Based on 5,000 miles so far in a SR with the factory all season run flats.
1. If you test drive on a smooth road you will conclude that road noise is not a worry.
2. If you test drive on a rough surface concrete road you will conclude that road noise is a big worry. Driving on I69 last week I hit patches of both types of road and the difference in noise was enormous with all other conditions (temperature, speed, etc) constant.

At the Ron Fellows school they show you a cut away section of the run flat tires, I didn't realize the difference between rf (or "zero pressure technology" depending on tire brand) and non rf tires was a bit of extra sidewall on one side. Your intuition would not suggest that would create a lot of noise but I have not compared them back to back so perhaps the difference is greater than it seems like it should be.

Some idiots (like me) who drive on the noisy roads frequently remove the seats and all carpet and install a couple layers of noise deadening material (https://www.exoticvette.com) . I found the job to be unpleasant, the instructions to be incomplete (may be fixed by now), and the end result to be far from a miracle cure, but to me it was worthwhile as it seemed to remove some of the high frequency harshness from rough surfaced concrete meeting wide tires.

My brother-in-law says my C8 has less road noise than his C5.

Good luck!

 

The tread design and compound is the major factor for noise, not the sidewall construction. As noted above, the run-flat support sidewall for the OEM tires is only on one side and it doesn't even come into play until the tire loses air.

Here is a link to a video where they compare tires with and without run-flat construction, the same tire with the only difference being the run-flat construction.

 

Very interesting, thank you. It would be nice to know a couple things he didn't have a good way to test. The extra sidewall on the rf seems like it might make life easier on rims when you come to a sharp edged pothole. The sealing tires may or not have a shelf life similar to the shelf life of the more liquid sealant used in bicycle tires where they tell you to replace it every year.

 

I agree with this. I've still only driven my car about 45 miles since getting 5 days ago, but the exhaust is always on it's loudest setting.

 

On my previous C7's(3) I would swap out the run flats. But now that I have a '26 C8 HTC, I'm amazed how much quieter and smoother the ride is with the run flats. I won't be swapping these out.

 

The biggest issue with going to non-run flats on the C8 is that if you get a leak that won't hold air long enough to drive someplace to get it patched or replaced, you have to deal with towing companies that aren't great at dealing with high end cars that need special techniques. Just getting the C8 into neutral is quite a chore if for some reason you can't start the car. Even more true when dealing with the Z06 models or ones that have the aero.

You are putting your car in the hands of tow drivers who more times than not, don't know or care about what they are doing. And just because you have AAA or road side assistance from the MFG, all those places sub-contract out , so you are getting the same quality of drivers as if you just picked a number from a directory.

 

HMMMM, we are all worried about the road noise, while we have 490hp (and more) 17 inches from our ears that we run with the exhaust and suspension setting set at track or sport??? Love the concept !!! LOL.

 

Towing a Vette "sucks".
Plug kit/ compressor for emergency repair is the option, but will it work?
My OEM all season, I do not notice tire road noise.
Performance/ grip... do seconds matter to the OP?
I favor the runflats, good luck with your decision.

 

LOL you beat me to it. Most "hear" want loud obnoxious 1960's exhaust sounds and then complain about road noise-LMAO! When will the ALL electric Vette come out!

 

I agree. The A/S Michelin RF's are a great way to go if you don't race the car. With my 2013 GS, I put those on because I wanted to feel safer in cooler temps and there was a noted ride & noise improvement. Very happy. Gonna do same when my C8 Z51 tires get sketchy.

 

No fun watching your prized Corvette being drug up onto a tilt bed truck with a way too steep angle, I’ll stick with my Michelin run flats

 

Lots of the roads around me are 2-lane roads with zero shoulder or steep dropoffs. I do not want to even think about getting a flat on these roads and trying to patch it in these conditions. I'm sticking with RFs for my use case anyway.

 

Everyone is different. I've come to appreciate cruising with the quiet oem exhaust and a couple layers of sound deadening material under the carpets, the engine still talks to you when you get to the twisties. Probably appreciate the quiet because I'm an old fart and have been there done that with loud cars.

 

yep ....re-tired so i can't claim everyday driver but my days of open headers are gone .......although i sometimes miss them i ain't going back ......sport mode it is ....the a/s are nice n quiet on my 25 e

 

My personal experience with my C5 and C6 which were converted to non run flats. My C5 picked up a nail and went to zero pressure I drove it home at low speed probably about 10 miles no problem and no rim damage. My C6 I hit a pot hole on the intersate at around 60MPH drove it to my shop 7 miles away at low speed with no rim damage. Corvettes are relatively light. I would have no problem converting to non run flats when the time comes.

 

Of course everyone is different and you missed the point.. The fact remains many here are not happy one way or another and complain about noise but want 1,200 hp (and drive 47 mph in left lane) with borla exhausts and that solar sound thing BUT complain about run flat/road sound.

 

I'm going to repeat myself. Almost all flat tires are caused by slow leaks from a nail or a screw. Has everyone forgot that we have a tire pressure system that alerts you if a slow leak occurs. When and if that happens there is no need for road side repairs. No tire repair kit, no spare tire, no jack, no tire sealant required. Don't pull it out. It's a temporary plug. What is required is a small 12 volt air compressor and most the time that isn't even required. Pressure starts to drop, stop at a gas station and pump it up and be on your way to where ever. Repeat as necessary. People keep saying that the new run flats run as soft and non-runflats. Baloney. My Mark 4 rear end tells me different. And they are noisier. I'll be putting Continental non-runflats on when these Michelin's wear out. Softer, quieter and just as good handling.