Feb 23, 2015, 03:27 PM
Last edit by: IB Advertising
See related guides and technical advice from our community experts:
Browse all: Tires and Wheels
- High Performance Tire Review
Reviews and comparisons of top products
Browse all: Tires and Wheels
Performance Tire Comparison
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,610
Likes: 12
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,860
Likes: 5
From: Tampa FL
So maybe he could have done better with non-run flats? The OEM run craps were fine for 6 months or so.. I was quite pleased with the handling initially.. but as with my previous C5 Z06's, the non-run flats are much better. Especially after some time.. They don't get noisy or harder with age.. What's so difficult to understand about that? Geez..
The run flats are heavier, noiser, harsh over bumps.. yuck..
I used to brace myself driving over some expansion joints.. now it's
"normal" and enjoyable to drive..
The run flats are heavier, noiser, harsh over bumps.. yuck..
I used to brace myself driving over some expansion joints.. now it's
"normal" and enjoyable to drive..
Any tire will get noisy and harder with age. You must work for a GY competitor or you've just been listening to others here that don't know what they're talking about.
Last edited by goatts; Sep 13, 2010 at 01:28 PM.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 494
Likes: 0
From: "Beach Bum" CA
I have an '06...
w/Z51 option and my first replacement for the supercars were the firestone wide oval rft(s) and although the tire lasted far longer than the supercars, the performance of the vehicle was compromised. i think the tire is a better fit for base and f55 suspensions. i recently replaced them with the michelin ps2 zp(s) and they perform much better than the "stones" and supercars. believe it or not, i was going to go back to the supercars but the fronts were on back order and i needed new rubber so i didn't hesitate to try the michelins. very, very happy with them and will try the goodyears again if they make the gen2 for the C6 and reviews are favorable. right now, the gen2 is for the ZO6.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,860
Likes: 5
From: Tampa FL
I asked Wofdogs about this since I could not tell any difference in the sidewalls between runflats and non runflats when we had them off the rim. Like you, I expected them to be very stiff and thick but they aren't. He said the main difference is in the bead bundle which is the part attached to the rim.
Last edited by goatts; Sep 13, 2010 at 01:26 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,860
Likes: 5
From: Tampa FL
I've been out to Bondurant in Phoenix several times this last summer. I have yet to see anyone track w/ runflats. 
As I said above, runflats may be a better choice for some people in rural regions where service accessibility may be difficult. As for me... I live in the city, do most of my driving in cities. I have no second thoughts about using better tires. I'm not gonna drive around on crappy, heavy, noisy, floppy, over-priced runflats because of the rare chance I may get a flat tire when I am a long ways from a service station. I've had one flat in 45 years - and - it's 2010 for Christ's sake. There's a tow truck 15 minutes away anywhere I will ever drive!
As I said above, runflats may be a better choice for some people in rural regions where service accessibility may be difficult. As for me... I live in the city, do most of my driving in cities. I have no second thoughts about using better tires. I'm not gonna drive around on crappy, heavy, noisy, floppy, over-priced runflats because of the rare chance I may get a flat tire when I am a long ways from a service station. I've had one flat in 45 years - and - it's 2010 for Christ's sake. There's a tow truck 15 minutes away anywhere I will ever drive!
What data do have to back up your criticism?
I do agree that they're overpriced.
Last edited by goatts; Sep 13, 2010 at 01:44 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,610
Likes: 12
My opinions are my own and I do not profess them to be research based. I drove on the OEM Goodyear RF tires for close to a year. I was very thrilled to be driving a Corvette - period. Gradually I began noticing the poor performance of the tires. I then started talking with Corvette tuners, track drivers, etc. The overwhelming opinion was the runflats were very poor performance wise.
I kept the runflats for a while longer, now very aware of their shortcomings. When I decided to buy nice wheels, I had an in depth discussion about Corvette tire choices with the owner of the wheel company (John at CCW.) I went with a medium level performance wet/dry street tire (Toyo Proxes T1Rs.) It was then I saw what I had been missing. The difference was significant.
I kept the runflats for a while longer, now very aware of their shortcomings. When I decided to buy nice wheels, I had an in depth discussion about Corvette tire choices with the owner of the wheel company (John at CCW.) I went with a medium level performance wet/dry street tire (Toyo Proxes T1Rs.) It was then I saw what I had been missing. The difference was significant.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,860
Likes: 5
From: Tampa FL
I kept the runflats for a while longer, now very aware of their shortcomings. When I decided to buy nice wheels, I had an in depth discussion about Corvette tire choices with the owner of the wheel company (John at CCW.) I went with a medium level performance wet/dry street tire (Toyo Proxes T1Rs.) It was then I saw what I had been missing. The difference was significant.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,610
Likes: 12
To note: I never raced with the GY RFs so can't compare in that arena.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,860
Likes: 5
From: Tampa FL
I think they has considerably more grip than the GY RF. They are said to be very sticky for a street tire. I've been autox several times and have done 6 passes at the 1/4 mile straights. Except for driver inexperience (me - LOL) I've been very impressed.
