Now that I have driven a bit more on the DWs, I have to agree with you on the turn-in.

There seems to be a bit of what I might call a "hesitation" - just for an instant--when cranking into a turn. I only notice it when I'm pushing a little. I'd think for most people, it would not be an issue, but if you tend to drive a little harder, these tires might not provide the kind of response you want.

For me, they're fine. Good price, and they were also one of the few options I could find in the OEM size. And light, as you mention.

I was looking for decent performance, something with a little more comfort and definitely less noise. With these, I can hear the car, which is a much nicer sound than a tire will ever make--well, except when it's making a nice little chirp around a corner.

 

My thoughts,,, C6 wheels and Tire Combo,,, Fitment...

I managed to have some time to work on my Tire / Wheel Decisions tree this afternoon

I did read quite a few posts, reviews & a Video review and several top rated tires. As others answering this call, I have decided that I'll go with Extreme Contact™ DW tires on my C4 Vert. I was set on the Nitto.

There are two particular reasons for this decision. First the large size selection available. I'm dealing with very tight quarters in getting a 19 inch tire on the rear of My C4 will be challenge,,,- and I'm not giving up !!

The multitude of comments and "Comparison tests" on this series tire from Continental are a great source. So, the Softer side walls and still outstanding performance, esp Wet streets seals the Deal !!. After all I live out of Portland Oregon and sudden rain storms on a sunny summer day, well all to common.

My C4 "Lois" is a stiff ride to say the least, I'd like a bit smoooother tire -but I'm not willing to give up much performance esp in the surprise rain storms. No, this isn't a daily driver I've yet to ever driven Her in the Rain.

Now, back to the real question,, C6 wheels. The C6 flat spokes I'm trying to Cram under Lois is very "Snug", but I'm a very stubborn Irishman - even worse an Engineer.

The Flat Spoke C6's wheels will be a tough fit, 18 inch up front and 19 inch in the rear. They will require a Wheel spacer/adapter. The 19 inch rear wheel is a great look, and it does clear all of the suspension hardware, only when using the wheel adapter. BTW,, I've used wheel spacers for decades and have never had a failure or any defects in the adapters.

I will go to every tire shop that I can find and purchase some non-usable 19 inch tires of various widths and aspect side wall ratios. I need to physically mount test on several tires. This is because I would very much like to have a "40" aspect ratio and 285 width. The 30 aspect ratio reads that it will prob clear.\, not my Fav...

But the 40 prob will not fit not without some small modifications to the forward control arm mounting plate, the one that connects the two horizontal controls to the body. The "Lip" on this mounting bracket is sure to be in the way ,, Rub Rub !! And I really do not want to add an 1/8 th or 1/4 inch to the wheel adapter/spacer.

The other variable I'm finding difficult is the rear tire cross sectional with. I really want a "285" C/S width, but I may need to go with a "275". The 285 adds about a half inch in width.

I do not find modifying the control arm brackets to obtain the 285 tires very challenging. But,, I'll need an actual Used Tire that an me used for a Test Fit before committing to which rear tire width and aspect ratio, after all once ya buy them ya there's no return...

I do have 275x40x18's on the rear of my C5. So, I do plan on mounting one of these on Lois (C4) and post the results for the C5 17 inch front and 18 rear ZO6 wheels. Plus, these wheel / tire combo will give me an idea on clearance. If that looks good I'll try one of the fronts, their 17 inch.

I'll be sure to take photos of the bare wheels in place and the 18 inch on the rear.

 

Bought my 1996 LT4 new and practically all highway/interstate miles, now have 47,000. Front tires still had usable tread and the rear tires still with good tread were replacement Goodyears many years ago because of the same reason I replaced the rear Goodyears. The replacement rear tires for few years were making noise just like the original rears did and just decided to get them all removed and buy a different brand. My 1996 sits in the dark garage up on the lift above my 1985 Corvette which gets driven about once a week sometimes. The 1996 is only taken down for road trips which are not very often taken. I inflate the tires to 45-50 pounds to keep them from flat spotting for its storage on the lift.

 

...and a bit of a nut!

 

So - have a couple thousand miles on the DWs (not the DWS all-seasons) and still enjoying them on my 95 coupe....quiet, reasonably comfortable, etc.

Did some lapping at a road course last week -- beat the snot out of the car, actually. thank god I didn't break it -- and found the tires to be a pleasant surprise in that environment. Grip on tight corners was outstanding, and once you get used to the feeling that they are going to roll off the rims, they inspire a lot of confidence. Really pleased with them.

And can't wait to get back to the track. First time on a road course in 25 years. I'd forgotten how much fun it was.

 

Steener,

thanks for the feedback.

I have gotten some of the much needed minor items completed on Lois, & I did install a set of GM Spokes, no rub, no adapters. now she looks much better. I still need to adjust the valves, timing etc (newer ZZ4 Crate). Making progress as time allows.... Tires, prob last items..

Great feedback on the DW's, thanks again. I need two sets one for Lois and the other for Molly, got to rid myself of the GY run flats. And my son needs a set for his 2004 LE Mans ZO6 as well. So, our tire purchases are important. Hoping to make a quantity buy this Winter.

Would be fun to get some run time on a track, been many years for me as well.

Good luck @ the track,

Michael....

 

Nitto 555's all around, $760 mounted and balanced.

 

It was a "novice" lapping day for 'vettes only, so a combination of frustration at having to hit the brakes to avoid rear-ending less-experienced drivers going into the corners and the pleasure of getting the "pass me" wave from guys in C6s and C7s. And then having an open track in front of me. I have to say, the way this car handles in the turns is a wonderful thing. I understand now why they were so successful on the track when they first came out with this chassis.

 

This is what will be going on my car next. I'm sure they won't last as long as the 555s, but a hell of a lot grippier.

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/di...%2FPerformance

 

Thanks all !!

I'm still considering the 555 or NT05's. I've got a couple of sets of wheel tire combos in my "Parts" storage -ever growing. The tires are mostly @50% but I've three different sets and the Tires were free - no Nittos, dang.. These tires will be interesting to drive on the same car, then I can burn them off.

Ya, nothing like like receiving the "Pass Me" wave !! I'd prob never take one of my C5's on the track. The active suspension takes away my fun & I drive too aggressively. But Lois the C4 with the Z51 and a few other mods rides like a true Vette should, rough wild child - more exciting for me...

I Definitely need to pay attention & keep my mind on driving her. I always have liked the C4 ride, just something very different and yet definitive. The C2's & C3's were fun, but nothing like this C4. I've only read a small amount re the Zero Scrub sus design. Some day I'll get the time to dig into the design more. The C5's we have are greatly different and excellent handling, but I still love the rough C4 ride.

I hope that you guys will update this post with your critique on your new tires.

thanks,

Michael....

 

[QUOTE=TA;1590264155]This is what will be going on my car next. I'm sure they won't last as long as the 555s, but a hell of a lot grippier.

Man, they look gummy just sitting there.

 

Yep, another vote for Sumi's, got them on my 17" rims, they do the job!

 

I have a pair of NT05 I use on the back of my car when I go short track racing. My 275/40/17 NT05 tires grip much better than the 285/35/19 Hankook Ventus V12 EVOs I use on the road do. About a 5 MPH gain in the corners with the NT05. I need to get a pair for the front of my car now to stop the front from pushing in the corners, then I'll be able to really turn some lap times.