Tire discussion Runflat vs non-runflat
 

I have done quite a bit of research and the lastest and greatest replacement tires for the Z06 seems to be the new Michelin Pilot SS.

I see lots of positive reviews, but one thing that I have not seen a lot of discussion on is the stiffness of the sidewalls.

From a traction standpoint they are obviously superior to the Goodyear both Gen 1 and Gen 2 (partly due to the sidewalls giving more), but what about crispness in cornering and transition manuevers?

It seems that what runflats give up in traction they make up for in the corners and quick transitions do to a stiffer sidewall.

Also in general the Michelin PS series are known for their soft sidewalls.

Also consider that the suspension was designed around a runflat tire with a stiff sidewall.

Thoughts, experiences??

Turn in on the PSS is fine, I've not yet done any slalom type driving, but in my experience so far there is no benefit other than ROF of the Goodyears over the PSS (stock sizes). I experienced the Goodyears for the first time with 8500 miles on the odo, so I can't say about how they were new. Gen 2 Goodyears have good grip but apparently many of the original's drawbacks.

I also have BilsteinSport shocks that improve the ride, control and handling.

There are forum members that swear by runflats and generally prefer Bridgestones or $$ M PS2's. Others like me am very pleased with non-RFT's.

run flats have better turn in... ...non run flats are slow in comparison...[ imo]...for street i use runflats...for track race rubber..

The best pure handling tires will not be run-flats. But the difference between the 2 is shrinking as better run-flat tire technology develops. Michelin, Bridgestone, Pirelli

Non run-flats = better handing depending of tire selection. They go flat on the bottom,
Run-flats = barely compromised handling depending on tire selection. They get you home.

Does not include any of the Goodyear tires in my opinions as they flat suck, run-flat or not.

My personal experience involves only the Goodyear Gen 1 versus the Bridgestone RFT. Other than the noise and hard ride, I liked the Goodyears initially because of the lateral grip and quick turn-in. The GY deteriorate rapidly as they age, except for the cornering and turn-in, as many others have previously discussed. Having just changed to the Bridgestones, they are better overall in most categories, except for the turn-in, since the GY sidewall appears to be stiffer. The only other disadvantage to the Bridgestones is that they are significantly heavier. I have never used non-RFT tires, so I can't comment on those comparisons.

I just replaced the GYS with the Michelin Sport. Better tire by far than the GYs. I can really feel the difference when cornering.

Well worn GY Super Car EMTs (2/32) outperform Nitto NT05s. The Nittos seem to last longer but they don't have the cornering capability of the GYs. I started with the GYs having 8K miles on them and got 10 track days on them. I started with new Nittos which means with the deeper tread they were at a disadvantage to the GYs but they did last 26 track days.

Bill

I find the NT-05's don't have great track grip, but they are balanced and predictable. I doubt I'll get the wear out of them that you got, Bill.

Re Watkins Glen long course, I did a 2:05 in my Taurus there in 1999.

Seems like the new Pilot Super sports outperform the NT-05's and have twice as much treadlife....

I have the PSS in stock sizes and use them as my street tires and for Silver State and for Mojave Magnum. Maybe when my NT-05 track tires wear out, I'll use up these "then old" PSS for the track and get a new set for the street.

My new PSS clearly have substantially more grip than the NT-05's, which have about 5K and 5-6 track says on them, still with about half tread.

I had the stock GY 08, now Bridgestones, stck size, there is absolutely NO comparison, I cannot imagine going back to goodyear. All rft.

Then I'm sure you stuck your proverbial foot in your mouth:LOL
Stock Z06 run flat sizes and these run flat tires are the only tire I've been doing this:

http://i396.photobucket.com/albums/p...n/P1000990.jpg


AND I'VE TRIED THEM ALL


FYI:
That is a 1.27g pulled thru a turn on the street, have run multiple combos (88,000 miles) and no other tire manufacturer can match that, ON RUN FLATS BAR NONE. That's OEM.:smash:

Bragging about pulling 1.27 g's on the street - having your avatar showing 167 MPH in a Speed Restricted 50MPH Zone. You must be very proud of your delinquent behavior. And I'm equally certain your tire manufacturer of choice is equally proud. All the best . . . .

I had the original good years and switched to general non run flats and i would never go back.Much improved ride ,much quieter,and much better traction when stepping on it.The best part was how cheap the generals cost me.

Michaelinmech ,before attempting to set skid pad records you should get an oil change or at least add whats missing !Hard cornering when missing oil is not very recommended.Secondly i hope you dont think we re naive enough to believe 1.27 g force with good year runflats....What a joke.

Sorry for the dumb question here but why does the pic show 1.27g at zero mph and zero rpm?

You can 're-call' your highest pull.

i never knew that - told you it was a dumb question :hide:
thanks!
:cheers:

Not so, we all live and learn. I wasn't born with that info. Someone had to tell me, or I read it.:cheers:

lebvette, Please explain how to recall the highest G.