Tire theory
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Wilmington Delawhere
Tire theory
Nothing beats a new set of tires, even if they are not the most expensive, right?
I have an 04 coupe since new with 14k miles on it and can no longer live with the noise of the run craps. Especially on concrete highways.
Since I do not drive the car very much, I was thinking that I could damn near get a new set of General Xclaims every two or three years for the price of one set of Michelins or Goodyears.
This is just a weekend toy, so I have no need for a high performance tire for autocross or drag racing.
Where are the holes in my theory? What are the pros and cons besides the extra trip to the tire place?
I have an 04 coupe since new with 14k miles on it and can no longer live with the noise of the run craps. Especially on concrete highways.
Since I do not drive the car very much, I was thinking that I could damn near get a new set of General Xclaims every two or three years for the price of one set of Michelins or Goodyears.
This is just a weekend toy, so I have no need for a high performance tire for autocross or drag racing.
Where are the holes in my theory? What are the pros and cons besides the extra trip to the tire place?
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 58,551
Likes: 95
From: The warm part of Anger Island
St. Jude Donor '09
Well, if you dont' want to do something half a$$ed, go with your plan and do it full a$$. Spend the extra dough for a good set of tires if you can afford it. You'll be happier in the long run.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 58,551
Likes: 95
From: The warm part of Anger Island
St. Jude Donor '09
As far as beign stuck, I carry a tire plug kit and small air compressor that tucks away into the storage compartment. It's jsut enough to get to a tire shop and have a plug/patch put in through the backside of the tire. Roadside assistance via my insurance has come in handy with other cars, too, but I'm not worried. You'll find a lot of people here on the forum ditch the run-craps.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 18,401
Likes: 3
From: Retired but working
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Just had a set of Khumo UHP AS put on and could not be happier. Carry a plug kit and small 12v compressor and used it on my runcraps before.
Also have AAA and made sure I bought Road Hazard Ins should it shred out.
Also have AAA and made sure I bought Road Hazard Ins should it shred out.
Drifting
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,755
Likes: 97
From: Sandy Utah
I replaced my RF's with General Exclaim UHP tires and am very happy with them. Discount Tires wanted just under two grand to replace my tires with GY RF's. I went to Tire Zone in Salt Lake City and got all four tires mounted and balanced and installed and paid the disposal fee and was out the door for $548.00 with the Exclaims. I have a small 12v compressor and a tire plug kit if I get a slow leak. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 908
Likes: 0
From: Ponchatoula la.
I replaced my G/Y R/F with UHPs and are happy with them. For being brand new the road noise on a concrete hwy. is not that much better than the 4 year old run flats. As these tires age they will get louder.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 16,270
Likes: 30
From: "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18-'19
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I run Michelin PS'2. Yes they are expensive. I am primarily a weekend driver - my car is not daily driven. Here comes the disclaimer - this is what I chose and I am only sharing my opinion. Do what you feel moist comfortable with.....
I want the very best tires I can obtain. I like to drive my car hard - I don't beat on it, but I like to drive it to it's potential. I like to take ramps onto and off the freeway fast, but not to the point of losing control or being unsafe. I spent a fair amount of money on aftermarket items like shocks, swaybars, springs, brakes, etc. and cutting corners using price as the decision point on the four contact patches that I have with Mother Earth simply made no sense to me.
I also run larger than stock wheels - and in the sizes that I chose my choices are limited to more "upmarket" tires. I believe that like so many other things in life we encounter - you get what you pay for.
I want the very best tires I can obtain. I like to drive my car hard - I don't beat on it, but I like to drive it to it's potential. I like to take ramps onto and off the freeway fast, but not to the point of losing control or being unsafe. I spent a fair amount of money on aftermarket items like shocks, swaybars, springs, brakes, etc. and cutting corners using price as the decision point on the four contact patches that I have with Mother Earth simply made no sense to me.
I also run larger than stock wheels - and in the sizes that I chose my choices are limited to more "upmarket" tires. I believe that like so many other things in life we encounter - you get what you pay for.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 33,498
Likes: 19
From: Sarasota Fl. U.S.A.
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,590
Likes: 5
From: Forsyth Illinois
I run Michelin PS'2. Yes they are expensive. I am primarily a weekend driver - my car is not daily driven. Here comes the disclaimer - this is what I chose and I am only sharing my opinion. Do what you feel moist comfortable with.....
I want the very best tires I can obtain. I like to drive my car hard - I don't beat on it, but I like to drive it to it's potential. I like to take ramps onto and off the freeway fast, but not to the point of losing control or being unsafe. I spent a fair amount of money on aftermarket items like shocks, swaybars, springs, brakes, etc. and cutting corners using price as the decision point on the four contact patches that I have with Mother Earth simply made no sense to me.
I also run larger than stock wheels - and in the sizes that I chose my choices are limited to more "upmarket" tires. I believe that like so many other things in life we encounter - you get what you pay for.
I want the very best tires I can obtain. I like to drive my car hard - I don't beat on it, but I like to drive it to it's potential. I like to take ramps onto and off the freeway fast, but not to the point of losing control or being unsafe. I spent a fair amount of money on aftermarket items like shocks, swaybars, springs, brakes, etc. and cutting corners using price as the decision point on the four contact patches that I have with Mother Earth simply made no sense to me.
