Tire time
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 153
Likes: 27
I'm ready to purchase Firestone Firehawk Indy 500's from Tirerack once the weather improves.
FYI - Stopped by COSTCO today just to see what tires they carried. Do not have the tires I want, however, for just $15 per tire they will mount and balance the Firehawk's I purchase from Tirerack. That's a great deal and the manager I spoke to appeared quite familiar with corvettes. Way cheaper than the $80 per tire I was quoted by local Chevy dealer.
FYI - Stopped by COSTCO today just to see what tires they carried. Do not have the tires I want, however, for just $15 per tire they will mount and balance the Firehawk's I purchase from Tirerack. That's a great deal and the manager I spoke to appeared quite familiar with corvettes. Way cheaper than the $80 per tire I was quoted by local Chevy dealer.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 104
Likes: 20
From: Akron Ohio
Lot's of opinions. I went with the Firestones and I am completely satisfied. I am also pleased to see that some people agree with my choice.
As a side note, I live in Akron, Ohio where the Firestone name is still prominent (along with Goodyear and Goodrich). Bridgestone owns the Firestone brand and they still have a considerable presence here including the manufacture of Firestone racing tires. It's not a good reason to buy tires necessarily but all things being equal it tipped the balance.
As a side note, I live in Akron, Ohio where the Firestone name is still prominent (along with Goodyear and Goodrich). Bridgestone owns the Firestone brand and they still have a considerable presence here including the manufacture of Firestone racing tires. It's not a good reason to buy tires necessarily but all things being equal it tipped the balance.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,800
Likes: 485
From: Douglas County WI
We who have C5 Z06's and want to stay with stock sizes are really in a tight spot. Goodyear, Michelin, and Toyo seem to be about it for fronts. I managed to get a full set of Bridgestones and a couple of extra fronts last summer so I should be good for a while.
Last edited by glbeauchamp; Mar 4, 2019 at 10:23 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 142
From: Lynn MA
Michelin Pilot Sport 4s $983.96
Firestone Indy 500 $685.64
Continental Extremecontact Sport $765.96
These are just a few.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,470
Likes: 460
From: East Windsor NJ
Hey guy's I am sure this has been talked about several times but I am having a hard time finding doing searches. It is time for tires for my 02 Vert. Car has 16,000 miles and original tires. (Yeah I know lol) Anyway trying to decide on the best tires for this thing. I do not want run flats and the car is only driven in nice weather. Thinking about Michelins but not sure. I don't really mind spending the money for the best tires. What are you guy's running? Thank you
Brian
Brian
https://www.bridgestonetire.com/tire...190304185521:s
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
Is it garaged? Mine had Michelin's on it when I got it - the car had spent "significant time" outside and the shoulders were dry-rotted - I've been running these and like them (and I'm in a garage):
https://www.bridgestonetire.com/tire...190304185521:s
https://www.bridgestonetire.com/tire...190304185521:s
I put a set of Bridgestone Potenzas on my C5 when I bought it. Five years and 25K miles later they still perform great. Great ride, traction and they still have 6/32 tread left.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Springfield Mo
Is it garaged? Mine had Michelin's on it when I got it - the car had spent "significant time" outside and the shoulders were dry-rotted - I've been running these and like them (and I'm in a garage):
https://www.bridgestonetire.com/tire...190304185521:s
https://www.bridgestonetire.com/tire...190304185521:s
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Springfield Mo
I contacted Michelin and spoke with them they said that they do have the Pilot Sport A/S3+ in non run flats. Hmmmmm anybody tried these?
Last edited by blaib; Mar 4, 2019 at 08:59 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,280
Likes: 1,097
From: Pittsburgh PA
I would say that is an excellent tire. Im running the same tire in a run-flat, Great tire. I don't know the cost of the none run-flat . My tire was 1060.00 out the door at Costco.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 80
Likes: 7
From: Virginia Beach, Virginia
I know you said money wasn't the issue, but it never hurts to save. I'm running the Nitto NT05. I DD mine in all weather and they've been great. The fronts can be had for $170/tire and the rears for $259/tire. It's not that I don't see why someone would buy the Michelins or Goodyears, they are excellent tires. But at lke $360/tire for stock sizes I just don't see the need when the Nitto's, firestones, bridgestones, etc... are all great picks for normal driving and cost a fraction of the price. Maybe I will be enlightened.
Just an fyi, it seems to be a very common thing to run 275/40/17 up front and 295/35/18 in the rear, assuming you're running the stock staggered wheels.
Just an fyi, it seems to be a very common thing to run 275/40/17 up front and 295/35/18 in the rear, assuming you're running the stock staggered wheels.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 4,346
Likes: 755
From: Greensboro Nc
they are great tires though, but it’s going to be hard for me to compare a 150 horsepower car to one with more than double that.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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I ran Hankook Ventus V12 EVOs on my ‘03 for better than 8 years and had absolutely no complaints about the tires - performance wise or the price. They are definitely worth checking out before shelling out a lot more money for another brand.
And, just an FYI, the Hankooks are not a cheaply made tire. There have been many forum members that have put them on their car and are very pleased with them.
And, just an FYI, the Hankooks are not a cheaply made tire. There have been many forum members that have put them on their car and are very pleased with them.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Springfield Mo
Now guy's when I said money wasn't a big deal, don't get me wrong it is! Lol but I just don't want to skimp and be upset that I didn't spend a few extra hundred to get a great tire. I am really torn between several tires. I also wondered about changing tire size but that always seems to worry me a little.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 4,455
Likes: 916
From: South East
Tires are like oil, if someone has had good experience with a brand, they usually stick with the same.
I loved Firestone Firehawks on my C4, so I have a positive view of them trying another set.
Big issue with a Coupe is noise. I just read some good reviews on the Hankook Ventus V12 EVOs Jack posted.
I loved Firestone Firehawks on my C4, so I have a positive view of them trying another set.
Big issue with a Coupe is noise. I just read some good reviews on the Hankook Ventus V12 EVOs Jack posted.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 80
Likes: 7
From: Virginia Beach, Virginia
Now guy's when I said money wasn't a big deal, don't get me wrong it is! Lol but I just don't want to skimp and be upset that I didn't spend a few extra hundred to get a great tire. I am really torn between several tires. I also wondered about changing tire size but that always seems to worry me a little.
I'm sure you made a decision by now but as far as changing the tire size, I've been running mine for a few months now and haven't noticed a single issue at all. Actually don't really notice a difference at all. We're talking about millimeters here. Unless you're super into performance and run it at the track regularly, I don't think you'll notice a difference either. Except the fact that your wallet will be a little heavier, which gives you more reason to buy some other mod.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 86
Likes: 25
Just installed the Firehawk Indy 500s last weekend and love them. Got rid of 10 year old Pilot sports. Total price was $652 after the mail in rebate, which seemed surprisingly cheap to me. I always figured tires were going to be one of the most expensive parts of owning a corvette due to the wide rears and staggered setup.
