dnovak1968

Just purchased new Nitto tires for my 96 corvette coupe. Nitto 255/45zr/17 front and 285/40zr/17 rear. What should the pressure be for best performance? I am running 30lbs in both sets (front and rear) now because that's what shows on the drivers inside door jamb, but experiencing a bit of lag in th rear end when changing lanes. Almost like the rear has to catch up with the front. Old rear tires were the same size and almost bald, but very responsive....I know it don't make sense, but true. Also I would think that the pressure located in the door jambs is just a recommendation. I am hoping someone here has some good info on this matter. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

rgauchey

I have the Nitto's.......mine feels better @ 35psi

bac22

No the door jamb is not a recommendation, the PSI figure is derived from the engineers who designed the Corvette as to what is optimal for the tires on the car...For every day driving it's best to follow that recommendation.

I have Nitto 555 and don't experience what you are describing although I'm not really sure what you're describing. New tires do tend to feel different because you've gotten use to the old bald tires.

I assume you've done the basics like make sure the tires are mounted correctly and not backwards...a common problem with directional rims.

billschroeder5842

[QUOTE=dnovak1968;1594638770]I am running 30lbs in both sets (front and rear) now because that's what shows on the drivers inside door jamb, but experiencing a bit of lag in th rear end when changing lanes. /QUOTE]

Welcome to the forum!

I'd put 36 in the rear and 34 up front.

Just me...

hcbph

Here's an old racer's trick that may be of use to you. Take some chalk, make a mark about 1 1/2" wide all the way across the tread of the tires. Take it out for maybe a mile or so and read the chalk. If the chalk is gone from the middle but not toward the edges, the pressure is too high. If the reverse then it's too low.

dnovak1968

I really like that idea hcbph. I will do that and let you know what happens. Thanks for the tip.

dnovak1968

Thanks Bac22, yes all the basics are correct. I am thinking that because they are new tires, I have to get use the way they handle. Thank you.

dnovak1968

I should have stated that the front tires are about 2 years old with maybe 4,000 miles on them and are in excellent shape. I also had front and rear aligned when the rear tires were put on this past Friday. Could it be that because the rear tires just have to break in a little? Sorry if that is a stupid question. Just to clairify, I don't feel as the car is performing terribly, but it just feels different. Any thoughts on my theory?

A Peter C4

Did the alignment shop make any changes to correct it? maybe that's why it feels different, also could be the new tires.

dnovak1968

Thanks A Peter C4, yes they showed me the before and after readout of the alignmemt. They did make changes to both the front and rear. I am going to do what hcbph said and see what the chalk tells me. Then go from there. I guess worst case, I will call the shop and have them re align when I get the tire pressure corrected.

A Peter C4

Maybe the car is acting correctly now that the alignment is correct and you are not used to it being that way.Good luck, Also changing tires will almost always make the car feel different.

dnovak1968

I am kind of beginning to think that too. Thank you

Joe C5 C2

Are the new tires the same brand and style as the two year old fronts? If not you will get strange handling.

A Peter C4

That's true all 4 should be same brand and type for best performance and handling. In my owners manual, 94 base, it says 30 psi and 35 psi for high speed driving .

dnovak1968

Thanks for sharing and yes, all four are same brand. These are to only tires recommended for my car.

dnovak1968

thanks Peter, think I'm going with your suggestion. I'm assuming 30psi is when tires are cool? I have the same recommendation on my sticker in the door jamb. Thank you all for your time and help. I really appreciate it.

A Peter C4

Yes cold pressure settings.

dnovak1968

ok, thanks again. Rain here next couple of days. I should be able to adjust the pressure Wednesday or Thursday. I'll post results soon.