An option for spare tire replacement....

[VetteMed]

By now, our original spare tires are questionable -- and for those of us with upgraded brakes, the spare won't even fit in the front.

Some guys have adapted the late model GTO spare, which apparently is also similar or the same as the CTS and Lucerne spares. I'm told that this requires some grinding of the hub mating surface on the spare wheel, for it to work on a C4. Used, these spares go for $100-150. The wheel alone is around $100-150 new from GM when you factor in shipping, or local dealer markup.

I came across another option, which is now "standard equipment" in all of my vehicles. Apparently some late model GM cars are equipped with a compact 12V compressor, in which is mounted a can of sealant, and a pressure gauge. I bought a "lot" of these, in order to get a good price on the few that I needed for my own vehicles. I have a few extras that I bought as part of the deal, I figured I'd see if anyone here is interested.

This unit will fit comfortably in the storage bins in the C4, and will fit under the storage trays, leaving that available for whatever you need.

Here's a few pics:

http://i680.photobucket.com/albums/vv163/agchoset/ebay/IMG_0023.jpg

http://i680.photobucket.com/albums/vv163/agchoset/ebay/IMG_0025.jpg

http://i680.photobucket.com/albums/vv163/agchoset/ebay/IMG_0024.jpg

If anyone is interested, I'm selling my remaining few for $85 each, including shipping by priority mail.

[tomtom72]

Hey Andrew, that's neat! Just curious, what does GM say about the TPS sensors after one uses that set up to fix the flat?

:cheers:
Tom

[VetteMed]

Tom, from my understanding, it is considered safe for the newer sensors which are in the valve stem. I would assume the older style sensors are able to tolerate it as well, but I really have no proof :)

I think it really depends on the amount of time the sealant sits in the tire before the tire is dismounted and patched. if it's done in a reasonable amount of time, then I would expect the pressure sensor to be able to be cleaned and put back into service.

[VetteMed]

Q: Are tire pressure sensors compatible with GM Inflator Kits?
A: While tire pressure sensors are NOT compatible with commercially-available sealants, they HAVE been tested and ARE compatible with GM Inflator Kits and the sealant that they use. After inflator kit use, the sensor should be inspected for any damage, and replaced/cleaned as needed.

[GOLDCYLON]

Over at the other forum a member found that sears on line sells the replacement dougnut tire. T-155

[VetteMed]

Over at the other forum a member found that sears on line sells the replacement dougnut tire. T-155

Yep, that's a great option if you have stock brakes. I am running C5 brakes up front, and the spare won't clear.

[GOLDCYLON]

Yep, that's a great option if you have stock brakes. I am running C5 brakes up front, and the spare won't clear.


I heard the GTO spare tire option will clear the brakes. If you have a stock setup the Toyota Camray and New Lincolns are all sporting 155/70D/17s for spare tires

[HAWAIIZR-1]

Q: Are tire pressure sensors compatible with GM Inflator Kits?
A: While tire pressure sensors are NOT compatible with commercially-available sealants, they HAVE been tested and ARE compatible with GM Inflator Kits and the sealant that they use. After inflator kit use, the sensor should be inspected for any damage, and replaced/cleaned as needed.

Did they have a tire limit size for this? I wanted the Continental kit in Tire Rack but it does not work for our rear tires and the sealant might not be enough for the large size tires. I ended up buy the C5 kit I found on ebay but was worried if too old as well as event the C5 tire is smaller that our huge rear tire I thought. http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/conticomfortkit/17size.jsp

Thanks!

[HAWAIIZR-1]

Hey Andrew, that's neat! Just curious, what does GM say about the TPS sensors after one uses that set up to fix the flat?

:cheers:
Tom

Tom,

You still use sensors? I thought they come off at high speeds like you drive...........:cheers:

[VetteMed]

Did they have a tire limit size for this? I wanted the Continental kit in Tire Rack but it does not work for our rear tires and the sealant might not be enough for the large size tires. I ended up buy the C5 kit I found on ebay but was worried if too old as well as event the C5 tire is smaller that our huge rear tire I thought. http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/conticomfortkit/17size.jsp

Thanks!

