Tires

[zr1nsxgto]

Tire Rack has a very slim selection at the moment for tires for the ZR-1 in stock sizes. They have a very cheap listing for Sumitomo(???) tires. Anyone tried these? What are most of you getting for your ZR-1?? I am wanting to get some "modern rubber" to put on a second set of wheels for my 90 ZR1. It currently still has the original tires on it, but they are rock hard.

[carmine]

I Bought VREDSTEINS Just Last Oct. Very Pleased 808.00 66.00 Shipping Carmine #357 Black Gray Stock

[mike100]

I never met anybody who was satisfied with the 315 sumitomos.

[secondchance]

I never met anybody who was satisfied with the 315 sumitomos.

I got a set of 315s for the rear and did not like them - rounded shoulder.
I ended replacing them w/ Goodyear Eagle GS-D3s -great tires! since then I upgraded my wheels to Fikse 18"s and currently run Michelins.
If you are staying w/ 17s, I recommend GS-D3s even though they are pain to find sometimes.

[USAFPILOT]

Look at Nitto. The NT-05 is a great tire for street and strip applications. The 555 is their street tire. The NT-01 is a race tire. I don't think they are available at tire rack, but they are available at "discount tire".

[GOLDCYLON]

Tire Rack has a very slim selection at the moment for tires for the ZR-1 in stock sizes. They have a very cheap listing for Sumitomo(???) tires. Anyone tried these?


You get what you pay for. They are the wrost brand I ever put on my car. Recommend GY F1 GS D3s if you can find them or Michelin Pilot sports.

[SteelBlueZR1]

I too bought VREDSTEINS Ultrac Sessentra in stock sizes and am wholly impressed with these tires; great grip; quiet and smooth ride and traction puts power down. Very reasonable pricing and long tread life.

[efnfast]

Ooo, this is a good thread. I was planning on Michelin 335 pilot sports in the spring. More available than the Goodyears, and more affordable. I'll be watching this thread.

[tomcat]

I wore my 335 Michelin Pilot sport out & could not find any more. Went to Pirelli 335's which are good tires.

Manfred E...........:USFlag:
91 ZR1 #906
http://pnwzr1.net

[Jagdpanzer]

Here is a good deal from our Viper pals on a full set of PS2 Michelins
275/40ZR17 fronts and 335/35ZR17 rears
$1,075.00 including free shipping

https://www.viperpartsofamerica.com/index.php/products/michelin-pilot-sport-ps2-full-set-1992-1998

[ZZZZZR1]

Here is a good deal from our Viper pals on a full set of PS2 Michelins
275/40ZR17 fronts and 335/35ZR17 rears
$1,075.00 including free shipping

https://www.viperpartsofamerica.com/index.php/products/michelin-pilot-sport-ps2-full-set-1992-1998

That's a hell of a deal!

:cheers:

David

[FU]

Here is a good deal from our Viper pals on a full set of PS2 Michelins
275/40ZR17 fronts and 335/35ZR17 rears
$1,075.00 including free shipping

https://www.viperpartsofamerica.com/index.php/products/michelin-pilot-sport-ps2-full-set-1992-1998

Oh yea ! Thanks for the link Phil :handshak:

[gtabert]

I need new tires as well. I've got what I feel is the best tip from Mark Haibeck, he recommends the Nitto's as well. I'd like to go the Michelin route; I've always had good luck with them. I do agree, you get what you pay for. My problem, I have no traction, of course it is due to older Yokohama Tires. I'm in serious negotiations with HRE Wheels for a set of 18" 565R or the P45S, both killer wheels. So for now I'm on the fence post until I make that decision. I've lowered the car, it now needs a slightly bigger wheel to compliment the look. For me the biggest question that I'd like answered is Traction? What tire will give me the best traction? Again Mark suggested the Nittos's to get me there. Anyone else have thoughts on that end? I'm not concerned about wear or life of the tire, or rain (I never drive it in inclement weather); I put about 2k on the car per year.

