Jeff Carver

I recently bought my first Corvette ('03 C5) from a used-Corvette dealership. The salesman said that, when the current tires (Goodyear Eagle F1s) wear out, I should let him replace them with a set of non-EMT Nittos. His reasoning was that a) non-EMTs provide better performance and b) modern tires really don't fail very often, and for those rare times when they do, that's why AAA exists. For an old geezer (67) like me, who isn't going to be pushing my car to its limits (or anywhere close, more than likely), does it make sense to give up the additional security of EMTs for a marginal performance improvement from the non-EMTs? Also, are Nittos really all that good, or do people buy them primarily because they're trendy?

leadfoot4

You're going to get HUNDREDS of opinions......Having said that, since I don't race my C-5, my main concern is not getting stuck somewhere in the boonies, with a flat tire, because flats usually occur at the worst possible time/place. Therefore, I have run-flats on it.....(Michelin Pilot Sports)

88redconvert

like leadfoot says... you will get a lot of opinions. (a different one from everyone you ask). I have michelin pilot sport run flats on mine. The problem with run flats is a rough and noisy ride. The michelins are supposed to be quieter than goodyears.

Vetteman Jack

Another view - I have run non runflats on my current car for better than 5 years and they are a night and day difference from the runflats. Better ride, handling, much less road noise. Only drawback is if they get punctured, you do have to plug them right away but it has been many years since I had a flat tire so I chose to take my chances and enjoy the other benefits.

oh1vette

Like others said, lots of opinions - heres mine...

Sounds like you'll be driving like a geezer and probably want piece of mind - stay with the run-flats for you...

By the way - I run Nittos............but I just like the name








PS. Just joking with ya....

Seriously though, do you know any other vette owners not running the EMTs? Maybe catch a ride to see how you like the ride quality (comfort) Vs the EMTs...

Good Luck...

WRTHW8

Well here's my .02. My first Vette was an 03 Z51 convertible. After having it for about a year (I bought it used with 14k on it) I put about three thousand on it and the Goodyears were shot. I was tired of the rough ride and the noise. I went the Michelin non run flat route, bought a tire plug kit, small cig lighter compressor and joined AAA. Way happier with the non runflats! Now on my 96 GS the Goodyear GSC tires were even noisier so I got Nitto NT 555 and love them! Great in the rain, excellent traction. When my Z needs tires I'll buy the Nitto tires for it too. I don't track. I do a little spirited driving now and then and I don't put a whole lot of miles on a year.

oh1vette

^^^^^

Nittos came out with an update to the 555s called the G2 - gonna try them in the spring...

Jeff Carver

After you've had them for a while, I'd be interested in hearing how you like them.