Good grief, the tires

[Brad Sewell]

I recently bought 1990 ZR-1 #454. It still has the original Gatorbacks on the front and they an update.

The problem is I can't find a lot of matching sets in the factory sizes. I certainly don't intend to offend anyone with my first post, but I would really prefer American tires. And while the car will not be a daily driver, it will see a fair share of spirited Saturday and Sunday drives so I don't think street/drag tires are practical.

So what are you guys doing? Biting the bullet for $1400 F1's? Running non-matching sets? Does anybody use a slightly different size like 335/35s?

[Kevin]

I wouldn't run different sets front and rear, 335's are common. the gsd3's are my tire of choice

[Gunny]

Search is your friend ... you should find ample postings listing pros & cons of different brands, etc.
For a good bang for your buck, look at Nitto 555 from Discount Tire Direct ... currently $742 delivered.
Sumitomos are less expensive but not necessarily a bargain ... had a set, didn't get 10K out of the rears, won't buy again.

George Jones

[Z51JEFF]

Where exactly are you finding Goodyear F1s at $1400 a pop?The last set I bought weren't anything close to that and they came from The Tire Rack.

[HAWAIIZR-1]

If you are really set on "American" made tires, I would check with Goodyear or any one else and confirm where it is actually made. So many things are made overseas these days so things aren't as "American" as you may think. I forget where my cousin told me the fork on the Harley Davidson came from, but it was not in the USA. I agree with George on the Nitto NT555s if you decide not to buy American; one awesome set of tires for the money and you will be able to get the OEM sizes.

[Paul Workman]

I've had the F1 GS D3s since I bought the car, and except for not getting them to hook so well at the drag strip, as a road tire they have been most excellent, and prolly saved my butt - or at least some paint! (Once last year when suddenly coming onto a wet patch on a blind hairpin and some dude in a pickup was cutting across the curve into MY LANE, the tires handled the unexpected increase to steering input without a whimper.) Wet or dry, they performed very well.

However, my next set are prolly going to be Nitto 555/555Rs. Lots of good reviews, and hookup at the drag strip is pretty good - much better than the 'D3s, for sure!

I'm not too concerned about mileage. If I got 10,000 miles on a set with a car that gets driven under 3000 miles per year and will handle in wet, dry, and some passes at a drag strip - that's a lot to ask of a general use tire, methinks. besides, I can almost buy 2 sets of Nittos for the cost of a set of GY 'D3s IF I can even find the 315s! Or, certainly buy a set of DRs to set aside for racing - 6 tires in all, and still come under the cost of the D3s. Did I mention the Nittos are available too???


Just a thought

P.

[tomtom72]

Hi Brad & welcome to the asylum!:handshak:

The D3's are expensive, noisy on concrete roads and expensive....did I say that already? :o Oh, and G/Yr only makes so many at a clip and when they're gone it's a long time before another run. Okay those are the cons. You want the pros? The tread pattern is almost a direct copy of the semi-wet tire G/Yr issued to CART and F1 when they were doing those series back in the early 90's (?). The carcass construction is also very similar. Oh, one more con: they lack a bit of crispness on initial turn in, but you get used to that after a short time. To counter all the cons the wet grip is to not be believed, and the dry grip gets better after you can smell them inside the car. They take a good bit of heat to start to work, and at 40* and or when cold at normal ambient temps you need to know you have very little grip. At the other end though is where they make up for the cold= no grip in that as you smell them they don't get "greasey" feeling till you put a lot more heat into them and on the street you may never get to that point.

The nittos seem to be a good bet, NT555. I'm a D3 fan ( nawh, you don't say! ) but I think I will try the NT01's as I want to try a dry app tire. The Michelin PS2's would be my 2nd choice after the D3's as an all round tire as they have great wet grip I'm told. They're just as much as the G/Yr's so I'm not inclined to buy them as I know what the D3's do at that price point and all my feed back on the PS2's are from 5 & 6 drivers. They seem to work real well in the wet on a Z as I've seen them in action, but have never driven on them. Oh, and the sumitomos(sp?) are not really up to it according to the people that had those.

