i hate runflats..
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 9,294
Likes: 1,527
From: Oviedo Florida
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If your Goodyear EMT's are original - they have gotten hard as the rubber has aged. But quite frankly - the Corvette engineers and the Goodyear engineers worked in tandem for several years to develop a tire that would meet all of the performance criteria for the then new C5 - including wet and dry traction, braking, handling, as well as ride characteristics, and wear characteristics. The final design that was OEM on the C5 met and exceeded all of those requirements. Most importantly - it was and still is the only tire designed to run without air for up to 200 miles at speeds up to 55mph. None of the aftermarket extended mobility tires will conform to the original specifications, and many of them cannot be repaired if punctured.
Here is an interesting article that discusses this tire.
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...Run+Flat+Facts
Having said all of this - any tire that is going on eight years old will dry out. And when the rubber dries out, it becomes less pliable. This loss of pliability will contribute to the feeling that the tire is harder, feels less sticky and they begin to make more noise.
I'm not defending the OEM EMT's - but I think it is important to understand the reason why the tire demonstrates the characteristics about which we all complain.
Here is an interesting article that discusses this tire.
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...Run+Flat+Facts
Having said all of this - any tire that is going on eight years old will dry out. And when the rubber dries out, it becomes less pliable. This loss of pliability will contribute to the feeling that the tire is harder, feels less sticky and they begin to make more noise.
I'm not defending the OEM EMT's - but I think it is important to understand the reason why the tire demonstrates the characteristics about which we all complain.
with the Goodyear run flat and they wouldn't stick their necks
out on a tire that could run close to 200 mph if they had any
reservations. After 8 years replace your tires, the new EMT's
are better than the originals
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 11,148
Likes: 1
From: U S A
Run flats superiority on long trips doesn't make sense either... good luck trying to find a run crap tire in the middle of no where when you get a flat! Yea guess what it is not like you can drive on the "flat" run flat for more than 50 miles anyways...
And then get ready to get shafted for $600 by your friendly billy bob store after it takes them 2 weeks to order a tire for you since they don't carry run flats.
And then get ready to get shafted for $600 by your friendly billy bob store after it takes them 2 weeks to order a tire for you since they don't carry run flats.
And they sure as heck aren't going to resolve the problem on site without a spare on board; you're getting towed. Worse yet, if the flat was a blowout, a non-run flat could potentially shred and damage a fender causing a lot more that $600 + time in the shop.
BTW, your "it is not like you can drive on the "flat" run flat for more than 50 miles anyways..." comment is bad information and is 200 miles off for the factory GY run flats...and they can still be patched up to driving 250 miles on them so you probably won't need to "find a run crap tire in the middle of no where."
Administrator
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 66,409
Likes: 2,061
From: Bel Air (by way of Fort Worth, TX) Maryland
St. Jude Donor '12 thru '21
I run the Michelin runflats
Michelin All Season Zero Pressure (AS ZP)
Thet still give the protection of runflats but have a softer sidewall (rated for 50 miles flat not 200). The noise and handling is way better than the stock
If you go non run flat the choice is a lot wider.
Michelin All Season Zero Pressure (AS ZP)
Thet still give the protection of runflats but have a softer sidewall (rated for 50 miles flat not 200). The noise and handling is way better than the stock
If you go non run flat the choice is a lot wider.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 4,302
Likes: 346
From: yardley, pa 19067
I'm getting rid of my runflats soon since the fronts are bald..Don't take long trips, their too noisy...If the run flat was a great tire GM would've put it on the C5 Z06 but didn't....
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 243
Likes: 0
From: studio city ca
I drive in the mountains very often, no cell reception, no access to "service" of any kind for 20+ miles at times. that make me chicken not to use run flats?
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,747
Likes: 224
From: Hillsboro Oregon
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,747
Likes: 224
From: Hillsboro Oregon
Don't judge all RFs by the OEM Goodyears
Try some Michelin AS FPs
They are run flat but have great grip and a quiet ride
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 16,154
Likes: 0
From: Kali
St. Jude Donor '11
Since you appear to be from the "AAA solves all" crowd from your first post I guess you'd rather get shafted for $600 when 'billy bob' damages your front fascia dragging your Vet up on a flatbed and your car sits in the body shop for 2 weeks having the damage repaired. You don't think AAA lets you pick who comes to 'fix' your flat do you? And they sure as heck aren't going to resolve the problem on site without a spare on board; you're getting towed.
