Tire replacement advice?
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Calgary
Tire replacement advice?
Hi folks, this is my first of what I expect may be several posts seeking some experienced guidance. I just bought an immaculate 03 Z06 and will be needing some new rear tires soon. They are significantly more worn than the fronts (what a surprise!) so I don't wish to replace all four. The fronts are 275/40/17's and the rears are 295/35/18 Goodyear Eagle F1's . I will be driving this car on dry and wet roads , mostly highway, and don't have any slalom, autocross or sanctioned drag racing planned, well maybe, the odd burst or two off the lights. I am considering changing brands on the rears to something else and am wondering what the consensus is regarding mixing tire manufacturers? I will maintain the correct size but would like to find something a bit more general purpose and maybe less expensive with better availability?? I would then match up the fronts later when they need to be replaced. Thoughts?
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,864
Likes: 4,669
Hi folks, this is my first of what I expect may be several posts seeking some experienced guidance. I just bought an immaculate 03 Z06 and will be needing some new rear tires soon. They are significantly more worn than the fronts (what a surprise!) so I don't wish to replace all four. The fronts are 275/40/17's and the rears are 295/35/18 Goodyear Eagle F1's . I will be driving this car on dry and wet roads , mostly highway, and don't have any slalom, autocross or sanctioned drag racing planned, well maybe, the odd burst or two off the lights. I am considering changing brands on the rears to something else and am wondering what the consensus is regarding mixing tire manufacturers? I will maintain the correct size but would like to find something a bit more general purpose and maybe less expensive with better availability?? I would then match up the fronts later when they need to be replaced. Thoughts?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 1,339
From: Havre de Grace Maryland
Do you have a local mechanic that you trust? I find the people that work on cars have a good knowledge of tires and performance. This is not to mean the recommendations from the forum members are not to be considered, but if the mechanical shop knows your driving style and what you want, to do with the car, I found their tire advice spot on. JMHO.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,500
Likes: 51
From: Largo FL
I just replaced the tires on my 14k mile '03Z. I went with Continental Extreme Contact. I got stock size in rear and had to go up to a 275/40-17 in front. Dry traction is great, haven't driven in the rain yet.
Last edited by slapshot12; Feb 4, 2021 at 02:08 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,864
Likes: 4,669
Continental tires were known to be a great 'rain tire' when I rode motorcycles. I'm sure you'll be happy with them in wet weather......
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 12,414
Likes: 1,750
From: DFW TX
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Calgary
Thanks everyone. I appreciate the feedback on the tires. I have Continental Extreme Contact Sport 's on my M3 and have been quite happy with them so will likely buy some new rears and then change the fronts over as well to the Continentals when needed. They have performed well in wet and dry and are more reasonably priced and are widely available here. Good to hear there are no issues running different brands.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2,258
Likes: 544
From: Appleton WI
I would check the date code on your front tires. They may be aging out so you might just replace all 4 if that is the case.
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