Tyre choice,,read on

[ZR1427]

Taken off the Net an article that might influence you on future tyre choice.


www.zr1.net/F1G3D3.html

[anonymous-user]

Excellent news! I've no issue with the grip or wear on my C5 although an improvement in noise and ride would be welcome for long journeys. The OE tyres have lasted well and will be up for change shortly so these sound ideal. Just leaves the thorny question of where we will be able to buy them in UK.

[LuS1fer]

That's the article I read before buying my 275/35 x 18 GSD3's. However, the wheels they're on aren't lacquered so I won't be using them until about April when I can be sure all the salt is gone off the road. Still, they look good sitting in my computer room.

Oh and you can buy them anywhere in the UK.

>> Edited by LuS1fer on Monday 26th January 08:01

[mark387mw]

Its time for two new tyres, front and rear. I posted before about new tyres as I had a puncture. Turned out to be a drill bit and the repair has had a worse result than leaving the drill bit in.
I'm tempted by non run flats as most people have mentioned but sods law etc...

Anyone know of bargains out there or isn't there such a thing. Dave Sheldon Tyres nor Micheldever were any cheaper than my local tyre firm.

I just want less than £200 for the rears

Mark

[ZR1427]

found this thread on the viper site(hope they dont mind),might throw some more light on the subject.

http://corvettechat.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?t=75212&f=76&h=0

[LuS1fer]

I paid just under £800 locally for a set of four 275/35 x 18's GS-D3's. Another tyre dealer told me the dealer "couldn't do it for that price". ERm...he did.

[mark387mw]

Got sorted with tyres, (EMT's - yes I know but I seem to attract punctures!) One front and one rear for less than £350 including balancing etc. He has another pair should I need to go back or for anyone else . Email me for contact info.

Mark

[gsmcoverage]

Do all C5's come with Run Flats or are they part of later models ie 2002 onwards?

Cheers

[vetteheadracer]

Call John at NHT on 01252-613261 and he should be able to source a set of tyres for any American vehicle. Also does some nice OEM and aftermarket wheels.

I got my Z06 Goodyear F1s thru John about a month ago.

[b3any]

On the standard wheels the rears 275/40's i think correct me if i'm wrong, can they take 285's or higher? Or is 275 the max? What are the benefits or problems with having a lower profile, say 35 or 30?

[te51cle]

b3any said:

On the standard wheels the rears 275/40's i think correct me if i'm wrong, can they take 285's or higher? Or is 275 the max? What are the benefits or problems with having a lower profile, say 35 or 30?

Yep, 275/40 18s on the rear. The standard rear rim is 9.5" so 275 is the widest most tyre manufacturers recommend, however Toyo make a 285/40 18 which they will allow to be fitted to a 9.5" rim. Make sure you keep the diameter of the front and rear tyres in the same proportion as standard otherwise the active handling may throw a wobbler at odd times !


The benefits of a lower profile are a bit dubious other than for looks. Aston Martin reckon a 235/45 tyre is the maximum anyone would need on the front for grip and handling balance so that's what they fit to the new DB9. The C5 has 245/45 as standard.

[LuS1fer]

gsmcoverage said:

Do all C5's come with Run Flats or are they part of later models ie 2002 onwards? Cheers

Z06's specifically ditch the run-flats and come with a can of inflator. That should tell you the run-flats are a big compromise.

[gsmcoverage]

Its that time for a set of new fronts.....
That is to say they are currently Goodyear EagleF1 EMT P245/45ZR18 89Y
KwikFit are on for 209, fitted. Not sure if they are EMT though...

Unfortunately NHT are 193+VAT and not EMT....

1) Are EMT's essential for no spare? Suppose a can of filler and compressor are alternatives.
2) I see Goodyear are the probably the best to stay with, but there are cheaper ones about, like Contiental for 164 fitted.. Are these worth it or good?

Michelins are 163+VAT, but are they EMT? Anyone know?

[LuS1fer]

In a recent thread about light wheels, someone indicated that the Goodyear F1's are a lot lighter than I think the Continentals. In terms of unsprung weight, it's worth bearing in mind.

Chevrolet sell an inflator "kit" which is fitted as standard to the Z06 but not sure how much it is.

[te51cle]

You might want to read the comment above your query. Getting rid of the runcraps is one of the best things you can do to improve wet and dry grip, ride comfort, traction etc. Michelin make tyres that are an excellent compromise between grip and life so I'd be tempted to go for them.

[Camaro SS]

We've always stuck with the runflats on the pace car, we get around 20k out of them and understand that the whole set up of the C5 was with them in mind, we don't find it a compromise to use them and find the ride good, for us, have run 12.9s on them but did get down to 12.67 @ 112.5 when put the nittos from the camaro on! We do over 20k miles a year and I guess like the safety element of the run flats.

[vetteheadracer]

:Lucy Fir said:

Chevrolet sell an inflator "kit" which is fitted as standard to the Z06 but not sure how much it is.

$449 from Corvette Garage

I have the Kuhmo Ecstas (something like this) from NHT on the front and rear of mine. I know I get a discount, but even so, they are a blinding deal and are so grippy.



>> Edited by vetteheadracer on Thursday 19th August 09:26

[gsmcoverage]

LuS1fer said:

Chevrolet sell an inflator "kit" which is fitted as standard to the Z06 but not sure how much it is.

$450 from Corvette Garage + Tax + Shipping + Vat + Duty
www.corvettegarage.com/product_info.php?products_id=255

or West Coast
www.westcoastcorvette.com/shop_online/prod_detail.cfm?id=1120

Seems rather a lot.... Since it seems run-flats are only a little more than the non-runflats.

[jaytee368]

I have NEVER, in relevant public forums, until 21:20 yesterday extol the virtues of runflats!
Diversity of the human race, you gotta love it.

[LuS1fer]

Runflats are a lot heavier and have less grip and worse handling characteristics as they have much stiffer sidewalls. Mind you, in the middle of a desert or on a storm-lashed night, I'd probably choose them too. LOL.