[Jagdpanzer]

I need new tires as well. I've got what I feel is the best tip from Mark Haibeck, he recommends the Nitto's as well. I'd like to go the Michelin route; I've always had good luck with them. I do agree, you get what you pay for. My problem, I have no traction, of course it is due to older Yokohama Tires. I'm in serious negotiations with HRE Wheels for a set of 18" 565R or the P45S, both killer wheels. So for now I'm on the fence post until I make that decision. I've lowered the car, it now needs a slightly bigger wheel to compliment the look. For me the biggest question that I'd like answered is Traction? What tire will give me the best traction? Again Mark suggested the Nittos's to get me there. Anyone else have thoughts on that end? I'm not concerned about wear or life of the tire, or rain (I never drive it in inclement weather); I put about 2k on the car per year.


If you are going to custom built wheels and need better traction take a look at 345/30-R19 tires for the rear. Here is a stern view of my 94 with 345/30-R19 Michelin Pilots mounted up.

http://i540.photobucket.com/albums/gg333/pwasinger/IMG_7496.jpg

[gtabert]

Can you show me a photo from the side? I was concerned about a 19" Wheel looking too big? I understand the overall diameter does not change, the sidewall of the tire gets smaller. I am just not sure about the over all look on this model. I'm all for look, my '04 M3 has the upgraded HRE 19's and the look is awesome. What size fronts do you run?

[Jagdpanzer]

Here is a shot of the side view. I'm running 285/35-R18 Pilots on the front.

http://i540.photobucket.com/albums/gg333/pwasinger/IMG_7501.jpg

[avijay]

Phil that setup looks great, nice!

[VetteMed]

I just bought a set of Nitto 555 tires last month; I'm very happy with them. Great tire for the money, I paid around 800 and change thru discount tire, including mount/balance.

[John Boothby]

My local Discount Tire store found 6 pairs of DS G3 315s in a San Jose, Ca warehouse and I bought a pair. If I couldn't find the Goodyear's, I was leaning toward the VREDSTEIN'S. I have heard nothing but good reports on these tires.

[RICKYRJ1]

Here is a shot of the side view. I'm running 285/35-R18 Pilots on the front.

http://i540.photobucket.com/albums/gg333/pwasinger/IMG_7501.jpg


That is one sweet lookin set up. Does the VADOT ask you to help in paveing the roads with those steamrollers? Any other mods we should know about yet? :cheers:

[HAWAIIZR-1]

I need new tires as well. I've got what I feel is the best tip from Mark Haibeck, he recommends the Nitto's as well. I'd like to go the Michelin route; I've always had good luck with them. I do agree, you get what you pay for. My problem, I have no traction, of course it is due to older Yokohama Tires. I'm in serious negotiations with HRE Wheels for a set of 18" 565R or the P45S, both killer wheels. So for now I'm on the fence post until I make that decision. I've lowered the car, it now needs a slightly bigger wheel to compliment the look. For me the biggest question that I'd like answered is Traction? What tire will give me the best traction? Again Mark suggested the Nittos's to get me there. Anyone else have thoughts on that end? I'm not concerned about wear or life of the tire, or rain (I never drive it in inclement weather); I put about 2k on the car per year.


Not sure which Nittos Marc recommended, but like VetteMed said the 555s are awesome and I can't believe the price too. I love them and the traction is awesome in dry and wet. Much better than my Michelin Pilots.

[gtabert]

Phil, thanks for sharing the photo, it does look awesome! Helped me make up my mind, 19's in the rear / 18's in the front is the way to go.

FYI - Mark had recommended the Nitto 555's. I had my car in his shop last spring for coil over work. I trust him immensely and value his opinion on anything ZR-1! Great guy, 100% honesty all the way and very fair.

[gtabert]

Phil - what width 18's / 19's are you running for these tires?

[Jagdpanzer]

Phil - what width 18's / 19's are you running for these tires?

10" and 12"

[Dmod81]

I got Bridgestone RE050A Pole Position tires for my C6 Z06 wheels when I got them. Stock Z06 sizes. Love them.

[C4Fanatic]

I went with the Nitto NT555...on my second set on the rear...:mrgreen:

[GOLDCYLON]

I went with the Nitto NT555...on my second set on the rear...:mrgreen:


You too? Funny how the rears always wear out first ;)

[mike100]

I got a fast ride in a 91 ZR with the Nittos- very sticky.