Craig, these kits are shipped with fullsize trucks, specifically the Silverado when equipped with dual exhaust. I figure if it's adequate for a tire with the size and volume as found in a fullsize truck, our 315s shouldn't be a problem. :cheers:

[Kevin]

this is why i have aaa

[VetteMed]

this is why i have aaa

Yeah, I have it too... but, I like to be prepared for the unexpected.

[HAWAIIZR-1]

Craig, these kits are shipped with fullsize trucks, specifically the Silverado when equipped with dual exhaust. I figure if it's adequate for a tire with the size and volume as found in a fullsize truck, our 315s shouldn't be a problem. :cheers:

Okay, thanks. Please send more info about this system if you prefer not to post here via PM or email.

Thanks,

Craig

[secondchance]

VetteMed,

Please send me an additional info also.
Is the sealant refillable after use? Or is this for one time use only?

[ZR1Vette]

Same idea... ContiComfortKit by Continental and is a system that many Euro GT cars come with (I have for my C6 since I have non run flat tires)>>>

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b79/MRBLU/ContiComfortKit.jpg

[HAWAIIZR-1]

Same idea... ContiComfortKit by Continental and is a system that many Euro GT cars come with (I have for my C6 since I have non run flat tires)>>>

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b79/MRBLU/ContiComfortKit.jpg

Michael,

Thanks. Please share what you might have heard or your experience. When I was going to order the Conticomfortkit, Tire Rack said it would not work for our OEM size tire or my 335/30/18 on the other wheels I have.

[ZR1Vette]

Michael,

Thanks. Please share what you might have heard or your experience. When I was going to order the Conticomfortkit, Tire Rack said it would not work for our OEM size tire or my 335/30/18 on the other wheels I have.


Here is a link to the ContiComfortKit tire application range>>

http://www.conticomfortkit.co.uk/html/hinweise/CCKtyretable.pdf

Knock on wood, I have had no experience actually using the Conti system but have heard from others that it works as advertised

[HAWAIIZR-1]

Here is a link to the ContiComfortKit tire application range>>

http://www.conticomfortkit.co.uk/html/hinweise/CCKtyretable.pdf

Knock on wood, I have had no experience actually using the Conti system but have heard from others that it works as advertised

Thanks, that appears the same chart on Tire Rack. I emailed a question to Continental Tire direct with the size to see what their explanation is to the limit of tire size. Not enough sealant I guess?

[tomtom72]

Tom,

You still use sensors? I thought they come off at high speeds like you drive...........:cheers:

:sign10: My car is still stock Craig :o...so no they haven't come off yet! But if I buy tires for my OEM wheels I am loosing the sensors.

Personally, after looking at our sensors I don't see how the stuff can get in. The plastic case is fairly tight, and since the out rush of air from a puncture would drag the sealant to it. I just don't see a big chance of fouling our sensors. :dontknow:

[VetteMed]

VetteMed,

Please send me an additional info also.
Is the sealant refillable after use? Or is this for one time use only?

Yun,

The sealant cylinder is replaceable on its own from GM, but is not refillable as far as I can tell. The compressor can be used without the sealant cylinder -- the instructions state to fill the flat with sealant and air, then drive a few miles, and then recheck pressure and inflate as needed.

I haven't investigated a PN for a replacement sealant cylinder, but I can do so when I get a chance.

-Andrew

[HAWAIIZR-1]

:sign10: My car is still stock Craig :o...so no they haven't come off yet! But if I buy tires for my OEM wheels I am loosing the sensors.

Personally, after looking at our sensors I don't see how the stuff can get in. The plastic case is fairly tight, and since the out rush of air from a puncture would drag the sealant to it. I just don't see a big chance of fouling our sensors. :dontknow:

Tom,

I thought these cars go to 180 MPH stock and they fly off earlier than that....lol.

I took mine off and have an extra set; waiting for them to be worth $500 each sensor.