Worse yet, if the flat was a blowout, a non-run flat could potentially shred and damage a fender causing a lot more that $600 + time in the shop.
BTW, your "it is not like you can drive on the "flat" run flat for more than 50 miles anyways..." comment is bad information and is 200 miles off for the factory GY run flats...and they can still be patched up to driving 250 miles on them so you probably won't need to "find a run crap tire in the middle of no where."
And they sure as heck aren't going to resolve the problem on site without a spare on board; you're getting towed. Worse yet, if the flat was a blowout, a non-run flat could potentially shred and damage a fender causing a lot more that $600 + time in the shop.
BTW, your "it is not like you can drive on the "flat" run flat for more than 50 miles anyways..." comment is bad information and is 200 miles off for the factory GY run flats...and they can still be patched up to driving 250 miles on them so you probably won't need to "find a run crap tire in the middle of no where."
.You can get the car picked up by a flat bed and avoid the scraping problems.... blah blah....
There are always be those who love the run-flats... sure some are decent but the stock goodyears are BAD tires. They are increadibly rough riding and LOUD.
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Race Director
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 16,154
Likes: 0
From: Kali
St. Jude Donor '11
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
From: Fletcher North Carolina
I also went with the Michelin Pilot Sport AS ZPs. Feels like a different car now; much better. I elected to stay with a run-flat after considering how much I'd like rolling around in the mud trying to plug a hole in a non run-flat tire on a cold day. Even if I trusted Billy Bob to tow it (I don't), what a hassle that would turn in to. Love my tires, say what you will.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,421
Likes: 8
From: Lake Mary Florida
I think it is very limited thinking to group all run flat tires into a category and make statements that are so full of falsehoods it would make a lie-detector machine run out of ink!
Just because Goodyear had the original EMT and it's first attempt wasn't so good for ride control, that doesn't mean all run flats are that way. Since then they have improved their designs too. Also they offer other model tires (not in stock C5 sizes) in EMT configurations.
Michelin makes an excellent run flat. And they may just be able to match up against any non run flat tire you put against them. Michelin also happens to be the selected tire for the C6R team and the new C6 ZR1. If you haven't tried them, then you are doing a disservice to your fellow forum member by trashing something you have no experience with.
The original OEM Goodyear F1 EMT met GMs (Chevy's) specification for a run flat tire on the C5. The spec calls for 200 miles without pressure. However your owner's manual says the following: "If you drive on a deflated EMT for 50 miles (80 km) or less and at speeds of 55 mph (90 km/h) or less, there is a good chance that the tire can be repaired." To meet the spec they created a very stiff sidewall which rode hard and were noisy. Michelin didn't go that far, they built theirs to meet the 50 miles limit allowing them to create a very good gripping tire especially in cornering and in wet/dry/light snow conditions and a less stiff sidewall so the noise is less. And their tires are a little less expensive.
So the key here is limiting travel on zero pressure to 50 miles at or less than 55 mph will most likely allow for a repair, otherwise it will be a replace. Of course for the $200-$300. per tire cost, you might consider replacing it anyway. It did it's job and it got you to a repair facility after a blow out. No ultra perf tire after a repair should be considered an ultra perf tire, and it shouldn't be treated that way.
With a non run flat your chances of damaging the wheel, tire and fender area are much greater then with a run flat. Is it worth that?
A good set of quality non run flats are going to cost you about $1000. or slightly more mounted and balanced. For $1350. you can get a set of Michelins mounted and balanced. So for around $300. you want to take that risk, especially not knowing how other run flat tires perform and comparing them to one brand. Hmmm.
Imagine the tire blowing out at night in the rain. Sounds like fun to climb out to locate that can of filler and a plug kit. Imagine holding the flashlight, assuming you carried one, and trying to repair a tire and get it inflated. Sounds like fun to me... NOT. Or better yet lets just say you come out to your Vette sitting in the parking lot, damn a flat tire. And there is your expensive wheel sitting on the ground under the deflated tire. Wow with a run flat you probably wouldn't have noticed it until you got moving and the warning came on that no pressure exists. Now you have a few decisions to make; drive it to a place to get fixed or perhaps get it home to deal with later. Either way your not sitting there dealing with this. Those run flats aren't so bad now are they.
