2008 corvette
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
2008 corvette
My husband recently passed away and I have his 2008 corvette convertible. It is in need of tires. Currently on the back there are 285/35ZR19 ; on the front here are245/40ZR18. Do I need to have 2 different size tires. If not, what size is recommended for a smooth ride that would give me adequate mileage (65K)? From others' experience, the run flat tires doesn't seem like something I would opt for since I don't drive it often or far. Please help!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2017
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From: Fort Worth Texas
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Sorry to hear or your loss. The tire sizes you described are the correct factory tires sizes. They are different front and rear. The only positive to a run-flat tire in my opinion is that they allow you to get to a repair shop in order to get it repaired. Other than than that, they are more expensive and ride rougher than a non-run-flat tire. If you opt for a non-run-flat, I would suggest keeping a little air compressor in the car so hopefully you would not have to get towed if your ever did get a flat. Michelin are the best in my opinion, but can get pricey. A lot of people also like Nitto and Continental. I would suggest going to tires.com or tirerack.com. There you can put in your model info and search tires available in both front and rear sizes in matched sets. I have also had great experiences both with Costco and Discount Tire having my tires installed. Good luck and enjoy the car, they are awesome!
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,446
Likes: 878
From: Bay Area CA
Sorry for your loss.
As posted, those are the correct stock sizes. I would replace with the same size tires using Michelin Pilot sport 4S non run flat. If a run flat is desirable, Michelin Super Sport ZP's would be my choice. I am not sure if the 4S come in a run flat. Run flats will allow you to drive with a puncture, but with the stiffer side walls delivering a slightly stiffer ride. On my 2008, the original Goodyear run flats had a stiffer ride than when I replaced them with Michelin Pilot Sport ZP's run flats. So, not all run flat tires ride the same, some more stiffer than others. The convenience and safety of a run flat tire is not a bad idea, unless you have confidence in plugging a non run flat tire on the side of a road late at night.
As posted, those are the correct stock sizes. I would replace with the same size tires using Michelin Pilot sport 4S non run flat. If a run flat is desirable, Michelin Super Sport ZP's would be my choice. I am not sure if the 4S come in a run flat. Run flats will allow you to drive with a puncture, but with the stiffer side walls delivering a slightly stiffer ride. On my 2008, the original Goodyear run flats had a stiffer ride than when I replaced them with Michelin Pilot Sport ZP's run flats. So, not all run flat tires ride the same, some more stiffer than others. The convenience and safety of a run flat tire is not a bad idea, unless you have confidence in plugging a non run flat tire on the side of a road late at night.
Last edited by Mike's LS3; Aug 28, 2018 at 04:43 PM.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
tires size
Sorry to hear or your loss. The tire sizes you described are the correct factory tires sizes. They are different front and rear. The only positive to a run-flat tire in my opinion is that they allow you to get to a repair shop in order to get it repaired. Other than than that, they are more expensive and ride rougher than a non-run-flat tire. If you opt for a non-run-flat, I would suggest keeping a little air compressor in the car so hopefully you would not have to get towed if your ever did get a flat. Michelin are the best in my opinion, but can get pricey. A lot of people also like Nitto and Continental. I would suggest going to tires.com or tirerack.com. There you can put in your model info and search tires available in both front and rear sizes in matched sets. I have also had great experiences both with Costco and Discount Tire having my tires installed. Good luck and enjoy the car, they are awesome!
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
tire size
Sorry for your loss.
As posted, those are the correct stock sizes. I would replace with the same size tires using Michelin Pilot sport 4S non run flat. If a run flat is desirable, Michelin Super Sport ZP's would be my choice. I am not sure if the 4S come in a run flat. Run flats will allow you to drive with a puncture, but with the stiffer side walls delivering a slightly stiffer ride. On my 2008, the original Goodyear run flats had a stiffer ride than when I replaced them with Michelin Pilot Sport ZP's run flats. So, not all run flat tires ride the same, some more stiffer than others. The convenience and safety of a run flat tire is not a bad idea, unless you have confidence in plugging a non run flat tire on the side of a road late at night.
As posted, those are the correct stock sizes. I would replace with the same size tires using Michelin Pilot sport 4S non run flat. If a run flat is desirable, Michelin Super Sport ZP's would be my choice. I am not sure if the 4S come in a run flat. Run flats will allow you to drive with a puncture, but with the stiffer side walls delivering a slightly stiffer ride. On my 2008, the original Goodyear run flats had a stiffer ride than when I replaced them with Michelin Pilot Sport ZP's run flats. So, not all run flat tires ride the same, some more stiffer than others. The convenience and safety of a run flat tire is not a bad idea, unless you have confidence in plugging a non run flat tire on the side of a road late at night.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 163
Likes: 5
From: Central AZ
I'm on my second set of Continental DWS (Dry,Wet,Snow) tires in the appropriate C6 sizes. The first set delivered ~40,000 miles and this set will probably do the same..