To note: I never raced with the GY RFs so can't compare in that arena.
To note: I never raced with the GY RFs so can't compare in that arena.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Michelin ps2 zp
Had a set of ps2 zp put on my 06 with z51. I can't say enough good things about these compared to those supercar GY. If some of you guys want to take the chance on non run flats that is certainly your decision. My car handles great, the tires are quiet, they stick to the road and I have piece of mind about flats. Don't compare these tires with the badyears, they are a completely different animal. If these are good enough for a 125K dollar ZR1 then they are good enough for me.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,537
Likes: 1
From: Southlake Texas
The post below was made on 06-01-2009, 06:59 PM and he lists his mods as:Mods - K&N, 180° stat, ported TB, ported FAST, 3.73 gears, 2800 stall converter, FLT Stage5 A4 trans w/ cooler, Pfadt coilovers w/ poly bushings, Baer 2pc rotors, Z51 sway bars, catch can, tunnel plate, American Racing Headers w/ Dynomax cans, LPE hood, CCW SP16a forged wheels w/ Toyo T1Rs 19/20, V1, tune.
Many here will know I've always been an advocate for the value of OnStar services. I've always felt that for pennies a day, they offer quite a lot and since I am not a fan of runflats, the roadside service feature has been a "must have" for me.
I don't know if the recent events at GM have affected OnStar service performance and maybe my experience has been coincidental, but my opinion of OnStar has been significantly changed.
For a couple weeks I've been told by friends that when they try to call in to my OnStar phone, they get a message saying "the Verizon customer you're trying to reach is unavailable at this time." This is happening when I am in the car driving.
Yesterday, while driving on a San Diego freeway a tire valve stem blew (I recently change them out [poorly it seems]) and I pulled off to the shoulder. No other option but to call roadside service. I pressed the blue OnStar button, heard the prerecorded greeting but no one answered. I tried several times, no answer. I tried my hands-free phone and once again got the prerecorded greeting but no one answered.
I got out the manual and skimmed through to see if I was doing anything wrong. There it said to try the Emergency button if all else failed, so I pushed it but again - nothing.
So I put on the flashers, stood around for a while then decided to hike to a phone (no cell phone until next week.) Walked about a mile to a convenience store where after some discussion I was able to use his phone to call a tow truck which I paid for out-of-pocket. I also phoned OnStar several times and no one answered other than the prerecorded menu options.
I don't know if the recent events at GM have affected OnStar service performance and maybe my experience has been coincidental, but my opinion of OnStar has been significantly changed.
For a couple weeks I've been told by friends that when they try to call in to my OnStar phone, they get a message saying "the Verizon customer you're trying to reach is unavailable at this time." This is happening when I am in the car driving.
Yesterday, while driving on a San Diego freeway a tire valve stem blew (I recently change them out [poorly it seems]) and I pulled off to the shoulder. No other option but to call roadside service. I pressed the blue OnStar button, heard the prerecorded greeting but no one answered. I tried several times, no answer. I tried my hands-free phone and once again got the prerecorded greeting but no one answered.
I got out the manual and skimmed through to see if I was doing anything wrong. There it said to try the Emergency button if all else failed, so I pushed it but again - nothing.
So I put on the flashers, stood around for a while then decided to hike to a phone (no cell phone until next week.) Walked about a mile to a convenience store where after some discussion I was able to use his phone to call a tow truck which I paid for out-of-pocket. I also phoned OnStar several times and no one answered other than the prerecorded menu options.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,246
Likes: 5
From: West Coast
PS2's are really good but expensive. Get The Continental Extreme Contact DW, they are currently #1 on Tire Rack, plus they are $500 cheaper than the PS2s.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....remeContact+DW
Night and Day difference in ride, noise, handling, steering, etc., over the OEM runflats. I really mean NIGHT AND DAY.
I bought this kit from Wal-Mart for $20. The one kit includes a can of Slime and a 12V compressor. It stores nicely in the cargo bin area. The can of tire slime is TIRES SENSOR SAFE and is NOT under pressure. It must be hand squeezed into the tire. You then plug in the 12V compressor and inflate your tire.
The product is WATER BASED and the sensor WILL NOT be destroyed. The sensor will need to be cleaned out but it will not break it. The OLD version of "Fix a Flat" will because that was NOT water based and would break the sensor.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....remeContact+DW
Night and Day difference in ride, noise, handling, steering, etc., over the OEM runflats. I really mean NIGHT AND DAY.
I bought this kit from Wal-Mart for $20. The one kit includes a can of Slime and a 12V compressor. It stores nicely in the cargo bin area. The can of tire slime is TIRES SENSOR SAFE and is NOT under pressure. It must be hand squeezed into the tire. You then plug in the 12V compressor and inflate your tire.