It seems like it is always something with some people. They just never seem happy. Why I remember with my C4 how many people wanted to delete the spare tire carrier to reduce weight. Then Chevy gives us EMTs and the delete spare tire, but we are still not happy. Now we got noisy tires, well excluding the fact some of us spend a grand on exhaust to make that louder.
Choice is yours as it is your Vette. Always consider all your options before you make your decision.
Just because Goodyear had the original EMT and it's first attempt wasn't so good for ride control, that doesn't mean all run flats are that way. Since then they have improved their designs too. Also they offer other model tires (not in stock C5 sizes) in EMT configurations.
Michelin makes an excellent run flat. And they may just be able to match up against any non run flat tire you put against them. Michelin also happens to be the selected tire for the C6R team and the new C6 ZR1. If you haven't tried them, then you are doing a disservice to your fellow forum member by trashing something you have no experience with.
The original OEM Goodyear F1 EMT met GMs (Chevy's) specification for a run flat tire on the C5. The spec calls for 200 miles without pressure. However your owner's manual says the following: "If you drive on a deflated EMT for 50 miles (80 km) or less and at speeds of 55 mph (90 km/h) or less, there is a good chance that the tire can be repaired." To meet the spec they created a very stiff sidewall which rode hard and were noisy. Michelin didn't go that far, they built theirs to meet the 50 miles limit allowing them to create a very good gripping tire especially in cornering and in wet/dry/light snow conditions and a less stiff sidewall so the noise is less. And their tires are a little less expensive.
So the key here is limiting travel on zero pressure to 50 miles at or less than 55 mph will most likely allow for a repair, otherwise it will be a replace. Of course for the $200-$300. per tire cost, you might consider replacing it anyway. It did it's job and it got you to a repair facility after a blow out. No ultra perf tire after a repair should be considered an ultra perf tire, and it shouldn't be treated that way.
With a non run flat your chances of damaging the wheel, tire and fender area are much greater then with a run flat. Is it worth that?
A good set of quality non run flats are going to cost you about $1000. or slightly more mounted and balanced. For $1350. you can get a set of Michelins mounted and balanced. So for around $300. you want to take that risk, especially not knowing how other run flat tires perform and comparing them to one brand. Hmmm.
Imagine the tire blowing out at night in the rain. Sounds like fun to climb out to locate that can of filler and a plug kit. Imagine holding the flashlight, assuming you carried one, and trying to repair a tire and get it inflated. Sounds like fun to me... NOT. Or better yet lets just say you come out to your Vette sitting in the parking lot, damn a flat tire. And there is your expensive wheel sitting on the ground under the deflated tire. Wow with a run flat you probably wouldn't have noticed it until you got moving and the warning came on that no pressure exists. Now you have a few decisions to make; drive it to a place to get fixed or perhaps get it home to deal with later. Either way your not sitting there dealing with this. Those run flats aren't so bad now are they.
It seems like it is always something with some people. They just never seem happy. Why I remember with my C4 how many people wanted to delete the spare tire carrier to reduce weight. Then Chevy gives us EMTs and the delete spare tire, but we are still not happy. Now we got noisy tires, well excluding the fact some of us spend a grand on exhaust to make that louder.
Choice is yours as it is your Vette. Always consider all your options before you make your decision.
Administrator
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 66,409
Likes: 2,061
From: Bel Air (by way of Fort Worth, TX) Maryland
St. Jude Donor '12 thru '21
I think it is very limited thinking to group all run flat tires into a category and make statements that are so full of falsehoods it would make a lie-detector machine run out of ink!
Just because Goodyear had the original EMT and it's first attempt wasn't so good for ride control, that doesn't mean all run flats are that way. Since then they have improved their designs too. Also they offer other model tires (not in stock C5 sizes) in EMT configurations.
Michelin makes an excellent run flat. And they may just be able to match up against any non run flat tire you put against them. Michelin also happens to be the selected tire for the C6R team and the new C6 ZR1. If you haven't tried them, then you are doing a disservice to your fellow forum member by trashing something you have no experience with.
