Replacement Tire Thoughts and Input

[tgonyaw]

Hello All,

I have been waiting for Goodyear to make more rear tires in the stock sizes. (EAGLE F1 GS-D3) Tire Buyer has Nitto NT555 G2 listed in the stock sizes being available now. The price is half the Goodyears which could be a red flag. Has anyone used these Nitto tires for street, rain, and 2 to 4 track days a year? The Goodyears have been on the market for several years, the Nitto G2 is an upgrade from about 2 years ago if I read the Steeda Mustang write up correctly. I did not find any direct comparisons so I am asking here.
Thanks for the help.

[lfalzarano]

Michelin’s PS2 275/40x17 up front and 335/35x17 out back ride superior to either tire. You get what you pay for!!!


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[Mystic ZR-1]

I run Nitto NT-555G2s on my other
hot rod (BMW 540-i-6 Dinan, M5 lite...)
Love 'em!
They make ZR-1 sizes.
Maybe next time around?
Currently running Goodyears which
wear well and are good in the wet.

[DRM500RUBYZR-1]

I have had the Nittos for over four years.
Fine in the dry, only in rain occasionally (oops, I admitted it), and they were fine.
While they are priced close to the sumi's, they are far better in every respect.
They hook nicely, but no drag radial hook.


But,
I know my Dymags are round, the tires, not so much.
Now my car sits for extended periods, but the flat spots do not go away even after driving to Carlisle.
They did this since almost new.
Maybe the Good years and Michelins will do the same given my driving patterns, so it may have nothing to do with the Nitto's.
Marty

[Meanmyz]

I am a fan of the Nitto NT-555's (now 555G2's). Exceptional price, exceptional performance, and they are made in the USA.

I never drive in the rain, so the Goodyear's GSD-3 "European inspired" V tread design is lost on me. Also, kind of a weird look in my opinion.

When you start adding up cars to shoe, Goodyear and Michelin prices start to become intimidating. Especially when most of the fun is devoted to wearing down the tread!:p

Besides, Nitto's tread patterns look closer to the original GSC design than the GSD3's ever did.

[dredgeguy]

Michelin’s PS2 275/40x17 up front and 335/35x17 out back ride superior to either tire. You get what you pay for!!!


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I run the same Michelin's PS2 and like them very much but as you said, not inexpensive. Very true, you get what you pay for. So far the best deal for them have been Costco who will special order them with 3 day delivery time. They have a 20,000 mile warranty and so far I have 24,000 miles on my set with lots of tread left. Quiet, smooth and great dry or wet.

[Flyman 27]

My previous tire set were Nitto 555s. They rode good but I just didn't like the traction, I have a Hybeck 500 and they were not up to the challenge. But they were 5 years old, so the compound was hardening a bit.
I do not drive the car a lot and never in rain. I did a lot of research and settled on a set of Nitto NT105. They are for street & road track (not drag racing) so they have a stiff sidewall and hang corners very well. I like to play on curvy roads so these work perfectly for my use and were reasonably priced on ebay.

[Paul Workman]

I ran across a wet/dry skid pad comparison of several sport tires and (with all due respect) found that to be hugely more reliable than anecdotal "testimonials".

In such a comparison, the GY GSD-3s, the Nittos, and the BFGs were the top dogs (The P2s were not tested, unfortunately, and neither were the new Nitto 555 G2s.)

All-round wet/dry the GSD-3s were the best of the best (in that comparison). Their performance in the wet (especially) made them standouts. Also: Good wear and smooth riding.

Limited to summer/dry roads, and the Nitto 555/555r combo edged out the GSD-3s, especially on the drag strip. (personal experience w/ price considered too)

Both of these tires were "well behaved" when they were pushed to the point of loosing traction and starting to skid. Both broke gently - no surprises (i.e., no sudden transition such as "hitting an ice patch" sensation). And, too, so it was foretold in the skid pad testing.

As for the Nitto "G2s" and the Michelin P2s, or some of the other popular sport tires (excluding pure track tires), barring objective and scientific testing (e.g., skid pad) we'll have to rely on subjective performance of trusted/known driving habits of certain individuals.

Bottom Line: The GSD-3s are a good tire for setting the standard by which other tires are compared: overall, wet or dry, perhaps the best tire of the ones I have ridden on. But! Narrow the application to summer temps and dry pavement, twisties, and occasional drag racing, and the 555/555r (and maybe the G2s) are the tires residing on our A-molds!

