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Tire Pressure For Non-Runflats

Old 06-27-2013, 11:05 AM
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Quicksilver Vert 01
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Default Tire Pressure For Non-Runflats

What are you guys that have made the switch to non-runflat tires running for tire pressures?

I'm running a staggered 18"-19" set of Kuhmo Ecsta SPT non-runflat tires on C6 wheels. Since the tire sidewalls on those are not as stiff as runflat tires, should 30 psi still be the correct cold tire pressure to run them with?
Old 06-27-2013, 11:07 AM
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87SAM
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Old 06-27-2013, 11:13 AM
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NukeC5
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Yep, You just run what the vehicle calls for. 30psi is still the magic number
Old 06-27-2013, 12:57 PM
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lionelhutz
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Changing from the stock rubber may require changing the pressure to get even wear. I start with about 27psi cold in my rears to get even wear.
Old 06-27-2013, 02:15 PM
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Originally Posted by lionelhutz
Changing from the stock rubber may require changing the pressure to get even wear.


Check what the Z06 uses for tire pressure since it doesn't have run flats. The base C5 number are set based on a run flat which has a stiffer side wall so you have to watch for the center bumping up from too much pressure.
Old 06-27-2013, 02:40 PM
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Originally Posted by chaase


Check what the Z06 uses for tire pressure since it doesn't have run flats. The base C5 number are set based on a run flat which has a stiffer side wall so you have to watch for the center bumping up from too much pressure.
C5 Z06's also call for 30psi cold, same as base C5's, so you've made a good point.

My tires are base C6 size and aspect ratio. Should that make a difference?
Old 06-27-2013, 03:41 PM
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Originally Posted by Quicksilver Vert 01
C5 Z06's also call for 30psi cold, same as base C5's, so you've made a good point.

My tires are base C6 size and aspect ratio. Should that make a difference?
I don't think it will make a difference but the C6 is 30psi cold also so it is a moot point.
Old 06-27-2013, 03:50 PM
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Originally Posted by chaase
I don't think it will make a difference but the C6 is 30psi cold also so it is a moot point.
Good to know it's the same for the C6 sizes. Thanks!
Old 06-27-2013, 11:51 PM
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30 PSI will definitely keep you out of trouble. Tire tuning is one of my specialties. All tire manufactures design tire to run at specific PSI for a specific load. Not all tires are exactly the same. the foot print should be a 100% contact patch at all times and under all environmental changes. Tire tuning is what they do in any high performance road race . At NASCAR they monitor road temps so that at every pit stop they adjust the tire pressure to give optimum performance. Good tire tuning can get a single NASCAR or Winston cup car an few extra laps and a few more MPG. many races are won or lost by dialing In the right PSI. With that in mind, you can do some calculations on tire load and road temps. to give you an example. A guy in a cool garage can test his tires cold and set them to 30 psi... then go out on a 95+ day on a Hot Georgia asphalt road and see his 30 PSI grow to 38 PSI, reducing the contact patch and producing poor handling performance and increased fuel use. You also loose much of the longevity of the tires life running too high. People talk about cold tire pressure. I always tell people to set their tire pressure based on hot tire pressure. the temperature your tires actually see on any given day will rolling on the highway. I run my tires around 27 psi cold so when IM out on a 90F day they are going to see 30/31 psi. on days where the is a large variance in the temp, its more critical to adjust for the temp the tires see during most of the driving... summer time temps are where tire tuning can make a difference in longevity and performance and fuel economy. in the winter where temps only vary are few degrees, you don't really have to adjust. IN the North east here we see lots of 90+ days in June July and August. so using tire tuning methods help with everything. to just say use 30 psi cold is ok and works to keep you out of trouble, but you can tune for your individual driving needs. It will get you better fuel economy, and better handling performance, and of course, longer tire life.

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