C5 Tires
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 32
Likes: 15
From: Kintzel NY
C5 Tires
Hit a Pothole yesterday that destroyed my RF Tire on my 2003 Convertible. That is the price we pay living in Western New York. Since the tires are 15-years old and have 30,000 miles, it's time to put new ones on. Running stock 245/45/17 (front) and 275-40-18 (rear) ZP (No Flats) - Michelin Pilot Sport. They supposedly no longer make the No Flat tires in that size. Looking for any suggestions.
Popular Reply
May 4, 2026, 11:28 AM
Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 613
Likes: 318
From: San Jose CA
Honestly - the single best thing you can do for your C5 is to get rid of the run flats.
I run Continental Extreme Contact Sports on my 2002 Z06 and can't complain
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...e&autoModClar=
Get ready for a sudden increase in handling and ride quality by getting rid of those god forsaken run flats
I run Continental Extreme Contact Sports on my 2002 Z06 and can't complain
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...e&autoModClar=
Get ready for a sudden increase in handling and ride quality by getting rid of those god forsaken run flats
Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 613
Likes: 318
From: San Jose CA
Honestly - the single best thing you can do for your C5 is to get rid of the run flats.
I run Continental Extreme Contact Sports on my 2002 Z06 and can't complain
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...e&autoModClar=
Get ready for a sudden increase in handling and ride quality by getting rid of those god forsaken run flats
I run Continental Extreme Contact Sports on my 2002 Z06 and can't complain
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...e&autoModClar=
Get ready for a sudden increase in handling and ride quality by getting rid of those god forsaken run flats
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2025
Posts: 77
Likes: 40
You ride around on 15 year old tires? Dude. You're a hazard and the pothole is saviour to cars around you. Next time, keep your tires for 8 years maximum!
Dump the run flats. For dry driving and maybe getting caught in the rain, I really like Firestone Firehawk Indy 500, Great price and great grip and they loook great. However if you just drive around like a grown up, and never honk on it, A good brand of touring like Michelin or Continental, Toyo, etc. will be great.
Dump the run flats. For dry driving and maybe getting caught in the rain, I really like Firestone Firehawk Indy 500, Great price and great grip and they loook great. However if you just drive around like a grown up, and never honk on it, A good brand of touring like Michelin or Continental, Toyo, etc. will be great.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2,217
Likes: 784
From: Fort Myers Beach Florida
I replaced two sets of non-runflat tires on my 2002 C5 verts. First time, Hankook V12's, low price, very impressed. Last time I did Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tires, available from Costco with a great roadside hazard guarantee but more expensive. Performance wise I found the Michelins to be no better than the less expensive Hankook tires. I avoid dealing with TireRack but use their site for price comparison. (long story)
Pro
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 656
Likes: 239
From: Louisville, Ky
2022 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Unmodified
C4 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
I put Continental Extreme Contact DWS 06 Plus on my daily and sometimes track driven 2000 FRC. Had them over 115 mph at Vets in Vets in November 2025 at The Corvette Museum Motorsports Park. I think you should consider these. Will be interested in what you decide.
Joe K
Joe K
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 6,429
Likes: 4,257
From: Florida
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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I’ve had the Michelins on two C5s and they ride great and are quiet…for a corvette. Oh, and they last a long time and very good in rain. On the other hand they are not the best for burnouts due to their longer lifespan. My choice for longevity and comfort.
If you’re doing more “sport” driving in Mexico…definitely want one of the softer compound tires.
If you’re doing more “sport” driving in Mexico…definitely want one of the softer compound tires.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 919
Likes: 606
From: Navarre, Florida
I'm just shocked at the fact that he's out there running around on 15-yr old tires. Hell, the tires I have on my toys are about a year old and I'm starting to give them the side eye.
Anyhow, yes, the Continental tires recommended are great, so are Michelin Pilot Sport 4S if you can get it in appropriate sizes for your wheels. There are a few other niche tires from Bridgestone that can work and Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires are fantastic but, somewhat sketch in the rain if you aren't prepared for it.
Anyhow, yes, the Continental tires recommended are great, so are Michelin Pilot Sport 4S if you can get it in appropriate sizes for your wheels. There are a few other niche tires from Bridgestone that can work and Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires are fantastic but, somewhat sketch in the rain if you aren't prepared for it.
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Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2024
Posts: 27
Likes: 16
From: Wisconsin (SE)
I bought my 01 with new Nitto NT555 G2's. I really like them, quiet, good grip. I looked them up and found that they can be had for roughly $200 a piece, that is quite a savings ($100 each?) over some of the name brands.