That's my story n I'm s-s-sticking toit!

.

[tgonyaw]

Thanks for all the input. Seems the Nitto's have a following and have not been condemned. The Nitto's seem to be worth a shot based on my intended use and time frame. Since I'm 68, I gave myself a 5 year time frame along with budget considerations. I will wait/do more internet research in the next couple of weeks. So if someone finds new data, please post. The tire data Paul quoted seems reasonable that the D-3 set the standard and the Nitto's seem a close replacement. I intend to spend much more time street driving than track days.
Thanks for helping.

[lfalzarano]

Don’t kill yourself with cheap tires. Check the date codes when purchasing since tires are roughly only safe for 5 years. Then you have to replace them to drive another 5 years. I’m 70, and love the Michelins


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[DRM500RUBYZR-1]

I ran across a wet/dry skid pad comparison of several sport tires and (with all due respect) found that to be hugely more reliable than anecdotal "testimonials".

In such a comparison, the GY GSD-3s, the Nittos, and the BFGs were the top dogs (The P2s were not tested, unfortunately, and neither were the new Nitto 555 G2s.)

All-round wet/dry the GSD-3s were the best of the best (in that comparison). Their performance in the wet (especially) made them standouts. Also: Good wear and smooth riding.

Limited to summer/dry roads, and the Nitto 555/555r combo edged out the GSD-3s, especially on the drag strip. (personal experience w/ price considered too)

Both of these tires were "well behaved" when they were pushed to the point of loosing traction and starting to skid. Both broke gently - no surprises (i.e., no sudden transition such as "hitting an ice patch" sensation). And, too, so it was foretold in the skid pad testing.

As for the Nitto "G2s" and the Michelin P2s, or some of the other popular sport tires (excluding pure track tires), barring objective and scientific testing (e.g., skid pad) we'll have to rely on subjective performance of trusted/known driving habits of certain individuals.

Bottom Line: The GSD-3s are a good tire for setting the standard by which other tires are compared: overall, wet or dry, perhaps the best tire of the ones I have ridden on. But! Narrow the application to summer temps and dry pavement, twisties, and occasional drag racing, and the 555/555r (and maybe the G2s) are the tires residing on our A-molds!

That's my story n I'm s-s-sticking toit!

.

So.
You are essentially saying my anecdotal testimony is 100% spot on, correct, accurate, insightful and gospel truth.
Thanks man!
:D
:cheers:
Marty

[tgonyaw]

So.
You are essentially saying my anecdotal testimony is 100% spot on, correct, accurate, insightful and gospel truth.
Thanks man!


Marty

Well??

If you "squint" hard enough you can see that far :)

Happy to help!
Terry

[rossgn49u]

Bought a 7k mile ZR1 with Nitto's . Flat spotted for sitting a year or so with only a few hundred miles. Had to replace.

[XfireZ51]

Michelin SuperSports. Great grip and very good in either dry or wet.

[Subfixer]

Michelin SuperSports. Great grip and very good in either dry or wet.



Michelin stopped producing Super Sports (I'm bummed).


They were replaced by PS4S, which are not available in our 17" sizes (again, bummed).


I'm waiting for the rears from Goodyear also. Est shipping, mid December.

[XfireZ51]

Michelin stopped producing Super Sports (I'm bummed).


They were replaced by PS4S, which are not available in our 17" sizes (again, bummed).


I'm waiting for the rears from Goodyear also. Est shipping, mid December.

Again, one of the reasons I converted to the C6 Z06 wheel. That along w using the Z06 brakes.

[dredgeguy]

Michelin stopped producing Super Sports (I'm bummed).


They were replaced by PS4S, which are not available in our 17" sizes (again, bummed).


I'm waiting for the rears from Goodyear also. Est shipping, mid December.
The PS2's are available in 335/35/17 which fit no problem on the rear. I have them now. Stock front size is still available

[Paul Workman]

So.
You are essentially saying my anecdotal testimony is 100% spot on, correct, accurate, insightful and gospel truth.
Thanks man!
:D
:cheers:
Marty

Marty... NO slight intended, if you thought I was shootin flamin arrahs at cha!

Personally, I always feel frustration at trying to get the low-down on tires, especially when anecdotal testimony is often just about all we as consumers are left with. How the heck does anyone really establish a "baseline" for any one particular tire based on subjective experiences?

