Performance tires vs Runflats
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,569
Likes: 4
From: Phoenix AZ
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
PS2 Advantage
I am also on the cusp of needing new tires. The Goodyears on my 08
Z-51 C6 have 9500 miles. They are not worn out yet but traction in cold weather on dry roads is iffy. I added headers, a CAI and a dyno tune just before it got cold and 1st gear traction disappeared. I am now in the process of installing Spins cam package, adding compression and doing a ported intake & TB. I have to find better tires. Will either the PS2's or the Nittos provide significantly more grip in warm weather than the Goodyears in stock sizes??? I think cold weather traction is a lost cause with this setup.
Z-51 C6 have 9500 miles. They are not worn out yet but traction in cold weather on dry roads is iffy. I added headers, a CAI and a dyno tune just before it got cold and 1st gear traction disappeared. I am now in the process of installing Spins cam package, adding compression and doing a ported intake & TB. I have to find better tires. Will either the PS2's or the Nittos provide significantly more grip in warm weather than the Goodyears in stock sizes??? I think cold weather traction is a lost cause with this setup.
Cold weather traction is indeed a lost cause for the practical
C6 owner
I've got some minor bolt-ons and can smoke and fishtail halfway through 3rd gear on my Z51 LS2 without much effort and that's with a 175# passenger (my truck mechanic) aboard. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,408
Likes: 145
From: Northcentral, Pennsylvania
St. Jude Donor '09-'11
In the August 09 issue, Car & Driver and Tire Rack tested popular tires costing under $140 for a 225/45R-17 size.
The overall rank had Dunlop Star Spec and Hankook Ventus V12 EVO as tops followed by Kuhmo ECSTA XS, Bridgestone Potenza RE760, BFG G-Force KDW, Yokohama S.Drive, Falken Azenis RT-615, Nitto Invo and Ling Long L688.
Interesting that Tire Rack doesn't sell the tires that ranked in the last three positions (Falken, Nitto Invo & Ling Long). However they do sell all the others in the test. I don't know how relevant the tire size tested (225/45R-17) would be to our cars. Perhaps someone with more tire knowledge will chime in on this.
The overall rank had Dunlop Star Spec and Hankook Ventus V12 EVO as tops followed by Kuhmo ECSTA XS, Bridgestone Potenza RE760, BFG G-Force KDW, Yokohama S.Drive, Falken Azenis RT-615, Nitto Invo and Ling Long L688.
Interesting that Tire Rack doesn't sell the tires that ranked in the last three positions (Falken, Nitto Invo & Ling Long). However they do sell all the others in the test. I don't know how relevant the tire size tested (225/45R-17) would be to our cars. Perhaps someone with more tire knowledge will chime in on this.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,860
Likes: 5
From: Tampa FL
Here is a summary of times from worst to first from the Grassroots Motorsports test last summer:
6th - Falken RT 615 Mean time: 35.302 Sec Quick time 35.125 Sec.
5th - Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec Mean time: 35.209 sec. Quick time 35.061
4th -Toyo Proxes R1R Mean time: 34.522 sec Quick Time 34.452 sec
3rd- Bridgestone RE-01R Mean time: 34.478 sec Quick Time 34.430 sec.
2nd- Bridgestone Potenza RE-11 Mean time: 34.266 Quick time 34.238 sec.
1st - Kumho ECSTA XS Mean time :34.170 Quick Time 34.030 sec.
All tires were shaved to 3/32 nd and test performed on an Autocross set up.
Also:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=124
http://www.kumhotireusa.com/News_Art...b-db7ada19bf8d
6th - Falken RT 615 Mean time: 35.302 Sec Quick time 35.125 Sec.
5th - Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec Mean time: 35.209 sec. Quick time 35.061
4th -Toyo Proxes R1R Mean time: 34.522 sec Quick Time 34.452 sec
3rd- Bridgestone RE-01R Mean time: 34.478 sec Quick Time 34.430 sec.
2nd- Bridgestone Potenza RE-11 Mean time: 34.266 Quick time 34.238 sec.
1st - Kumho ECSTA XS Mean time :34.170 Quick Time 34.030 sec.
All tires were shaved to 3/32 nd and test performed on an Autocross set up.
Also:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=124
http://www.kumhotireusa.com/News_Art...b-db7ada19bf8d
Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 512
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
Here is a summary of times from worst to first from the Grassroots Motorsports test last summer:
6th - Falken RT 615 Mean time: 35.302 Sec Quick time 35.125 Sec.
5th - Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec Mean time: 35.209 sec. Quick time 35.061
4th -Toyo Proxes R1R Mean time: 34.522 sec Quick Time 34.452 sec
3rd- Bridgestone RE-01R Mean time: 34.478 sec Quick Time 34.430 sec.
