 21, 2020 at 06:19 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 6,091
Likes: 1,972
From: St. Charles MO
Wow, even more excellent responses! Thanks again.
It will definitely not be driven in cold weather. Most driving will be on the street, including the rain when I get caught. I expect 2 or 3 "driver's ed" track days at Mid-Ohio and Nelson Ledges and probably a few autocrosses a year. I'm not a hard core track day guy. I do those to learn and become a better driver. Again, if I get caught in the wet stuff it's not a reason to go home. I'd prefer a balance of performance and comfort. My 2007 Z4 3.0si wears Michelin PS2's and they are amazing on that platform but I don't have the budget to put those on the Vette.
It will definitely not be driven in cold weather. Most driving will be on the street, including the rain when I get caught. I expect 2 or 3 "driver's ed" track days at Mid-Ohio and Nelson Ledges and probably a few autocrosses a year. I'm not a hard core track day guy. I do those to learn and become a better driver. Again, if I get caught in the wet stuff it's not a reason to go home. I'd prefer a balance of performance and comfort. My 2007 Z4 3.0si wears Michelin PS2's and they are amazing on that platform but I don't have the budget to put those on the Vette.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 114
Likes: 16
From: NE Ohio
I will take a hard look at those, thanks. I see they are also available in my OEM wheel sizes, too.
Last edited by meh92; Jun 20, 2020 at 02:16 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 114
Likes: 16
From: NE Ohio
Hey thanks for the offer. I do like the wheels but looking at my budget, right now I am going to get new tires for the wheels on it and then while I'm wearing those away, start saving pennies for A-Molds. My budget is a bit smaller than I expected after looking things over.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 114
Likes: 16
From: NE Ohio
New wheels just aren't in the budget right now so I kept the sawblades, which are in really nice shape, and had the Conti's installed. I expected a serious change in ride quality considering what they replaced but I wasn't expecting such a drastic improvement! I'm really pleased and wanted to say thanks for turning me on to these tires! I'm looking forward to my first track day with the new rubber.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Jersey
To add a bit of clarity here. the 93-96 base C4s came with "staggered" wheel sets: 17x8.5 in front with 255/45/17 tires, and 17x9.5 rear with 285/40/17 tires. This was essentially a "comfort" setup for cushier ride and less tramlining. The Z07 or Z51 performance suspension option came with 17x9.5 and 275/40/17 tires at all four corners. And if you go with 9.5s up front, that's the tire size I suggest you use. 285s are not going to handle better and there are few choices in that size. That won't change your turning radius. There are stops or limiters in the rack itself that determine the limits of steering angle. If you put tires on that are too wide, you'll get rubbing; but 9.5s with proper offset and 275-width tires won't have that problem at all.
Someone mentioned running 315s. You need at least 10.5" wheel (preferably 11") to use those. Don't try it on a 9.5.
Someone mentioned running 315s. You need at least 10.5" wheel (preferably 11") to use those. Don't try it on a 9.5.
I'm looking at the ZR1 wheels that have the 11" in the back. It looks so frikkin mean with those 315s and that deep center dish. It's subtle, but you notice it.
My plan is to paint them light blue. In your opinion is it worth the price for the 11" wheel and 315 tire you would have to run compared to getting 17" x 9.5" ZR1's all around with 275's ? Also, then you can rotate the wheels and have more - and more reasonably priced - tire options available.
-Brett
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 6,091
Likes: 1,972
From: St. Charles MO
Hey! That's interesting. Good to know that. So they used the 9.5" sawblade that was in the back and put them on the front too?
I'm looking at the ZR1 wheels that have the 11" in the back. It looks so frikkin mean with those 315s and that deep center dish. It's subtle, but you notice it.
My plan is to paint them light blue. In your opinion is it worth the price for the 11" wheel and 315 tire you would have to run compared to getting 17" x 9.5" ZR1's all around with 275's ? Also, then you can rotate the wheels and have more - and more reasonably priced - tire options available.
