Hi all,

I have put on about 20k miles on my stock c5 and im nearly out of my rear tires, I think maybe I can put another 5k on the fronts! I need your valuable advice on tires, Firstly I am debating whether to stick to the stock sizes or go for plus sizing? I have te 17in front rims and 18in rears, what is the max size of tires I cut put on the stock rims without any modifications, does it help the grip?
Secondly, I need your advice on which tires to get, I will be moving upto Chicago by the end of this month, and I think I will be there for some time, the car is my daily driver, should I get rid of the run-flats(or run craps). I'd appreciate your valuable advice.

 

The debates are endless on run-craps and regular tires. There are many threads on the merits of each. Notwithstanding the debacle of 'what is the best tire', comes first a few consiederations.

Known points:
Run Flat's are likely the noiseiest tire you can run on your car. Nobody is in disagreement on that.

Run-flats (if used while flat) will just get you off the road safely, but the tire is likely trashed if you run it the 50 miles, so you replace it, probably in sets, fronts or rears. So the cost is considerable.

Not every tire store can work with the run flat. It is a difficult tire for lesser known tire stores to fix/repair/replace.

The only positive is that it is a 'run-flat', so there is some peace of mind if you're not really inclined to tackle the job of getting back rolling again if you had a flat on a non-run flat tire. (there are MANY who opt for this somewhat relative 'security')

On the other hand, a regular tire offers many advantages it's counterpart doesn't. Much different tread designs, plus sizing, high performace, good gripping tires with very positive response to both accelleration and handling. These are ALL quieter than std run flats

The standard tire is considerably lighter as well so you may actually 'feel' the road a bit better. There are plenty of links here to research for those characteristics.

On the downside, you may have to have some mechanical aptitude and carry a few things in the car you wouldn't otherwise take. A small air pump, a plug kit, a low profile jack of some sort, lug wrench etc. There are latex based tire fixers in a can, or in a complete kit. The downside is they may ruin a tire pressure sensor (I personally tend to disagree on that if you can get it to the tire shop quickly enough)

There are far more choices in non-run flat's, but Goodyear run flats are NOT the only run flat out there.

The choice is ultimately yours, given you have reserarched the pros and cons of each and are either comfortable or not if running a standard tire. In my last 40+ years of driving, I've never had a blow out, and maybe two 'slow leak' tires due to nails or other debris in tires, but no catastrophic in-the-tread puncture that rendered the car undriveable. The biggest consideraton is the fact that either tire, under a catastrophic faliure event is going to leave you where you sit, no matter which kind of tire it is.

Good luck in your choice........

 

....all good points by the Do-it-yourself guy. Another thing to consider is that there IS such a thing as getting the short end of the stick as you increase tire size/decrease profile. Larger tires and wheels weigh more - in some cases, substantially more and as the profile gets lower, the ride gets harsher. I know a guy who bought a new 911 and promptly plus-sized his tires and wheels. After a few months he went back to stock. He told me the ride became punishing and acceleration, worse.

As far as the difference between the best non-runflats and runflats - no comparison. You'll get a much better ride with better feedback from tires that weigh 24 lbs less (total). Side-hopping will be greatly reduced. And as the DIY guy mentioned, most of us never have catastrophicblowouts. Nails and screws either don't leak or leak slowly, allowing you plenty of time to get to a tire shop.

 

If I were you I'd go with the non runflats, as stated above there is no comparison. You also mentioned going with a larger tire. From my own experience I went with a wider tire, Firestone Wide Ovals in Z06 sizes on aftermarket Z06 rims. Depending on what tire you go with you can save a bundle. For the price of what new Goodyear runflats would cost I was able to pick up a set of rims and tires. I've also had the pleasure of having to plug one already but I'd rather do a 5 minute repair than spend 200 bucks more per tire.

 

If you go with non-runflat tires will the tire pressure sensors work? is there anything else you need to do to run non-rf tires?

 

Yes, my pressure sensors work perfectly with my GSD3s. I bought a 12-volt compressor, an aluminum Mercedes jack, a plug kit and some pliers.

 

So would you all recommend that I stick to the stock factory spec tires? Is there any increase in grip or handling ? I am planning to stick to the same stock rims! the tire calculators say as long as the tires are within the 3% difference, they shouldnt mess with the traction control! though wide tires look cooler they slide on wet surfaces faster and they cost more and affect the fuel economy! I am thinking about the non runflats as the current good years are hell noisy! is there any particular tire that is better than the stock good years? I was looking at the michelin pilot sports! they were at a competitive price at costco! they have the zero pressure variant in them too!

 

A couple of good choices in non-runflats would be the Goodyear GS-D3 or the Firestone Wide Oval. IMO, your handling and ride would be vastly improved over the stock runflats. Good luck with your decision - there are a lot of choices out there.

 

Agreed..... The GY GS-D3 is one of the most amazing tires I've even run. The grip on wet streets is second to none. They are a lot quieter. Others like Kuhmo, Pilot Sports, many others.... Check out tire rack comparisons - that's your best bet.

You say it will be a DD in Chicago? Caution (on any tire) when the white stuff comes falling from the sky. These cars to NOT handle well on that kind of surface. Maybe studded snow tires and some crappy rims for those days.

You will have a on your face after getting rid of the stock GY runflats. complete and total junk, but you have to remember they came that way because there is no spare - not even a tire plug or air pump kit.

 

You know - I read that the OEM Goodyear EMT's are crap, etc., etc......but I think it is one of the most misunderstood tires ever made. The characteristics that everyone complains about - stiff unyeilding ride, noisy, poor handling, etc. are directly correalated to the mission that the tire was intended to perform. The Goodyear EMT is the only tire available that will allow driving at 55mph for 200 miles with zero air pressure. And - if the puncture is in the tread, the tire can be repaired. Here's an article that might prove interesting reading by a widely regarded individual that has written many articles for national publications.....

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/....php?qstId=515

Having said that - you need to evaluate your needs. Do you participate in any HPDE? Do you take your car to drag strip frequently? Are you willing to purchase new, wider wheels to obtain a +1 configuration? Do you (or anyone else driving the vehicle) have a need for extended mobility with zero air pressure - and are you willing to either have the car flat bed towed or perform a road side repair? You indicate that the car is a daily driver - many of the people that are touting going to non run flats drive their cars on weekends only (I'm one of those).

If my wife were driving the car to work everyday (parish the thought!), I wouldn't want her stuck by the side of the road with a flat, or in a parking lot after work with a flat.

I am not saying that you should stick with the OEM tires - I'm saying that tires are an expensive proposition and you should really think through your choices, do some research to figure out which tire will meet your needs.

If you need or want some help once you've identified your needs, I know that there are a lot of people here with a lot of experience that would be willing to give you an opinion!