Tire question
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,380
Likes: 103
From: Visalia CA
Tire question
I cant seem to find the answer I'm looking for, granted I'M not really good at searching either.
I realize the Z51 package includes the larger wheels, hence lower profile tires. Are the tires a different compound/performance tire compared to the base 18/19" combo, such as what the C6 was running. Or are the 2 tires the same compound, but just different sizes for the different wheels. The Z51 tires on the C6 just would not last.
Im really waffling on whether to go for a base model or the Z51 package, and the only decision is the tires. I will put 20k+ a year on the car, and I'm not interested in buying tires 2-3 times a year. But if the tires are the same then it doesn't matter. I will end up spending the $2800 difference on new wheels and a spoiler for the base car anyways.
I realize the Z51 package includes the larger wheels, hence lower profile tires. Are the tires a different compound/performance tire compared to the base 18/19" combo, such as what the C6 was running. Or are the 2 tires the same compound, but just different sizes for the different wheels. The Z51 tires on the C6 just would not last.
Im really waffling on whether to go for a base model or the Z51 package, and the only decision is the tires. I will put 20k+ a year on the car, and I'm not interested in buying tires 2-3 times a year. But if the tires are the same then it doesn't matter. I will end up spending the $2800 difference on new wheels and a spoiler for the base car anyways.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,559
Likes: 4,502
From: North Dallas 40 TX
I cant seem to find the answer I'm looking for, granted I'M not really good at searching either.
I realize the Z51 package includes the larger wheels, hence lower profile tires. Are the tires a different compound/performance tire compared to the base 18/19" combo, such as what the C6 was running. Or are the 2 tires the same compound, but just different sizes for the different wheels. The Z51 tires on the C6 just would not last.
Im really waffling on whether to go for a base model or the Z51 package, and the only decision is the tires. I will put 20k+ a year on the car, and I'm not interested in buying tires 2-3 times a year. But if the tires are the same then it doesn't matter. I will end up spending the $2800 difference on new wheels and a spoiler for the base car anyways.
I realize the Z51 package includes the larger wheels, hence lower profile tires. Are the tires a different compound/performance tire compared to the base 18/19" combo, such as what the C6 was running. Or are the 2 tires the same compound, but just different sizes for the different wheels. The Z51 tires on the C6 just would not last.
Im really waffling on whether to go for a base model or the Z51 package, and the only decision is the tires. I will put 20k+ a year on the car, and I'm not interested in buying tires 2-3 times a year. But if the tires are the same then it doesn't matter. I will end up spending the $2800 difference on new wheels and a spoiler for the base car anyways.
You get a lot more on the Z51 package than the tires, so if you would spend that same money for new tires and wheels and spoiler for the base car, better to get the Z51, in my opinion.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 245
Likes: 0
From: Moab UT
I have the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2's on my 2010 GS with a tread wear rating of 220. They ride smoother and quieter and are wearing way better than the OEM GY's which only lasted 17K. They could make it to 27K if I were keeping it, which I'm not.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 2,151
Likes: 62
Let me warn you. The PSS's are good tires but the dual compound is actually a lot softer on the outside edges. I wore through one set in 2 days of tracking in my GTR. Your street driving shouldn't be a huge issue but watch the edges closely they will wear faster than the middle or inside
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,641
Likes: 2,691
From: Pacific Northwest
[QUOTE=MoabC6;1584507651]It is also 300 for the Z51. But the 30,000 mile warranty is cut in half for both the base and Z51 since we cannot rotate the tires.
QUOTE]
MoabC6, can you please give a hard reference for your statement that the Z-51 Michelins also have a 300 UTQG rating? Thank you. Hope you are correct, but..., source please.
QUOTE]
MoabC6, can you please give a hard reference for your statement that the Z-51 Michelins also have a 300 UTQG rating? Thank you. Hope you are correct, but..., source please.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 245
Likes: 0
From: Moab UT
Right off the Michelin website for the tread wear number and warranty. Also, I have not seen anything in the GM C7 literature except that the C7, base and Z51, both have the "Michelin Pilot Super Sport run flat, summer only tires".
It is interesting that for the Stingray base Michelin also shows the Sport PS2, which is more expensive, as a replacement but not on the Z51 where they only show the Super Sport. Maybe they consider the PS2 as too soft. Who knows?
It is interesting that for the Stingray base Michelin also shows the Sport PS2, which is more expensive, as a replacement but not on the Z51 where they only show the Super Sport. Maybe they consider the PS2 as too soft. Who knows?
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Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,083
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From: IL / FL .
