meadowz06

I have seen a lot of threads on this section lately about how the C5 is not a performance car anymore compared to today's cars. Having owned 21 Corvette's, most were\are C5's, I call tell you that the tires play a MAJOR factor in the performance of the C5. Think about it this way. Put a stock Goodyear C5 tire on a C7 or C7 Z06 and see what happens to the performance of the car. It would suck. I currently have Michelin Pilot Sport tires on my current C5 vert, and it makes a world of difference. The stock C5 Goodyear tires are simply old technology. Just a little something to think about.

msandym

And the 20 year old technology has held up very well . My Goodyear’s were fun because the car slid around , but it was controllable. And as they got older , they would smoke like a drag car ! Then I replaced them , much better . I just think the technology was outstanding ! And now, with all the performance stuff available, you can make it as fast as you want , and for affordable money . I love the look and it’s fast enough for me !

Gordy M

If you think tires do not make a difference, put some Bridgestone RE71R or the BFG Rival S tires on your C5 and see what real handling you can get from a 200 tread wear tire.

Velocity_Vette

Some considerations:

1) Sans the Z06, C5s came with run-flats and a good deal of owners out of some sort of fear of being stranded for some reason do not switch to conventional tires. There are hardly any to no run flats that will have the same level of competency that a good performance tire has, and honestly most struggle even against entry level conventional tires currently made. It's mind boggling to me as we live in 2018 and getting "stranded" is next to impossible unless you're somewhere like Death Valley or arctic northern Canada. Ditch the run flats, buy a small 12v compressor, keep your AAA up to date, don't worry, and enjoy modern tire performance.

2) There are people still on their ORIGINAL run flats which is REALLY mind boggling. Like my head EXPLODES when I see these posts. They're worth nothing and they'll never be worth anything other than fuel for a fire. 15-20 years from now a buyer of a C5 isn't going to care if the car still has the original Good Year Eagle F1s. They're going to want to make sure you actually did due diligence and replaced your tires properly every five to six years like you should. Most at this point and by that time will have been or will be swapping away from the 17"/18" combo anyway and are going to want a competent tire to go along with.

knewblewkorvette

Love the Pilot Sport tires on my 02, loved them on my 98, and love them on my Eagle Talon TsiAWD. I've owned allot of tires over the years and these have the best grip.

dbgoodwin

I've been strongly considering the new continental sport tires. For the price and the treadwear warranty they seem pretty great. Love my DW's, these are supposed to be even better.

leadfoot4

Understand your point, but there's one thing you're overlooking.....get a flat 50 miles from "Resume Speed Iowa", and yeah, the AAA might come and pick you up, but where are you going to get a replacement tire? C-5 Corvette sized tires aren't exactly stocked at every tire shop/gas station in the country.

At least a "run flat" can give you some options....

Vetteman Jack

I ditched the OEM Goodyears for a set of Hankook Ventus V12 tires. Amazing how much better the car road, how much less road noise and the improved handling the car has. Technology marches on, but the C5 is still a very competent car.

ALLEGRO

I am fortunate enough to not drive my AE as a DD.

I run "summer" tires and man is there a difference......or at least in warm temps.

Now that said, much below 50 degrees and you would swear you are running on ice.

ChrisLSx

... 295/35/18 Michelin Pilot Super Sports on all 4 corners of my '04

ZO6 cracker

Michelins Super Sports on my 04 Z06. There like magnets on the road.

Tuco

fBAMA SUX


Congrats ****, long time no see Steve.

runner140*

ALSO, many of us are driving around with very old shocks and associated parts. (folks, you need to upgrade)

ChrisLSx

Pounder

drive mine everywhere, never had a flat and would NEVER sacrifice everyday ride for something that MIGHT happen ??????

ChrisLSx

... I see this as another advantage of having a square setup (same tire on all 4 corners). Worst case I "could" rotate two fat tires to the rear and then put a temp tire on the front until I got somewhere that could get me the correct tire.

killian96ss

Go for it, you won't be disappointed. I'm running the new Sports in 275/40 front and 295/35 rear on stock Z rims. I have over 5k miles on em now and they're great tires! I've had the older DW's which were pretty good, but the new Sports are noticeably better and honestly just as good as the Michelin SS for alot less money.

Steve

corgasm

Just saw a brief write-up in recent Hot Rod mag for new General G-Max RS summer UHP. Will be available in 50 sizes with UTQG of 360 AA A. No prices mentioned; available February. Chosen as OE tire for 30th Anniv. Ed. Saleen Mustang. Just passing the info. along.

Mike98SilVert

I have the BF Goodrich g-Force Sport Comp-2 high performance summer tires along with C6 metal endlinks and C5 Z06 sway bars and the cars handling, ride and performance are much improved over the G/Y EMT's and the plastic endlinks and FE1 sways that come with the F45 adjustable suspension.

leadfoot4

Consider yourself lucky!!