I'm looking at the ZR1 wheels that have the 11" in the back. It looks so frikkin mean with those 315s and that deep center dish. It's subtle, but you notice it.
My plan is to paint them light blue. In your opinion is it worth the price for the 11" wheel and 315 tire you would have to run compared to getting 17" x 9.5" ZR1's all around with 275's ? Also, then you can rotate the wheels and have more - and more reasonably priced - tire options available.
Wider tires on proper wheels are always going to perform better. However, the problem is that there are very few 315-35-17 tires left on the market. There are only two all-seasons that I know if: the Toyo Extenza HP II (sounds like a med for erectile dysfunction) and the Nitto Motivo. I have no idea what either tire is like, but they probably aren't awesome.
There are lots of choices for 17x9.5" sawblades in 275-40-17 size, including several ultra-high-performance all-seasons like the BFG G-Force Comp 2 A/S Plus or the new Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4. Honestly you'll probably have more grip with those tires than the 315 Nitto or Toyo, even though they are narrower.
One other idea: buy two sets of staggered (8.5/9.5) sawblades. They are cheap. Then use four 9.5s for warmer months with really awesome 274/40 summer tires like the Continental ExtremeContact Sport or Michelin PS4 (not their all-season), and get a set of winter 245/45 tires for the four 8.5 wheels (like Blizzaks). Then you'd have great performance in both seasons.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Jersey
First thing first: the ZR1 17x11 has 36mm offset and will poke out of the fenders of an 88-96 Corvette. You really want the Grand Sport fitment, which is 50mm offset for those years, and it will fit well front and rear.
Wider tires on proper wheels are always going to perform better. However, the problem is that there are very few 315-35-17 tires left on the market. There are only two all-seasons that I know if: the Toyo Extenza HP II (sounds like a med for erectile dysfunction) and the Nitto Motivo. I have no idea what either tire is like, but they probably aren't awesome.
There are lots of choices for 17x9.5" sawblades in 275-40-17 size, including several ultra-high-performance all-seasons like the BFG G-Force Comp 2 A/S Plus or the new Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4. Honestly you'll probably have more grip with those tires than the 315 Nitto or Toyo, even though they are narrower.
One other idea: buy two sets of staggered (8.5/9.5) sawblades. They are cheap. Then use four 9.5s for warmer months with really awesome 274/40 summer tires like the Continental ExtremeContact Sport or Michelin PS4 (not their all-season), and get a set of winter 245/45 tires for the four 8.5 wheels (like Blizzaks). Then you'd have great performance in both seasons.
Wider tires on proper wheels are always going to perform better. However, the problem is that there are very few 315-35-17 tires left on the market. There are only two all-seasons that I know if: the Toyo Extenza HP II (sounds like a med for erectile dysfunction) and the Nitto Motivo. I have no idea what either tire is like, but they probably aren't awesome.
There are lots of choices for 17x9.5" sawblades in 275-40-17 size, including several ultra-high-performance all-seasons like the BFG G-Force Comp 2 A/S Plus or the new Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4. Honestly you'll probably have more grip with those tires than the 315 Nitto or Toyo, even though they are narrower.
One other idea: buy two sets of staggered (8.5/9.5) sawblades. They are cheap. Then use four 9.5s for warmer months with really awesome 274/40 summer tires like the Continental ExtremeContact Sport or Michelin PS4 (not their all-season), and get a set of winter 245/45 tires for the four 8.5 wheels (like Blizzaks). Then you'd have great performance in both seasons.
But now I’m thinkin just doin the 17x9.5 ZR1 time all around. So that would mean 50mm offset front and rear?
Brett
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 2,069
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From: Park Ridge New Jersey
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Jersey
I think I'd rather go with the 9.5" all around. But would 56mm offset work on front and rear? That's the offset I'm finding available online.
Thanks,
Brett
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 2,069
Likes: 262
From: Park Ridge New Jersey
I wonder if 8.5s are a good size to mount snow/ice tires for those of us brave enough to drive in the winter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 28
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From: Jersey
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2002
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From: Sierra Foothills, State of Jefferson