Michelin makes about the best runflat, but non-runflats would ride and handle much better.
New Tire Question's
Race Director
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 15,767
Likes: 3,283
From: Phoenix area, AZ
Discount Tire rebuilt my TPMS sensors with new battery's in my 99 FRC when I had my Nitto 555's installed. The Nitto's replaced Kumho run-flats that rode like crap, were loud as hell, and handled like crap as well. If you drive 2,000 miles a year than I'd just get some nice performance tires.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,395
Likes: 24,797
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Ok everyone, I know this is a well worn topic, but what is the best and most popular run- flat or non - run flat tires for a 2001 coupe? Can't decide to go with run flats or not. Do not race car and put around 2,000 miles per year but this year may send car to Florida and drive back in spring (1,300 miles). Most concerned about wet weather traction.
Thanks for your help.
Thanks for your help.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,774
Likes: 363
From: Midland TX
I am on my 2nd set of Michelin A/S ZP Plus Run Flats and plan to buy them as my next set as well.
On a 2002, you will want a new set of sensors (less than $200).
Number of miles per year does not affect the decision on RF vs non-RF. The question is what do those miles consist of? If high-performance or lowest noise level possible is paramount and you don't mind groveling around in the dirt to find a puncture or calling AAA, then the non-RF is a no brainer.
In my case, my C5 is a DD and the additional peace of mind that a RF offers far outweighs the tradeoff in my case. I have places that I have to be on-time and don't have the desire to stop and wrestle with a flat tire with no warning. I have had at least 7 flats over the years with my C5, but I never had to stop once at the time the flat occurred. I was always able to schedule the fix a day or two later at "my" convenience. I don't generally push my car to the limits, so I am in agreement with GMs decision to spend the extra money on an RF for a street C5.
If you don't mind the possible inconvenience or don't think you will ever have a flat, then non-RF is the ticket.
On a 2002, you will want a new set of sensors (less than $200).
Number of miles per year does not affect the decision on RF vs non-RF. The question is what do those miles consist of? If high-performance or lowest noise level possible is paramount and you don't mind groveling around in the dirt to find a puncture or calling AAA, then the non-RF is a no brainer.
In my case, my C5 is a DD and the additional peace of mind that a RF offers far outweighs the tradeoff in my case. I have places that I have to be on-time and don't have the desire to stop and wrestle with a flat tire with no warning. I have had at least 7 flats over the years with my C5, but I never had to stop once at the time the flat occurred. I was always able to schedule the fix a day or two later at "my" convenience. I don't generally push my car to the limits, so I am in agreement with GMs decision to spend the extra money on an RF for a street C5.
If you don't mind the possible inconvenience or don't think you will ever have a flat, then non-RF is the ticket.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 59
Likes: 1
From: Georgia
Ok everyone, I know this is a well worn topic, but what is the best and most popular run- flat or non - run flat tires for a 2001 coupe? Can't decide to go with run flats or not. Do not race car and put around 2,000 miles per year but this year may send car to Florida and drive back in spring (1,300 miles). Most concerned about wet weather traction.
Thanks for your help.
Thanks for your help.
Wayne
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Just came back from COSTCO. They priced a set of Michelin Super Sports (Non RF) mounted, Nitrogen filled, Road Hazard, etc. for $1,033 incl taxes. A set of Bridgestone Potenza RE 960 RF were $1,200 total. Replacement sensors were $45/ea installed and reset. Any opinions? My car is not a daily driver and is stored in the winter.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 10,742
Likes: 211
From: Marana, Arizona
Just came back from COSTCO. They priced a set of Michelin Super Sports (Non RF) mounted, Nitrogen filled, Road Hazard, etc. for $1,033 incl taxes. A set of Bridgestone Potenza RE 960 RF were $1,200 total. Replacement sensors were $45/ea installed and reset. Any opinions? My car is not a daily driver and is stored in the winter.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
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
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 24,500
Likes: 312
From: Scottsdale AZ
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,509
Likes: 10
From: Bay Point California
I run Kumho Ecsta's on our car. No problems at all. We don't track the car or do full blown burn outs but we don't baby the car either. Tires have never been an issue so far. They have about 20,000 miles on them. Road noise is not a problem. Check 'em out.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 142
From: Lynn MA
Just came back from COSTCO. They priced a set of Michelin Super Sports (Non RF) mounted, Nitrogen filled, Road Hazard, etc. for $1,033 incl taxes. A set of Bridgestone Potenza RE 960 RF were $1,200 total. Replacement sensors were $45/ea installed and reset. Any opinions? My car is not a daily driver and is stored in the winter.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 4,303
Likes: 347
From: yardley, pa 19067
I had Goodyear Eagle GS D3's on my 99.. It's a non run flat but a great tire. Don't know if they still make them but the ride was 100% better & quieter. Drove it in pouring rain, no issues. Drove it all winter when there was no snow/salt on the ground. Amazing tire!! You can just transfer your old sensors over with no issue. My 99 sensors were original & still worked fine when I sold the car..
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,510
Likes: 3
From: Life moves pretty fast... if you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it!
CI 6-8-9 Veteran
I went with Hankook Ventus V12s and have been very happy. Went non-runflat and the ride improvement is amazing. Just got a cheapo version of the Z06 tire repair kit and taking my chances. As far as the TPMS, my car is a 98 on it's 3rd set of tires and over 100K on the odometer and my TPMS work fine. I wouldn't jack with them if they are still working. Just my opinion. 
Zuti
Zuti
Racer
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 325
Likes: 0
As you probably know, your tire pressure when filled with normal air can vary several psi between when it is hot and cold. Nitrogen does not heat/cool as much as regular air does, so your tire pressure remains more stable.
Regular air also has water vapor, which causes temperature swings inside the tire as it heats/cools and can also degrade the rim/inside rubber of the tire.
Regular air also has water vapor, which causes temperature swings inside the tire as it heats/cools and can also degrade the rim/inside rubber of the tire.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,510
Likes: 3
From: Life moves pretty fast... if you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it!
CI 6-8-9 Veteran
As you probably know, your tire pressure when filled with normal air can vary several psi between when it is hot and cold. Nitrogen does not heat/cool as much as regular air does, so your tire pressure remains more stable.
Regular air also has water vapor, which causes temperature swings inside the tire as it heats/cools and can also degrade the rim/inside rubber of the tire.
Regular air also has water vapor, which causes temperature swings inside the tire as it heats/cools and can also degrade the rim/inside rubber of the tire.
Zuti
Racer
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 325
Likes: 0
What you're saying is essentially true, but the normal air we breath is 80% nitrogen and the amount of water vapor in the tires with standard air is insignificant. The whole $5.00/tire to install nitrogen is just a money making scam in my opinion. But again, just my opinion. Zuti
Zuti