I have had two different c4's with the GY GS-D3's. also very good all around. Maybe B+ in absolute adhesion, but they handle weather much better should you encounter some. I also think they are fairly safe down to 45 degrees where as other more summer oriented rubber isn't as soft when it gets cool out.

[mgg]

I am surprised no one has mentioned the Khumo Xs or the BFG Kdw's. These tires offer excellnt performance for the dollar. I have owned both and both provided fantastic grip. Do they have their shortcomings? I am sure as the Khumos ar not rated well in the rain and are extremely soft to provide exceleent warm weather traction and the BFG's are known to gett noisy after they are worn quite a bit, however as most ZR-1 owners drive their cars both of these factors may not play an important role. Now don't get me wrong , the Michelins are great tires and if you can afford them then buy them. If you are looking for a tire with excellent performance but may not offer everything the MIchelin has at a significantly lower price , these two that I have mentioned would be hard to beat. Several 1.93 60 ft. times with the BFGs suggests they have pretty good grip for a street tire. The good news is that there are some choices. I just forgot, the BFGs I have are 18s and the Khumos were 17s. I believe both tires aree available in 17 s though. Good luck. New tires are always GREAT!!

[RICKYRJ1]

I run PS2 & GY Z06 runcraps.. Love the PS'2 GY suck but they came with the rims. I'm looking to upgrade them this year

[FU]

I run PS2 & GY Z06 runcraps.. Love the PS'2 GY suck but they came with the rims. I'm looking to upgrade them this year

Time for Nitto's Ricky.

[ZRapid-1]

I highly recommend the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2.

Fronts: 275/40-17
Rears: 335/35-17

The rear tires fit 11 inch rims fine and is in the recommended range.

Traction is tremendous in both dry and wet conditions.

In dry summer conditions they do not break loose under full power.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/judygreg/026S.jpg

[secondchance]

Here is a shot of the side view. I'm running 285/35-R18 Pilots on the front.

http://i540.photobucket.com/albums/gg333/pwasinger/IMG_7501.jpg

Phil's Z.

http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/uu303/byongyun/IMG_0100.jpg

Korean made counterfeit.

[Paul Workman]

I got a fast ride in a 91 ZR with the Nittos- very sticky.

I have had two different c4's with the GY GS-D3's. also very good all around. Maybe B+ in absolute adhesion, but they handle weather much better should you encounter some. I also think they are fairly safe down to 45 degrees where as other more summer oriented rubber isn't as soft when it gets cool out.

Yep! Mike, yer "spot on".

Just to add: As a street tire, the GY GS D3s are one of the best in the wet. And, and according to a Car and Driver skid pad comparison (must be 5+ years old now), the thing about the -D3s that really impressed me was they performed on the wet almost as well dry.

Of the street tires tested on the dry pad (on a BMW test mule), the BFG KDs recorded a .94 or .95G, whereas the D3s were good to .92 - within a couple tenths of the BFGs, was the point the article made.

But, the "holy cow" moment came when looking at the wet data. As I recall, the D3s pulled something in the high .8s whereas the BFGs were in the mid .5s! In addition, the BFGs not only were way down in terms of G force, but when they lost traction the reaction tended to be sudden and the tire would skate considerably. In contrast, the D3s were well behaved when loosing traction on wet; i.e., gradual and controllable.

That's what sold me on the D3s. And, as luck would have it, that decision may have saved my butt once last summer. I had the BFGs on my previous LT1 Vette, and from time to time I would get caught in a rain shower. I didn't like "white knuckle" sensation I learned one day when getting off an off ramp after a little summer rain shower - was like suddenly hitting an icy patch! The limits were imprinted in my memory banks, and wet conditions always made me pucker ... just a little bit.

In contrast, I was on a fun run last summer with some of the FBI gang, going down hill and entering a blind, hairpin right turn. The roads were dry. We were having fun with the road - not being stupid - but doing a bit of "spirited" driving of the type the "Family Truckster" (or even Mustangs) would not fair well on.

