[Z06] Trouble finding tires for C5z
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
Trouble finding tires for C5z
I'm new to the forum and just picked up a mint 2003 Z. Mint except for the 11 year old F1s which have me sideways through 1st and 2nd.
I've been reading though every tire thread I can find here and I finally settled on Nitto NT05s, 275/40/17 front and 295/35/18 rear. I had a local shop order me a set of rears, but now it seems its impossible to get a set of fronts. I don't want to mix tires unless someone can recommend a pair of fronts to suit the NT05s in the back.
Its not too late to cancel my order, so my question to all of you is, where can I find front tires and/or what are some other tires you'd recommend?
I looked at the PSS but they're wicked expensive so they'll be a last resort. 555r's, NT01s, R888s, etc only work well when they're warmed up and I doubt I'll get them hot enough to use. I could be wrong about their cold performance though, so please correct me if I'm wrong.
I only do street driving, not daily, so I'm not concerned with tread life or grip in the rain. I'm in a real jam, as winter is coming and I want to enjoy this car before I have to garage it for 4-6 months, so anything helps!
I've been reading though every tire thread I can find here and I finally settled on Nitto NT05s, 275/40/17 front and 295/35/18 rear. I had a local shop order me a set of rears, but now it seems its impossible to get a set of fronts. I don't want to mix tires unless someone can recommend a pair of fronts to suit the NT05s in the back.
Its not too late to cancel my order, so my question to all of you is, where can I find front tires and/or what are some other tires you'd recommend?
I looked at the PSS but they're wicked expensive so they'll be a last resort. 555r's, NT01s, R888s, etc only work well when they're warmed up and I doubt I'll get them hot enough to use. I could be wrong about their cold performance though, so please correct me if I'm wrong.
I only do street driving, not daily, so I'm not concerned with tread life or grip in the rain. I'm in a real jam, as winter is coming and I want to enjoy this car before I have to garage it for 4-6 months, so anything helps!
Last edited by Corvette-Cat; Sep 13, 2014 at 01:22 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 246
Likes: 5
I am literally in the same situation. Just bought a 03 z06 with stock goodyears and it spins without hesitation. You can try ordering the BFG Rivals in 315/30r18 and 275/40r17 which are supposed to last longer and perform a bit better than the nt05 from what I have heard. If you can sacrifice some performance, there's always the Bridgestone re760s and conti dw's. Another choice is the Vredestein ultrac sessanta which have some good reviews on the forum and will last longer than a nt05.
What I'm personally doing is trying to find a good set of used tires because I am pretty stuck with the nt05s because I plan on autocrossing the car and don't want to spend the extra money for the rivals.
Good luck with the search!
What I'm personally doing is trying to find a good set of used tires because I am pretty stuck with the nt05s because I plan on autocrossing the car and don't want to spend the extra money for the rivals.
Good luck with the search!
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,943
Likes: 4
From: Lawrenceburg KY
There is no PSS option for C5Z wheels unless you stretch a 245/40/17 on to the front wheels.
255/40/17 and 285/35/18 opens up a few options and is what I would do with stock wheels: Hankook RS3 is the best, Sumitomo HTR ZIII is the cheapest, Michelin AS3 lasts the longest.
255/40/17 and 285/35/18 opens up a few options and is what I would do with stock wheels: Hankook RS3 is the best, Sumitomo HTR ZIII is the cheapest, Michelin AS3 lasts the longest.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,279
Likes: 18
From: Oklahoma
I am literally in the same situation. Just bought a 03 z06 with stock goodyears and it spins without hesitation. You can try ordering the BFG Rivals in 315/30r18 and 275/40r17 which are supposed to last longer and perform a bit better than the nt05 from what I have heard. If you can sacrifice some performance, there's always the Bridgestone re760s and conti dw's. Another choice is the Vredestein ultrac sessanta which have some good reviews on the forum and will last longer than a nt05.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 767
Likes: 0
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-handling.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-and-rear.html
You also have to ask yourself - if pickings are slim in the 17-inch size this year (2014), what will it be like in a year or two from now? For what it's worth, I'm about to make the switch to 18's in the front myself.
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Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,028
Likes: 170
From: oregon
check more vendors for the 275 nt05
summit racing
discount tire
ebay
if they are out nation wide get on back order with discount tire, they will fill your order when they come in
if you really wanted to and were chomping at the bit the falken rt 615 is similar to the nt05 and available in 275 40 17
summit racing
discount tire
ebay
if they are out nation wide get on back order with discount tire, they will fill your order when they come in
if you really wanted to and were chomping at the bit the falken rt 615 is similar to the nt05 and available in 275 40 17
