Best Replacement Tires?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 212
Likes: 12
Best Replacement Tires?
1995 coupe, box stock, still has original Goodyears - barely. Need to replace. Looking at Nitto 555's, Kumho Ecsta ASX or SPT. I don't drive aggressively. Like a good ride and low noise. Any suggestions? Sources?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,315
Likes: 110
From: Brandon Fl
Kumho is a great option. I used to run Sumitomo and they held up great and had fair street traction. With it being a stock car and you don't race it I don't think I'd spend the extra money for Nittos. JMO
Drifting
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,336
Likes: 15
From: Mechanicsburg PA
Central PA Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
Good traction is a plus... when needed unexpectedly in an instant reaction.
Ordered online from Discount tires...
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1580840917-post18.html
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,752
Likes: 190
From: Indiana PA
I have some Kumho SPT's for street tires. Good all around summer tire. Cheap. Good in the rain, dry.
I've auto-x on them, they wear funny for that, not recommended.
Rides good, quiet, good in the wet. Like I said, a good all around cheap summer tire.
FYI, I have no problems hooking up at the drag strip with these tires, I have a 1.99 60' to prove it. 13.38@105 all stock, other than cat-back, wheels, tires, and fan switch. I run 26psi HOT, have fun.
I've auto-x on them, they wear funny for that, not recommended.
Rides good, quiet, good in the wet. Like I said, a good all around cheap summer tire.
FYI, I have no problems hooking up at the drag strip with these tires, I have a 1.99 60' to prove it. 13.38@105 all stock, other than cat-back, wheels, tires, and fan switch. I run 26psi HOT, have fun.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,221
Likes: 446
From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
If you buy Sumitomo's, be prepared to go for the higher-priced road force balancing. And, the possibility of returning a couple of them for being out of spec.
After two sets and being pissed that there was vibration above 70mph, I had them road-force balanced. Two had imbalances greater than a 35lb rotational force at 60mph!
I didn't do that to my prior set, but felt the same way.
Sent the two back (this time) and got two more. It's finally smooth at 75+mph.
And, it ONLY cost an extra $150 to get it all done. Add that to the price of Sumitomos before you decide to give them a shot.
Or be prepared to own a touring car. (Same as that Ferrari guy who drive 35-55mph) LOL
After two sets and being pissed that there was vibration above 70mph, I had them road-force balanced. Two had imbalances greater than a 35lb rotational force at 60mph!
I didn't do that to my prior set, but felt the same way.
Sent the two back (this time) and got two more. It's finally smooth at 75+mph.
And, it ONLY cost an extra $150 to get it all done. Add that to the price of Sumitomos before you decide to give them a shot.
Or be prepared to own a touring car. (Same as that Ferrari guy who drive 35-55mph) LOL
Last edited by GREGGPENN; Aug 14, 2012 at 01:21 AM.
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Team Owner
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From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
St. Jude '03 thru '24
The Goodyears are known for lousy mileage as some of the other name brands like Pirelli and Dunlop. Choose a V speed rating since those carcases are built better and will give you a comfort advantage. Plus, when you want to push down hard on the go pedal, you'll be prepared.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 621
Likes: 1
From: Clarkston Mi
I have the Bridgestone RE730 on my 93. They do not make them any longer as far as I understand - but there are several tires that are at the same price performance level as this one.
I like them, but over the years - they've been getting a little loud on the highway. I grabbed them at Tirerack and mounted and balanced them on my own (I have access to mounting and balancing equipment).
I'd stay away from Sumitomo - and while I like the Cooper brand - I am not sure that they make performance tires that I would put on a C4.
I like them, but over the years - they've been getting a little loud on the highway. I grabbed them at Tirerack and mounted and balanced them on my own (I have access to mounting and balancing equipment).
I'd stay away from Sumitomo - and while I like the Cooper brand - I am not sure that they make performance tires that I would put on a C4.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 897
Likes: 12
From: Land of Whiskey Rebels, PA
You should check out Cooper.
In researching tires for my Ranger, I found that Cooper Discoverer AT/3 were ranked #1 by Consumer Reports for trucks. Then, I see that Cooper Zeon RS3-S's were ranked #2 for ultra-high-performance tires (some of the tires mentioned in previous posts were given bad reports for one reason or another). I bought a set of each and received a $75 rebate for each set in the mail. The A/T3's are good for 55,000 miles and the RS3-A's for 40,000.
I am completely satisfied with both sets. Smooth, quiet, great traction, good-looking, American-made, great price.
In researching tires for my Ranger, I found that Cooper Discoverer AT/3 were ranked #1 by Consumer Reports for trucks. Then, I see that Cooper Zeon RS3-S's were ranked #2 for ultra-high-performance tires (some of the tires mentioned in previous posts were given bad reports for one reason or another). I bought a set of each and received a $75 rebate for each set in the mail. The A/T3's are good for 55,000 miles and the RS3-A's for 40,000.
I am completely satisfied with both sets. Smooth, quiet, great traction, good-looking, American-made, great price.
Last edited by j-wireman; Aug 15, 2012 at 02:56 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 3,660
Likes: 22
I 2nd the BFG's !
Great wear, no noise, hold good in rain and don;t let go in corners. Great all around street tire and a best buy for the money. The best part is that they're everywhere.
Stay as far away from Yoko as you possibly can !
Great wear, no noise, hold good in rain and don;t let go in corners. Great all around street tire and a best buy for the money. The best part is that they're everywhere.
Stay as far away from Yoko as you possibly can !
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 212
Likes: 12
Thanks for all the input. The biggest obstacle to choice seems to be the rear tire size - 285/40 17. There are a lot of choices for 275/40 17. Has anyone tried going down a size? Will this have a noticeable effect on performance/ride/handling etc.? I mean other than the fact that 285's just look so cool.
I have an offer from a local (Louisville, KY) dealer for Kumho ASX for about $855 installed with 4 wheel alignment (& free rotation!). My neighbor spent about $1,250 for Hankooks on a C6 convertible. Are these prices in line?
Thanks again for the input. It really does help with the decision-making process.
I have an offer from a local (Louisville, KY) dealer for Kumho ASX for about $855 installed with 4 wheel alignment (& free rotation!). My neighbor spent about $1,250 for Hankooks on a C6 convertible. Are these prices in line?
Thanks again for the input. It really does help with the decision-making process.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,752
Likes: 190
From: Indiana PA