I just recently got my 04 ZO6 supercharged - makes 640 WHP on pump (which is as high as I plan on taking it). I currently have the Bridgestone RE760 sports, which obviously will not fit the bill for this level of power. It performed just fine for bolt on power, but need something better now.

Here are my requirements:
- car gets daily driven year round, although I do not drive it in the snow, obviously. Even so, I still only put 7K miles on it, or so, per year (car has 20K miles on it currently). And no, I have no intentions of getting a beater, so please, no posts regarding that.
- I do not typically drive aggressively, only the infrequent occasional highway pull
- I am keeping the stock rims (obviously limits my choices)
- I want a tire that gets "relatively" good life, has good road manners, corners predictably, and obviously can handle the power, at least much better than my current tires do. I would love to be able to be able to roll on the throttle in 2nd, and have minimal tire spin from 50 on (in warm weather, obviously).

I have narrowed down my selections based on the above criteria to 2 options, the Michelin PS2s (keep the stock sizes), or the Toyo R888s (275/40/17s and 305/35/18s). I realize the Michelins are definitely the better street tire, and have a longer tread life, but, my question is, will it do a decent job in handling this level of power? I would love to hear from anyone with direct experience with this tire, and power level, or anyone else with suggestions. Thanks guys!

Edit: I read through this thread and others, but no mention of PS2s and around 600 to the wheels: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...nd-650-hp.html

 

back when I was making 600rw I had pilot sports and could spin them with ease at upwards of 80mph in 3rd. I switched to nt01r nitto similar to the toyo r888 and could dead hook 2nd gear. I would buy the r888s over the pilot sports hands down. They will be fine in almost all weather conditions and a set should last you close to 12k miles.

 

I have the PS2s on the stock wheels. Absolutely love the tires as a street tire for handling and wear, I even track them occasionally. Used to love them for their improved hook up over the GY SCs. BUT now Im making 550 RWHP, and they do not hook up well at that power level. 1st and second gear are pretty much useless unless roll on very gently, they will break loose in 3rd, and they broke loose on me in 4th at about a 70 mph pass. Full disclosure Im still learning how to drive the car with the new power..so maybe some of the more experienced FI guys have better anecdotes.

 

Thank guys, exactly the info I was looking for. I hear a lot of people complaining about really bad road noise with the r888s... Is it really that bad?

 

470rwhp with auto and PS2 ZP. No dry traction in first and second. Stock tire sizes. Handle great and great wear.

 

This isn't even a question....R888.

PS2 is not even in the same class as an R888.

 

Yes, it was a valid question considering my circumstances. I think I have the answer i am looking for, thanks. I still would like to know about the excessive road noise claims... Are they valid?

 

ps2

 

I'm running R888s on all four corners. No excessive road noise. Maybe a little more than the stock tires but I'm also running 305/35/18 on the back and 275/40/17 on the front. Love them so far.

 

Thanks! Those are the exact sizes I would be running.

 

Is that what you are running? What are you putting out to the rear wheels?

 

yes ..650-700 whp depending on dyno

 

this isn't even debatable

R888 is still going to be overwhelmed at that power but much sticker than a ps2

ps2 is way way too hard of compound for that hp, they are adequate for stock power but really nothing more

 

^^
This is what I experienced first hand going from the stock gy tires to ps2
With 273 gears a4 the gys broke loose easily, then got ps2, they would hardly spin, put 342 gears and small stall same stock motor would spin through 1st and most of the way through 2nd and sometimes all the way to third, then I got a sc..". and forget about traction from stop/roll etc. I like spinning tires but now I have a stroker and spinning at 70 mph is a little scary so I've been watching threads like this for my next tire.

 

Thanks for all your help guys - ordering a set of 4 R888s (275/40/17 fronts, 305/35/18 rears), and will post my experiences with them.

 

Not a very good pic of the back, but here's what mine look like, and on the same car too!

 

My PS2s are still good, but when I get ready would like to know how you like the Toyos?

 

I don't drive my car in the rain, but occasionally I might get caught out in it. The Tread pattern on the Toyos appears to me like they would be easy to hydroplane. I thought about the r888, but haven't made my mind up. I recently purchased a pair of michelin ps2 tires for the front and they are one of the best handling tires I have ever used. I am running pirelli p zero rosso 305/30/19 on the rears for now, but they spin with ease and i wouldn't recommend them. When I replace my rears, I thought about probably going with some Mickey Thompson ET street radials.

 

I have ran PS2's on my 04Z with almost 600 to the wheels, was not happy at all, and they are way overpriced. You are paying for a OEM tire and that costs. They are a great grand touring tire, they handle great, but traction sucks. The Super Sports are a far more superior tire, cheaper, longer wear factor, and heat up faster. I couldn't be happier with them.
Although my final tire selection is now perfect. I run SS in the front and Sport Cups in the rear. This so far with all the combo's I tried is by far a serious set up, but expensive. My love for the twisty's is why I went this route. Get on to a ramp at 70mph while on the gas and the car is planted, once you get straight you can slam it to the ground and you are gone with confidence. Sport cups might not fit everyone's budget and if you do a lot of miles put the SS in the rear.

 

Next time try the R888 in the turns and you will never run street tires again