I ain't sayin' wet/dry skid pad tests are "tell all, be all". BUT! At least they are somewhat objective as far as traction characteristics go when the tires are relatively new. Just sayin.

.

[DRM500RUBYZR-1]

No, I was just being playful.
Rarely does an objective test support my subjective observation, but once or twice in a lifetime isn't bad!


I actually liked the tires...………… until they flat spotted.
Guess it's the Good Years next, or go with the C-6 Z06 rims I have in the basement for 5-or so years and go with bigger tires like many others have done.


Although some of those track tires look appealing!


Then again I have some NOS GSC's, so what if they are almost twenty years old…………………………………..
(kidding)


Marty

[Mystic ZR-1]

"Rarely does an objective test support my subjective observation..."

Marty, I like that!
😋

[BigJohn]

Nothing works well in the wet or cold!

[tgonyaw]

Hello All,

Many insights! I too wonder if I will put enough miles on to keep the flat spots away.

Do the 335 Michelin tires "roll" some on corner exits when used for track days? I am a Costco member and that could be an option. Costco also seems to have rolling tire sales when 4 are purchased. Will check to see if they can do Good Year in the stock sizes.

Thanks for the helpful comments.

[lfalzarano]

Here’s an older tire test by C&D of the latest Summer Performance tires.

Remember some tires we are selecting for our Z’s are of old designs and performance formulation.

The latest tire offering matching a ZR-1 aspect ratios are not offered in 17 inch. You’ll need 18” or 19” rims to accommodate the newer tires, which adds to the cost.

If you want to keep using the stock ZR-1 wheels, everyone already has given you their preference. There are no tire test comparisons of our 17” tires. The Goodyear’s F1 series are the oldest, PS2’s middle child and the Nittos the most recent.


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[dredgeguy]

Hello All,

Many insights! I too wonder if I will put enough miles on to keep the flat spots away.

Do the 335 Michelin tires "roll" some on corner exits when used for track days? I am a Costco member and that could be an option. Costco also seems to have rolling tire sales when 4 are purchased. Will check to see if they can do Good Year in the stock sizes.

Thanks for the helpful comments.
Costco does not have Goodyear but they have special deals on the purchase of 4 Michelin tires now, then next month will be BF Goodrich then back to Michelin and so on. I found the 335's outstanding in both wet and dry. They have done 2 mountain runs in the past 3 years and on the track at BG. I am not a big race or track car guy but within my capabilities, kept me feeling secure and safe. I think they are the most comfortable tires for everyday driving, smooth, quiet and grip.

[WARP TEN]

Costco does not have Goodyear but they have special deals on the purchase of 4 Michelin tires now, then next month will be BF Goodrich then back to Michelin and so on. I found the 335's outstanding in both wet and dry. They have done 2 mountain runs in the past 3 years and on the track at BG. I am not a big race or track car guy but within my capabilities, kept me feeling secure and safe. I think they are the most comfortable tires for everyday driving, smooth, quiet and grip.

Same with me Charlie. I got my Michelins at Costco--$1,712 total cost for tires, mounting, balancing, warranty etc. in summer 2014. I really liked the Michelins after my Sumitomos, and there were no balance issues like there were with the Sumis (had one Sumi tire that was so far out of spec it couldn't be balanced even on a Road Force balancer). And Cosco really stands behind their work. Had a slow leak that several shops couldn't find; took it to Costco and in a couple minutes said bad valve, replaced it for free and no problems since. Have Pilot sports on the Z06 too and they are fine also.--Bob

[Tripler]

I have had the Nittos for over four years.
Fine in the dry, only in rain occasionally (oops, I admitted it), and they were fine.
While they are priced close to the sumi's, they are far better in every respect.
They hook nicely, but no drag radial hook.


But,
I know my Dymags are round, the tires, not so much.
Now my car sits for extended periods, but the flat spots do not go away even after driving to Carlisle.
They did this since almost new.
Maybe the Good years and Michelins will do the same given my driving patterns, so it may have nothing to do with the Nitto's.
Marty
Hey Marty . Just a note ,if your Z is going to be sitting for a while , pump the tires up to 40 psi and check them every few weeks . It's the same as when storing the car for the winter . That might help with your flat spotting on your next new set of tires . I don't have any proof for that theory but it should help reduce the flat spotting .
Just remember to check them again before you drive and lower the pressures down to what you normally keep them at .

We have the Michelin tires front and back on our Z and I like them .