The original OEM Goodyear F1 EMT met GMs (Chevy's) specification for a run flat tire on the C5. The spec calls for 200 miles without pressure. However your owner's manual says the following: "If you drive on a deflated EMT for 50 miles (80 km) or less and at speeds of 55 mph (90 km/h) or less, there is a good chance that the tire can be repaired." To meet the spec they created a very stiff sidewall which rode hard and were noisy. Michelin didn't go that far, they built theirs to meet the 50 miles limit allowing them to create a very good gripping tire especially in cornering and in wet/dry/light snow conditions and a less stiff sidewall so the noise is less. And their tires are a little less expensive.
So the key here is limiting travel on zero pressure to 50 miles at or less than 55 mph will most likely allow for a repair, otherwise it will be a replace. Of course for the $200-$300. per tire cost, you might consider replacing it anyway. It did it's job and it got you to a repair facility after a blow out. No ultra perf tire after a repair should be considered an ultra perf tire, and it shouldn't be treated that way.
With a non run flat your chances of damaging the wheel, tire and fender area are much greater then with a run flat. Is it worth that?
A good set of quality non run flats are going to cost you about $1000. or slightly more mounted and balanced. For $1350. you can get a set of Michelins mounted and balanced. So for around $300. you want to take that risk, especially not knowing how other run flat tires perform and comparing them to one brand. Hmmm.
Imagine the tire blowing out at night in the rain. Sounds like fun to climb out to locate that can of filler and a plug kit. Imagine holding the flashlight, assuming you carried one, and trying to repair a tire and get it inflated. Sounds like fun to me... NOT. Or better yet lets just say you come out to your Vette sitting in the parking lot, damn a flat tire. And there is your expensive wheel sitting on the ground under the deflated tire. Wow with a run flat you probably wouldn't have noticed it until you got moving and the warning came on that no pressure exists. Now you have a few decisions to make; drive it to a place to get fixed or perhaps get it home to deal with later. Either way your not sitting there dealing with this. Those run flats aren't so bad now are they.
It seems like it is always something with some people. They just never seem happy. Why I remember with my C4 how many people wanted to delete the spare tire carrier to reduce weight. Then Chevy gives us EMTs and the delete spare tire, but we are still not happy. Now we got noisy tires, well excluding the fact some of us spend a grand on exhaust to make that louder.
Choice is yours as it is your Vette. Always consider all your options before you make your decision.
Just because Goodyear had the original EMT and it's first attempt wasn't so good for ride control, that doesn't mean all run flats are that way. Since then they have improved their designs too. Also they offer other model tires (not in stock C5 sizes) in EMT configurations.
Michelin makes an excellent run flat. And they may just be able to match up against any non run flat tire you put against them. Michelin also happens to be the selected tire for the C6R team and the new C6 ZR1. If you haven't tried them, then you are doing a disservice to your fellow forum member by trashing something you have no experience with.
The original OEM Goodyear F1 EMT met GMs (Chevy's) specification for a run flat tire on the C5. The spec calls for 200 miles without pressure. However your owner's manual says the following: "If you drive on a deflated EMT for 50 miles (80 km) or less and at speeds of 55 mph (90 km/h) or less, there is a good chance that the tire can be repaired." To meet the spec they created a very stiff sidewall which rode hard and were noisy. Michelin didn't go that far, they built theirs to meet the 50 miles limit allowing them to create a very good gripping tire especially in cornering and in wet/dry/light snow conditions and a less stiff sidewall so the noise is less. And their tires are a little less expensive.
So the key here is limiting travel on zero pressure to 50 miles at or less than 55 mph will most likely allow for a repair, otherwise it will be a replace. Of course for the $200-$300. per tire cost, you might consider replacing it anyway. It did it's job and it got you to a repair facility after a blow out. No ultra perf tire after a repair should be considered an ultra perf tire, and it shouldn't be treated that way.
With a non run flat your chances of damaging the wheel, tire and fender area are much greater then with a run flat. Is it worth that?
A good set of quality non run flats are going to cost you about $1000. or slightly more mounted and balanced. For $1350. you can get a set of Michelins mounted and balanced. So for around $300. you want to take that risk, especially not knowing how other run flat tires perform and comparing them to one brand. Hmmm.
Imagine the tire blowing out at night in the rain. Sounds like fun to climb out to locate that can of filler and a plug kit. Imagine holding the flashlight, assuming you carried one, and trying to repair a tire and get it inflated. Sounds like fun to me... NOT. Or better yet lets just say you come out to your Vette sitting in the parking lot, damn a flat tire. And there is your expensive wheel sitting on the ground under the deflated tire. Wow with a run flat you probably wouldn't have noticed it until you got moving and the warning came on that no pressure exists. Now you have a few decisions to make; drive it to a place to get fixed or perhaps get it home to deal with later. Either way your not sitting there dealing with this. Those run flats aren't so bad now are they.
