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Time to replace supercars - options?

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Old Jul 20, 2006 | 10:15 PM
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Default Time to replace supercars - options?

Nail in sidewall of my Z51 tire (rear) and its time to replace them. - car is 2005 Coupe so out of GY warranty.(Wanted to last this summer but with almost 11K miles, the tires are basically done.) Hated the ride but Like the EMT concept. Been looking at GSD3 Run on Flats (Allied Tire in Fla shows sizing available for rears) but I suspect they will be $$$. Have GSD3 non runflats on my wife's Acura and love the handling/ride etc. If I have to go non EMT then Toyo R1 Proxes look sweet and reasonable money. Before I switch to non-EMT what are options for Runflats in OEM C6 sizes (other than GY Supercars or non Z51 GY EMTs)? Any insight/experience? (Tried search function but little value)
Thanks in advance.
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Old Jul 21, 2006 | 07:52 AM
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Michelin Pilot Sports, great tire.

If it were me, I would go with Michelin Pilot Sports A/S. They are not EMT tires, so they will ride better. The all season tread pattern makes it feasible to at least get around in snow and sleet.
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Old Jul 21, 2006 | 10:04 AM
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Same situation I'm in, '05 Z51 w/10,000 miles.

I'm going to buy wheels to replace the junk polished stockers and go with BFG KDW2's. Probably 255/40/18 Front and 295/35/19 Rear. Stock sizes are available, they are a couple of pounds lighter per tire, have at least twice the mileage and better traction than the supercars. Non runflats but I can't remember the last time I had a flat tire so I'll take the chance and carry a tire repair kit and a 12V compressor.
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Old Jul 21, 2006 | 10:32 AM
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Originally Posted by haljensen
Same situation I'm in, '05 Z51 w/10,000 miles.

I'm going to buy wheels to replace the junk polished stockers and go with BFG KDW2's. Probably 255/40/18 Front and 295/35/19 Rear. Stock sizes are available, they are a couple of pounds lighter per tire, have at least twice the mileage and better traction than the supercars. Non runflats but I can't remember the last time I had a flat tire so I'll take the chance and carry a tire repair kit and a 12V compressor.


Given the current selection of tires available I intend to do the same thing when my supercars wear out. I've got 14,000 on mine now and some life left.
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Old Jul 21, 2006 | 12:20 PM
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Thanks for info. I see that there are very few EMT options avaiable. Does anyone know how do the Toyo Proxes compare to the Goodrich? I know PS2's are nice but very $$$$.
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Old Jul 21, 2006 | 01:35 PM
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Does Kumho make any tires to fit the C6? If so they would be my first choice (based on past experience on vettes, hondas, etc). I think that they are the best value by far in todays market.

Cajun
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Old Jul 21, 2006 | 01:47 PM
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Unfortunately, there is no tire out there that is a credible replacement for the F1 SC EMT at this time. They are non-runflat, and none offers the ultimate level of grip the SC is capable of. The feel of the PS2 is better, but the ultimate grip is not. I have driven several cars with the PS2, including my friend's Porsche 997 Carrera S and I am not impressed with the tire. It has that nice Michelin feel, but the grip is not that good and the tire gets greasy when hot. We are both good drivers and he can simply not keep up with me in the turns. The KDW is less sticky than the PS2 and it is clearly further biased towards wet performance. The SC's feel a bit wierd near the limit, but if you want grip, they're the real deal.

The only credible option performance-wise would be a Nitto R2 or Proxes RA-1 or Pilot Sport Cups (street tires with race compounds), but there are no 19 in. sizes. That said, if you got 11,000 miles out of your Z51 tires, you're probably not using those sticky tread blocks much anyway. I go through sets in about 4-5K miles of around-town driving (canyon runs). Another option would be to put regular EMTs on your wheels for reliability far from home, and get a second set of wheels with the race rubber I cite above, but you'll have to go 17/18 or 18 all around.

Last edited by TTRotary; Jul 21, 2006 at 01:52 PM.
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Old Jul 21, 2006 | 03:27 PM
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[and get a second set of wheels with the race rubber I cite above, but you'll have to go 17/18 or 18 all around.]


Does changing to 18's all around cause any errors on the DIC?

Tks
Bill
05 C6 Z51
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Old Jul 21, 2006 | 03:50 PM
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Originally Posted by stlthxlr8r
Thanks for info. I see that there are very few EMT options avaiable. Does anyone know how do the Toyo Proxes compare to the Goodrich? I know PS2's are nice but very $$$$.
Check the Tire Rack web site, comparisons, sizes and prices. Discount Tire also has a web site with the same info.
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Old Jul 21, 2006 | 03:56 PM
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Originally Posted by bt944
[and get a second set of wheels with the race rubber I cite above, but you'll have to go 17/18 or 18 all around.]


Does changing to 18's all around cause any errors on the DIC?