2nd- Bridgestone Potenza RE-11 Mean time: 34.266 Quick time 34.238 sec.
1st - Kumho ECSTA XS Mean time :34.170 Quick Time 34.030
6th - Falken RT 615 Mean time: 35.302 Sec Quick time 35.125 Sec.
5th - Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec Mean time: 35.209 sec. Quick time 35.061
4th -Toyo Proxes R1R Mean time: 34.522 sec Quick Time 34.452 sec
3rd- Bridgestone RE-01R Mean time: 34.478 sec Quick Time 34.430 sec.
2nd- Bridgestone Potenza RE-11 Mean time: 34.266 Quick time 34.238 sec.
1st - Kumho ECSTA XS Mean time :34.170 Quick Time 34.030
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,790
Likes: 29
From: STL MO
St. Jude Donor '09-'10
I am surprised people are putting so much stock in a test that is for a different car? in a 225 size tire? How does this compare to tire X on a Corvette exactly?
Article says:
Vehicles Used:
2008 BMW E90 320i Sedan, 2008 BMW E92 328i Coupe
Sure these vehicles are 3200 lbs and have 400+ HP
I along with others provided info from real experiences. I have driven my tires in 5 degrees all the way up to 100+ temps, light rain to torrential downpours....that is real IMO
Article says:
Vehicles Used:
2008 BMW E90 320i Sedan, 2008 BMW E92 328i Coupe
Sure these vehicles are 3200 lbs and have 400+ HP
I along with others provided info from real experiences. I have driven my tires in 5 degrees all the way up to 100+ temps, light rain to torrential downpours....that is real IMO
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,860
Likes: 5
From: Tampa FL
I am surprised people are putting so much stock in a test that is for a different car? in a 225 size tire? How does this compare to tire X on a Corvette exactly?
Article says:
Vehicles Used:
2008 BMW E90 320i Sedan, 2008 BMW E92 328i Coupe
Sure these vehicles are 3200 lbs and have 400+ HP
I along with others provided info from real experiences. I have driven my tires in 5 degrees all the way up to 100+ temps, light rain to torrential downpours....that is real IMO
Article says:
Vehicles Used:
2008 BMW E90 320i Sedan, 2008 BMW E92 328i Coupe
Sure these vehicles are 3200 lbs and have 400+ HP
I along with others provided info from real experiences. I have driven my tires in 5 degrees all the way up to 100+ temps, light rain to torrential downpours....that is real IMO
Last edited by goatts; Jan 9, 2010 at 10:57 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,684
Likes: 107
From: Opelika Alabama
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,790
Likes: 29
From: STL MO
St. Jude Donor '09-'10
Not putting any stock in it. Test data like this for tires is limited so you have to go by what's available. I had Kumho street tires on my C6 and they worked fine at the autox. As you can see from the tests, the differences are small. A big improvement can only be had if you go with sticky racing tires (non street). Your experience is valuable but still just anecdotal. I was just trying to provide some useful info, not start an argument.
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
I got a set of TOYO Proxies and absolutely LOVE them!
They are excellent in warm hot and do very well in cold weather.
I put them on my C5 ZO6 & my wifes C6 Z 51
BC
They are excellent in warm hot and do very well in cold weather.
I put them on my C5 ZO6 & my wifes C6 Z 51
BC
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,860
Likes: 5
From: Tampa FL
Just one more thing concerning the title of your thread. The runflats on your car are high performance tires. The main thing guys miss when replacing an old set of runflats with whatever new tire is that they are comparing the new tires to the old worn out tires they just took off their car. If you put new runflats on your car, drove it, then took them off and put a new set of non runflats on I don't think you would notice any difference. If you read all the tire threads you notice everyone seems to have their favorites.
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Salado Texas
Hello, I need new tires and trying to decide if I should get runflats again or if I should get regular tires. I figured if I get normal tires and get a flat I will either 1. plug it or 2. call a tow truck but atleast get the full feel of a performance car and of course its cheaper than runflats. What are ya'lls thought's and does anyone have regular tires that they would recommend for all seasons. Thanks
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 231
Likes: 0
From: Goodyear AZ
Just one more thing concerning the title of your thread. The runflats on your car are high performance tires. The main thing guys miss when replacing an old set of runflats with whatever new tire is that they are comparing the new tires to the old worn out tires they just took off their car. If you put new runflats on your car, drove it, then took them off and put a new set of non runflats on I don't think you would notice any difference. If you read all the tire threads you notice everyone seems to have their favorites.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,762
Likes: 4
From: Chandler Arizona
Not putting any stock in it. Test data like this for tires is limited so you have to go by what's available. I had Kumho street tires on my C6 and they worked fine at the autox. As you can see from the tests, the differences are small. A big improvement can only be had if you go with sticky racing tires (non street). Your experience is valuable but still just anecdotal. I was just trying to provide some useful info, not start an argument.
