Question about tires/ride
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Joined: Feb 2007
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From: OBC/Gainesville Florida
Question about tires/ride
I recently purchased a 99 Torch Red FRC. The car has about 37k on it and the tires are due for replacement as they have almost no tread left. Could the hard ride i'm experiencing be due to the treadless run flats, the Z-51 suspension, or a combination of both? I'm leaning towards replacing the tires w/ a non run-flat, something like a goodyear gs-d3, I've heard good things. My goal is a smoother ride, less road noise, without sacrificing too much performance. Any thoughts/suggestions?
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Mesa Arizona
I recently purchased a 99 Torch Red FRC. The car has about 37k on it and the tires are due for replacement as they have almost no tread left. Could the hard ride i'm experiencing be due to the treadless run flats, the Z-51 suspension, or a combination of both? I'm leaning towards replacing the tires w/ a non run-flat, something like a goodyear gs-d3, I've heard good things. My goal is a smoother ride, less road noise, without sacrificing too much performance. Any thoughts/suggestions?
You will think you had a new car!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: clackamas oregon
especailly old dried up bald hard runflats. keep the tire pressures at 28-29 psi cold and it helps too. they warm up quick to the perfect pressure when you drive
Instructor
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I recently purchased a 99 Torch Red FRC. The car has about 37k on it and the tires are due for replacement as they have almost no tread left. Could the hard ride i'm experiencing be due to the treadless run flats, the Z-51 suspension, or a combination of both? I'm leaning towards replacing the tires w/ a non run-flat, something like a goodyear gs-d3, I've heard good things. My goal is a smoother ride, less road noise, without sacrificing too much performance. Any thoughts/suggestions?
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Probably a combination of both the suspension and the tires as far as the stiff ride goes, but more of the tires IMO. Get a new set and I'd bet your ride improves significantly. The GS-D3s are an excellent choice.
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Or try the TOYO T1Rs for virtually the same tire as the GS-D3 and $300 less.
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Any non-runflat is going to ride better than a set of used up EMT's.
I agree with the idea to not get cheap tires - you get what you pay for. The GS-D3 is a great choice as long as you aren't looking to upsize very much. If you're keeping the stock sizes the GY is a good choice.
The Z51 suspension does not make the ride harsh - it's definitely the tires.
I agree with the idea to not get cheap tires - you get what you pay for. The GS-D3 is a great choice as long as you aren't looking to upsize very much. If you're keeping the stock sizes the GY is a good choice.
The Z51 suspension does not make the ride harsh - it's definitely the tires.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2007
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From: OBC/Gainesville Florida
Thanks for all the input. The tires aren't completely gone but they're getting close, maybe another thousand miles left. I think I will go w/ the GS D3s as most of you have suggested, hopefully I'll see major improvements. Thanks again!
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Menands (Albany) NY
Yep..
Good choice, you will think you have a new car!
Instructor
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I went from Goodyear EMT to Michelin Pilot Sport A/S and noticed a much smoother ride, especially on L.A.'s concrete freeways. However, just went down to 35's on the back (from 40's) and the lower profile is not as smooth. Still, better than run-flats!