General Exclaim UHPs
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Pro
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 732
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From: Baxter MN
General Exclaim UHPs
Just thought I'd share this bit of info. My '04 needed new tires. After picking myself up off the floor when I heard what various tires were selling for, I did some research on the net.
I just picked up a set of 4 General Exclaim UHP (not run flats!) tires in stock sizes for a total, out-the door price of less than $550. at Tires Plus here in MN. These are imported tires, but I believe they come from one of the european tire manufacturers. Tread wear rating is reasonable too, at 380, vs as low as 200 for some tires I saw.
Anyway, thought I'd share this if anyone else was looking for a pretty good tire at a fair price.
Glen
I just picked up a set of 4 General Exclaim UHP (not run flats!) tires in stock sizes for a total, out-the door price of less than $550. at Tires Plus here in MN. These are imported tires, but I believe they come from one of the european tire manufacturers. Tread wear rating is reasonable too, at 380, vs as low as 200 for some tires I saw.
Anyway, thought I'd share this if anyone else was looking for a pretty good tire at a fair price.
Glen
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Thanks for the reviews. Will keep these in mind when I need a new set.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Eddy Texas
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Joined: Dec 2000
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From: San Diego CA
If you read many of the reviews on the Tirerack website, you'll note that many buyers of these tires own vehicles that are not really intended to be pushed hard, handling-wise. Certainly, if your average driving habits include almost all speed-limit driving, these tires may very well work out great. Here's a review from a more "spirited" driver:
Kinda funny, but true in the sense that you shouldn't expect GSD3 or PS2 performance at 1/3rd the cost.
Initial Review, 8,500 Miles on Tires
October 20, 2007
I would like to start by agreeing with the majority of real spirited drivers by saying that most "spirited" drivers are just speeding on the highway and assume they are aggressive drivers. Not the case with me. I drive the mountain roads hard taking every corner at speeds way above posted speed limits (only at night so I can see on coming headlights, I’m not that stupid) and these Generals have taken all the fun out of driving these style roads. I’m a noticeable 10-12 mph difference slower when I feel the tires are about to give way. The ride is extremely squishy and non-responsive despite pressure changes up to and including max pressure. These do however offer a nice ride in town whilst out with the girlfriend. Final Verdict: Not for the real performance driver who pushes their car on turns. Try a car that has actual sport suspension in mind during design, not one that is about fuel-economy and how much crap you can fit in the back.
October 20, 2007
I would like to start by agreeing with the majority of real spirited drivers by saying that most "spirited" drivers are just speeding on the highway and assume they are aggressive drivers. Not the case with me. I drive the mountain roads hard taking every corner at speeds way above posted speed limits (only at night so I can see on coming headlights, I’m not that stupid) and these Generals have taken all the fun out of driving these style roads. I’m a noticeable 10-12 mph difference slower when I feel the tires are about to give way. The ride is extremely squishy and non-responsive despite pressure changes up to and including max pressure. These do however offer a nice ride in town whilst out with the girlfriend. Final Verdict: Not for the real performance driver who pushes their car on turns. Try a car that has actual sport suspension in mind during design, not one that is about fuel-economy and how much crap you can fit in the back.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix AZ
Wow, are you serious, better than the Nitto's. I have the 555R's now and need new tires. I was researching these.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,616
Likes: 11
From: Newport, RI
I'm looking for a new set of tires (non-RF's) and I've had my eye on these Generals. These reviews sound perfect for what I want.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,001
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From: Auburn Michigan
I have had them on for close to a year now.They are awesome and grip real well. They are a summer tire though and to not hook up well when it gets below 40 degrees. Don't ask me how I know 
Oh and they are not to good in the snow,Like todays 12 inches
Oh and they are not to good in the snow,Like todays 12 inches
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I think that everyone should understand some basic facts about the treadwear ratings on the sidewall of all tires -
"The DOT does not test tires. It depends on manufacturers to test their own tires and report the results. Unfortunately, this system has made treadwear ratings far less useful than the DOT had originally intended because tire manufacturers are able to use the treadwear grade as a marketing tool.
It is legal and permissible for a manufacturer to give their tire a 240 rating when their competitor's equivalent tire has a 220 rating; thus creating the false impression that the 240 tire is a better purchase because it will last longer. This tendency to inflate treadwear numbers has become so common that some manufacturers may report that ALL their tires have above average treadwear grades. Some are taking normal tires and reporting a treadwear of 600 or more, or giving a 220 rating to maximum performance tires with a reputation for poor tire life."
source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treadwear_rating
The point is - the numbers are not indicators of real tread life as compared to tires from another manufacturer.
I don't want to start this debate all over again - I just want the facts to be available to anyone researching tires for their Corvette. I would trust references here on the forum before I would use the numbers on the sidewall to make a comparison. Talk to people whose driving habits are similar to yours to help determine which tire is right for you.
"The DOT does not test tires. It depends on manufacturers to test their own tires and report the results. Unfortunately, this system has made treadwear ratings far less useful than the DOT had originally intended because tire manufacturers are able to use the treadwear grade as a marketing tool.
It is legal and permissible for a manufacturer to give their tire a 240 rating when their competitor's equivalent tire has a 220 rating; thus creating the false impression that the 240 tire is a better purchase because it will last longer. This tendency to inflate treadwear numbers has become so common that some manufacturers may report that ALL their tires have above average treadwear grades. Some are taking normal tires and reporting a treadwear of 600 or more, or giving a 220 rating to maximum performance tires with a reputation for poor tire life."
source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treadwear_rating
The point is - the numbers are not indicators of real tread life as compared to tires from another manufacturer.
I don't want to start this debate all over again - I just want the facts to be available to anyone researching tires for their Corvette. I would trust references here on the forum before I would use the numbers on the sidewall to make a comparison. Talk to people whose driving habits are similar to yours to help determine which tire is right for you.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,591
Likes: 1
From: San Jose CA
I went with Generals about a month ago......for the most part, so far so good esp for the price.
Oh yeah, replaced the F45 with C5Z suspension...handles like mad crazy than before...doesn't feel like the tire is going to roll over when turning, nor do I feel like the car is going to tip...next step coilovers...
