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Run Flats or Not?

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Old Jan 25, 2010 | 08:36 PM
  #1  
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Default Run Flats or Not?

My C5 needs new tires. I have run flats right now but not sure if I want them again. Any suggestions??
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Old Jan 25, 2010 | 10:05 PM
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Yes. You'll probably get more responses in C5 General.

This forum is for help with the forum itself.
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Old Jan 27, 2010 | 08:22 AM
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I changed to non runflats and have never looked back. I bought a small pump/puncture solution from Tire rack and keep it in the trunk. I know, I know--the puncture solution will probably ruin the TPS. That's ok, I'll spend the $100 or so to replace it if it's ruined, I just want to be able to go down the road if I get a flat. The non-runflats ride better, make much less noise and all around are great tires compared to the run-flats. There are several great non-runflats to pick from, just cruise this forum. Good luck, Ron
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Old Jan 27, 2010 | 09:03 AM
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If you want assurance, poor traction and road noise go with run flats

If you want performance, grip, no noise and on average are prepared to get delayed 1x in 15 years because of a flat, go with the non run flats

Michelin PS2's and GoodYear GSD-3's are two of the best tires in the world available for the C5
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Old Jan 27, 2010 | 09:05 AM
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KDWs'
Toyo R1's

Better overall performance and mileage out of non RFTs....
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Old Jan 27, 2010 | 09:33 AM
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I've had it both ways and non runflats seem to be better tires. I just feel more secure on a road trip with runflats.
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Old Jan 27, 2010 | 10:15 AM
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I've run both runflats and non-runflats on my C5s. Yes, overall the non-runflats will usually give you better performance, but not all runflats are that bad. Michelin makes a very good runflat as does Firestone. I ran the Firestone Firehawks on my last C5 and I was very pleased with the handling, ride, lack of noise and tire wear.
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Old Jan 27, 2010 | 10:50 AM
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No to runflats. Way to noisy on the road !
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Old Jan 27, 2010 | 11:45 AM
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Originally Posted by RSchleder
I changed to non runflats and have never looked back. I bought a small pump/puncture solution from Tire rack and keep it in the trunk. I know, I know--the puncture solution will probably ruin the TPS. That's ok, I'll spend the $100 or so to replace it if it's ruined, I just want to be able to go down the road if I get a flat. The non-runflats ride better, make much less noise and all around are great tires compared to the run-flats. There are several great non-runflats to pick from, just cruise this forum. Good luck, Ron


exactly; Don't like the noise of runflats and DO need the traction of Non runflats
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Old Jan 27, 2010 | 11:57 AM
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Go with the non run flats. I made the switch to Goodyear s GS-D3's a year ago. Made a huge difference. You wont be sorry.
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Old Jan 27, 2010 | 12:28 PM
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Originally Posted by jrose7004
I've had it both ways and non runflats seem to be better tires. I just feel more secure on a road trip with runflats.
the problem isn't with the run-flats overall design; on the C5 the culprit is the specific Goodyear tire GM put on all of them; which had a 200 mile zero-air-pressure rating.

For the C6, GM went with a EMT that only offered a 100 mile rating; and that greatly improved the performance of the tire.

To this day, I believe Goodyear is still the only one that makes a 200 mile rated EMT tire for the C5 Corvette.

When I switched from the factory Goodyears to Firestone Wide-Oval runflats... it made a world of improvement.
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Old Jan 27, 2010 | 12:57 PM
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After agonizing for months I bought Firestone rft also, couldnt be happier. Way smoother ride and quieter.
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Old Jan 27, 2010 | 01:01 PM
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I wonder how many tires Chevy engineers tested in C5 development and what was their true thoughts when they settled on the F1 EMT?

Surely it was tested on the track during the development trials. It had to meet some level of standard considering at the time this was one of the most hi-performace factory vehicles under 100K.

I've been considering moving back to F1 EMTs when I go through this set of Michelin's A/S ZPs. Either that or giving the PS2 ZP a shot.

My suspicion is that a brand new set of F1 EMTs are just as quiet as the next set of brand new tires. Even the A/S ZPs get noisy as they get into their mid life range. Performance on all of them starts dropping off as you move through their half life as well.
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Old Jan 27, 2010 | 02:21 PM
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I keep seeing everybody trashing the Goodyear OEM runflats. I drive a convertible, only with the top down, so maybe that is why I don't hear any noise from the tires and I don't autocross or drive in the rain (intentionally) so I only can evaluate, summer dry driving. I don't hear any road noise and the tires handle fine, plus I don't have to worry if I get a flat.
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Old Jan 27, 2010 | 02:42 PM
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same here, no problembo!
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Old Jan 27, 2010 | 03:08 PM
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The difference between Goodyear runflats and Micheline ZP's is noteworthy!! The ZR1 is using Micheline as well now!!
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Old Jan 27, 2010 | 03:25 PM
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Look at the ratings on the EMT tire VS the non EMT Goodyear:



RUNFLATS

NON RUNFLATS
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To Run Flats or Not?

Old Jan 27, 2010 | 03:47 PM
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I just put on Kuhmo run flats and don't have a problem with noise. The ride seems fine, too. Got to have 'em for long trips.
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Old Jan 27, 2010 | 06:20 PM
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Originally Posted by TraceZ
Look at the ratings on the EMT tire VS the non EMT Goodyear:
That's not really a fair comparison as they are totally different model tires. If it were a comparison between the GS-D3 and the GS-D3-EMT, that would an apples to apples comparison. However, they don't make GS-D3-EMT in C5 sizes.

The next closest would be Eagle F1 All Season
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Old Jan 27, 2010 | 07:18 PM
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No runflats here as well and don't think I'll ever go back to them.

I was running Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS in stocks sizes and loved them.
I then upgraded to a set of CCW's and Pirelli P-zero Rosso's(which I think my tax refund will be replacing. Good tires just not for me).

Last edited by Lancejoker; Jan 27, 2010 at 07:22 PM.
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