Firestone Firehawks vs. Goodyears...
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 360
Likes: 0
From: Plano Texas
Firestone Firehawks vs. Goodyears...
After several helpful replies and e-mails from other Forum members, it seems like most C5 owners use either the Goodyear factory tires or the Firestone Firehawk SZ50 EP RFT's. When reviewing the technical data, I found that the treadwidth is 1.8" less on the Firestones. How does this look? Also, how does this affect performance, tread life, traction, etc? Thanks, Mike. :cool:
Pro
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 654
Likes: 0
From: Dallas Texas
Re: Firestone Firehawks vs. Goodyears... (omrossi)
I have had my Firestone's now for about 5k miles now. There is absolutely NO comparison. The Firestones still look brand new. They grip better. last longer, and look better. What else can I say.
But whatever you do, do not get a non runflat tire. I have had too many friends that ran out and bought super wide non run flat tires and guess what they got flats. I guess we live and learn.......
I live at 190 and Preston. Come check out the tires if you want. :cheers:
But whatever you do, do not get a non runflat tire. I have had too many friends that ran out and bought super wide non run flat tires and guess what they got flats. I guess we live and learn.......
I live at 190 and Preston. Come check out the tires if you want. :cheers:
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,773
Likes: 0
From: Norman Oklahoma
Re: Firestone Firehawks vs. Goodyears... (omrossi)
Some people say the Firestones look thin but I think they look fine. I have worn my rear tires down to almost nothing and they still grip better than the Goodyears ever did. I think they are the better runflat :cheers:
Jerry
Jerry
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
From: York, PA, USA
Re: Firestone Firehawks vs. Goodyears... (omrossi)
I have had them on my RX-7 Gen III TT, they were great then and are still the better choice. They stick better, run quieter, and last longer! This is all added to the run-flat capability. :yesnod:
Another minor feature is the wheel protection bead.
The 'lesser' tread width is due to the 'rounder' shoulder design. If you must have the 'square' tire than the Good(?)years will have to do. :nonod:
Soooo, tell me...do these look bad? ;)
Another minor feature is the wheel protection bead.
The 'lesser' tread width is due to the 'rounder' shoulder design. If you must have the 'square' tire than the Good(?)years will have to do. :nonod:
Soooo, tell me...do these look bad? ;)
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 4,786
Likes: 0
From: God Bless America
Re: Firestone Firehawks vs. Goodyears... (NRage)
I will never use the GY RF's again...I agree with all the positive responses above... the Firehawks are superior in every way that I've noticed... GO WITH THEM...You won't be disappointed :yesnod: :smash: :cheers:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,743
Likes: 3
From: Davie Florida
Re: Firestone Firehawks vs. Goodyears... (MDL-01C5)
The Goodyears can be driven for up to 200 miles with no air pressure, the Firestones are rated at only 50 miles. The thicker and stiffer side wall and harder rubber compound is what allows the Goodyears to be driven further while flat. But is also the reason they ride harder and are noiser than Firestones, as with most things in life there are no free lunches. Good luck with your choice.
98 A4 Metalic Purple
Powerloaded
172 t.stat
Pro Torque 2400
3.42 gears
Donaldson Blackwing
[Modified by Mitch C, 6:51 AM 3/8/2002]
98 A4 Metalic Purple
Powerloaded
172 t.stat
Pro Torque 2400
3.42 gears
Donaldson Blackwing
[Modified by Mitch C, 6:51 AM 3/8/2002]
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,206
Likes: 21
From: Roswell GA
Re: Firestone Firehawks vs. Goodyears... (Mitch C)
"Mitch C" - excellant points. I think when we realize that everything is a compromise, the most helpful posts are those that point out the give and take of any decision. Too many "emotional I spent my money well responses".
For me - 50 miles is enough to still cover me as a run flat, yet improve the road noise and hard ride. If I lived out in the west, were it can take 200 miles to get to a tire repair place, I might choose differently.
Again great, informational points.
For me - 50 miles is enough to still cover me as a run flat, yet improve the road noise and hard ride. If I lived out in the west, were it can take 200 miles to get to a tire repair place, I might choose differently.
Again great, informational points.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
Team Owner
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 25,332
Likes: 221
From: Frisco, TX
Re: Firestone Firehawks vs. Goodyears... (omrossi)
My biggest priority was getting rid of tire noise. As a result, the Firestones were well worth it. I had them on my C4 and liked them so much that I put a set on my C5 the first day I bought it.
I agree that they look smaller on the car. For me, that's no big deal. :)
I agree that they look smaller on the car. For me, that's no big deal. :)
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,192
Likes: 0
Re: Firestone Firehawks vs. Goodyears... (SteveL2)
I prefer non-runflats and carry a pump with a repair kit. In the last 20 years and thru 3 vettes I've only had to use it once....on my C5. Maybe it's habit but I've fixed a few womens tires and found them all to be very grateful. :cheers:
Racer
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 338
Likes: 0
From: Bellingham WA
Re: Firestone Firehawks vs. Goodyears... (omrossi)
I read several tire posts in the Z06 and the wheel-tire sections. The Z people are putting a lot of miles on the stock non-runflats and gaining all the benefits. If you are prepared for a flat it doesn't seem like such a big threat. I'm liking the difference it made on my Coupe, and I like the look as well.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 4,786
Likes: 0
From: God Bless America
Re: Firestone Firehawks vs. Goodyears... (wottogo)
I read several tire posts in the Z06 and the wheel-tire sections. The Z people are putting a lot of miles on the stock non-runflats and gaining all the benefits. If you are prepared for a flat it doesn't seem like such a big threat. I'm liking the difference it made on my Coupe, and I like the look as well.
... one I will definitely consider when it's time to replace my tires next time-- :cheers:
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 24,992
Likes: 2,694
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
Re: Firestone Firehawks vs. Goodyears... (MDL-01C5)
The runflat/nonrunflat issue provokes as much emotion as radar detectors.
One other point- the runflats are somewhat safer for most applications: you don't have to worry about being stuck in an unsafe area with a flat tire, and a blowout at high speed is usually a non-event with a runflat.
Mitch C said it right; pick the right tires for YOU.
One other point- the runflats are somewhat safer for most applications: you don't have to worry about being stuck in an unsafe area with a flat tire, and a blowout at high speed is usually a non-event with a runflat.
Mitch C said it right; pick the right tires for YOU.
Advanced
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: USA
Re: Firestone Firehawks Z rated rather then Y
Is anybody unning these Firestones over 150 MPH? They are only Z rated rather than Y rated. Are they good for short runs over 150? Maybe it is no big deal so long as they aren't run for long periods over 150. Anybody know if this is really an issue for amateur performance driving?