Anyway, as I enter a blind hairpin to the right, suddenly the pavement went from dry to wet. And, if that wasn't bad enough, I met a pickup truck that was cheating on my lane - cutting the corner by a tire width. So, not only did the surface conditions change drastically, but now I have to avoid this dill weed that's taking up some of my lane to boot!

I had picked my line, based on the (up to then) dry conditions, and suddenly found myself entering a LOT more steering input than I had anticipated needing. My mind quickly recalls the BFG "wet driving" file, does a quick analysis, and determines that we're gonna swap paint...SH*T! I mentally rigged for collision...but for naught. The D3s took the unexpected increase in steering input - while on wet pavement - and didn't even whimper.

From outward appearances, it looked almost routine...Almost. Internally, I knew better! I had just survived a situation that from previous experience would have been big trouble, and I had the D3s to thank for preventing it. Thanks to them, I was still comfortably inside the envelop.

Well, fast forward. The tires have been on the car for 4 years now. And, maybe they're getting a little hard, or maybe it's because of the new HP, but they don't stick with anything close to WOT in first, and squirm a lot in second...and that's on a hot day. Now that it is cold out, I almost feel safer driving my big F150 4x4! Time for some new rubber. More D3s? Maybe not.

Enter the dragstrip factor... The D3s - good as they are (thank goodness) for normal or even some spirited driving, they leave a lot to be desired (by me) on the drag strip - nothing better than 2.4s at 60'....AND, they're expensive. Is there a tire that will perform on the strip, yet not loose their mind in the wet?

Marc has had good experience with the Nittos. I believe he said he has the 555s on the front, and I think he said he had something else on the rear, - might be the Nitto 05 or 01 DRs (?) on the back - have to ask him to be sure 'bout that. He says they're OK to drive in the rain and pavement too.

On both counts - strip and winding roads, wet and dry - I have witnessed the performance of his Nittos, and I'm more than intrigued.

A fond memory from BG last year:

Marc loves his Z, and loves to play with it. Last spring at BG, I followed Mark as we were in a caravan of mostly GSs on the "Barbeque" road trip (which I highly recommend, BTW, for those attending BG this year). We were on a piece of road they called "The Rollercoaster" - damn well named too, I might add! Anyway, the lead car was taking "granny driving" to an extreme, it seemed. So Marc would lay back and let the rest of the group get maybe a quarter mile or so ahead, and then NAIL it! Of course, I'd follow suit, and the hills echoed with the sound of the two Zs - both snarling and screaming with joy! Too soon we had to get on the brakes, but only to lay back for another run. There was a GS guy behind me, and the first couple times he tried to keep up. However, after about the second pull and being left way behind, he opted to save face (I guess) and plod along pretending to be engrossed in the scenery;)...which WAS beautiful, BTW.

Well, back to tires...I'm thinking the Nitto 555s, with the new 555DR on the rear. From what I see, they stick pretty good on the dragstrip for a street tire, they will drive in rain (BG was proof of that!), and they cost about 2/3 of a set of GY GS D3s WHEN you can find a set!

It would be good to see the Nittos compared with some of the current offerings, done on a skid pad in both wet and dry conditions. I know they're better at the strip than the D3s, but I'd like to see how they behave on the wet surface, compared to the D3s.

P.

[WB9MCW]

The D3s took the unexpected increase in steering input - while on wet pavement - and didn't even whimper.

he opted to save face (I guess) and plod along pretending to be engrossed in the scenery

I really enjoy your beacon of reality posts Paul.

I have an old set of Sam's Club "DUNLOP's" on my Z

They are pretty good IMO

[ZR WON]

Ed:

Hope all is well; we still need to get together :). Re: tires, it depends on what you will do with the car from this point forward. As the years pass, I find myself (sadly) driving mine less and less. Given our kindred spirit in that regard ( :) ), another option to consider: Last time around I purchased BFG G-Force Sports for the front and BFG Drag Radials for the back. The Sports are $145.00 each and the Drag Radials are $193.00 each. $676.00 for a set of quality ZR-1 rubber (Tire Rack) is hard to beat (I have a friend at the Greenwood Sears that will beat their price).

