Looking to replace the rear tires. I have the Michelin Pilot Sport Plus on all 4 right now, but was considering the Firehawk Indy 500s. Anyone have any thoughts on these or any other recommendations? Much appreciated as always.

 

You already have the best tires. They just cost a lot. I run Nitto NT-05 and love them, but the Michelins are better.

 

Well I didn't mean to cause such a stir with my question. I've done a lot of research on tires and do realize there is a search option, but as parts and experiences change, I just wanted some opinions from fellow owners. Product reviews and retailers' opinions are ok, but you guys are the real experts and I'm new and still learning. I appreciate everyone for responding, and again, I apologize for causing any commotion.

 

I have the Indy 500s on mine and am very satisfied with them. They ride smooth and quiet. Cant speak to longetivity as I've only got a few thousand miles on them.

 

I'm going with the Pilot Sport 4S soon, they are the latest Pilot Sport version, used for C8 with Z51. Not the ZP version (zero pressure) although will probably buy these for the DD next time. There is also the Pilot Sport All Season 4 (run flat/ZP) used on base C8.

 

These tires haven’t been mentioned yet, but on the last two C5s I had I ran Hankook Ventus V12 EVOs and was very pleased with the overall performance of the tires. Plus they were very reasonably priced. Just something to consider when making your decision.

 

I just put some Continental Contacts on my '97 and it is almost impossible to make them spin or slip.

They are amazing tires, and the ride is worlds better.

 

General tires look and ride great perfect tire for the budget minded Corvette owner. With 8K miles it was time to replace the expired original tires.

 

Have had my rear Indy 500s for a couple of years. Here is what I think of them......

I bought a set for the front recently. excellent tire!!!!

 

Any of the above tire suggestions are good. I live in SW Florida and have summer tires on my C6. I switched from Michellin Pilot Sport A/S Run Flats last June which were very good tires but lacked rear traction as they hardened with time and age. I prefer the way the Summer tires perform as compared to the Run Flats. I went with General G-Max RS Ultra High Performance Summer tires and I am very happy with them, especially the wet traction. They are smooth, quiet, have great wet and dry traction and are reasonably priced. I was looking for a non run-flat summer tire that was light weight and had a wide contact patch. I drive my car daily and I do not track it. This choice was right for me and where I live. As I approach 10K miles on my Generals I am still happy with their performance. All four are wearing perfectly even, naturally the rears are wearing faster than the fronts. I would estimate that the fronts will last to 25-30K and the rears to 35-40K, same as the Michelins.
The Generals have great reviews on Tire Rack and in this Hot Rod magazine article: General’s G-Max RS May Change The Way UHP Tires Are Made! (motortrend.com)
I have run Goodyear, BFG, Nitto and Kumho and they are good tire choices as well.

 

I also like the Continentals or the Generals. If they are labeled "Made in USA," they come from the same plant in Indiana. And they'll have the same plant code on the DOT numbers. Continental owns General Tires (and Hoosier, and a few other brands).

 

I was just watching jay Lenny's garage where he was surprised the older Ferrari that they were discussing, from the Lee collection, came stock with Goodyear F1 tires, and not an expected Euro brand. I think they still market the F1, but I need all season tires , and goodyear happens to have a recently designed tire for that category, so I am buying goodyear. For my needs, any crap would work, because as my age has advanced, so has my deep aversion to flaming car wrecks and pain.

But I do want to get appropriate equipment for the performance potential of the car, even if the driver isn't. The kumhos I recently took off were respected down at the track, informed sources told me.

I was about to decide on some very well reviewed continental tires, then noticed a deal breaker, they were a slightly smaller diameter than my other two top market brand choices, Goodyear and Michelin, both of original diameter, I didn't need more revolutions per mile.

my final purchase decision was because of advertising , as a person who enjoys viewing almost any flying machine, the sight of the Goodyear blimp doing a giant power slide across a bright blue spring sky on a windy day is pretty cool. Any support for that, however removed, I'm in. Besides, the local tire store that offers road force balancing is out of stock on the michelins. with Goodyear being an American company perhaps supply down the road in an away form home emergency will also be easier later on, as it is today. I have read posts where some selected Goodyear over Michelin because the tread on the former sits square on the road, where the latter is more rounded, which I agree makes for a better contact patch, but can't supply facts to back that opinion.