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Performance tires vs Runflats

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Old Jan 7, 2010 | 07:57 AM
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Default Performance tires vs Runflats

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
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Old Jan 7, 2010 | 11:30 AM
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went to regular tire's and will never go back to runflats!!! I love the Idea of RF's, but the difference is night and day!
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Old Jan 7, 2010 | 12:00 PM
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unless you get flat tires all the time then without question get some good rubber..
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Old Jan 7, 2010 | 12:16 PM
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Go performance and carry a cheap, small compressor. That will take care of most tire pressure issues to get home or to a repair facility.
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Old Jan 7, 2010 | 02:42 PM
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Default Horses for courses

"Run-flats" aren't a monolithic thing. For that matter, "performance tire" is a meaningless term as well.

Which "run-flats?" Supercars? G2s? GS-D3s? Wide Ovals? PS2 ZPs? Something else? They're not all the same.

Which "performance tires?" DOT R-Compound will embarrass anything on hot dry pavement, but get a little damp and you're in the weeds - meanwhile the guy on G2s is pulling away. So much for "performance."

The C6 is a street car, and certain run-flats (I like the PS2 ZP) are awesome on the street. Excellent grip and very handy for flying around the back-roads way out in the narrow twisty boonies, where there's no cell coverage, and a blowout would really ruin your day.
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Old Jan 7, 2010 | 04:44 PM
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I also switched from the OEM Goodyear Extended Mobility tires to the Michelin PS2 with conventional sidewalls.
If the goodyears were free, I would not spend the money to mount and balance them. The difference is dramatic.
I carry a small Craftsman 12V air compressor and a quality plug lit in the left rear compartment.
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Old Jan 7, 2010 | 06:59 PM
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I agree with switching to non-runflats. The price difference more than covers a tow or the purchase of an aircompressor and tire repair kit. Plus the TPMS gives added security. With a quality replacement tire maintained at proper pressure, a catastrophic failure is rare. A slow leak caused by road debris would be detectable by TPMS. I know the Shelby GT500 does not use runflats and has no spare, and considering Fords past tire issues....... The next issue is which tire to mount, with your all-season requirement. This could be a whole other discussion, but for bang for the buck..... I have had good experiences with Nitto NT555 and Sumitomo in the wet weather.
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Old Jan 7, 2010 | 09:17 PM
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Thank you everyone for the advice. I have decided to definitely go with regular tires.
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Old Jan 7, 2010 | 09:35 PM
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So I am looking at Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 in comparsion to Nitto 555 Extreme Performance tires. It looks like Nittos rate better than Ps2 ...is there a reason Nitto is alot cheaper? What am I missing here?
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Old Jan 7, 2010 | 09:52 PM
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excuse what may be a silly question but will my size 245/40-18 and 285/35-19 size change when I switch from run flats to regular conventional tires. want to make sure i order correctly.
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Old Jan 7, 2010 | 10:46 PM
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runflats = assurance
performanace tires= well performance...
Only you can decide why you bought the Vette.
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Old Jan 7, 2010 | 10:55 PM
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The C6 is a street car, and certain run-flats (I like the PS2 ZP) are awesome on the street. Excellent grip and very handy for flying around the back-roads way out in the narrow twisty boonies, where there's no cell coverage, and a blowout would really ruin your day.



PS2 ZPs are huge improvement over stock GY!
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Old Jan 7, 2010 | 11:06 PM
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I've read a lot of bad reviews on the Nitto Invo's about them being too soft on the corner. So what is the best tire for ride and wear for the buck?
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Old Jan 8, 2010 | 09:28 AM
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I am looking for a set myself..please suggest which would be the best Nitto's or PS2 ZP
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Old Jan 8, 2010 | 10:47 AM
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Originally Posted by luckycharmer03
excuse what may be a silly question but will my size 245/40-18 and 285/35-19 size change when I switch from run flats to regular conventional tires. want to make sure i order correctly.
You can order non-RF "conventional" tires in your stock tire sizes.

A lot of forum members like the Nitto Invo tires much more than stock tires, myself included. When you consider what you are getting for the price, they are a pretty good deal.

Last edited by Wass; Jan 8, 2010 at 10:53 AM.
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Old Jan 8, 2010 | 03:55 PM
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Originally Posted by Wass
You can order non-RF "conventional" tires in your stock tire sizes.

A lot of forum members like the Nitto Invo tires much more than stock tires, myself included. When you consider what you are getting for the price, they are a pretty good deal.
I also found the Invos to be much nicer than the stock runflats.

I also carry the Slime kit that includes the performance compressor.
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Old Jan 8, 2010 | 03:59 PM
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^^^^^^^ Agreed ^^^^^^

I paid less than $900 for my set of Nitto Invo's and can't believe the quality, ride and wet/dry performance these tires have. If and when I wear them out I will buy them again!
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Old Jan 8, 2010 | 04:46 PM
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Which Nitto's are you all running...model nos??
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Old Jan 8, 2010 | 07:41 PM
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Default tire choices

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.
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Old Jan 8, 2010 | 08:56 PM
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Kumho. The guy at Tirerack said most vette owners go with non runflats. Kumho had the best grip in a recent magazine test and they were cheapest.
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