Very quite ride for me.
Firestone Firehawks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,937
Likes: 21
From: Waldorf MD
Firestones have very narrow tread. 8.6 inches verses the OEM's 10.3 inches. This is probably one reason they ride better. I think they look like Volkswagon Tires on a C5 !
With the 2 major recalls Firestone has had, I would never put them on any of my cars. JMHO.
With the 2 major recalls Firestone has had, I would never put them on any of my cars. JMHO.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio TEXAS
One post says they're runflats. I didn't think they were, or do they make 2 versions. Tread width seems normal. Narrower than some, wider than others. Firestone recalls could just as easily make them the tire to buy as they are now justifiably more concerned with QC. I wouldn't worry too much about it.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 402
Likes: 2
From: Glen Allen VA
I know we are talking about two very different vehicles here but the same brand tires, hence I am commenting.
I have 16" Firestone Firehawks on my (beater) 2001 Ford ZX3 and they lasted till 35k miles. Recently they have developed beads all over the sidewalls and on the surface causing a lot of vibrations and growling noises when driving over 20mph. I was told that they should have lasted at least 50k before giving way. Interestingly there is only about 10% tread wear. I am replacing them this weekend with BFGs.
I have 16" Firestone Firehawks on my (beater) 2001 Ford ZX3 and they lasted till 35k miles. Recently they have developed beads all over the sidewalls and on the surface causing a lot of vibrations and growling noises when driving over 20mph. I was told that they should have lasted at least 50k before giving way. Interestingly there is only about 10% tread wear. I am replacing them this weekend with BFGs.
Last edited by SinghZvette; Apr 18, 2008 at 11:21 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,678
Likes: 34
From: Fayetteville GA
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,037
Likes: 9,801
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
The Firestone Firehawk run flats are made in Japan (they are part of Bridgestone you know) and are a great tire. They ride better, make less noise, are cheaper and perform better than the EMTs. I autocross and when I went from EMTs on my 97 to a set of Firehawk run flats I found my autocross times improved. At a Go Kart track where we regularly autocross I found in wet conditions with the Firehawks I actually ran a faster time than I did with the EMTs in dry conditions. Under dry conditions they were about 4 seconds faster than the EMTs. This was on a course where run times are in the 123-135 second range.
Bill
Bill
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 54,204
Likes: 180
From: S.W. Ohio. . . . . . NRA Life Member
One post says they're runflats. I didn't think they were, or do they make 2 versions. Tread width seems normal. Narrower than some, wider than others. Firestone recalls could just as easily make them the tire to buy as they are now justifiably more concerned with QC. I wouldn't worry too much about it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 7,050
Likes: 7
From: Canadian Rockies
Which Firehawk did you get? The SZ50 or Wide Ovals?
The Wide Ovals are getting some rave reviews on Tirerack and are unbelievably priced. I was looking at getting some Sumitomo HZRIII's until I noticed that the Wide Ovals were only about $20 more.
FWIW, I'm running SZ50 runflats right now and have no complaints. I just wanted to move away from runflats.
The Wide Ovals are getting some rave reviews on Tirerack and are unbelievably priced. I was looking at getting some Sumitomo HZRIII's until I noticed that the Wide Ovals were only about $20 more.
FWIW, I'm running SZ50 runflats right now and have no complaints. I just wanted to move away from runflats.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 602
Likes: 0
From: Columbia PA
The ones I've ordered are the run flats. (hate to say i don't know which model they ordered)
I needed tires to pass PA inspection which is very soon. Seems like vette tires are on back order everywhere we tried. The Firehawks were the only ones I could get in time. No way was I waiting until the middle of June to drive my car! I've waited all winter!!!
I feel much better now, thanks for the info.
Mindi
I needed tires to pass PA inspection which is very soon. Seems like vette tires are on back order everywhere we tried. The Firehawks were the only ones I could get in time. No way was I waiting until the middle of June to drive my car! I've waited all winter!!!
I feel much better now, thanks for the info.
Mindi
Last edited by cop.magnet.red; Apr 18, 2008 at 02:53 PM.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,469
Likes: 4
Car and Driver did a test TRYING to get an Explorer to roll over as a result of a sudden blowout and couldn't even do it.
Ok, off my soapbox for now.
And no, I have no financial interest in Ford or Firestone. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,728
Likes: 142
From: Iowa
You don't want to use them...that's your loss.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 54,204
Likes: 180
From: S.W. Ohio. . . . . . NRA Life Member
With the 2 major recalls Firestone has had, they are now the best to buy; because they are being watched closely by the NHTSA and every two-bit lawyer out there.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 602
Likes: 0
From: Columbia PA
UPDATE: Got the Firestone Firehawks SZ50's put on today. They are so much quieter than the Goodyear Eagles. (Granted mine were practically bald .) Haven't had time to really test them out, but the drive home was good. 
.) Haven't had time to really test them out, but the drive home was good.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,366
Likes: 249
From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
On my previous '98, I had the Firehawks and they were fantastic, an excellent choice. BTW, the last Firestone problem was Ford's fault for telling owners to run less than adequate tire pressure to compensate for Ford's screw-up. I also saw the Car & Driver test where they couldn't make an Explorer roll, even when exploding the tire.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: Tri-Valley(East Bay) CA
I have had them on my C5 for about a year. My dad swears by Goodyears for his C6 but the Firehawks have worked great for me. Im going to switch to a non run-flat for my new z06 wheels here pretty soon though.
You wont regret your decision
You wont regret your decision