Same old tire question
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,325
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From: You can't get there from here NJ
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Same old tire question
I know, I know, everyone has a different view on the tire question, but I'm hoping for a definitive answer ( is that possible?).I have an 03 coupe with oem goodyear runflats.They are so noisy, it is really annoying, especially on some of the road surfaces here in Jersey.They also seem to "grab" on certain roads, and pull the car to the side, when coming to a stop. I had Goodrich KDW's on my 93, and I LOVED THEM. However, I think I really want to stick with runflats, although alot of guys seem to think it's better to get a tire inflator and a repair kit.Is there anyone with experience with runflats that are quiet, yet perform well in all conditions( hot, cold, rain if I'm on a road trip and get caught in a storm)? I'm looking for any and all kinds of input.PS I'd rather not spend $400+ a tire if possible which is what the Michelin and Goodyears seem to be on Tirerack.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 199
Likes: 2
From: Clearwater FL
FireHawks
Have had the Firestones on for about 5K miles and really like them. Great in the Florida rainstorms and quiet in the dry. Much quieter than the original GY's. The look is not as "blocky" as the GY's but IMHO they look better than the Michelins (and the Michelins are a very good tire, too!).
Happy New Year!
Bill
Happy New Year!
Bill
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Parrish FL
St. Jude Donor '06 thru '26
I replaced the GY's with Michelin Pilot Sport ZP's and never looked back. Like a new car, quiet and better ride. I considered the Kumos before buying the Michelins but at the time did not know much about them. Since then, from what I've read on similar posts, they sound very good too, at more favorable pricing. Good luck! 
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,737
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From: Layton Utah
I'm not sure you'll get a definitive answer. Different people have different tastes. A lot of guys in our club have gone to the Mich. ZPs.
They also have an advantage in that there is some protection on the tire right around the wheel area to prvent scrapes and rashes etc.
They also have an advantage in that there is some protection on the tire right around the wheel area to prvent scrapes and rashes etc.
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St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
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I've got the Firestone Firehawk runflats on mine right now - they are a much better handling tire than the Goodyears and the noise is considerably less. I would recommend them as a replacement tire.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: You can't get there from here NJ
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Thanks for the ideas.Alot of you seem to like the Firestones. I had them(non runflats) on my 93, and I hated them, that's why I said I liked the Goodrich KDW's which I used to replace the Firestones.However, that was a different type of tire on a different car.What about Kumho's?I've seen several positive posts about them, here and on Tirerack.The price seems right, and the posts are good, but I'm really concerned with road noise.
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Verdad Gallardo
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,487
Likes: 5
From: Naples Florida
Thanks for the ideas.Alot of you seem to like the Firestones. I had them(non runflats) on my 93, and I hated them, that's why I said I liked the Goodrich KDW's which I used to replace the Firestones.However, that was a different type of tire on a different car.What about Kumho's?I've seen several positive posts about them, here and on Tirerack.The price seems right, and the posts are good, but I'm really concerned with road noise.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 924
Likes: 0
From: Calgary
I would also be one of those who advises you to get normal tires + a repair kit and stay away from the heavy runflats. After all, that's how Z06's come. I believe the benefits are that the tires are much lighter, and selection quite better (not to mention prices for what performance you get out of the tire).
That said, many have had very good street performance results from the BFG KDW's. I wanted those for myself, but went with Toyo T1-R's because the BFG's were on backorder. I like my Toyo's; they're much quieter than the stock Michelin F1 SuperCars, have better straight line grip, and very descent performance in the wet as well.
That said, many have had very good street performance results from the BFG KDW's. I wanted those for myself, but went with Toyo T1-R's because the BFG's were on backorder. I like my Toyo's; they're much quieter than the stock Michelin F1 SuperCars, have better straight line grip, and very descent performance in the wet as well.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,058
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From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
The Firestone Run Flats are not as heavy as the GYs. They are also softer riding. They perform well in the dry and are excellent in the rain. They are not as expensive as the GYs. It is hard to beat them.
Bill
Bill
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: You can't get there from here NJ
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
I went back to the review section in tirerack, and found that every corvette owner with the Firestones, had a positive experience with them.I guess it's now a matter of runflats or non runflats. If I go with the non runflats, I'll go back to the Goodrich, they were great in my opinion. If it's runflats, the Firestones look like the ones to get.By the way, has ANYONE ever had to fix a tire on the road with one of those repair kits, and how hard was it to find the hole, and to repair it? Thanks for all the input. Wave on.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
From: Toledo Ohio
tires
I'm not sure you'll get a definitive answer. Different people have different tastes. A lot of guys in our club have gone to the Mich. ZPs.
They also have an advantage in that there is some protection on the tire right around the wheel area to prvent scrapes and rashes etc.
They also have an advantage in that there is some protection on the tire right around the wheel area to prvent scrapes and rashes etc.