I also run larger than stock wheels - and in the sizes that I chose my choices are limited to more "upmarket" tires. I believe that like so many other things in life we encounter - you get what you pay for.
You and I feel exactly the same. We even drive the same. I think the most important decision we can make, are our decisions on which tire we choose. When it comes to handeling, it's all about the tires.
When it comes to braking, it's all about our tires.
When it comes to acceleration, it's all about the tires.
When it comes to safety, it's all about the tires.
Do your homework/research, don't think $$ think what is best.
Think "Indiana Jones" CHOOSE WISELY.
Mark
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,086
Likes: 0
From: Rockledge Florida
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
National Champs Gators 4 St. Jude '09
Safety Car
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,799
Likes: 1
From: Northern Virginia
St. Jude Donor '08
Your tires are your only points of contact with the road. Therefore, a lot of thought and effort should go into the selection of your tires. I don't blame you for not wanting to pay top $$$ for goodyears or michelins. However, there are other brands of tires that perform very well and cost a lot less. For example, Kumhos and Firestone Wide Ovals.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,092
Likes: 0
From: Deerfield VA
St. Jude Donor '07
I run Michelin PS'2. Yes they are expensive. I am primarily a weekend driver - my car is not daily driven. Here comes the disclaimer - this is what I chose and I am only sharing my opinion. Do what you feel moist comfortable with.....
I want the very best tires I can obtain. I like to drive my car hard - I don't beat on it, but I like to drive it to it's potential. I like to take ramps onto and off the freeway fast, but not to the point of losing control or being unsafe. I spent a fair amount of money on aftermarket items like shocks, swaybars, springs, brakes, etc. and cutting corners using price as the decision point on the four contact patches that I have with Mother Earth simply made no sense to me.
I also run larger than stock wheels - and in the sizes that I chose my choices are limited to more "upmarket" tires. I believe that like so many other things in life we encounter - you get what you pay for.
I want the very best tires I can obtain. I like to drive my car hard - I don't beat on it, but I like to drive it to it's potential. I like to take ramps onto and off the freeway fast, but not to the point of losing control or being unsafe. I spent a fair amount of money on aftermarket items like shocks, swaybars, springs, brakes, etc. and cutting corners using price as the decision point on the four contact patches that I have with Mother Earth simply made no sense to me.
I also run larger than stock wheels - and in the sizes that I chose my choices are limited to more "upmarket" tires. I believe that like so many other things in life we encounter - you get what you pay for.
John
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,390
Likes: 24,795
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Your tires are your only points of contact with the road. Therefore, a lot of thought and effort should go into the selection of your tires. I don't blame you for not wanting to pay top $$$ for goodyears or michelins. However, there are other brands of tires that perform very well and cost a lot less. For example, Kumhos and Firestone Wide Ovals.
Might want to even look at the Goodyear GS-D3s - a little more expensive but excellent tires.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,058
Likes: 9,820
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Also look at the Firestone SZ50 run flats. I had them on my 97 and they were an excellent tire. I autocross and do a bunch of track events and used them as my rain tire. They were great in the wet and dry plus easier riding. Much less noisy than the GYs which allowed me to hear my bad wheel bearings and get them replaced.
Bill
Bill
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 6,137
Likes: 65
From: Orlando, Florida
I have a set of General Exclaim UHPs' and really like them.
If all you do is gentle cruising (like me) they are an excellent value.
Very quiet and smooth running.
Review:
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/pro...im-uhp-review/
If all you do is gentle cruising (like me) they are an excellent value.
Very quiet and smooth running.
Review:
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/pro...im-uhp-review/
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 860
Likes: 40
From: Woodforest
At 16K, my Goodyears were shot on my 04, so I went with Falkens due to cost. Now at 32K, same problem, so I've been looking around. The Falkens were pulling the car to the right, and were noisy as hell.
Had a flat yesterday, brought out the trusty plug kit and 12V compressor and found I had a tear in the inside sidewall. Plug kit wouldn't handle this one, so I was stuck. Went to Discount and had a set of Michelin A/S Runflats put on. My wife drives my car a lot so I don't put on a bunch of work miles and I don't want her stuck like I was.
Remember, there is always a situation that comes up that you don't expect, Murphy's Law is waiting to bite you.
Had a flat yesterday, brought out the trusty plug kit and 12V compressor and found I had a tear in the inside sidewall. Plug kit wouldn't handle this one, so I was stuck. Went to Discount and had a set of Michelin A/S Runflats put on. My wife drives my car a lot so I don't put on a bunch of work miles and I don't want her stuck like I was.
Remember, there is always a situation that comes up that you don't expect, Murphy's Law is waiting to bite you.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
From: Austin Texas
Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3
I recently changed over from the "Run Craps" to the GS-D3's. Bought front and rears from TireRack for just over $1000. Awesome tire, and you will IMMEDIATELY notice the difference in the amount of road noise. The tire tread pattern gets tons of compliments and the tires are very sticky and hold well on wet surfaces. For the price, you get what you pay for. As many have said on this thread, you don't want to go cheap on tires...so much depends on them (sounds like a familiar tire commercial).