JMHO
:cheers:
Tom

[tomtom72]

Where exactly are you finding Goodyear F1s at $1400 a pop?The last set I bought weren't anything close to that and they came from The Tire Rack.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSearchResults.jsp?tireIndex=0&autoMake=Chevrolet&autoYear=1990&autoModel=Corvette+ZR1&autoModClar=&frontWidth=275/&frontRatio=40&frontDiameter=17&frontSortCode=50750&rearWidth=315/&rearRatio=35&rearDiameter=17&rearSortCode=51100&tab=All

I don't know that this link will work, but at TireRack they are 1300 plus for a set and the rears are on back order!

[XfireZ51]

If I had 17's, I would look at the Vredestein Sessantas
or the Nitto Invos.

[GSJoe]

My friend Matt and I both have the Nitto 555 on our ZR-1 cars and we think they are a great all-around street tire. We got them at Discount Tire.

[mike100]

I had a ride in a 91 ZR with the nittos...For the price and the dry grip advantage, I would buy those the next time I need all 4 tires, but if the GY GS-D3's were still affordable, I would purchase those again.

the D3 rears are pushing $400 ea- I'll pass. For now, I have a set of new (old design) KDW BFG's in the garage which might be put on the car towards the end of the year and will last about as long as the fronts I think.

[USAFPILOT]

I run Nitto NT-05's on my stock wheels and Michelin PS2's on my 18" wheels. Both tires are excellent. You can find the Nitto tires at Discount Tire not Tire Rack to view the stats read reviews etc.

[JThomas]

How does the Nitto 555 measure up to the original Goodyear GSC? I ran the Khumo on my '92 and the rear tire seemed smaller than the Goodyear. The Sumitomo seems smaller still. Does anyone have a picture of the Nitto compared to the Goodyear?

[Paul Workman]

How does the Nitto 555 measure up to the original Goodyear GSC? I ran the Khumo on my '92 and the rear tire seemed smaller than the Goodyear. The Sumitomo seems smaller still. Does anyone have a picture of the Nitto compared to the Goodyear?

I don't have a picture, but I can tell you the Nitto 315s are almost an full inch narrower than the D3s.

I have really enjoyed the D3s - like Tom said, the stick in wet has to be felt to believe. I don't make a point to drive in the rain, but compared to the BFGs I had on my previous 95 LT1 Vette, the D3s really come through when the rain comes down.

Performance vs. price... The Nittos are getting such rave reviews on the performance side. I would hate to give up any wet ability afforded by the D3s - just never know when it might come in handy. But, for good strip performance to offset a small (if any) loss in wet performance, and price of (and did I mention availablilty???) the Nittos makes it almost a no brainer...I guess.

P.

[JThomas]

I don't have a picture, but I can tell you the Nitto 315s are almost an full inch narrower than the D3s.

I have really enjoyed the D3s - like Tom said, the stick in wet has to be felt to believe. I don't make a point to drive in the rain, but compared to the BFGs I had on my previous 95 LT1 Vette, the D3s really come through when the rain comes down.

Performance vs. price... The Nittos are getting such rave reviews on the performance side. I would hate to give up any wet ability afforded by the D3s - just never know when it might come in handy. But, for good strip performance to offset a small (if any) loss in wet performance, and price of (and did I mention availablilty???) the Nittos makes it almost a no brainer...I guess.

P.

Thanks Paul:

I'm looking more towards asthetics than anything else. I only drive the car 3-4 thousand miles a year, so I'm not worried about the rain. I do drive somewhat "spiritedly" on those sunny days, but I'm looking for a tire that will fill up the rear end in a stock size similar to the original equipment tire.