It seems like it is always something with some people. They just never seem happy. Why I remember with my C4 how many people wanted to delete the spare tire carrier to reduce weight. Then Chevy gives us EMTs and the delete spare tire, but we are still not happy. Now we got noisy tires, well excluding the fact some of us spend a grand on exhaust to make that louder.
Choice is yours as it is your Vette. Always consider all your options before you make your decision.
Last edited by Chemdawg99; Feb 12, 2008 at 07:29 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,561
Likes: 33
From: Clark NJ
St. Jude Donor '05 thru '26
Since you appear to be from the "AAA solves all" crowd from your first post I guess you'd rather get shafted for $600 when 'billy bob' damages your front fascia dragging your Vet up on a flatbed and your car sits in the body shop for 2 weeks having the damage repaired. You don't think AAA lets you pick who comes to 'fix' your flat do you? And they sure as heck aren't going to resolve the problem on site without a spare on board; you're getting towed.
Worse yet, if the flat was a blowout, a non-run flat could potentially shred and damage a fender causing a lot more that $600 + time in the shop.
BTW, your "it is not like you can drive on the "flat" run flat for more than 50 miles anyways..." comment is bad information and is 200 miles off for the factory GY run flats...and they can still be patched up to driving 250 miles on them so you probably won't need to "find a run crap tire in the middle of no where."
And they sure as heck aren't going to resolve the problem on site without a spare on board; you're getting towed. Worse yet, if the flat was a blowout, a non-run flat could potentially shred and damage a fender causing a lot more that $600 + time in the shop.
BTW, your "it is not like you can drive on the "flat" run flat for more than 50 miles anyways..." comment is bad information and is 200 miles off for the factory GY run flats...and they can still be patched up to driving 250 miles on them so you probably won't need to "find a run crap tire in the middle of no where."
I replaced my GY Run Flats with GY Run Flats.....I would not consider anything else!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 9,369
Likes: 4
From: Zephyrhills, Florida
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
Goodyear has chosen to build their new World Headquarters right here in Northeastern Ohio while many manufacturers are running to Mexico. I have to hang with Goodyear as I applaud their comittment
I've stayed with the OEM's and never perceived any noise issues although I don't have any other brands to compare to. Really, what I primarily hear in the Vette is ARH longtubes and Corsa Indys
I've stayed with the OEM's and never perceived any noise issues although I don't have any other brands to compare to. Really, what I primarily hear in the Vette is ARH longtubes and Corsa Indys
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 11,148
Likes: 1
From: U S A
How do you even hear them above your Borla exhaust?
Last edited by SPIVET; Feb 13, 2008 at 07:59 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,421
Likes: 8
From: Lake Mary Florida
From Chapter 6 of your owner's manual:
If a tire goes flat, you won’t need to stop on the side of the road to change the tire. You can just keep on driving. The shorter the distance you drive and the slower the speed, the greater the chance that the tire will not have to be replaced. If you drive on a deflated EMT for
50 miles (80 km) or less and at speeds of 55 mph (90 km/h) or less, there is a good chance that the tire can be repaired. The tire can operate effectively with no air pressure for up to 200 miles (320 km) at speeds up to 55 mph (90 km/h), but the tire would then have to be
replaced. When a tire is filled with air, it provides a cushion between the road and the wheel. Because you won’t have this cushion when driving on a deflated tire, try to avoid potholes that could damage your wheel and require replacement of it.
If a tire goes flat, you won’t need to stop on the side of the road to change the tire. You can just keep on driving. The shorter the distance you drive and the slower the speed, the greater the chance that the tire will not have to be replaced. If you drive on a deflated EMT for
50 miles (80 km) or less and at speeds of 55 mph (90 km/h) or less, there is a good chance that the tire can be repaired. The tire can operate effectively with no air pressure for up to 200 miles (320 km) at speeds up to 55 mph (90 km/h), but the tire would then have to be
replaced. When a tire is filled with air, it provides a cushion between the road and the wheel. Because you won’t have this cushion when driving on a deflated tire, try to avoid potholes that could damage your wheel and require replacement of it.