I'm going to need a new set of boots for my baby before too long. The baby in question is a 2016 Z51 Stingray Coupe. My hope is to do some long road trips over the next few years and I'm pretty sure I want run-flats for peace of mind. I know that run-flats have gotten better in terms of ride quality since the last time I had some (on my 2001 C5). I'm retiring in a couple of weeks and I need to start being a bit more price conscious, so cost is one (but not the only) consideration -- quality and durability are also obviously important. I don't track this car, and engage in "spirited driving" only occasionally (those occasions being much less common than back in the age of dinosaurs when I got my first C4 Corvette).

Any thoughts and specific recommendations will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

I would stick with the Michelin brand; they have numerous run flat options depending on how you use your car

 

How much better have they gotten. Are they worth a look?

 

https://www.michelinman.com/auto/tir...ot-sport-a-s-4

 

Mine are non-runflats and I love them. If you really need/want runflats, I would not hesitate to get these tires.

 

Another vote for Michelin and specifically the AS4's as linked in post #4. They eliminate the Ackermann effect and I don't feel any difference in road grip for how I drive my car.

 

Michelin Pilot Sport AS4 ZP is what I have on my '09 and '16. Great tires for wear and road noise.

 

I have a 2014 C7. Non-runflats. I do keep a can of fix-a-flat in all of my cars.

 

This. Great tires.

 

Another vote for Michelin all season run flats. I'm not interested in anything else.

 

Yes, another vote for Michelin AS 4 ZP. I love ‘em on my 2019 GS. Peace of mind.
I bought mine at Discount Tire. These tires are designed for the C7.

 

100% - Stick with Michelin and especially the AS4's, and I live in SW Florida!!!

 

I just went with the OEM tires from Costco.

 

OP-

Even though you may not absolutely need All Season tires in Houston, the Michelin A/S are an excellent all around tire. I use them in cold weather near Chicago and Super Sports for competition in summer. I consider the crossover temperature to be about 50'F. If I didn't do summer competition, I'd just go with the A/S all year. They cost only a little less than the Super Sports, but they last about 50% longer, so that's a savings. GM recommends replacing Corvette tires at 6 years regardless of tread, and tires may age-out before they wear out.

The C7 runflats are way nicer then the Goodyears we had on our C5, I've only "needed" them once but it was very important that day. Some people who have done back-to-back comparisons say they couldn't tell the difference, others say the non-RF are a bit softer. Either way, it's still a stiffly-sprung sports car. We have softened the ride on previous Z51 Corvettes by going to softer Bilstein shocks. If you have Mag Ride on your car there is an electronic reprogramming from GM that improves both the ride and the handling on those cars. A real improvement.

Enjoy your retirement, we started long road-tripping in Corvettes when I retired and after 20 years still enjoy it.

 

Looks like my suggestion in post #4 has been well received and endorsed!

 

I run Michelin runflats in my C7 - AS 3+ ZP. They have been excellent tires and when the time comes, I will replace them with the latest version of those tires.

 

Someone is killed or injured in the U.S. every three to four days trying to change a tire on the side of the road.

During my 21 years of Corvette ownership, I have had one flat tire in a Corvette. That was a C4 and it had a spare tire. It happened in a small town and I parked on a side street and changed it.

I have driven on run flats and regular tires. I did not sense that the run flats made my ride harsher.

My most recent Stingray purchase got me a Z51 with regular tires. When those wear out, I will replace them with run flats. But that could be several years away because regular tires will out last run flats by 5,000 to 6,000 miles.

Other considerations: Pros and Cons at a Glance

Run-Flat Tires Pros:

• Safer during punctures
• No spare tire needed
• More trunk space
• Stability in emergencies

Run-Flat Tires Cons:

• Higher cost
• Harsher ride
• Shorter lifespan
• Limited repairability
• Slightly reduced fuel efficiency

Regular Tires Pros:

• Lower cost
• Smoother, quieter ride
• Longer lifespan
• Easier to repair
• Better fuel economy
• More eco-friendly

Regular Tires Cons:

• Riskier during punctures
• Requires repair kit, jack and air pump or repair service

https://www.sociallykeeda.com/run-fl...nd-performance


https://www.performanceplustire.com/...lar-tires-2025

https://www.discountedwheelwarehouse...-regular-tires

 

Replacing the factory wheels for cracks, I intentionally went down a size in diameter front and rear. This allowed me to fit Pilot Sport 4S go-flats all around. Incredible increase in grip and ride comfort. Got the goo and a pump in the trunk, otherwise Hagerty roadside. Did the same with BMWs in the past, can't stand run flats.

 

Throw in a tire repair kit just in case. I had to use one in my '14 Camaro which came with Yes Flats.

 

2014 z51: ps a/s zp's!!