The product is WATER BASED and the sensor WILL NOT be destroyed. The sensor will need to be cleaned out but it will not break it. The OLD version of "Fix a Flat" will because that was NOT water based and would break the sensor.
Last edited by LBear; Sep 14, 2010 at 12:34 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,610
Likes: 12
@ WHT
Sorry, the valve stem replacement was on the GY RF. It was the RF that gave me the problems, one of many - adding to the numerous reasons why I upgraded to better tires. The mod list in my profile was changed then.
Go yell BS at someone who cares.
Sorry, the valve stem replacement was on the GY RF. It was the RF that gave me the problems, one of many - adding to the numerous reasons why I upgraded to better tires. The mod list in my profile was changed then.
Go yell BS at someone who cares.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,610
Likes: 12
@ LBear
Water based or not, do you really want to put that stuff into your tires?
I carry a good 12 volt compressor, plug kit, tools, etc just in case I have no other option, but to be honest, I don't see myself ever crawling around on the ground to repair a flat tire. In the rare case that I get a complete blowout and cannot drive the car, I'm calling a service truck.
Water based or not, do you really want to put that stuff into your tires?
I carry a good 12 volt compressor, plug kit, tools, etc just in case I have no other option, but to be honest, I don't see myself ever crawling around on the ground to repair a flat tire. In the rare case that I get a complete blowout and cannot drive the car, I'm calling a service truck.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,246
Likes: 5
From: West Coast
@ LBear
Water based or not, do you really want to put that stuff into your tires?
I carry a good 12 volt compressor, plug kit, tools, etc just in case I have no other option, but to be honest, I don't see myself ever crawling around on the ground to repair a flat tire. In the rare case that I get a complete blowout and cannot drive the car, I'm calling a service truck.
Water based or not, do you really want to put that stuff into your tires?
I carry a good 12 volt compressor, plug kit, tools, etc just in case I have no other option, but to be honest, I don't see myself ever crawling around on the ground to repair a flat tire. In the rare case that I get a complete blowout and cannot drive the car, I'm calling a service truck.
I've used the slime in a different car and it had the TPMS and it worked 100% fine afterward. It took 10 minutes to do and I was back on the road. Instead of calling for a tow & waiting, or getting out the spare, I put it in and drove away.
The Tire Rack guy cleaned it all up, he said it was very easy to clean (water based) and it is 100% non-flammable (unlike the old stuff which was flammable).
The Fix-a-flat of yesterday is not the same of today. They developed a better product. People are still under the impression of the old stuff which was flammable and permanently damaged the TPMS. The SLIME product is non-flammable & sensor safe.
Last edited by LBear; Sep 14, 2010 at 07:08 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 5,411
Likes: 2
From: N Carolina 08 Z51 Coupe
No, he would not have done better. The treadwear rating on the GY's is 220 which is fairly low and soft for a street tire. The only tire that I know of with a lower treadwear rating are the Hoosier's with 40 (track tires). The Invo's are rated 260 but I've heard mixed reviews on them. There's not much available in non runflat for the Z.
Any tire will get noisy and harder with age. You must work for a GY competitor or you've just been listening to others here that don't know what they're talking about.
Any tire will get noisy and harder with age. You must work for a GY competitor or you've just been listening to others here that don't know what they're talking about.
Treadwear ratings are not regulated. They vary between manufacturers. Its only an indication of tread wear. RF tires get MUCH noiser and harder with age/mileage than non-RF tires. Believe what you want. There is a big difference.. I experienced both.. have you?
And how many race series use run flat tires? Thats ridiculous. They compromise ride and performance for the convenience of not having a spare.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 20,933
Likes: 905
From: salem OR
The sidewalls are not any stiffer than non runflats. Compare the two sometime when they are off the rim. I could not tell any difference.
Oh, and are you sure they get loud and hard after 6 months? I thought it was 7 months?
Think about what you're saying. Why would runflats get harder any sooner then non runflats?
Oh, and are you sure they get loud and hard after 6 months? I thought it was 7 months?
Think about what you're saying. Why would runflats get harder any sooner then non runflats?
Ask the tire boys ABOUT STIFF SIDEWALLS ON RUNFLATS! SSHezz!
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 20,933
Likes: 905
From: salem OR
How do you know he would not have done better with non-RF's?
Treadwear ratings are not regulated. They vary between manufacturers. Its only an indication of tread wear. RF tires get MUCH noiser and harder with age/mileage than non-RF tires. Believe what you want. There is a big difference.. I experienced both.. have you?
And how many race series use run flat tires? Thats ridiculous. They compromise ride and performance for the convenience of not having a spare.
Treadwear ratings are not regulated. They vary between manufacturers. Its only an indication of tread wear. RF tires get MUCH noiser and harder with age/mileage than non-RF tires. Believe what you want. There is a big difference.. I experienced both.. have you?
And how many race series use run flat tires? Thats ridiculous. They compromise ride and performance for the convenience of not having a spare.
Last edited by 3 Z06ZR1; Sep 14, 2010 at 11:41 PM.