JIM
JIM
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2026
Posts: 3
Likes: 1
Just had the same problem, took a nail in my 13 year old ZP Michelins (First run of the year), I opted for the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 (plus 80 dollar rebate) and added a "OlarHike Tire infaltor to the my 99 C5 from Amazon.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,646
Likes: 665
From: Pingree Grove IL
IMO, ditch the runflats and get a small electric compressor. I’ve never had to use it, but it’s there. And with your style of driving and still having tread left after 15 years, I don’t recommend an expensive tire. All summer only tires will perform about the same and you will probably not notice a difference between any of them. Some may be slightly louder, some might handle better in the rain, some on dry pavement. Just get some all season Generals and throw them on there. Bridgestone, Generals, Continental, Hankook, nitros, choose your poison and you would never be able to differentiate between any of them once there on your car.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 6,429
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From: Florida
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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I have to respectfully disagree on the idea of just getting any summer tire. There can be noticeable differences on road noise and ride between brands and that’s part of what you pay for. Yes they all are probably fine for driving around town, but tire noise is bad enough on a C5 without adding a noisy tire to the equation. Add to that our cars don’t exactly ride like a Crown Vic either, so ride quality matters to many of us.
Surely, cost is always a factor so spend some time reading reviews on each tire’s characteristics and price point. At the end of the day we’re looking at $300-ish from a top brand to a mid-level brand. That equates to about the cost of a sandwich and a couple beers a year over the life of the tires.
Surely, cost is always a factor so spend some time reading reviews on each tire’s characteristics and price point. At the end of the day we’re looking at $300-ish from a top brand to a mid-level brand. That equates to about the cost of a sandwich and a couple beers a year over the life of the tires.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 156
Likes: 73
From: Western NY
Hit a Pothole yesterday that destroyed my RF Tire on my 2003 Convertible. That is the price we pay living in Western New York. Since the tires are 15-years old and have 30,000 miles, it's time to put new ones on. Running stock 245/45/17 (front) and 275-40-18 (rear) ZP (No Flats) - Michelin Pilot Sport. They supposedly no longer make the No Flat tires in that size. Looking for any suggestions.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 10,317
Likes: 3,354
From: Central TX
C5 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
IMO, ditch the runflats and get a small electric compressor. I’ve never had to use it, but it’s there. And with your style of driving and still having tread left after 15 years, I don’t recommend an expensive tire. All summer only tires will perform about the same and you will probably not notice a difference between any of them. Some may be slightly louder, some might handle better in the rain, some on dry pavement. Just get some all season Generals and throw them on there. Bridgestone, Generals, Continental, Hankook, nitros, choose your poison and you would never be able to differentiate between any of them once there on your car.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,886
Likes: 20
From: Olathe, Kansas
I had the Nittos on my first C5. Very good tire , at a lower cost
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,298
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From: Western NY
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 3,211
Likes: 167
From: Rochester Hills Michigan
Love the Michelin Pilot Sports A/S runflats - I may have got the last batch run of the 3+’s last year…Limired to none now. . They look to be the widest looking OEM tires with a cool tread!
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 134
Likes: 7
From: Central Texas
Just spoke with a rep at Summit Racing, who runs Continental Extreme Contact Sport 02 on the rear. His car is about 400whp, however, and probably hooks up pretty well as it is. He says they stick good, but his first gut instinct for my application was Mickey Thompson ET Street S/S. Considering the mods on mine, I'm also at a crossroads on what to put on the rear. It's an auto, got no 1st gear; barely half throttle before hazing the tires. It also starts to spin at 60mph, but nothing major/scary until around 95, when just a little tire spin (randomly - due to varying road surfaces) takes place, which I'd like to avoid. Purchased it with Kuhmo Ecsta Sport S 385/35/19 on it. Any suggestions?
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 10,317
Likes: 3,354
From: Central TX
C5 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Just spoke with a rep at Summit Racing, who runs Continental Extreme Contact Sport 02 on the rear. His car is about 400whp, however, and probably hooks up pretty well as it is. He says they stick good, but his first gut instinct for my application was Mickey Thompson ET Street S/S. Considering the mods on mine, I'm also at a crossroads on what to put on the rear. It's an auto, got no 1st gear; barely half throttle before hazing the tires. It also starts to spin at 60mph, but nothing major/scary until around 95, when just a little tire spin (randomly - due to varying road surfaces) takes place, which I'd like to avoid. Purchased it with Kuhmo Ecsta Sport S 385/35/19 on it. Any suggestions?