Seeing as the last 2 sets of Pilot Sports I've had were replaced due to age with less than 2/32nds of tread being used, this was the best option for me and something for a person who drives very sparingly to consider. Wet traction is a non-issue for me (you as well), and this was by far the most inexpensive 'matching set' of tires I could find, while still offering fantastic dry straight line grip. A person could 'upgrade' to the BFG KDW fronts should they desire ($183.00 each for a total of $752.00, still a great price)

Brian A.
90 ZR-1
12.09@118
01 Z06
not quite stock

[greenzr1]

GO WITH GOODYEAR EAGLE F1 GS DS--1990 ZR1-17"---MICHELIN-PILOT SPORT NEW-CORVETTES--18"AND19"

[Kevin]

if you go to 335's in the rear wouldn't you want to go with 285's up front to keep the ratios correct?

[XfireZ51]

With my Z06 wheels, I decided to use the Nitto Invos. I was able to find a set of fronts 275/35/18 for $350 and the the 325/30/19s were 270 each. They are sticky and their behavior in the rain is very good. They have gotten great reviews from the Z06 guys.

[JFFerner]

I just bought 2 Nitto 555 Extreme Performance (Street tires) for the rear (315/35/17) at www.Discounttiredirect.com I paid $214 each and there was no additional shipping charge. It was a toss up between these and the Sumo, but after researching the differences I decided to go with the Nitto because they have about a quarter of an inch more tread depth and I read fewer complaints. I can't give you actual data as they are not yet on the car. Jim

[VetteMed]

if you go to 335's in the rear wouldn't you want to go with 285's up front to keep the ratios correct?

Do you have a 4 wheel drive ZR-1? :confused: What ratio are you referring to?

[Kevin]

Do you have a 4 wheel drive ZR-1? :confused: What ratio are you referring to?

a 4wd twin turbo zr-1 would be awesome. PETE, get on it. I would assume that if you go up in size on the rear you should go up in size on the fronts to keep the handling consistent with what it was

[VetteMed]

a 4wd twin turbo zr-1 would be awesome. PETE, get on it. I would assume that if you go up in size on the rear you should go up in size on the fronts to keep the handling consistent with what it was

Hmm, could be right, I'll defer to someone more knowledgeable than me.
:cheers:

[Jagdpanzer]

if you go to 335's in the rear wouldn't you want to go with 285's up front to keep the ratios correct?

The difference in circumference is only 1.2% between 275/40-R17 and 285/40-R17 size tires. I ran both 275 and 285 fronts with 335/35-R17 rears and did not experience any unusual handling.

[Kevin]

The difference in circumference is only 1.2% between 275/40-R17 and 285/40-R17 size tires. I ran both 275 and 285 fronts with 335/35-R17 rears and did not experience any unusual handling.

good to know

[RHanselman]

Do you have a 4 wheel drive ZR-1? :confused: What ratio are you referring to?

I think I remember hearing that if the ratio is off too much it would mess with the ABS...

[Jagdpanzer]

If the wheel revolution difference between the front and rear is greater than around 4% it will eventually trip the ABS and ASR (if you have it) alarm lights on the dash panel. I experienced this when switching to 345/30-ZR19 rear tires which created a 5.2% speed difference. Fixed it by replacing the stock 47 tooth ABS reluctor wheels on the rear spindles with 50 tooth reluctor wheels I machined up.

[secondchance]

Fixed it by replacing the stock 47 tooth ABS reluctor wheels on the rear spindles with 50 tooth reluctor wheels I machined up.

Dr. Phil,
You make it sound soooo e-easy...

[mike100]

If the wheel revolution difference between the front and rear is greater than around 4% it will eventually trip the ABS and ASR (if you have it) alarm lights on the dash panel. I experienced this when switching to 345/30-ZR19 rear tires which created a 5.2% speed difference. Fixed it by replacing the stock 47 tooth ABS reluctor wheels on the rear spindles with 50 tooth reluctor wheels I machined up.


Maybe this is why my 91 gets an erroneous ABS signal on the DIC sometimes driving down the roadway at 40 mph (not on brakes). It hasn't happened much recently, but more often when the rear tires were at new diameter.

