03 tires
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 721
Likes: 0
From: Lexington Kentucky
03 tires
Got a question. Bought my 03 last year with 8700 miles on it and now have 12300 on it. It has ariginal run flats on it. The tires still look good no noticable wear to speak of. But them being 9 years old should I replace them ? I dont do track, just putt around town.
Pro
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 656
Likes: 38
From: Midwest
St. Jude Donor '08
A friend of mine with an 02 Z, 17,000 miles on original Goodyear F1 Supercars, recently had the sidwall on one tire fail. No damage to the car. I just replaced mine on my 02 Z with 10,000 miles. I would suggest replacing yours.
Silverbird
Silverbird
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,403
Likes: 31
From: Allentown PA & Elk Twp NJ HPDE Addict
I have a set of 10 year old rubber I put on the car for local driving. When at the track it's of course a different story. The grip will suck but if all you're doing is putting around I see no issues. Just do a visual inspection from time to time.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 151
Likes: 10
From: Perrysburg, Ohio
I'm in the same situation as you. Bought the car with 7800 miles in fall of "09". Now have 13k and am driving it more because it's the best damn car I've ever had. My tires look great, they are very loud and I will replace them with Michelin ZP next year.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,151
Likes: 190
From: SoCal
Got my '04 at 6500 miles and OEM tires in Sept 2010. I pushed those tires to about 30000 (early this year). The fronts were nearly down to the wear limit, but the run-flat aspect still worked wonders as I ended up with a 2" long 1/4" bolt through the rear tread. I drove it (slowly) to the tire shop.
Another point though, those things are loud when they are new. Having old ones makes it way worse. I put some Hankooks on, they are way quieter and have great traction all-around.
Another point though, those things are loud when they are new. Having old ones makes it way worse. I put some Hankooks on, they are way quieter and have great traction all-around.
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: stratford ontario
age and dryness of the tire are related. It's your life, is it worth not spending a few bucks instead of worrying about this and wondering. Six years and gone is probably a good estimate for tires.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,016
Likes: 364
From: Dardenne Prairie Missouri
I'd replace them. Those original Goodyears get rough as they get older. As much as I hate to admit this, get the Michelins. I put the Michelin's that go on the ZR1 onto my '03 and I was amazed how much better the car drove and rode.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,484
Likes: 27
From: Torrance Calif
You should not use tires that are over 6 years old.
http://www.safetyresearch.net/safety-issues/tires/
I had to replace the tires on my 03 Z and they had less then 8ki miles on them, but they were 9 years old.
Went with PS2's, GREAT GRAB.
http://www.safetyresearch.net/safety-issues/tires/
I had to replace the tires on my 03 Z and they had less then 8ki miles on them, but they were 9 years old.
Went with PS2's, GREAT GRAB.
Last edited by heavymetals; Apr 25, 2012 at 04:39 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 176
Likes: 2
From: Gilberts Illinois
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 721
Likes: 0
From: Lexington Kentucky
Thanks guys. I do beleave my life is worth more then $2000 dollars,lol. I noticed some of you recommended Michelin but nobody said replace the GY runflats with GY runflats. I agree they are LOUD but 200 mile of running on a flat is worth something I would think. Are the Michelins you speak of runflats ? And again thank ya ll as im now in the market for tires,lol.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,915
Likes: 10
From: Jesuit Bend Louisiana
Thanks guys. I do beleave my life is worth more then $2000 dollars,lol. I noticed some of you recommended Michelin but nobody said replace the GY runflats with GY runflats. I agree they are LOUD but 200 mile of running on a flat is worth something I would think. Are the Michelins you speak of runflats ? And again thank ya ll as im now in the market for tires,lol.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 10,295
Likes: 4
From: Downers Grove IL
St. Jude Donor '15
At 9 years old those tires must be hard as rocks. If you go the runflat route, there are some good ones out there. I went with non-runflats and it was about a 1000 times better.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 718
Likes: 69
From: North Reading MA
Same situation here as most of you. 03 with 22K and the original RF were cracked and dry. Just put 500 miles on the Hankooks and can't believe I am driving the same vehicle...I just got it so I can't compare to how the RF's ran when new, but now it handles 300% better (and quieter).
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 4,831
Likes: 21
From: The Voice of Reason!
St. Jude Donor '14
Same deal here, 03 Vette 14k miles, original tires. They look great, even the "*******" on the tires are still rubbery and hard to break off. I've been arguing with myself whether to buy new ones or wait one more year. I do believe an old run flat is somewhat safer than an old non run flat. But, I've decided the price of a set of tires is worth the peace of mind.
Last edited by Suthunman; Apr 25, 2012 at 11:07 PM.