Run Flat Question
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,451
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From: East Peoria Illinois
Run Flat Question
i want to keep runflats, i have the factory tires still, but they suck for performance. i slide all over. is there a soft compound run flat? and what about other brands?
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I've had very good luck with my set of Firestone Firehawks. Nice ride, handling is better than stock Goodyears and very little road noise.
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Joined: Oct 1999
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From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
The Firestones do well also and are great in the rain. When running an autocross on a Go Kart track my Firestones were just as fast in the rain as my GYs had been in the dry. On a wet to wet comparison the Firestones allowed me to turn 128s while the GYS would do no better than 132 in the rain. The dry to dry comparison would be closer since I could not have been 4 seconds faster with the Firestones in the dry. The only way I could get that low of a time was with R compound tires.
Bill
Bill
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Keller, TX
St. Jude Donor '07
Originally Posted by JMc
I've heard good things about the Michelin Pilot Sport runflats, but they definitely have a different "look" than the GY's.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 175
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From: Miami Lakes FL
When I changed my OEM runcraps, I switched to the Michelin Pilot Sport ZP's (runflats). That made a huge difference in ride and handling...other people on the forum have had good experiences with them as well.
One big reason they're better is the reduced sidewall stiffness. For OEM tires, GM specified that they had to go 200 miles with no air at 50 mph. Because of this, the OEM Goodyear tires have very stiff sidewalls. The Michelin (and Firestone) runflats, on the other hand, are rated for 50 miles with no air at 50 mph, so they have softer sidewalls giving you a better ride. Also note that the Michelins and Goodyears are repairable if the puncture is on the tread. The Firestones are not repairable with any kind of puncture (last I heard).
Personally, I don't need the 200 mile range since I live in a developed suburb that is part of a large metro area, so I don't need to drive very far to have my tires fixed in case of a puncture.
One big reason they're better is the reduced sidewall stiffness. For OEM tires, GM specified that they had to go 200 miles with no air at 50 mph. Because of this, the OEM Goodyear tires have very stiff sidewalls. The Michelin (and Firestone) runflats, on the other hand, are rated for 50 miles with no air at 50 mph, so they have softer sidewalls giving you a better ride. Also note that the Michelins and Goodyears are repairable if the puncture is on the tread. The Firestones are not repairable with any kind of puncture (last I heard).
Personally, I don't need the 200 mile range since I live in a developed suburb that is part of a large metro area, so I don't need to drive very far to have my tires fixed in case of a puncture.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 299
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From: Ambler PA
Firestone Firehawks
Originally Posted by JDs00PewterCoupe
I've had very good luck with my set of Firestone Firehawks. Nice ride, handling is better than stock Goodyears and very little road noise.
I have these on my current Corvette (and the one before) and could not be more pleased with the performance. At least 100% better than Goodyear, IMO.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,398
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From: Kingsport TN
I'd say I'm the king of the runflat trials! I've tried Kumho, firestone, and Michelin so far on my supercharged setup. For me the firestone liked to tramtrack too much when there were grooves in the road. Also, they wore out more quickly compared to the Michelin's. Michelin was great for traction/ride, but also expensive.
Currently I'm on the Kumho runflats and so far they are great and the least expensive by far via the Tire Rack.com. Traction is great even w/ my blower.
Sooo, final recommendation would be you'd likely be fine w/ any of these runflats, but if you'd like to save some money, start w/ Kumho's as your next try. Sometimes they are difficult to find and may be backordered.
Currently I'm on the Kumho runflats and so far they are great and the least expensive by far via the Tire Rack.com. Traction is great even w/ my blower.
Sooo, final recommendation would be you'd likely be fine w/ any of these runflats, but if you'd like to save some money, start w/ Kumho's as your next try. Sometimes they are difficult to find and may be backordered.
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From: Sun Coast of Florida
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Comparing the mileage you expect to get do the Michelin's and Firestone's compare to the expected mileage of the GoodYears. I'm talking everyday driving, not road course or racing.
My Goodyears have over 13,000 miles on them and still look brand new. Aside from being noisy they are holding up well. I do check the air pressure every 2 weeks and try to avoid potholes to keep the front end in good shape.
My Goodyears have over 13,000 miles on them and still look brand new. Aside from being noisy they are holding up well. I do check the air pressure every 2 weeks and try to avoid potholes to keep the front end in good shape.