It's been mentioned before, Michelin calls many completely different tires "Pilot Super Sport". PSS's for Porsches or GTRs or C6s or Z06/GS are different designs with the same name. Construction, compounds, and tread wear ratings vary. Although the base C7 has the same tire size as the base C6, PSSs now sold for the base C6 are an older design. The new C7 technology 18/19 tires have a 300 treadwear rating. Not sure of the final 19/20 treadwear rating. Pilot Super Sport specs found on Tire Rack's site at this time are for older designs, not the new 2014 technology. Once the 2014s become available both designs will be sold. The older (non runflat) PSSs are more reasonably priced than the new 2014 technology runflats will be.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,033
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From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
It's been mentioned before, Michelin calls many completely different tires "Pilot Super Sport". PSS's for Porsches or GTRs or C6s or Z06/GS are different designs with the same name. Construction, compounds, and tread wear ratings vary. Although the base C7 has the same tire size as the base C6, PSSs now sold for the base C6 are an older design. The new C7 technology 18/19 tires have a 300 treadwear rating. Not sure of the final 19/20 treadwear rating. Pilot Super Sport specs found on Tire Rack's site at this time are for older designs, not the new 2014 technology. Once the 2014s become available both designs will be sold. The older (non runflat) PSSs are more reasonably priced than the new 2014 technology runflats will be.
Just like Goodyear calls most of their upper range tires "Eagles".
The PSS runflats for the base C7 will certainly fit on narrow body C6 wheels, but they are spec'ed for a base car where fuel economy, tire life, noise, and ride; are all more important than the Z51. So I'm not sure they will be any better than the current PS2 runflats we have on our 2009 Z51. We should know in a year or two...
Last edited by Gearhead Jim; Jul 27, 2013 at 11:21 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,764
Likes: 10
From: Cumming GA
On order: Torch Red Z51
Z51-No Run-flats
I was doing a little research on the Z51 tires re: tread wear ratings and price. As I expected, the stickier tires have the lowest tread wear ratings. Then I found a Michelin Pilot with a rating of 500 for just a few bucks more. That's really interesting to me for replacement tires as I won't be tracking the car or even driving it to the limits. But there's a but I found on ALL the Z51 tires. None of them have the advertised 'run-flat' feature. I called Tire Rack and they confirmed that the 'run-flat' add applies only to the base C7, not the Z51 with the larger wheels & tires. But I guess it's a trade off as the tread wear rating on the base car's tires is only 220.
Here's a clip of the ones I found with the '500' rating on tire rack. If I drive it as I expect, I should get good mileage on them as well as a car more fun to drive than my Lexus RX450h
.
Here's a clip of the ones I found with the '500' rating on tire rack. If I drive it as I expect, I should get good mileage on them as well as a car more fun to drive than my Lexus RX450h
.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 41,732
Likes: 1,718
From: Springfield MO
Just like Goodyear calls most of their upper range tires "Eagles".
The PSS runflats for the base C7 will certainly fit on narrow body C6 wheels, but they are spec'ed for a base car where fuel economy, tire life, noise, and ride; are all more important than the Z51. So I'm not sure they will be any better than the current PS2 runflats we have on our 2009 Z51. We should know in a year or two...
Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar G:2
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2
Goodyear Eagle GS-D3
Goodyear Eagle GS-2
Goodyear Eagle AR Gatorback
Goodyear Eagle LS
Goodyear Eagle NCT5
and on and on.......
You can identify the many variations of the Goodyear Eagles by their COMPLETE name.
That's what is confusing about the Michelin SuperSports. They don't further breakdown the various different models of the SuperSports, as does GM with their "Eagles".
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 41,732
Likes: 1,718
From: Springfield MO
I was doing a little research on the Z51 tires re: tread wear ratings and price. As I expected, the stickier tires have the lowest tread wear ratings. Then I found a Michelin Pilot with a rating of 500 for just a few bucks more. That's really interesting to me for replacement tires as I won't be tracking the car or even driving it to the limits. But there's a but I found on ALL the Z51 tires. None of them have the advertised 'run-flat' feature. I called Tire Rack and they confirmed that the 'run-flat' add applies only to the base C7, not the Z51 with the larger wheels & tires. But I guess it's a trade off as the tread wear rating on the base car's tires is only 220.
Here's a clip of the ones I found with the '500' rating on tire rack. If I drive it as I expect, I should get good mileage on them as well as a car more fun to drive than my Lexus RX450h.
Here's a clip of the ones I found with the '500' rating on tire rack. If I drive it as I expect, I should get good mileage on them as well as a car more fun to drive than my Lexus RX450h
.Also the Z51 comes with run flat tires, and the tire you show is not a run flat tire.
A/S tires generally have a higher wear rating than a high performance summer tire, so the "500" isn't indicative of what the Z51 tires will be.
Last edited by JoesC5; Jul 29, 2013 at 11:56 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,764
Likes: 10
From: Cumming GA
On order: Torch Red Z51
According to the specs, the run-flat tire comes only on the base car, and NOT with the Z51 pckg. That's what I was trying to say in my earlier post. The size with the Z51 does not have run-flat availability. I'm looking at the best wear rating for replacement tires down the road. My use will be local and touring, not tracking so mileage and comfort is my criteria.