My driving style is high-speed highway, with some semi-aggressive driving on mountain curves. No track or other racing.
Kent
My driving style is high-speed highway, with some semi-aggressive driving on mountain curves. No track or other racing.
Kent
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 5,187
Likes: 1,216
From: Las Vegas Nevada
Generally speaking, Corvettes do not get tremendous miles (65K) from a set of tires. Most folks between 20K and 35K miles. On the plus side, hardly anyone puts 65K miles on a Corvette during their entire ownership. Everything everyone has said is correct. I lean toward non-run flat tires because I want a better ride, and less noise. I seldom go out of town, but when I do, i have my AAA card for potential road hazards, as well as a mini-compressor and plug kit. I never say never...but, have not had a blowout or sudden flat tire in decades, even when I used to drive 50K a year. If you want to consider non-run-flats, there are many good brands, among them Firestone Indy 500's and Hankook Ventus Evo.
If you go to a Firestone store and tell them you saw the Indy 500's on TireRack for $712 for the set, they will probably match it, or come close, plus mounting, balancing, and tax, of course.
Good luck,and I am very sorry for your loss. I am really pleased, and impressed, that you came to the Corvette Forum for help.
If you go to a Firestone store and tell them you saw the Indy 500's on TireRack for $712 for the set, they will probably match it, or come close, plus mounting, balancing, and tax, of course.
Good luck,and I am very sorry for your loss. I am really pleased, and impressed, that you came to the Corvette Forum for help.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
Likes: 2,029
From: eastern NC
Runflat Repair Policy
One other thing I would recommend regarding runflat/ZP tires is that you discuss with the dealer you purchase them from, what their policy is regarding plugging or patching a runflat tire.
Many dealer/tire repair shops will not plug or repair a runflat tire, they will insist on replacing it. I understand this policy from a liability perspective, however it is not one I support. In my view there is no reason that under the same circumstances, a runflat can't be repaired just as a non-runflat is.
Clearly there are reasons any tire should not be repaired, however some shops hide behind the, "oh it's a runflat" excuse when they really are concerned with liability. As long as a runflat is not run for excessive miles with no or extremely low air, it can be repaired safely.
Check with the shop on this policy before ordering runflat tires and if you don't like their policy, go to a different shop and order tires.
Good luck... GUSTO
Many dealer/tire repair shops will not plug or repair a runflat tire, they will insist on replacing it. I understand this policy from a liability perspective, however it is not one I support. In my view there is no reason that under the same circumstances, a runflat can't be repaired just as a non-runflat is.
Clearly there are reasons any tire should not be repaired, however some shops hide behind the, "oh it's a runflat" excuse when they really are concerned with liability. As long as a runflat is not run for excessive miles with no or extremely low air, it can be repaired safely.
Check with the shop on this policy before ordering runflat tires and if you don't like their policy, go to a different shop and order tires.
Good luck... GUSTO
Last edited by GUSTO14; Aug 29, 2018 at 01:34 PM.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,232
Likes: 315
From: Bridgewater New Jersey
Another option for tire brands are the Firestone wide oval RFT. (run flat tire)
Many owners here use them as well. I have near 50K on mine, a daily driver.
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...e=835YR9FHWRFT
Many owners here use them as well. I have near 50K on mine, a daily driver.
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...e=835YR9FHWRFT
Last edited by extrapilot; Aug 29, 2018 at 03:58 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,791
Likes: 44
From: Loudon/Lake Mary Tennessee/Florida
Another option for tire brands are the Firestone wide oval RFT. (run flat tire)
Many owners here use them as well. I have near 50K on mine, a daily driver.
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...e=835YR9FHWRFT
Many owners here use them as well. I have near 50K on mine, a daily driver.
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...e=835YR9FHWRFT
I am am sorry for your loss. Keep in mind that there are many knowledgeable members here who are happy to help.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 525
Likes: 21
From: Houston Texas
Another option for tire brands are the Firestone wide oval RFT. (run flat tire)
Many owners here use them as well. I have near 50K on mine, a daily driver.
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...e=835YR9FHWRFT
Many owners here use them as well. I have near 50K on mine, a daily driver.
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...e=835YR9FHWRFT
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 12,513
Likes: 3,638
VAHS , My condolences.
As others have said, the tires are the correct size, and the Current OEM type replacements would be the Michelin Pilot sport 4S non run flat .
