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Most of the Ultra High Performance Summer tires shouldn't be driven in temps near or below freezing. One reason is the compounds need hot pavement for the best grip. Several manufacturers list a warning that driving below freezing can damage the compound, resulting in warranty cancellation. The cost of many UHPS tires top $1000 for a full set.
Most of the Ultra High Performance Summer tires shouldn't be driven in temps near or below freezing. One reason is the compounds need hot pavement for the best grip. Several manufacturers list a warning that driving below freezing can damage the compound, resulting in warranty cancellation. The cost of many UHPS tires top $1000 for a full set.
I think we all understand that. However, I will tell you that the grip of the Michelin PS4S "summer" tire on 40F pavement will still be better than the grip of the PS All Season 4 (their highest performing all-season) in the same conditions. Add rain and the PS4S pulls away from the all-season even more. It's simply a faster tire until temps go way below freezing or the ice or snow starts forming. For the OP's stated uses, it's by far the better tire.
I put the Michelin Pilot Sport AS4 on my 92 last summer. I'm very satisfied with them. Very quiet and the traction is excellent. I try to drive my car in the winter if it's nice out so a true summer car wasn't ideal for me. Plus if they're good enough for GM to put them on the C8 Corvette they're good enough for my C4.
I put the Michelin Pilot Sport AS4 on my 92 last summer. I'm very satisfied with them. Very quiet and the traction is excellent. I try to drive my car in the winter if it's nice out so a true summer car wasn't ideal for me. Plus if they're good enough for GM to put them on the C8 Corvette they're good enough for my C4.
They are really good all-seasons, that's for sure! And in Indiana, you need them if you plan to drive in winter at all.
People! Let's stop guessing. The OP's car came from the factory with 17x9.5 "salad shooter" wheels like the ones for the base/Z51 89 in the picture Vets-Vet posted. If his wheels look like those, that's what he has. If not, then we need to know more info. The proper tire size is 275/40/17 like the OP has now, and there's no good reason to change that.
OP, do you drive the car in true winter conditions (below 20F or ice/snow)? If not, one option to consider are the Riken Raptor (under $500/set), which are high quality, decent performance (grip), and good looks. That's the budget tire of choice, no question. The best performance tire will be the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 ($947/set). It will have the best dry grip of any true street tire in this size except maybe the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2. However, unlike the PS2 it will also be the best tire in the rain - even better by far than any all-season. It's just not good for true winter conditions.
If you need a tire that can handle winter conditions, then you need a solid all-season. Let us know and I can recommend one or two of those, also.
Just wanted to jump in here. My son's getting ready to replace his 10-year-old GoodYear's on his 1990 base model. It's his daily driver and we're in NJ, so I'd take you up on that all-season recommendation if you've got a favorite. I saw the Pilot Sport AS4's referenced in the thread below that you seemed to suggest were a good choice. Would that be your go-to all-season, or would you have another?
For a daily driver, its hard to beat Michelins. My C4 will see less than 3000 miles a year. I can't see buying a real expensive tire that will age out before they wear out.
Just wanted to jump in here. My son's getting ready to replace his 10-year-old GoodYear's on his 1990 base model. It's his daily driver and we're in NJ, so I'd take you up on that all-season recommendation if you've got a favorite. I saw the Pilot Sport AS4's referenced in the thread below that you seemed to suggest were a good choice. Would that be your go-to all-season, or would you have another?
Your son's car should have 275/40/17 at all four corners, right? In that size, the Michelin PS AS 4 is by far the best high-performance all-season you can get. Continental has one that competes with this Michelin, but it's not available in that size.
The BFG G-Force Comp 2 A/S Plus seems to be a very good tire, albeit a step down in performance from the Michelin. It's $37 cheaper per tire. The General G-Max AS-05 and Cooper RS3-G1 are probaby another step down (still decent tires though) and they are about $55 cheaper than the Michelins. In this case, all these tires can be recommended at their price points, so it kind of depends on budget. As a daily driver and sports car, I think the Michelin is worth the extra scratch if he can possibly pay it. They will be faster and safer in all weather conditions and they give the least compromise to a summer performance tire in terms of dry/warm performance. They are what comes on the base C8, if that adds some perspective.
Last edited by MatthewMiller; Apr 28, 2023 at 10:39 AM.
I have 275/40R17.5 Michelins with 45,000 mile warranty on my '89 convertible 6-speed. Third set. Have always gotten over 45,000 miles, with good ride quality.
I ended up purchasing a tire rim package deal for $600. All new in May 2021, Michelin pilot sport all season tire.
I do prefer the Goodyear eagle GT for sure and will buy them when they become reasonable in price, and use the factory salad shooters. The Michelin tires are too responsive and grab like crazy, enough where the car shifts, jumps around going over bumps and ruts, where the Goodyear eagle GT were just a great performance tire, not a fan of the rim style either but the price was right and I wanted a tire I can trust on a long drive
Last edited by Macaroni Kid; Nov 5, 2024 at 09:57 PM.
