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Let's talk about the elephant in the room. Early Corvettes came with a spare tire. In their infinite wisdom GM decided they were no longer needed even though all subsequent models were actually larger vehicles. "Let's handicap ourselves for the convenience"...
also keep a can of fix a flat and electric air pump in the hatch.
Be sure to throw a plug kit and needle nose pliers in the trunk as well.
I have 140k miles on my car, 115k of which have been on non run flats. Two formerly owned C5s which I put over 25k each on them with non run flats. Dozens of long trips from LA to Vegas and NJ to Maine. Only one issue where I needed to plug a tire, use my pump and fix-a-flat in 20+ years riding non run flats. The plug kit is vital.
I think I am going to get a quote for a set of Michelin Pilot sport all season 4 today!
I had 3 year old Goodyear run flats on my 04' vert and just got Michelin Pilot A/S 4s about an hour ago. They were $1,214.00 all in and they replaced the sensor in the RR tire for no charge. If I was to tell you that the difference was night and day that would be an understatement! The car now rides like a sports car and not a buckboard and the difference in the road noise is amazing! I'd highly recommend these tires.
Last edited by capeokw56; May 26, 2022 at 01:45 PM.
BINGO! Run flat tires are garbage and they have zero business being on a sports car. They are hard with sidewalls like plastic. Which makes for a crap ride and promotes wheel hop (which can cause catostrophic parts failures). They are heavy as hell which deadens stearing response. They are noisy and they are crap for traction when driving spiritedly. They cost 2 to 3 times the cost of a non run flat and only provide a 50 mile estimated driving distance once punctured. Then once they are punctured, you can't repair them like a non run flat.
Anyone that buys them or claims they are any good have no clue what these cars are capable of with a proper tire. The C5 Z06 came with GSD3's non Run flats for a reason. The flagship performance variant was not to be hindered by tires that under perform.
I like Nitto tires. I've run them on all of my C5s and my trucks. Now I have Nitto G2s up front with R2s out back. Great tire combo.
Was in a C6 with run flat tires about 5 years ago and got a nail in one of the rear tires. Drove home and to work the next day (added air at home) and was able to get the tire patched with no problem after work.
Not sure why you don't think they can be patched.
BINGO! Run flat tires are garbage and they have zero business being on a sports car. They are hard with sidewalls like plastic. Which makes for a crap ride and promotes wheel hop (which can cause catostrophic parts failures). They are heavy as hell which deadens stearing response. They are noisy and they are crap for traction when driving spiritedly. They cost 2 to 3 times the cost of a non run flat and only provide a 50 mile estimated driving distance once punctured. Then once they are punctured, you can't repair them like a non run flat.
Anyone that buys them or claims they are any good have no clue what these cars are capable of with a proper tire. The C5 Z06 came with GSD3's non Run flats for a reason. The flagship performance variant was not to be hindered by tires that under perform.
I like Nitto tires. I've run them on all of my C5s and my trucks. Now I have Nitto G2s up front with R2s out back. Great tire combo.
I run ZP tires.. and yes, I have had other tires on my C5.. Firestone Firehawks, Goodyear Eagles, Bridgestone Potenzas, and now Michelin Pilot ZPs. I would be careful about telling Corvette enthusiasts on a Corvette forum that they don't know what their cars can do, or "have no clue". My C5 does .92 lateral g, 0-60 in 4.9, and my top speed is 168 because I have a convertible. It brakes 60-0 in 111 feet. I am pretty well aware of what my car can do. For my driving purposes today, the ZP tire suits my application best as I have given up track days and am now just enjoying touring the country side. Everything else is just your opinion..
Well, I finally put a few miles on the new tires (Michelin Pilot sport 4/as) and can say I really like the tires. Great grip, great ride, low tire noise. Looking for tires , this is my recommendation.Happy motoring all!
That cool small town had a tire shop (godsend in the boonies) but 0 (zero) tires in stock... go to the hardware store for locating the tire shop dude... You gotta "Order" what you want..he was at the moment over at the feed store. It's an adventure having a Vette in small town America.
That cool small town had a tire shop (godsend in the boonies) but 0 (zero) tires in stock... go to the hardware store for locating the tire shop dude... You gotta "Order" what you want..he was at the moment over at the feed store. It's an adventure having a Vette in small town America.
Had to "order" the tires you want?? Oh goodness....in our town of 100K, just outside Austin...guess what..Discount Tire has to order just about anything you want, unless if you drive a common mobile and want a common tire, in a common size (and then be sure to check the date codes)!......
Just bought a 2005 Z51 and the rear tires were replaced not long before I bought it with run flats... the fronts (also run flats) are in need of replacement soon. Can i put non-runflats on the front with run flats in the rear? I have read handling could be compromised, but for everyday driving would it hurt anything to leave the rear run flats on it til they wear out?