05 Z51 6-spd Coupe.
Time to replace my F-1 EMT's. Considering Mich PS2's. Tire Rack rates a Bridgestone Potenza higher (#1) than the PS2's much to my surprise but that may be reviewer bias to another car. Don't know how much to trust their charts. (my supercar EMT's rated way low)
I like the non-runflat with latex sealing compressor approach. Still open minded on that though. Was nearly settled on PS2's from reading until found that TIRE RACK won't offer a road hazard (my OEM's actually have about 2K left but one also has a non-repairable nail in the sidewall).

OK, Let me have it, ...opinions, new thoughts? (I did a thread search)

Also having trouble finding someone who will mess with corvette rims and TPMR's.

 

If you sway toward a non-runflat I just went with a set of BFG KDW 2's on my Z-51 06 vert. Had the F-1's and DS G3's on my C5. Neither car will see anything but the BFG KDW 2's in the future. Super tires but to each his own.......

 

I'm running PS2s and think they work very well on the car. I've driven the RE050s, although not on the C6. They're good, but not (IMHO) the tire the PS2 is. The BFG KDWs are another alternative; again I think they're good but not quite PS2s. But then they're a fair amount less money, especially considering that they last well.

Speaking of tire life, the RE050s have a pretty soft compound. The PS2s have a dual compound - softer on the outside. The KDWs have a high-silica compound that sticks well and wears well. For me, that means around 10K miles on a set of RE050s, 15K on the PS2s and 20K on the KDWs. Your milage may vary.

As far as driving the tires, the RE050s are pretty easy. The PS2s may take a little more getting used to, or did for me. Part of that was just making myself believe how well they stick, and with how little fuss. A bit like the C6 in that respect; they just go where you point them, without complaining. Of course that seems like a lack of feedback to many people, and did to me at first. After getting used to it, its not a problem.

Tire Rack has a list of installers in your area, with some information and ratings by customers. Probably a good place to start. Some installers don't like messing with runflats, but I think that's more putting them on than taking them off. At least that's what my installer said.

 

If you require a run-flat tire I'd suggest you investigate yhe new Firestone Firehawk Wide Oval run-flat. A set of 4 C6 sized FSWO's sell for about $550 less than the GY EMT's. They are basically rebadged Bridgestone RE-750's which have a great rep.

Tom

 

 

I have a brand new set eagle F1's front & rear as I traded my vette in last month and have no use for these. The tire size is P245/45/ZR17 and P275/40ZR18 EMT's

 

Thanks "Buffy". Your write up is clear and concise. Can you compare any of the above tires to the OEM F1's in terms of performance / wear?

 

Tell me more. This may be the only instance where I would re-consider OEM F-1 EMT's.

AFVETTE: I'll put those on the list as well as KDW's "BASSVETTE"

 

I had the Supercar (Z51) EMTs, so this might not apply if you've got the non-SCs. Certainly the standard tires are quieter and wear better than the Supercars.

I think the Bridgestones are probably the closest to the original Supercar tires, a soft compound, fairly "square shouldered" tire. I replaced them at 13.5K, but probably should have done the fronts at about 12K - they were pretty well gone! I could have gotten another couple thousand out of the rears.

The KDWs are probably more comparable to the original non-SC tires, at my best guess. A little harder compound, better wear, but still excellent handling.

But the most direct comparison I have is the GY SC EMTs to the PS2s on the C6. The PS2s are a lot easier to live with - quieter, ride better, almost immune to the "tram line" effect, and better in cold weather. They seem to work well in the rain, based on limited experience - although the GYs worked surprising well in rain for a summer tire. So far, they are wearing more evenly.

Of course, they'll be harder to live with if I get a flat! I got the Conti Comfort Kit from the Tire Rack, which seems to be well thought out. Of course I'm hoping not to ever use it, but ...

As far as performance, the OEM tires are good, but the PS2s seem to do better. I haven't done timed laps with both tires, but on a few corners I'm very familiar with my exit speed is up a bit.

One thing I should mention about the PS2s. They're a little more round-shouldered, I think, so they look slightly narrower than the original tires - or perhaps just a little less agressive. Don't know if that matters to you or not.

Duh. Could have re-read the first post and seen that you're talking about a Z51 too. Oh well.

 

tt

I am in the same boat so I am looking for ideas that will work for my Z-51 coup.

I do want something with good grip (I track the car 2-3 times per season) but I also want more than 12,000 miles on the rubber.

 

If you can live with non-runflat, factoring in a combination of price, stick, wear, comfort, and looks, I don't think you can beat KDW2. If price and wear are not especially important, PS2 is your best bet. FYI, my car has the Z-51 option.

 

Well. looks like I'm down to the PS2's and the KDW's. Hope KDW's stick comperably to the EMT supercars. One thing drawing me away from PS2'S is the unavailibity of the road hazard option with TIRE RACK.

 

I went with the Firestone runflats on my 05 Z51 and I have been very happy with them. I got four from TireRack for $958 delivered.

 

If anyone is interested, I have my factory original Z51 takeoffs that were removed on 8/17/06 with 3600 easy miles. I changed to 19" front and 20" rear wheels, so had to buy new tires. I want $800 for all 4 here in Tampa.

 

I have a 05 with the z51 package. I put on avon tires from tire rack. Could'nt be happier with them. Handle good and are quite. They are not runflats, so I have a small dc compressor and road service. watch tire pressure sensors regularly

 

regarding using non run-flats and tire sealer...is there a problem with using the "fix a flat" cans? My SUV has a tire pressure monitoring system and the manual says to not use these cans because it can mess up the sensors. any ideas whether this holds true to the C6 monitors?

 

Tire sealants will destroy the pressure sensors by clogging the sensor port (very small hole, easily stopped up, impossible to clean once stopped up without destroying the sensor diaphragm). If you're going to run with non-runflats, you'll need a plug kit and a small compressor to re-inflate the tire after the puncture is repaired.

 

The exception to this is (supposedly) the Conti Comfort Kit. It uses a latex sealant rather than the usual gunk. It may still cause a temporary malfunction, but can be peeled off the sensor when the tire is repaired. Of course this requires removing the tire.

The downside is that the sealant has a four-year shelf life, then the cartridge must be replaced. Of course the other stuff probably has a limited useful life too.

Haven't tried it myself, but they seem to think they've addressed the sensor problem. The question remains if this is more trouble than simply using a plug kit, which isn't that difficult.

 

The Conti-comfort kit supposedly (they claim) won't damage the sensors. The kit also comes w/ a small compressor. About $80 or so on tirerack.

 

Can you recommend a good plug kit that is easy enough to use on the side of the road?