[HAWAIIZR-1]

Well, here are the replies about the Continental Tire kit. I guess even my C5 kit is questionable if it would actually work if called upon with our size tires. Not shown, but they said they same for the OEM 315/35ZR17s



Subject
ContiComfortKit

Discussion Thread
Response Via Email (Jose)
01/24/2012 03:18 PM
Dear Craig,

[Web Inquiry: 120124-000003]

The CCK is intended for use on passenger tires up to a select size. We limit the use due to the strain larger tires would put on the air compressor; which is not intended to run for more than 7 minutes. We use the maximum inflation pressure as a cut off due to the typical size of tires with a maximum inflation pressure above 43 psi.

Subject
ContiComfortKit

Discussion Thread
Response Via Email (Jose)
01/24/2012 11:56 AM
Dear Craig,

[Web Inquiry: 120124-000003]

Thank you for contacting Customer Relations at Continental Tire the Americas, LLC.

Use of the ContiComfortKit, (CCK), is limited to tires with a maximum inflation of 43 psi. A 335/30ZR18 would have a maximum inflation pressure of 51 psi; which is outside the use range for the CCK. We limit the maximum tire size and type due to the design of the air compressor.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to respond to this email.

[tomtom72]

Tom,

I thought these cars go to 180 MPH stock and they fly off earlier than that....lol.

I took mine off and have an extra set; waiting for them to be worth $500 each sensor.

I have to look in my ZR-1 owner's manual again to find the page. I read it when I first got the car in the winter of 04-05. Anyway, in it was a short paragraph explaining that the top speed, in 5th gear, of a 1990 ZR-1 is 177 mph. They also said how long of a distance is needed to get to top speed from a standing start, 5 kilometers I think is what they said. I'm going to go look it up again.

Oh yea, I am saving my sensors also for the day they will be needed for an NCRS PV thingy! :sleepy1:

:cheers:
Tom

[bdw18_123]

I looked in my 1990 owner's manual for that paragraph you're talking about Tom, but I couldn't find where it says anything about top speed. I even looked through both books in the pizza box, but didn't see anything there either.

[tomtom72]

:o You're right Ben. I do remember reading that about a 90 Z somewhere and I honestly thought it was in the "other owner's manual" in the pizza box. :o

Now I have to figure out where I saw that factoid. It's got me perplexed. Well, I know for a fact that mine will not go any faster than 145ish....stereo blasting, windows down, straight road, with two on board with very large grins....but the MPG thingy said 6 mpg, I thought that was good!:thumbsup:

[ZR1Vette]

Just went thru the pizza box items... no mention of top speed in any of the documents/hard cover items etc. In fact the only mention of speed is what is top speed in certain gears.

[Mystic ZR-1]

OMG... You took the plastic wrap off the books in the Pizza Box? What would NCRS say?:dancing

For what it's worth, I carry a "plug kit", a pair of wire snips to pull out the offending nail, a couple cans of flat fix, a small scissors jack and socket/ratchet (so you don't have to screw with the useless factory jack and wrench) and a cheap cigarette lighter plug in 12v tire inflation compressor. Check the pressure in the spare every once in a while too. The spare may be old but it'll still roll if it's got air in it and get you out of that "bad section of town". It all fits in the cubby hole behind the passenger seat under the removable "bin". If nothing else, there's peace of mind (maybe), but not much you can do if you rip a hole in a tire. "Triple A plus" ain't a bad idea either, but watch them very closely...

[bdw18_123]

Now I have to figure out where I saw that factoid. It's got me perplexed. Well, I know for a fact that mine will not go any faster than 145ish....stereo blasting, windows down, straight road, with two on board with very large grins....but the MPG thingy said 6 mpg, I thought that was good!:thumbsup:

Only 145? I did around 167 in mine with two people (road had a long, sweeping curve to it too), though the other person was fairly small and lightweight and I'm 6' 2", 175lbs. I'm pretty sure that with a longer stretch of "track" ( :mrgreen: ) I could probably get to at least around 175.