[Brad Sewell]

I'm looking more towards asthetics than anything else. I only drive the car 3-4 thousand miles a year, so I'm not worried about the rain. I do drive somewhat "spiritedly" on those sunny days, but I'm looking for a tire that will fill up the rear end in a stock size similar to the original equipment tire.

Joe it sounds like we are similar drivers looking for similar tires. For some reason I just can't convince myself to buy the Nittos. Brand snob, I guess.

I think I am going to go with the 335 Michelin PS2s.

[VetteMed]

Another satisfied Nitto 555 owner here. Price was right, and performance is great. Oh, and the Goodyear F1 GS D3s are made in Japan, just like the Nittos, if I remember correctly.

[Jagdpanzer]

I think I am going to go with the 335 Michelin PS2s.

Viper Parts has a good price on a set of PS2s, $1075 delivered

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

[jimmy b.]

If I had 17's, I would look at the Vredestein Sessantas
or the Nitto Invos.

I never heard of the Vredestein Sessantas, who makes them are they any good
and is the price close to the Nittos.

[rhipsher]

I never heard of the Vredestein Sessantas, who makes them are they any good
and is the price close to the Nittos. Yes. They are excellent. They are made in Europe. Holland to be exact. $835 shipped. And you won't find them at any tire retailer either.

[efnfast]

I'll be putting a set of 335 PS2's on the rear this spring. We'll see how it goes. The rears seem to wear out so much faster than the fronts.:dontknow:

Steve

[jimmy b.]

Yes. They are excellent. They are made in Europe. Holland to be exact. $835 shipped. And you won't find them at any tire retailer either.

Thanks Rick, I thought they only made wooden sneakers in holland;)

just kidding I hope I don't get hammered too bad on that one.

Can you get the these tires at Tire Rack or some other source.

[rhipsher]

Thanks Rick, I thought they only made wooden sneakers in holland;)

just kidding I hope I don't get hammered too bad on that one.

Can you get the these tires at Tire Rack or some other source. This is the guy.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/295-35-18-Vredestein-Ultrac-Sessanta-New-Tires-ZR-103Y-/350336532781?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item5191af412d
I've bought two sets from them in the last 6 years. They always arrived in 4 days of the transaction. If you don't see the sizes your looking for just pm him and he'll have them all the way up to 335.

[SteelBlueZR1]

I too have the Vredsteins and can't say enough good things about these tires. Here's the East coast supplier I used with 2 day shipping. These tires grip amazingly well off the line and in wet and dry.very smooth quiet ride.

[JThomas]

Joe it sounds like we are similar drivers looking for similar tires. For some reason I just can't convince myself to buy the Nittos. Brand snob, I guess.

I think I am going to go with the 335 Michelin PS2s.

I don't think you'll go wrong with the Michelin PS2!

[carmine]

I Also Bought Vredestein Very Pleased Carmine 1990 #357 Blk. Gray

[Bill]

I'm curious about contact patch width of the various tires. My 315 D3s measure a full 12 inches in contact with the ground, 335 PS2s only measured 11.25 inches. I have been thinking about the Nitto 555 EPs 315, can someone tell me how wide they are?

[HAWAIIZR-1]

I'm curious about contact patch width of the various tires. My 315 D3s measure a full 12 inches in contact with the ground, 335 PS2s only measured 11.25 inches. I have been thinking about the Nitto 555 EPs 315, can someone tell me how wide they are?

If no one posts by the time I get home from work, I'll post actual measurement off my new, mounted NT555s (not sure what EPs are) on stock wheels. The Nitto website should have the tech data, but I know what you mean about real numbers.

[HAWAIIZR-1]

I don't think you'll go wrong with the Michelin PS2!

How much better are PS2s that Pilot Sports? The regular Michelin Pilot Sports suck and I need to replace them on my 18" CCW wheels. Thanks!