I never had this problem on my 95 LT1 car, I bet they changed up the tolerances some to prevent false fault conditions on the later system (95/96).

[HAWAIIZR-1]

With all my lifetime with cars and trucks if I ever bought larger diameter wheels, i.e. plus 1 or plus 2, etc. I have always been able to keep the overall diameter the same as when I went to CCW 18" I found tires that were the same or most close to OEM overall diameter factory tire.

Is this not possible when going to 19" (plus 2)? Even when I put 20" wheels in my Honda Ridgeline from 17" I was able to keep the overall diameter so no affect on ratios.

I have not checked, but just curious to see all this about the diameter and change of ratio so curious?

Thanks,

Craig

[gtabert]

Craig,

I've been watching this post and I feel the same way, the tire diameter should always remain the same (or at least very close) to teh original size. The sidewall size shinks, as you say plus 1 or plus 2. It seems odd that the tire diameter is growing as the rim diameter changes.

[ZR1995#165]

I have quick question as i have searched the site and cant seem to find the answer. it is time to replace the tires. Will the stock wheels accomadate 335 in the rear with out any clearance issues. If i am going to replace them i might as well go bigger. Feed back would be appreciated. 95 #165

[Jagdpanzer]

Will the stock wheels accomadate 335 in the rear with out any clearance issues.

Yes, either 335/35ZR17 or 335/30ZR18 rear tires will fit without any issues. I've run both sizes before going to new wheels and 345/30ZR19 Michelin Pilot SS tires.

[Kevin]

i'm trying to get falken to make either a 315 or a 335

[efnfast]

I run Michelin PS2's in a 335 on the rear stock rims. No issues.

[ZZZZZR1]

I have quick question as i have searched the site and cant seem to find the answer. it is time to replace the tires. Will the stock wheels accomadate 335 in the rear with out any clearance issues. If i am going to replace them i might as well go bigger. Feed back would be appreciated. 95 #165

335 35 17 will absolutely fit

Love the michelins and the best price is here (shipped!)

https://www.viperpartsofamerica.com/index.php/products/michelin-pilot-sport-ps2-full-set-1992-1998

Found this site thanks to Phil!

You can get many other tires (Goodyear / nitto / and more)

:cheers:

David

[Blue Flame Restorations]

I have two new 335 Michelin's that I may let go cheaper than you will buy them anywhere.

I'm going for the 345x40's.

PM me if interested.

[Paul in SC]

Quick question on changing tire sizes.
Is there are speedometer change required in going from 315/17 to 335/17. In the tire sizing chart there is a 1.73" difference in tire circumference, .55" in diameter and down in revs per mile from 809.9 to 792.9. Wasn't sure if the difference was enough to be a concern.

Thanks.

[FU]

Quick question on changing tire sizes.
Is there are speedometer change required in going from 315/17 to 335/17. In the tire sizing chart there is a 1.73" difference in tire circumference, .55" in diameter and down in revs per mile from 809.9 to 792.9. Wasn't sure if the difference was enough to be a concern.

Thanks.

No need for a speedometer recal.

[Paul in SC]

No need for a speedometer recal.

Thanks, Frank. :cheers:

[Kevin]

I have two new 335 Michelin's that I may let go cheaper than you will buy them anywhere.

I'm going for the 345x40's.

PM me if interested.

why do you tease me

[Blue Flame Restorations]

why do you tease me


Well, I sold the wheels yesterday so you wouldn't be stressed out about it. The tires will be much cheaper.......:dancing

I should probably keep them for the 95 when it arrives next month. They're drag radials anyway.

[cvette98pacecar]

Well, I sold the wheels yesterday so you wouldn't be stressed out about it. The tires will be much cheaper.......:dancing

I should probably keep them for the 95 when it arrives next month. They're drag radials anyway.

You are putting the Drag Radials on the Turquoise car?

[Blue Flame Restorations]

You are putting the Drag Radials on the Turquoise car?


Yep. OR...........345 40 17 toyo drag radials. Those 13" Dymags need alot of tire.