I don't believe that tire is the one found on the 2014 Z51. The tire you show is an A/S tire and it only has a Y speed rating, not a (Y) speed rating. If GM fitted the Z51 with Y speed rated ties then they would have to put a speed limiter set at 186 MPH on the car.
Also the Z51 comes with run flat tires, and the tire you show is not a run flat tire.
A/S tires generally have a higher wear rating than a high performance summer tire, so the "500" isn't indicative of what the Z51 tires will be.
Also the Z51 comes with run flat tires, and the tire you show is not a run flat tire.
A/S tires generally have a higher wear rating than a high performance summer tire, so the "500" isn't indicative of what the Z51 tires will be.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 41,732
Likes: 1,718
From: Springfield MO
According to the specs, the run-flat tire comes only on the base car, and NOT with the Z51 pckg. That's what I was trying to say in my earlier post. The size with the Z51 does not have run-flat availability. I'm looking at the best wear rating for replacement tires down the road. My use will be local and touring, not tracking so mileage and comfort is my criteria.
From GM's press release....http://media.gm.com/media/us/en/gm/n...ray-specs.html
Tires:
Michelin Pilot Super Sport run-flat
front: P245/40R18 (Stingray)
front: P245/35R19(with Z51)
rear: P285/35R19 (Stingray)
rear: P285/30R20(with Z51)
Last edited by JoesC5; Jul 29, 2013 at 01:20 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,083
Likes: 190
From: IL / FL .
According to the specs, the run-flat tire comes only on the base car, and NOT with the Z51 pckg. That's what I was trying to say in my earlier post. The size with the Z51 does not have run-flat availability. I'm looking at the best wear rating for replacement tires down the road. My use will be local and touring, not tracking so mileage and comfort is my criteria.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,084
Likes: 6
From: Boca Raton Florida
Speaking of tires, imo the best replacement tires for the C6 are the Firestone Superhawk wide oval runflats.....over 30K miles on them and they still look and run great....the original GY's were shot at 22K.
Will be selling my beloved 2005 as soon as my C7 arrives. As usual, both will be in my driveway when buyers arrive.....last 2 vettes sold to first customer with new vette sitting next to old one.....
Will be selling my beloved 2005 as soon as my C7 arrives. As usual, both will be in my driveway when buyers arrive.....last 2 vettes sold to first customer with new vette sitting next to old one.....
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,764
Likes: 10
From: Cumming GA
On order: Torch Red Z51
Like ZL-1 posted, it's confusing. At the top under store I pulled down the tire specs for the Z1 then called Tire Rack to confirm. Run flat doesn't show for the Z1 sizes and he confirmed it. According to Tire Rack they're only available for the base car and the Tread Wear Rating is 220 for that particulate tire. If you look at the Z1 size clip I posted above, it doesn't say 'run flat' anywhere. But hey, I don't have the car so can only post what I can read or hear from the tire people.
What specs are you referring to? Link?
From GM's press release....http://media.gm.com/media/us/en/gm/n...ray-specs.html
Tires:
Michelin Pilot Super Sport run-flat
front: P245/40R18 (Stingray)
front: P245/35R19(with Z51)
rear: P285/35R19 (Stingray)
rear: P285/30R20(with Z51)
From GM's press release....http://media.gm.com/media/us/en/gm/n...ray-specs.html
Tires:
Michelin Pilot Super Sport run-flat
front: P245/40R18 (Stingray)
front: P245/35R19(with Z51)
rear: P285/35R19 (Stingray)
rear: P285/30R20(with Z51)
Racer
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 389
Likes: 15
From: Escondido CA
[QUOTE=lottavettes;1584532643]Speaking of tires, imo the best replacement tires for the C6 are the Firestone Superhawk wide oval runflats.....over 30K miles on them and they still look and run great....the original GY's were shot at 22K.QUOTE]
I think they're called Firehawk vs. Superhawk.
Best replacement value for C-6 base and Z-51 by far. Got 50k on my wife's commuter 2006 C-6 Z-51. Highly recommended for that application.
Apologies for the thread steal. Now back to your regularly scheduled C-7 thread.
I think they're called Firehawk vs. Superhawk.
Best replacement value for C-6 base and Z-51 by far. Got 50k on my wife's commuter 2006 C-6 Z-51. Highly recommended for that application.
Apologies for the thread steal. Now back to your regularly scheduled C-7 thread.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 41,732
Likes: 1,718
From: Springfield MO
Like ZL-1 posted, it's confusing. At the top under store I pulled down the tire specs for the Z1 then called Tire Rack to confirm. Run flat doesn't show for the Z1 sizes and he confirmed it. According to Tire Rack they're only available for the base car and the Tread Wear Rating is 220 for that particulate tire. If you look at the Z1 size clip I posted above, it doesn't say 'run flat' anywhere. But hey, I don't have the car so can only post what I can read or hear from the tire people.
Tire rack is showing a tire that is available in the same sizes as the C7 Z51; they are not showing the OE tire used on the C6 Z51.
Last edited by JoesC5; Jul 29, 2013 at 06:18 PM.