Run Flats vs. Regular Tires
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Schaumburg IL
CI 7-8-9-11 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06-'10, '13
IMHO talking about tire preference is like talking about aftermarket exhuast, everyone feels, hears, and prefers something different. Everyone has their own experience of what their car is.
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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If you have a puncture that can't be fixed with either some fix-a-flat or a plug, then I would suggest a cell phone and a tow. That is a drawback of running non-runflats.
I did not really care for my original Goodyears, but I bought a set of Firestone Firehawks and they are much better. Quiet, good handling, good ride, etc. Not all runflats are created equal.
I did not really care for my original Goodyears, but I bought a set of Firestone Firehawks and they are much better. Quiet, good handling, good ride, etc. Not all runflats are created equal.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,884
Likes: 2
From: Walnut CA
My thoughts... tell me if I'm wrong, in the rare occurence that you get a flat, I'd say that you use the fix-a-flat if you are too far to be towed and then pay for a new tire pressure monitor thingy if its ruined...
And people talk about the tire shredding and it being unsafe to have non-runflats but in most of our other cars, we're using non-funflats and we face that risk everyday... right?
And people talk about the tire shredding and it being unsafe to have non-runflats but in most of our other cars, we're using non-funflats and we face that risk everyday... right?
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
Originally Posted by Evil-Twin
I have Z51 suspension, I got 43,000 worry free miles out of my firast set of EMT's. I never had any handling issues in five years of use... they were noisy so I insulated the car...I have zero noise below 45 mph, and I reduced the noise by 50% above 45 mph even on concrete roads... IM on my second set of EMT's without issue... Ive never had to white knuckle any curve, the handling characteristic of the C5 a delivered makes it an awesome car... people who drive public roads are not doing 110 in the corners...
I can imagine that when I get to be your age, I may drive more sedately as well.........NAAAAAHHHHHHH!
Seriously, you don't know how much better the ride is unless you actually switch tires. It feels as if the roads are paved with rubber instead of concrete - stunning difference in ride quality.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 349
Likes: 0
From: ft lauderdale fl
How long do the GM run flats usually last? I only have 800 miles on my '04 and I can't wait to replace the tires. I kinda wanted to get some use out of the run flats before I buy new tires. Since I only drive about 7k miles a year (between two cars no less) it may take me some time. How long did you guys wait to replace them?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 764
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by markwein1
Put truck tires on your Corvette before
runflats. They suck!
You will not know handling at all until
you change those run fats.
They are a terrible choice on any car.
And expensive as well. They SUCK.
That means they are HORRIBLE.
Did I say runflats are HUGELY TERRIBLE!
runflats. They suck!
You will not know handling at all until
you change those run fats.
They are a terrible choice on any car.
And expensive as well. They SUCK.
That means they are HORRIBLE.
Did I say runflats are HUGELY TERRIBLE!
So what's your point?
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Drifting
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,588
Likes: 0
From: las vegas nv
Originally Posted by Dave68
BMW recently made this transition on their Z4 roadster. Unfortunately, the tire mag testers were sorely disappointed with the jittery steering and harsh ride - a rarity among BMWs. They attributed the horrible handling to the latest Bridgestone runflat tires.
Runflats are heavier and have stiffer sidewalls. Combine these traits with stiff antisway bars and firmer shocks and you end up with a dangerous ride around "less-than-perfect" curves. White-knuckle driving took on new meaning when the Z51 C5s came with runflats. The added bonus of non-runflats is that they are 6-7 lbs ligher (per tire) - a significant difference in unsprung weight. I never cease to be amazed at how much better riding my Goodyear GS D3s are compared to runflats and for most of us, the chance of getting a flat is very minimal. Why suffer for such a small probability - enjoy the C5 handling to its fullest!
Runflats are heavier and have stiffer sidewalls. Combine these traits with stiff antisway bars and firmer shocks and you end up with a dangerous ride around "less-than-perfect" curves. White-knuckle driving took on new meaning when the Z51 C5s came with runflats. The added bonus of non-runflats is that they are 6-7 lbs ligher (per tire) - a significant difference in unsprung weight. I never cease to be amazed at how much better riding my Goodyear GS D3s are compared to runflats and for most of us, the chance of getting a flat is very minimal. Why suffer for such a small probability - enjoy the C5 handling to its fullest!
Jusy installed GS-D3's. Just what the doctor ordered. Car rides better than brand new. Should have replaced 10k ago. I had 32K on runcraps. 
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
From: Maggie Valley NC
Originally Posted by eddie44
I know alot of folks here hate runflats, especially the GY variety. I wouldn't be w/o them. Story might be different if I was racing every weekend. I'm a firm believer that if you put earplugs in our ears most of us wouldn't be able to tell a runflat from a regular in daily driving. I drive mine as hard as anyone and sometimes at illegal speeds (witnessed by my plate). I got the Michelin Pilot Sports ZP's and love them. Much quieter than the GY's and I believe short of prolonged track useage will stay with any non runflat. I wouldn't be caught w/o runflats here in AZ. In town or out of town I don't want to wait for a tow truck n 110 degree heat.
Just my .02
Just my .02
Just got the Michelins, too.
