Without Runflats
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 312
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From: Valrico FL
Without Runflats
So I hear alot of guys saying they ditched their RFs to gain a better ride and less noise. My Goodyears are ready to be replaced but I am one of those paranoid types that worries about driving without a spare or RFs. We travel alot in the car and I am the type who brings along almost every tool AND the shop manual! (But I would like a better and more quiet ride)
So if I rid myself of RFs what can I do to make myself feel better about not having tire trouble on the road with no spare? Or do I just rely on AAA and worry less? (And maybe I do worry too much as in 25 years of driving, I have only ever had one blowout and two flats)
Help me out with a decision.... RFs or not?
So if I rid myself of RFs what can I do to make myself feel better about not having tire trouble on the road with no spare? Or do I just rely on AAA and worry less? (And maybe I do worry too much as in 25 years of driving, I have only ever had one blowout and two flats)
Help me out with a decision.... RFs or not?
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 16,270
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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
If you are totally paranoid - there are aftermarket extended mobility tires that will give you a better and quieter ride than you've experienced with the OEM Goodyear EMT's.
Michelin and others make extended mobility tires, the biggest difference is the distance in which you would be able to drive with zero air pressure in the tire.
The Goodyear EMT is the only tire certified for 200 miles with no air. Most of the others say their tires can go no more than 50 miles.
Here's an interesting article that de-bunks some of the myths about the Goodyears and explains the differences between brands.....
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...Run+Flat+Facts
Michelin and others make extended mobility tires, the biggest difference is the distance in which you would be able to drive with zero air pressure in the tire.
The Goodyear EMT is the only tire certified for 200 miles with no air. Most of the others say their tires can go no more than 50 miles.
Here's an interesting article that de-bunks some of the myths about the Goodyears and explains the differences between brands.....
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...Run+Flat+Facts
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,937
Likes: 21
From: Waldorf MD
Did you know that Goodyear OEM Runflats get 3 mpg better mileage than non-runflats and at least 2 mpg better than other runflats?
Despite the "bad press", they DO handle great (better than Goodyear GS-D3s according to the magazine Corvette Enthusiac) and look great (mainly due to their being the widest tire in that size, the 275s are wider than the ZO6's stock 295s). No doubt they accelerate (hook up) worse and ride worse than non-runflats. They also last a long time for a performance tire (long tread life).
Despite the "bad press", they DO handle great (better than Goodyear GS-D3s according to the magazine Corvette Enthusiac) and look great (mainly due to their being the widest tire in that size, the 275s are wider than the ZO6's stock 295s). No doubt they accelerate (hook up) worse and ride worse than non-runflats. They also last a long time for a performance tire (long tread life).
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 18,681
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From: Reno is so close to Hell you can see Sparks , State Of Confusion
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
No run flats here..
Do I worry about a flat....No.
Here is what I always carry in the car..
1. Z06 pump kit.
2. Tire plug kit.
3. small 4 way tire wrench.
4. A small sissor jack.
5. AAA.
6. Cell Phone.
I think if I was to get a flat I would have it covered unless the tire is trashed.
and all this fits in the center cubby...lol
Do I worry about a flat....No.
Here is what I always carry in the car..
1. Z06 pump kit.
2. Tire plug kit.
3. small 4 way tire wrench.
4. A small sissor jack.
5. AAA.
6. Cell Phone.
I think if I was to get a flat I would have it covered unless the tire is trashed.
and all this fits in the center cubby...lol
Pro
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 664
Likes: 24
From: Farmingville NY
Ride in someone's car who has switched to non-runflat tires, you will not believe the difference. I switched to Toyo's and the radio can be heard with out raising the volumne so much that the sound is distorted. You can also have a conversation with someone in the car without yelling. Still somewhat worried about having a flat but will address that when it happens. Think about it, before having runflats did you worry about flats, and did you always check the air in your spare.?
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Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 18,681
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From: Reno is so close to Hell you can see Sparks , State Of Confusion
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Northwest CT
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,747
Likes: 224
From: Hillsboro Oregon
Wondering if all the anti RF posters have only experienced the OEM Goodyear RFs ?
Not all RFs ride or handle the same. Many tire manuf. now offer RFs in many different configurations.
Not all RFs ride or handle the same. Many tire manuf. now offer RFs in many different configurations.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 18,681
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From: Reno is so close to Hell you can see Sparks , State Of Confusion
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 3,939
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From: Baltimore Md.
I put Michelins RF on both of mine and they are great, sooo much better then the GY.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,043
Likes: 3
From: Roselle IL
Advanced
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: Macon Ga
Did you know that Goodyear OEM Runflats get 3 mpg better mileage than non-runflats and at least 2 mpg better than other runflats?
Despite the "bad press", they DO handle great (better than Goodyear GS-D3s according to the magazine Corvette Enthusiac) and look great (mainly due to their being the widest tire in that size, the 275s are wider than the ZO6's stock 295s). No doubt they accelerate (hook up) worse and ride worse than non-runflats. They also last a long time for a performance tire (long tread life).
Despite the "bad press", they DO handle great (better than Goodyear GS-D3s according to the magazine Corvette Enthusiac) and look great (mainly due to their being the widest tire in that size, the 275s are wider than the ZO6's stock 295s). No doubt they accelerate (hook up) worse and ride worse than non-runflats. They also last a long time for a performance tire (long tread life).
3 sets of rears, two sets of fronts of the GS-D3s. In no way can the RFs compare to these tires. Mine is a DD. When I had RFs it was loud and very slippery. You never knew when they would let loose. The GS-D3s are quiet and have very good grip. Not the longest lasting tires, but for a DD in the rain and all season long, a very, very, good tire. If you are scared that one day (tomorrow, next week, one year, during the life of the tire) you might get a flat, then stick with the run flats. If you want to experience what these cars are capable of, and talk to your passenger without yelling, get some non RFs.
There is a reason GM didn't put these on the Z06!!!!
Last edited by TomNMacon; Jun 25, 2009 at 09:55 PM.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 422
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From: California
After burning up my rears (hard driving, and some drag racing) and eventually the fronts, I ditched the OEM run flats for Goodyear supercars (285 rears) and for BFGoodrich G-Force Sport (fronts). I can say that every aspect of performance has improved in my car, (ride, noise, handling, grip, less rotating weight, not to mention about half the price). I do however, carry a small pump and slime (yes I know it can mess up the tire and even the tire pressure sensor for long term, but probably wouldnt care in an emergency). I've been lucky and only had one flat the entire 20k miles Ive had my car and that was when I DID have my runflats lol. I have been on two road trips (700 and 850 miles each, roundtrip) non runflats and no problems (knock on wood). Another thing, I don't feel as guilty burning rubber in non-runflats as I do in the runflats (my wallet doesn't hurt as much) 
My new set of Yokohama's on the new CCW rims I'm getting delivered next week are also non-runflat (and a lot thicker than stock too) 
My new set of Yokohama's on the new CCW rims I'm getting delivered next week are also non-runflat (and a lot thicker than stock too)