First Flat tire...Please HELP!
Pro
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 545
Likes: 4
From: Taylors SC
I might be the odd man out but I purchased my 2nd set of GY EMT just for the piece of mind.
Ask yourself if you're willing to carry a jack, patch kit, and air pump. They may not be the greatest tire but my C5 is, as all my others - A Daily Driver.
Ask yourself if you're willing to carry a jack, patch kit, and air pump. They may not be the greatest tire but my C5 is, as all my others - A Daily Driver.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,864
Likes: 0
From: Stuck in Paradise
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 753
Likes: 2
From: Denville NJ
I have replaced tires on my '04 and have tried Firehawks as well as Kumho's. Both brands worked out well. I don't have a problem with the run-flats and don't want to hassle with a flat at a problem time or location!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 349
Likes: 0
From: Chicago IL
I know, this has been lingering in the back of my mind. A few things I've considered, this is my first real flat with my corvette. I've owned her since new but I will say that the dealer found a couple nails in the tires awhile back but the tires didn't leak. Not sure if this had to do with the runflat technology? I only drive her in the summer months.
I can replace all four tires for about $1150 if I go with the GS-D3s. Just replacing the rears with GY EMTs will run about $1000 (new) alone and the GS-D3 are superior tires to that of the EMTs.
Personally I think the GY EMT are a poor "run flat" tire for the money. There are better alternatives for runflats such like the Firestone Firehawk SZ50s (about $1550.00 to replace all 4) or the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S ZPs (about 1350.00 to replace all 4).
The best runflat for the money (and maybe even in performance to that of the Firehawk?) seems to be the Michelin Pilot Sport.
Raz
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,894
Likes: 6
From: Sahuarita AZ
BTW, I love my GS-D3's - excellent choice.
Matt
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 854
Likes: 70
From: Byrnes Mill MO
I replaced my EMTs with Pilot Sport AS ZP last fall. The fronts were worn on the inside shoulders so I left them with the tire dealer. I kept the rear EMTs. Both have 5/32 tread. One had a nail removed and repaired by the tire dealer. I'll take $150.00 for the pair. Local pick-up St. Louis, MO.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,150
Likes: 4,165
From: Kannapolis NC
Been run-flat free here for about 3 years. Had a large strip of (white) metal thrash a rear tire. I pulled off the side of the road and got a friend to pick me up. Went home and got a wagon wheel with my spare used EMT on it and drove the car home. Found some barely used 285 GS-D3 on the forum and put them on the car.
I wouldn't go back to a run-flat if Goodyear paid me to use them. GS-D3 or BFG KDW2's here all the way. In fact, I removed the newer style EMT tires from my CTS-V and put non run-flat KDW2's on it. Nothing feels better than lighter, stickier tires on a performance car!
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Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,894
Likes: 6
From: Sahuarita AZ
True, but it's only because it was the only tire I had laying around as a spare that would fit a wagon wheel. Doesn't hurt to have a backup plan. Besides, I wouldn't consider "running" it using one to get the car home so I could get new GS-D3's mounted. Details...
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 349
Likes: 0
From: Chicago IL
Guys,
Just curious, while using a non runflat like the GS-D3s is it possible to use a can of "Fix it Flat" or something similar in the worst case scenerio (if I can't patch the tire for some reason) or will this trash my pressure monitors and tire??
Raz
Just curious, while using a non runflat like the GS-D3s is it possible to use a can of "Fix it Flat" or something similar in the worst case scenerio (if I can't patch the tire for some reason) or will this trash my pressure monitors and tire??
Raz
Administrator
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bel Air (by way of Fort Worth, TX) Maryland
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I am a reluctant advocate of the GY EMT. In my estimation, they are the best of the run flat tires for what you want them to do. I haven't experienced the bump steer, harsh ride or noise that most complain about. That said, I totally get why folks get non-run flats. There are better performance tires out there for less $$$.
That is the price of Corvette ownership. Whatever you replace on your car has benefits and drawbacks. If you go with the GS-D3s you will be getting a superior performance tire, but the tradeoff is that it will cost you about the same $$$ as you would in replacing an EMT, plus, depending on the nature of the failure, you could lose a quarter panel or be stuck on the side of the road in some undesireable location under undesireable conditions (heat,rain,etc.).
Just something to consider.......
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,937
Likes: 21
From: Waldorf MD
The Goodyear GS-D3 Runflats are not available in C5 tire sizes. They were designed for a Maserati Sedan. They cost over $500 each and some owners only get 5,000-6,000 miles with them (and you thought OUR runflats were crap!).
Here are how the Goodyear OEM Runflats do against the Goodyear GS-D3 (from Corvette Enthusaist Magazine):
OEM = better handling (I know surprising) and better gas mileage (up to 10% or 3 mpg due to less rolling friction) and of course runflat ability.
GS-D3 = better traction for acceleration and better ride and great in rain (this last one is my comment).
BTW, I am on my third set of OEM runflats at 105,300+ miles on a 1998 Coupe.
Here are how the Goodyear OEM Runflats do against the Goodyear GS-D3 (from Corvette Enthusaist Magazine):
OEM = better handling (I know surprising) and better gas mileage (up to 10% or 3 mpg due to less rolling friction) and of course runflat ability.
GS-D3 = better traction for acceleration and better ride and great in rain (this last one is my comment).
BTW, I am on my third set of OEM runflats at 105,300+ miles on a 1998 Coupe.
Last edited by Oldvetter; Jul 12, 2007 at 01:14 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,172
Likes: 104
From: Des Moines Iowa
I know, this has been lingering in the back of my mind. A few things I've considered, this is my first real flat with my corvette. I've owned her since new but I will say that the dealer found a couple nails in the tires awhile back but the tires didn't leak. Not sure if this had to do with the runflat technology? I only drive her in the summer months.
I can replace all four tires for about $1150 if I go with the GS-D3s. Just replacing the rears with GY EMTs will run about $1000 (new) alone and the GS-D3 are superior tires to that of the EMTs.
Personally I think the GY EMT are a poor "run flat" tire for the money. There are better alternatives for runflats such like the Firestone Firehawk SZ50s (about $1550.00 to replace all 4) or the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S ZPs (about 1350.00 to replace all 4).
The best runflat for the money (and maybe even in performance to that of the Firehawk?) seems to be the Michelin Pilot Sport.
Raz
I can replace all four tires for about $1150 if I go with the GS-D3s. Just replacing the rears with GY EMTs will run about $1000 (new) alone and the GS-D3 are superior tires to that of the EMTs.
Personally I think the GY EMT are a poor "run flat" tire for the money. There are better alternatives for runflats such like the Firestone Firehawk SZ50s (about $1550.00 to replace all 4) or the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S ZPs (about 1350.00 to replace all 4).
The best runflat for the money (and maybe even in performance to that of the Firehawk?) seems to be the Michelin Pilot Sport.
Raz
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If you want to stay with runflats, consider the Firestone Firehawks. I'm running a set and really like them.
If you want non-runflats, Michelin Pilot Sports or Goodyear GS-D3s are good choices.
If you want non-runflats, Michelin Pilot Sports or Goodyear GS-D3s are good choices.