Hey Guys,
I have a 2004 vert with an A&A supercharger kit making 500BHP. Once I get headers in the fall, I should be around 540HP to the wheels. Right now the car has the Uniroyal tiger paw all weather tires that were on the car when I bought it. These tires SUCK for my needs. It probably doesn't help that they are 6 years old (although the tread is still fine). I know for sure that I want to switch to a summer tire. However, I'm looking for advice on which tire to get. I have the stock wheels (and don't want to change wheels). I don't track the car, and I'm not really into racing it. However, I do enjoy "spirited" driving from time to time. I use the car as a canyon carver, so handling is important. However, I do like to launch from time to time, and my current tires don't hook worth a darn. I've actually managed to spin the tires in third before. So, I'm looking for a tire that will offer optimum hook up and cornering on the street. I avoid driving it in bad weather. Although I would want the tire to be able to drive safely if I got caught in an unexpected storm. I would also like the tread to last at least 25-30K miles. In addition, I would also like to stay at or below $500.00 per tire. My final concern is that some of the tires I've looked at say that they have to be stored indoors in a temperature controlled environment anytime the temperatures drop below freezing. That would be an issue for me as I do not have a temperature controlled garage, and it certainly gets well below freezing here in Virginia. Thanks for any advice that you guys can offer.

 

Do you drive this car year round ? If so then a summer only tire is out of the question. Something like a Continental DWS would be good although I'm not sure of your tire sizes. Tire rack will show you all the best high performance all-season tires available to you.

 

With a SC'd motor, any A/S tire will spin in lower gears, as well as many "summer only" tires. Get used to having two sets of wheels/tires unless you're prepared for diminished wet weather performance. I think the best compromise tire would be Michelin SS, but they are expensive.

 

As I said, I DON'T want an all season tire. I am looking for a summer tire. The Corvette is not my only car. As mentioned above I am looking for the best handling and hook up that I can get on the street (in warm dry weather). I'm looking to stay at $500.00 or less per tire, and I want the tread to last at least 25K. I'm not looking for a compromise tire. I'm looking for a performance tire that best meets the needs that I have described. Also as mentioned above, I have the stock tire size.

 

I love my michelin tires. I don't believe in being cheap when it comes to tires.
Lot if cheap Vette drivers that won't use run flats do to price.
Me, cheap insurance incase of a flat and very happy with the traction. Just my opinion though.

 

You're asking for a tire that doesn't exist. A summer tire, that can be stored in freezing temps, hooks with 500 HP, handles great in the canyons, and lasts 25k miles. You have to compromise somewhere, man.

A max performance summer tire will probably be your best compromise, like a Michelin PS4S.

 

The Michelins Dbl_D718 mentioned as well as the Continental DWS ZigZag suggested are both good, although I would probably lean toward the Michelins.
A couple of other considerations would be the Hankook Ventus V12 evo2 which many members run; or the Continental ExtremeContact Sport.
Good luck with your tire selection. You have a lot of variables to hit. Hopefully others will have even better suggestions.

 

I agree, you're gonna have to give up something... on a supercharged car that wants traction you probably need a drag radial but those aren't centered around handling corners or longevity

 

 

Then depending on your size availability , Firestone Firehawk Indy 500, Continental Extreme Contact Sport, Michelin Pilot Super Sport. Any of those three should work reasonably well. But with all your power nothing is a lock.

I run the Conti's on my Vette vert but just 370 h.p. and the Pilot super sport on my 05 GTO with just over 700 h.p.

 

Hey Guys, thanks for the suggestions. I went ahead and ordered a set of Michelin Pilot Super Sports. On tire rack I got 4 tires with a 2 year road hazard protection plan and a 6 year 30K mile warranty, shipped to my door in 2 days for $865.70. I considered cup 2, but they weren't available to fit my wheels. I'll let you know what I think of them soon. Once again, thanks for all the help!

 

TOYO

Proxes

 

Very good choice, arguably the best tire out there.

 

I got the Michelin Pilot super sports mounted and balanced today. HUGE DIFFERENCE!! I can still spin the tires some in second, but they hold my power WAY better. They handle GREAT in the corners as well. Thanks for the great advice everyone.

 

Just remember with the hp your pushing you can overpower those tires in almost any gear. Be careful until you know the limitations of your setup. Happy vetting.

 

Buy another set of wheels for another set of tires, PSS can't hook for **** especially a high rpm punch in an A&A car. They're good tires for sure for canyon carving, but I would have suggested the Cup 2's if you wanted a no compromise tire.

 

 

Correct, any cars located in regions where the temp drops below 0 celcius and/or gets snow would have to put on winter tires if the car was driven year round.

 

not that it matters now, but at those power levels, you've got better options when you get away from run-flats. i actually ran Nitto Invos for 7yrs at that power level (but with a lot more torque) & was pleased. i've got a set of 140TW NT-05s on the way right now to replace them. yeah, i'm losing wet & cold performance, but they'll be a lot better for traction & cornering.