[Z06] Autocross Tires
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
Autocross Tires
I just bought a C5 Z06 and plan to autocross in E stock in WSCC events. The class requires a 140 UTQG rating or higher and I am running the factory 17 X 9.5 fronts and the 18 X 10.5 rear rims. Factory front tires are 265/40/ZR17 and rears are 295/35/ZR18.
Anyone with autocross experience have any suggestions for a maximum grip tire that is streetable?
Anyone with autocross experience have any suggestions for a maximum grip tire that is streetable?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,396
Likes: 52
From: Sicamous BC
I've been out of the game for awhile. This tire was very good @ that time, with a 180 rating.
http://www.yokohamatire.com/tires/de...van_neova_ad08
http://www.yokohamatire.com/tires/de...van_neova_ad08
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
True, but most discussions are for SCCA or non stock classes, older dated tires, or for C6 cars. I'm trying to start in a stock class and learn the car and driving techniques before branching into a modified class. Any other thoughts of good tires for autocrossing a C5 Z O6 in a stock class using the stock rims.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,355
Likes: 113
From: Los Angeles
If you can't find it with a search, start a new thread there. You'll get more experienced information over there.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,003
Likes: 89
From: Indy IN
True, but most discussions are for SCCA or non stock classes, older dated tires, or for C6 cars. I'm trying to start in a stock class and learn the car and driving techniques before branching into a modified class. Any other thoughts of good tires for autocrossing a C5 Z O6 in a stock class using the stock rims.
It's unfortunate, but the C5Z is a bit of an orphan when it comes to tire availability. The fronts can use a 275/40/17, and there are a good number of stick tires in that size, but the backs are the problem.
Good luck, but right now, so far as I know the only thing you can do is go with Purple crack, or go with the Goodyear R's, which are a little bit slower (although a C4 won nationals on them this year in B/S) than the Hoosiers, but are supposed to last a lot longer.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,000
Likes: 2
It's BS the Star Specs aren't available in our sizes. You're best bet out of either the NT05's or XS's for a single driver car IMHO would be the NT05's. The XS's need heat just like the R-S3's in order to stick good.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
5 Best & 5 Worst Corvette Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
The Headlights of Every Corvette Generation Explained
Joe Kucinski
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
Looks like the NITTO NTO5'scome in C5Z sizes 275-40ZR17's fronts and 295-35ZR18's rears. Does anyone have any other thoughts.Looks like other brands mentioned do not have compatiable sizes. Who has best prices on Nitto's?
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
I'm in the same boat. Been doing my research and IMO the NT-05 is the best bet for combo daily driver tire + autox/track day tire. I also want something that isn't scary in the rain like a 615 or XS. Not to mention bang for buck factor.
BTW- DO NOT buy the Conti DW if you want to max performance. I have these on my Subaru and while not a "bad" tire , it is not by any means a HP tire. I came from a set of Bridgstone RE01R to the Conti's. The Conti DW has very soft sidewalls and will flex on every turn. For a daily driver tire its great and excellent in the rain . For a perfomance tire you will be dissapointed.
BTW- DO NOT buy the Conti DW if you want to max performance. I have these on my Subaru and while not a "bad" tire , it is not by any means a HP tire. I came from a set of Bridgstone RE01R to the Conti's. The Conti DW has very soft sidewalls and will flex on every turn. For a daily driver tire its great and excellent in the rain . For a perfomance tire you will be dissapointed.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
I agree...it seems that an additional advantage of the NITTO's is that these tires appear to be symetrical and can be swapped side to side (reverse on the rim first as the tires are directional) to minimise shoulder wear and extend tire life.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 446
Likes: 10
From: Bonita Springs Fl.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Haslet TX
I would recommend trying the Hankook Ventus RS-3. Don't be scared off by the fact that the closest size to fit your car is a 255/40-17 and a 285/35-18.
I have been running these on my car with stock wheels, which I drive on the street on occasion to get gas and then autocross it. The other C5s have a hard time keeping up with me. I have started looking to times posted by C6Zs and ZR1s for a bit more competition.
My car is a stock '01. The only thing I've done to it is an aggressive alignment, replace the brake pads and keep the air pressure at 35lbs all around.
The Hankooks don't get greasy when they are hot and when they start to loose traction, they let go gently.
That's my $.02 worth--use it as you wish and good luck!
I have been running these on my car with stock wheels, which I drive on the street on occasion to get gas and then autocross it. The other C5s have a hard time keeping up with me. I have started looking to times posted by C6Zs and ZR1s for a bit more competition.
My car is a stock '01. The only thing I've done to it is an aggressive alignment, replace the brake pads and keep the air pressure at 35lbs all around.
The Hankooks don't get greasy when they are hot and when they start to loose traction, they let go gently.
That's my $.02 worth--use it as you wish and good luck!
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,908
Likes: 10
From: Charleston SC
How are you running E-stock??
Shouldn't your car be SS?
I've got a C5Z with few minor boltons and street tires that puts me in SSP (Super Street Prepared).
I've heard the NT05s are ok, the NT01s better of the nitto brand.
Shouldn't your car be SS?
I've got a C5Z with few minor boltons and street tires that puts me in SSP (Super Street Prepared).
I've heard the NT05s are ok, the NT01s better of the nitto brand.