[Bill]

The ET = Extreme Performance
I was really surprised when I measured the 335 Michelin's and found out how skinny they were.
Thanks

[efnfast]

The ET = Extreme Performance
I was really surprised when I measured the 335 Michelin's and found out how skinny they were.
Thanks
How skinny are they? According to tire rack, they're 12.5"

[Bill]

As stated above the contact patch is 11.25 inches.

[efnfast]

Thanks Bill, I saw that, but didn't know if there was some discrepency for some reason. Starting to question the set I've got coming for the Spring.
Steve:saluting:

[Bill]

OK Steve. A buddy of mine has 315 Sumo's on stock 17 x 11 wheels and says they cause the tread area to be rounded causing less contact. Keep us posted what you find.

[efnfast]

Pretty sure ZZZZZR1 runs the 335 PS2's. David, can you pull a tape for us?

[efnfast]

Sorry Bill, just backed up. Looks like in #27 reply here you already pulled a tape.

[Bill]

Not a problem Steve. Confirmation is always a good thing. Hoping to more measurements on other 315s and 335s.

[jimmy b.]

This is the guy.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/295-35-18-Vredestein-Ultrac-Sessanta-New-Tires-ZR-103Y-/350336532781?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item5191af412d
I've bought two sets from them in the last 6 years. They always arrived in 4 days of the transaction. If you don't see the sizes your looking for just pm him and he'll have them all the way up to 335.

Thanks for the link, I like the prices too. Hope to have a new set on by Carlisle.

[HAWAIIZR-1]

I'm curious about contact patch width of the various tires. My 315 D3s measure a full 12 inches in contact with the ground, 335 PS2s only measured 11.25 inches. I have been thinking about the Nitto 555 EPs 315, can someone tell me how wide they are?

Okay, I just measured and Nitto NT555s on stock wheels in 315 are 11.50 inches contact patch on the ground.

[ZZZZZR1]

Pretty sure ZZZZZR1 runs the 335 PS2's. David, can you pull a tape for us?

These 335's will fit any 11' wheel... I've seen them on OEM ZR-1 A-molds, aftermarket A-molds and many other 11' wheels.


The only tire that has an awkward fit are the suimi's and boy are they skinny!!!!

:cheers:

David

[tomtom72]

Another satisfied Nitto 555 owner here. Price was right, and performance is great. Oh, and the Goodyear F1 GS D3s are made in Japan, just like the Nittos, if I remember correctly.

Andrew, I would just say that of the 10 D3's I have bought since 12/04 till just two yrs ago all have been made in the USA. The last D3's I bought back in 2010 May were the fronts, before that in like '08 I bought 2 rears, and 8/10 I picked up 2 rears with 05 or 06 date codes on the used market. All of them are made in the USA.

I will admit that I sound like a shill for G/Yr.:o Just consider this. Have you ever spoken to a 5 or 6 owner that has just used up their stock Run Flats and bought real high performance tires? It's like they just discovered they own a corvette, or maybe better that they actually own a sports car. Lousy tires can make you mad at your corvette. If they make you mad enough you're going to eventually, maybe sooner rather than later, spend more money buying tires that work. I know that sounds severe coming from someone that doesn't even know how to drag race or road race. Trust me on this though. Think back to the first time you had to replace tires that came with one of your cars that even vaguely resembled a touring coupe or sedan. Do you remember taking time to study tire tests? Why did you do that? Then you made your choice and do you remember being surprised at the new found grip & suspension sophistication you hadn't noticed before? You ended up not buying those tires on price. My first set of real tires were for my '72 V6 Capri. They were Pirelli CN36's in VR. I liked them so much I bought a set for my '72 LT-1. I "discovered" the suspension in both cars! Okay, maybe that's just my story, but I kind of doubt it! LOL I don't think I'm alone here on this cognitive process. Yes I winced at the first set of D3's when they were $1198 + and I am wincing at the $1400.00 price tag now!

