Z06
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Z06
I just purchased a used 2003 Z06, new to Corvette but have several cars I have built / maintain. I have a question.
I noticed that other vettes I looked at (Not z cars) had run flat tires but I know mine doesn't and is not suppose to. My question other than performance, why does the z not have run flat tires? I like the car for it's looks etc and not it's power or speed nor do I intend to run it hard or on a track. I just like it. I have another set of wheels and wondered if I could buy a set of run flats and keep my others for resale or performance?
thanks
Steve
I noticed that other vettes I looked at (Not z cars) had run flat tires but I know mine doesn't and is not suppose to. My question other than performance, why does the z not have run flat tires? I like the car for it's looks etc and not it's power or speed nor do I intend to run it hard or on a track. I just like it. I have another set of wheels and wondered if I could buy a set of run flats and keep my others for resale or performance?
thanks
Steve
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,027
Likes: 170
From: oregon
weight and performance. the OE z06 tires were very light for their sizes. runflats are typically quite a bit heavier and in the worst possible place..the tire
the z06 came with an inflation kit made to service small puncture wounds
the z06 came with an inflation kit made to service small puncture wounds
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 8
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OK, but---
But except for the weight, which doesn't have a factor for how I am going to drive it and operate it, is there any reason I can't? I don't like the idea of going anywhere with the possibility that I can be stuck on the side of the road, waiting on a roll back or worse to come get me.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 5,027
Likes: 834
From: Rotonda West, FL 2015 Z51 M7 3LT
Oldtimer
I don't see why you couldn't run them if you chose to. I'd rather wait for roadside assistance. The other option is carry fix-a-flat and a small 12V compressor, and/or a tire patch kit.
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Mar 2013
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It doesn't have the original tires on it now. They are Michelin tires, much quieter than other vettes I test drove. I love the car, just don't like not having a spare especially if I am on the highway or away from home.
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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The non-runflat tires performed better in terms of handling than the runflats and the weight savings were an added benefit.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Rotonda West, FL 2015 Z51 M7 3LT
Oldtimer
Yeah, but I *think* he wants to know if there is a reason that he can't run the runflats. I know of none other than the handling and ride, but whatever floats your boat.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 265
Likes: 5
Runflats are said to require TPMS--else you might be driving on "flats" for a long time without knowing it--which the Z06 also doesn't have. I've heard rumors that Z's might have TPMS support in the computer, though, if the wheels were equipped with sensors. Can anyone else confirm this?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 5,027
Likes: 834
From: Rotonda West, FL 2015 Z51 M7 3LT
Oldtimer
Runflats are said to require TPMS--else you might be driving on "flats" for a long time without knowing it--which the Z06 also doesn't have. I've heard rumors that Z's might have TPMS support in the computer, though, if the wheels were equipped with sensors. Can anyone else confirm this?
http://www.z06vette.com/forums/f5/tp...estion-123815/
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2,258
Likes: 543
From: Appleton WI
Put sensors in your wheels and activate the TPMS in the computer. Best investment you'll make.
Since dealerships don't know how to activate the feature in the computer, save yourself some time and print the information in the link below. Save yourself some money by taking print out to a competant mechanic and not a dealership.
While you're at it, add automatic headlights. It is described in the link below as well. You'll spend around $250 total.
Here is a link to the procedure.
http://api.viglink.com/api/click?for...13418432474531
Since dealerships don't know how to activate the feature in the computer, save yourself some time and print the information in the link below. Save yourself some money by taking print out to a competant mechanic and not a dealership.
While you're at it, add automatic headlights. It is described in the link below as well. You'll spend around $250 total.
Here is a link to the procedure.
http://api.viglink.com/api/click?for...13418432474531
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2,258
Likes: 543
From: Appleton WI
Not sure why the link isn't working. I went to my old post under Retrofitting TPMS on a Z06 in the Z06 section of this forum and the link worked. Go to advanced search. Enter TPMS as the search word, enter 3sACROWD under username, select Z06 in the C5 forums.
I tried the cut and paste of the link again and it didn't work. Maybe it is my computer.
I tried the cut and paste of the link again and it didn't work. Maybe it is my computer.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,855
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From: Sammamish WA
WA Events Coordinator
Its not just handling and weight, Run Flats ride HARSH. You will notice the difference. I've done 12K since getting my Z in August of 2011...most of it on SoCal Freeways, never a flat. Keep your eyes open for debris and you'll be fine. And get a AAA card.
In the C5 Z06 Forum there is a C5 Z06 Faq at the top of the page, lots of TPMS info in there...
In the C5 Z06 Forum there is a C5 Z06 Faq at the top of the page, lots of TPMS info in there...
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 64
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From: GTA Ontario
Owning a 2003 Z06 this allows me to use the regular non run flat tires but the tpms system will let me know if they are losing air and prevent me getting a flat and ruining my rim, great idea, thanks for the info. At least there is a warning that we can stop and address the issue if a problem is happening, and the weight of the sensors is not that much. Many thanks.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Somewhere in Mo
St. Jude Donor '09-'10, '14
But except for the weight, which doesn't have a factor for how I am going to drive it and operate it, is there any reason I can't? I don't like the idea of going anywhere with the possibility that I can be stuck on the side of the road, waiting on a roll back or worse to come get me.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,488
Likes: 1,743
From: Knoxville Tn
If you can find run flats to fit on a Z06 rim there is no reason why they won't work. You can also get someone to retune the TPMS system back into the Z06. FWIW, flat tires are rare with today's technology, however, a plug kit and inflator works well for both run flats and regular tires....Most of us have cell phones and something like AAA too.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,364
Likes: 4
From: Bedford MA
Plus in my opinion the runflats had a lot rougher ride. The sidewalls are much stiffer and there is greater road noise compared to traditional tires.