The way I look at it is that they are comparing tire construction and tread compounds. Even though it's not the exact tire size as on the Vette, it still shows a good comparison. Thanks for the info.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,492
Likes: 807
From: West coast CA
I am surprised people are putting so much stock in a test that is for a different car? in a 225 size tire? How does this compare to tire X on a Corvette exactly?
Article says:
Vehicles Used:
2008 BMW E90 320i Sedan, 2008 BMW E92 328i Coupe
Sure these vehicles are 3200 lbs and have 400+ HP
I along with others provided info from real experiences. I have driven my tires in 5 degrees all the way up to 100+ temps, light rain to torrential downpours....that is real IMO
Article says:
Vehicles Used:
2008 BMW E90 320i Sedan, 2008 BMW E92 328i Coupe
Sure these vehicles are 3200 lbs and have 400+ HP
I along with others provided info from real experiences. I have driven my tires in 5 degrees all the way up to 100+ temps, light rain to torrential downpours....that is real IMO
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Greenville SC
The Kumho XS are awesome. I use them daily and at weekend Autocross events. Slime sells a compressor/slime kit that is now GM approved and comes with the 2010 Camero's and do not harm the TPS. I fount the kit for $40 at Amazon.com. The only issue I have is when the temps get below 40 the tires do not grip and they skip when turning sharply in the parking lots. I live in South Carolina so I am usually good to go almost year round.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Nicosia, CYPRUS
I use the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 ZP (Zero Pressure = runflats) and they are fantastic.
See the leaflet at http://www.michelinman.com/media/en-...ral-poster.pdf
They perform much better than the original Goodyear and are much more quiet.
See the leaflet at http://www.michelinman.com/media/en-...ral-poster.pdf
They perform much better than the original Goodyear and are much more quiet.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 20,933
Likes: 905
From: salem OR
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 20,933
Likes: 905
From: salem OR
PS2's WILL provide significantly more traction than GY's in WARM weather. They DO NOT perform well in freezing temps and, in fact, they are sold with that fact clearly stated. Dry or warm weather and the PS2's are unbeatable in 19/20 ZR1 sizing.
Cold weather traction is indeed a lost cause for the practical C6 owner I've got some minor bolt-ons and can smoke and fishtail halfway through 3rd gear on my Z51 LS2 without much effort and that's with a 175# passenger (my truck mechanic) aboard.
Cold weather traction is indeed a lost cause for the practical
C6 owner I've got some minor bolt-ons and can smoke and fishtail halfway through 3rd gear on my Z51 LS2 without much effort and that's with a 175# passenger (my truck mechanic) aboard. Plus they are great wet also. great all around
tire!
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 20,933
Likes: 905
From: salem OR
Highest Tared Max performance summer tire is a Ps-2
Here is a summary of times from worst to first from the Grassroots Motorsports test last summer:
6th - Falken RT 615 Mean time: 35.302 Sec Quick time 35.125 Sec.
5th - Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec Mean time: 35.209 sec. Quick time 35.061
4th -Toyo Proxes R1R Mean time: 34.522 sec Quick Time 34.452 sec
3rd- Bridgestone RE-01R Mean time: 34.478 sec Quick Time 34.430 sec.
2nd- Bridgestone Potenza RE-11 Mean time: 34.266 Quick time 34.238 sec.
1st - Kumho ECSTA XS Mean time :34.170 Quick Time 34.030 sec.
All tires were shaved to 3/32 nd and test performed on an Autocross set up.
Also:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=124
http://www.kumhotireusa.com/News_Art...b-db7ada19bf8d
6th - Falken RT 615 Mean time: 35.302 Sec Quick time 35.125 Sec.
5th - Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec Mean time: 35.209 sec. Quick time 35.061
4th -Toyo Proxes R1R Mean time: 34.522 sec Quick Time 34.452 sec
3rd- Bridgestone RE-01R Mean time: 34.478 sec Quick Time 34.430 sec.
2nd- Bridgestone Potenza RE-11 Mean time: 34.266 Quick time 34.238 sec.
1st - Kumho ECSTA XS Mean time :34.170 Quick Time 34.030 sec.
All tires were shaved to 3/32 nd and test performed on an Autocross set up.
Also:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=124
http://www.kumhotireusa.com/News_Art...b-db7ada19bf8d
It's all good but the Ps-2's are better!