JMHO. Please don't buy tires for your corvette on price alone as I doubt you'll enjoy the experience. :o

:cheers:
Tom

[VetteMed]

Andrew, I would just say that of the 10 D3's I have bought since 12/04 till just two yrs ago all have been made in the USA. The last D3's I bought back in 2010 May were the fronts, before that in like '08 I bought 2 rears, and 8/10 I picked up 2 rears with 05 or 06 date codes on the used market. All of them are made in the USA.

Tom

I had a set of D3s in 275 size on the rear of my IROC, somewhere around 2003-2004, and I could have sworn they were made in Japan. I could very well be mistaken.

Andrew

[Bill]

Thanks to Craig and David, Good information.
Are there any other brands that fit our stock size wheels? What are their contact patch width.

[efnfast]

When I bought my car it had/has Goodyear Eagles - not F1's. Contact patch measures about 11.25"
Steve

[JThomas]

How much better are PS2s that Pilot Sports? The regular Michelin Pilot Sports suck and I need to replace them on my 18" CCW wheels. Thanks!

My experience with the Michelin Pilot Sports were on my '03 Corvette. I autocrossed that car, and personally liked that tire better than the OEM Goodyear. JMHO

[John Boothby]

My GY GS D3's are marked "MADE IN USA". Purchased from Discount Tires a couple years ago. Excellent tires!

[cvette98pacecar]

Did a little research for you guys. here is every tire manufacturer in the United States of America. Take a look at the bottom one, that sure surprised me.
:flag2:

BE B.F. Goodrich (Michelin) Tuscaloosa,AL
BF B.F Goodrich (Michelin) Woodburn,IN
AN B.F. Goodrich (Michelin) Opelika,AL
VE/YE/YU/8B Bridgestone/Firestone (Bridgestone) Des Moines,IA
2M/3M Bridgestone/Firestone(Bridgestone) Bloomington,IL
D2/E3/W1/Y7 Bridgestone/Firestone(Bridgestone) Lavergne, TE
2C/4D//5D Bridgestone/Firestone(Bridgestone) Morrison, TE
UP Cooper Finlay,OH
UT Cooper Texarkana,AR
DY Denman, (Penslar Capital) Warren,OH
DA Dunlop (Goodyear) Buffalo N.Y.
JJ/MD/PU Goodyear Gadsden, AL
JN/MJ/PY Goodyear Topeka, KS
JE/MC/PT Goodyear Dansville, VA
JT/MK/TA Goodyear Union City , TN
JP/MP/PL Kelly-Springfield (Goodyear) Tyler, Texas
JF/MM/PJ Kelly-Springfield (Goodyear) Fayetteville, NC
CC Yokahama Tire Salem, VA (Good tire)

[mike100]

Cooper has a plant in Tupelo MS also- so I guess it isn't a complete listing- but perhaps listing all makes that have plants here even if there are facilities omitted.

[tomtom72]

:o sorry for my semi-rant Fellars! To make up for it, okay I am trying to make up for it! I ran across this so I thought I'd share the link for the Drag Racing people among us.:dancing

http://www.corvetteonline.com/

They have some nice articles and I thought this write up could be useful to the drag racers!

:cheers:
Tom

[jimmy b.]

Two Solutions for ya ;)

1. AFS Wheels http://shop.afswheels.com/VREDESTEIN-ULTRAC-SESSANTA-TIRES_c5.htm

I think AFS Wheels is the same as "Cleanin-out-the-garage" on Ebay

2. Cleanin-out-the-garage....... Lots of information on Vredestein Sessanta tires on Ebay http://www.ebay.com/itm/275-40-17-Vredestein-Ultrac-Sessanta-New-Tires-ZR-98Y-/350336549796?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5191af83a4

FREE SHIPPING :cheers:

And...........last but not least a nice smile for ya :cheers:

Thanks Dynomite for the info, I am leaning towards the Vredesteins.
When I do buy new tires I will have more questions for ya but that will
come later. I got rear shocks and samco hoses coming first...
... and last I see two nice smiles THANKS:-D