Tks
Bill
05 C6 Z51

Not as long as you keep the stagger in sizes. The problem is finding 18" rear wheels with the proper offset and diameter, there are no 18" 79mm offset in 10" diameter, most are 10.5" dia. w/58mm offset (C5 Z06).
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Old Jul 21, 2006 | 04:08 PM
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I am researching this situation as well. I am looking for a tire that will perform well for two or three track days a year. Here is what I have come up with:

BFG KDW
Michelin PS2
Yoko AVS (295/35R19 rear)
Toyo T1R

Unfortunately the really sticky stuff is only in 17" or 18"
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Old Jul 21, 2006 | 04:51 PM
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Here's another non-EMT option:

Falken GR Beta FK-451

Check Discount Tire for these.
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Old Jul 21, 2006 | 04:56 PM
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UPDATE: Spent some time today doing research. Believe it or not the GY GSD3 is avaiable in our size (285/35-19) in "Run on Flat" version - this according to Town Fair Tire in Connecticut. As I stated above, have used these in non-runflat version on my wife's Acura TSX and they are great! Should outperform the Supercars in both wet handling and treadwear according to the guy at Town Fair. But...very expensive! GY has apparently raised prices on the GSD3 since it received such high rating in all the car mags. If it really is available in 285/35-19, we finally have a viable (and probably superior) alternative EMT to the Supercars. Waiting on the price and availability. Will keep you posted.

Last edited by stlthxlr8r; Jul 21, 2006 at 05:01 PM.
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Old Jul 21, 2006 | 05:31 PM
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I really have to caution you there. The F1 SC EMT has a far more advanced and sticky tread compound than the GSD3, which is an older design based on the Fiorano. If you want ultimate dry drip and runflat capability, the Supercar has no equal. You will note that the cars equipped with it post handling numbers that are unequalled, and are amazing when you consider the tire sizes: the CTS-V is a prime example: this 3900lb sedan achieves 0.98G on the skidpad and 66+ in the slalom on skinny 245/45 series F1 SC EMT tires. That is unbeatable.

Please understand I am no GY fan. Most of their tires are not much. But the Supercars and the EMT ones in particular, have amazing performance. You can get other tires that ride better, others that grip harder, others that communicate better at the limit, and there are other runflats out there that are tougher and longer lasting. But you won't get one tire that does it all like this one.
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Old Jul 21, 2006 | 05:44 PM
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Originally Posted by bt944
Does changing to 18's all around cause any errors on the DIC?
Errors no, but TC may engage in certain situations. You can solve that problem by engaging Comp Driving Mode. On my car, I put C5Z06 wheels on the back (295/35-18) and C5 rear wheels on the front (275/40-18). Turns out the fronts were taller than the rears. Caused TC to come on a couple of times on the highway, ran fine once in Comp mode.
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Old Jul 21, 2006 | 10:52 PM
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Originally Posted by TTRotary
I really have to caution you there. The F1 SC EMT has a far more advanced and sticky tread compound than the GSD3, which is an older design based on the Fiorano. If you want ultimate dry drip and runflat capability, the Supercar has no equal. You will note that the cars equipped with it post handling numbers that are unequalled, and are amazing when you consider the tire sizes: the CTS-V is a prime example: this 3900lb sedan achieves 0.98G on the skidpad and 66+ in the slalom on skinny 245/45 series F1 SC EMT tires. That is unbeatable.

Please understand I am no GY fan. Most of their tires are not much. But the Supercars and the EMT ones in particular, have amazing performance. You can get other tires that ride better, others that grip harder, others that communicate better at the limit, and there are other runflats out there that are tougher and longer lasting. But you won't get one tire that does it all like this one.
TTRotary: Thanks for the analysis - I appreciate the input - you obviously know alot about tires. My main concern is piece of mind, getting good performance out of the runflats, as well as some better usefull life. You are correct, I dont much do the twisties (although it is really fun when I have) but I cant see spending the kind of bucks for the SC's when I will only get 10-12K miles out of them. Reason I would consider the GSD3s is the better wet handling , more comfortable ride, and the possibility of longer life given the treadwear rating. That being said they are a little more expensive than the SCs, but if they last a bunch longer, and handle better in wet (the SCs really suck in wet) I will be pleased. My plan if I track the car is to do as you say and get "race rubber" on different wheels.

Last edited by stlthxlr8r; Jul 22, 2006 at 01:05 AM.
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Old Jul 22, 2006 | 12:51 AM
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Given your priorities, I agree the GS is a better choice. You may also want to consider the regular EMTs which last a lot longer than the SCs and seem to perform well in the wet. Try calling John at CCW ("CCWheel.com") as he often gets brand new take-offs from customers "trading up". I get my Z51 tires from him for about $900 a set, brand new. You will likely get a much better deal on base EMTs.
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