Now having said this, tires for the vet are only good for about 5 years no matter if worn or not, since at about the 5 year marks the tire rubber gets hard, they do start to go out of round, and the manufacturers tread life warranty expires at this point for the same reasons.
If the your plan is to keep the car, then the above tires would be the way to go on the car.
On the other hand, if you are planning on selling the car anytime soon, then let the new owner install new tires on the car isntead.
Hence the 4S are going to run around $2K for the set, and the warranty for the new tires will be under there name so the can use the warranty.
As others have said, the tires are the correct size, and the Current OEM type replacements would be the Michelin Pilot sport 4S non run flat .
Now having said this, tires for the vet are only good for about 5 years no matter if worn or not, since at about the 5 year marks the tire rubber gets hard, they do start to go out of round, and the manufacturers tread life warranty expires at this point for the same reasons.
If the your plan is to keep the car, then the above tires would be the way to go on the car.
On the other hand, if you are planning on selling the car anytime soon, then let the new owner install new tires on the car isntead.
Hence the 4S are going to run around $2K for the set, and the warranty for the new tires will be under there name so the can use the warranty.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,446
Likes: 878
From: Bay Area CA
VAHS , My condolences.
As others have said, the tires are the correct size, and the Current OEM type replacements would be the Michelin Pilot sport 4S non run flat .
Now having said this, tires for the vet are only good for about 5 years no matter if worn or not, since at about the 5 year marks the tire rubber gets hard, they do start to go out of round, and the manufacturers tread life warranty expires at this point for the same reasons.
If the your plan is to keep the car, then the above tires would be the way to go on the car.
On the other hand, if you are planning on selling the car anytime soon, then let the new owner install new tires on the car isntead.
Hence the 4S are going to run around $2K for the set, and the warranty for the new tires will be under there name so the can use the warranty.
As others have said, the tires are the correct size, and the Current OEM type replacements would be the Michelin Pilot sport 4S non run flat .
Now having said this, tires for the vet are only good for about 5 years no matter if worn or not, since at about the 5 year marks the tire rubber gets hard, they do start to go out of round, and the manufacturers tread life warranty expires at this point for the same reasons.
If the your plan is to keep the car, then the above tires would be the way to go on the car.
On the other hand, if you are planning on selling the car anytime soon, then let the new owner install new tires on the car isntead.
Hence the 4S are going to run around $2K for the set, and the warranty for the new tires will be under there name so the can use the warranty.
Last edited by Mike's LS3; Aug 31, 2018 at 11:02 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 12,513
Likes: 3,638
Very good price, but would need to add in mounting, balancing, and road hazard to the tires to get them on the rims and covered under warranty.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 12,513
Likes: 3,638
Very good price, but would need to add in mounting, balancing, and road hazard to the tires to get them on the car and covered under warranty.
But sometimes you can take such pricing into discount tire, to get them to drop the price of the tires with all the above as well.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 552
Likes: 58
From: western NC, USA
You're not going to get 65k miles on any tire on the C-6. Expect 15-20k tops. This may help you decide how much you want to spend on tires that aren't going to last all that long. Some say they get a lot more mileage but they probably lost track of how many tires they've bought.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 12,513
Likes: 3,638
You're not going to get 65k miles on any tire on the C-6. Expect 15-20k tops. This may help you decide how much you want to spend on tires that aren't going to last all that long. Some say they get a lot more mileage but they probably lost track of how many tires they've bought.
Due to such. most vet owners could put R888r tires on the vet with a tread wear of 100 to have major grip for street use, and still have to replace them due to age in 5 years, and not treads worn out in that amount of time instead.
Hence I end up LMAO when someone will complain of hard GY F1 tires still on the car, but turn around and stick a 500 tread wear set of tires on the car like the A/S3's as the replacement set for their garage queen, with not plans of every driving the car in adverse conditions to begin with.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,446
Likes: 878
From: Bay Area CA
You're not going to get 65k miles on any tire on the C-6. Expect 15-20k tops. This may help you decide how much you want to spend on tires that aren't going to last all that long. Some say they get a lot more mileage but they probably lost track of how many tires they've bought.
Last edited by Mike's LS3; Sep 2, 2018 at 12:20 PM.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 516
Likes: 6
From: Spartanburg South Carolina
Another option for tire brands are the Firestone wide oval RFT. (run flat tire)
Many owners here use them as well. I have near 50K on mine, a daily driver.
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...e=835YR9FHWRFT
Many owners here use them as well. I have near 50K on mine, a daily driver.
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...e=835YR9FHWRFT
I'm running this exact tire and love it. Always get great mileage from them, and they are of of the more quite RFT's I've bought.