[Z06] Current Tire Options
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 171
Likes: 2
From: Ohio
Current Tire Options
Most recent threads seem to be a few years old. And options seem to becoming fewer and farther between for tire options for OEM Z06 wheels with 17’s up front and 18’s out back. Any advice with what’s currently available? Looks like the Conti Extremecontact Sport can be had in a 275 front and 295 rear that fit, but the on-track reviews seem to leave a bit to be desired. I currently have Hankook Ventus Evo V12’s on the front and Pilot Super Sports on the back but I’d prefer my next set to be the same model front/rear. I know one could switch to 18’s all around or get all new wheels but trying to figure options for the OEM wheels. Pilot Sport PS2’s look like they used to be an option but the 295 rears look to be only Porsche N-spec now. One thought is PS2 front and Super Sport rear. Nitto NT05 looks to be a contender but driving home in the rain would worry me a bit. TIA.
Last edited by AirJordan613; Aug 20, 2020 at 09:55 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 10,350
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From: Central TX
C5 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
This subject comes up, almost every week. If you want a 265/295 combo, Michelins are the best (and only) option. Yes, they are expensive but buy once, cry once.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 171
Likes: 2
From: Ohio
But which ones? I’m fine with 265 or 275 fronts. But if you go PS2 in the front, I believe the PS2 295 rear is a Porsche N-spec only, no option for the regular non-n-spec. So if you go Michelin, then either either PS2 front/back and accept the n-spec rear or PS2 front and Super Sport rear.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 10,350
Likes: 3,381
From: Central TX
C5 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
But which ones? I’m fine with 265 or 275 fronts. But if you go PS2 in the front, I believe the PS2 295 rear is a Porsche N-spec only, no option for the regular non-n-spec. So if you go Michelin, then either either PS2 front/back and accept the n-spec rear or PS2 front and Super Sport rear.
I'll let the rest of the good folks here give their opinions of the best brand/size.
Last edited by USAZR1; Aug 20, 2020 at 05:57 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 171
Likes: 2
From: Ohio
IMO, you are way overthinking this. Just because those Michelins are Porsche-rated, doesn't mean they also won't work great on your car. If you can't make that leap of faith, then go with either a 255 or 275 front, with matching 295 rear, of another brand.
This subject has been beat to death so I'll let the rest of the good folks here give their opinions of the best brand/size.
This subject has been beat to death so I'll let the rest of the good folks here give their opinions of the best brand/size.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 10,350
Likes: 3,381
From: Central TX
C5 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
I’m not looking for advice on the best brand or size. Was just interested in seeing what combinations people are running. A slight size change can make different makes/models available. I didn’t find many options for matching front/rear tires when I looked around - a few - just not many. Just wanted to see what others were running.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 31
Likes: 9
I just went through this decision process and settled on the Conti Extreme Contact Sports for my C5Z on oem wheels. I think for my use case they are ideal.
FR: 275/40/17
RR: 295/35/18
My car is a Spring/Summer car only and not tracked.
Some may not like the slightly taller sidewall on the front however I believe it really improved impact harshness as my car is fully lowered on C6 bolts.
I think this comparison review pasted below was very informative.
https://motoiq.com/tested-continenta...contact-sport/
FR: 275/40/17
RR: 295/35/18
My car is a Spring/Summer car only and not tracked.
Some may not like the slightly taller sidewall on the front however I believe it really improved impact harshness as my car is fully lowered on C6 bolts.
I think this comparison review pasted below was very informative.
https://motoiq.com/tested-continenta...contact-sport/
Last edited by Suspekt360; Aug 20, 2020 at 08:04 PM. Reason: Error
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,335
Likes: 167
From: Truckee CA
I'v been running Conti DWS (all seasons) for the last 4 years, I first did the 275 fronts but found that first they didn't look right to me, and the balance of the car was off. I then went to the 255 front and the balance came back. Reason is the real foot print is very close to a 265 in the real world. The car has been tracked (they work better than current beliefs) plus, they work well in the rain, and no surprise in light snow/frost. The last benefit, I just put a new set on the last set only lasted 45k, that is with cross country trips, 20+ track days (I coach with HOD), and just Hooning around in the back road here. Oh and the are not that expensive.
OK my 2cents
Mark.
OK my 2cents
Mark.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,297
Likes: 398
From: Raleigh Suburbs
From TireRack, there are a number of combinations (summer and all season) for
255/40/17
285/35/18
Although not exactly ideal section widths for stock 10.5/9.5 wheel widths, will work a little better around turns, with less tire compliance, since you are essentially stretching these tires some to fit on the stock wheels. No real issues - just one step smaller section width than stock!
255/40/17
285/35/18
Although not exactly ideal section widths for stock 10.5/9.5 wheel widths, will work a little better around turns, with less tire compliance, since you are essentially stretching these tires some to fit on the stock wheels. No real issues - just one step smaller section width than stock!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 2,647
Likes: 1,381
From: Orange County, CA
From TireRack, there are a number of combinations (summer and all season) for
255/40/17
285/35/18
Although not exactly ideal section widths for stock 10.5/9.5 wheel widths, will work a little better around turns, with less tire compliance, since you are essentially stretching these tires some to fit on the stock wheels. No real issues - just one step smaller section width than stock!
255/40/17
285/35/18
Although not exactly ideal section widths for stock 10.5/9.5 wheel widths, will work a little better around turns, with less tire compliance, since you are essentially stretching these tires some to fit on the stock wheels. No real issues - just one step smaller section width than stock!
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 5
Likes: 12
From: Nova Scotia, Canada
I have an 03 c5 z06 with the general g-max RS's fronts: 255/40/17 and rears: 285/35/18 but haven't found a lot of info on longevity, likes/dislikes, and how people find they perform compared to other options. These tires are slightly more narrow (10mm) than stock but only 1% shorter, so not too far off the stock diameter/circumference. So far I am quite satisfied with the grip and control they are providing. From what I can gather these tires are a good value for the tire and are at a lower cost than other options out there. So far have not had traction issues when I have needed it, and they seem to grip well all through 1st and 2nd without excessive wheel spin. I love the look of wide tires but have found out fairly quickly there isn't a ton of options for stock sized tires in the 17/18" combo.