etech152

I have a 2001 C5 Corvette z51 Convertible 6-speed and in need soon of tires. I know this is a "wide-range" topic but I still want to ask:

Should I get Run-Flats - OR- Should I steer away from them??

I know it's a matter of ride quality. I have non-run flats (Nitto 555) (standard factory tire size 245/45/17 and 275/40/18) on the Corvette now but they badly need replacements soon.

I've heard the new Run flats are much better? I dunno

I went to Carlisle and spent hours asking. I talked with the large tent selling tires. I got mixed opinions both ways!!

I've heard the run-flats tend to skip or spin free on the rear tires on tight tires and they ride hard.

Some have said when they got rid of their run-flat tires the Corvette drove SO MUCH better (whole different ride)?

So looking for some input as I have a month or two before I need to replace my tires.

BTW, I'm picky about the "appearance" (look) of the tires on my Corvette. The side wall patterns on some tires are ugly and some look great!

Thanks in advance for any and all comments!

Vetteman Jack

If you are concerned about the potential of flat tires away from home or just like the security the runflats offer, then go with them. Michelin makes a good runflat that rides better than the OEM tires the C5 came with.

I went with non-runflats many years ago and do not regret the decision. The chances of getting a flat are small IMO and the benefits of non-runflats (less road noise, better handling, less weight, better tire wear) just outweigh any negatives to me.

I run the Hankook Ventus V12 EVO tires on mine and am very pleased with them.

1stC599

kzoo-z

Then don't read it you will be much happier.

kzoo-z

OP.....I have had run flats on my previous C5 and replaced them with run flats, I also had run flats on my current one when I purchased it and replaced them with "non" run flats.... It is unlikely I will ever go back.

flyingmfrc

kzoo- I agree...I get real tired of icons posted of beating a dead horse. It never helps with the original question.

What specifically do you like better about the non run-flats?

kzoo-z

Quieter, better ride, more choices, and in many cases less cost.

1stC599

70RT440

I went ahead and did some quick mental math about the same decision.

I have had a flat tire leave me stranded a grand total of one time since I started driving in 1986. My insurance covers 50 bucks of my towing charges.

In the end, it isn't worth the extra coin for me. I carry a plug kit and cig lighter compressor in my car in case of an emergency (when I'm stranded in a sketchy situation and want to get out quick) and that's my peace of mind. That won't help if I actually BLOW a tire...but a run flat won't do you much good in that case either.

grampi50

Yeah, I never understood why people post in threads they don't care about....

grampi50

The title of the thread clearly stated what it's about. If you think this topic has been done to death, why did you even click on it? Seems to me like you just want to start ****...

Gunnmetalblue

I run these same tires.

Route99

We put Michelin Pilot Sport AS ZPs on our car about a year ago and have been very pleased with them. While nothing is perfect, there is some "feel good" with tires you can drive on IF you have to.
And for all the bad press about Run Flats; Car and Driver recently conducted their annual "Lightning Lap 12" at VIR. A ZR1 with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 ZPs finished second. The Vette was beaten by a Porsche 911 GT2 Weissach running on NO spec tires that "only cost" $191,000 more than the ZR1.
The Vette ran a faster time than the McLaren720S, Lamborghini Huracan Performante, Ford GT, and Porsche 911 GT3.
I'm hoping if I switch our tires to the ZR1's Cup2 ZPs I can pull a 2:39.5 around VIR, too.

rjwvetttt

I run Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+
and love them on my 04 Vert.
I would never run anything other than a run flat without a spare.
I've read so much BS about the higher price, loud tire noise, and harsh ride.
All BS too.

Fcar 98

kzoo-z

JimHarris4

rjwvetttt

$200 I don't think is bad price at all for a tire like this.

jpm995

My wife has run flats on her new Mercedes and i don't like them. If you get a flat its great that you can drive another 50 miles but they cannot be fixed you buy a new tire every time you have a flat.

rjwvetttt

I've already had 1 repaired no problem from another set I had.