Mike

[lfalzarano]

My Michelin’s give a rough ride after sitting for two weeks, but clear up after a few miles on its biweekly road test to keep the fluids moving and tires rotated. The weather in NC is not brutally cold at night yet[emoji16]


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[Vetman]

I have Michelin pilots with just over 20,000 miles on them and still have 50% tread left. Roll extremely well at 100 plus and required almost no weights!!

PS. Seldom spin them😆

[tgonyaw]

Michelin has great remarks and are on all new Corvettes for a reason.

Some of the Battlefield Corvette Club members (Fredericksburg Va.) are going to be at Dominion Raceway this Sat. to introduce the track to people who have not been there. I plan to go and gather info and insights.
http://roadcourse.dominionraceway.com/

Neat tip about tire psi while sitting.

Thanks to all for taking the time to answer!

[dredgeguy]

Michelin has great remarks and are on all new Corvettes for a reason.

Some of the Battlefield Corvette Club members (Fredericksburg Va.) are going to be at Dominion Raceway this Sat. to introduce the track to people who have not been there. I plan to go and gather info and insights.
http://roadcourse.dominionraceway.com/

Neat tip about tire psi while sitting.

Thanks to all for taking the time to answer!
Would have loved to come out and join you all on Saturday but I am now in Dhaka, Bangladesh and while leaving in 24 hours, don't touch down at Dulles until 1PM on Saturday. Have a great time and post up some pics.

[Mystic ZR-1]

Charlie
You get to go to places the rest of us just
get to dream about!
😁

[Paul Workman]

Nothing works well in the wet or cold!

"NOTHING works well" might be a bit overstated, at least where wet is the criteria.

I'm referring to the skid pad test I saw where the "D3s" pulled (IIRC) about .95G dry, and .90G on the wet. And, in my own experience with them, they were very well behaved when lateral forces exceeded the adhesion limit. The transitioned into skidding w/o any sudden or drastic loss of grip.

This was in sharp relief to at least one of the tires tested that actually went ~ .98G dry, but ranked waaaay down on the wet (to something like .5G).

I had the first hand experience with some tires on a rental car that gave it up on a wet curve WAY before those "D3s" did on an equally wet surface. Just sayin.

I'm thinking if I never did another drag race, I might be more skewed toward the GY "D3s". But, as pointed out, GM is/was putting P2s on the Corvette says "something" about those tires. (I'd like to get the chance to drive on some one day and see how they compare to the Nittos on dry and especially on the wet. Something tells me I'll prolly like them better ESPECIALLY ON THE WET [NO CONTEST there]).

[lfalzarano]

Michelin has great remarks and are on all new Corvettes for a reason.



Some of the Battlefield Corvette Club members (Fredericksburg Va.) are going to be at Dominion Raceway this Sat. to introduce the track to people who have not been there. I plan to go and gather info and insights.

http://roadcourse.dominionraceway.com/



Neat tip about tire psi while sitting.



Thanks to all for taking the time to answer!



Don’t get too confident, if the temps dip below 50 degrees or more, Summer tires are terrible. What you can do speed wise in Summer are not there in cold weather. I wiped out twice at VIR in cold weather on GS-C’s. Changed to Michelin, but expect the same “in the weeds” experience if I go there later this month.


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[dredgeguy]

Charlie
You get to go to places the rest of us just
get to dream about!
😁

Many places are not dreams but nightmares. After doing this for 39 years, have seen the good, the bad and the ugly.=D>

[Great White]

I replaced the hard, dry rotted/flat spotted sumitomos on my car with the nittos when I bought it. I couldn't justify the Goodyears for the insanely high price compared to the nitto's (I'm going to burn through these tires pretty quick with the way I drive the beast.) Wet weather performance on the Nitto G2's is exceptional. I drove the car 4 hours in a moderate to heavy downpour and they performed flawlessly. Very predictable at their limits in the wet. No flat spots to speak of (yet, we'll see after the car sits all winter.) Dry performance is good but the sidewalls seem a bit soft so I run 40psi all around (drop the rears if you want more bite for standing starts obviously.) Dry track performance I'd rate 7 out of 10 for a street tire, but I'm not an experienced racer.

[BigJohn]

"NOTHING works well" might be a bit overstated, at least where wet is the criteria.

I'm referring to the skid pad test I saw where the "D3s" pulled (IIRC) about .95G dry, and .90G on the wet. And, in my own experience with them, they were very well behaved when lateral forces exceeded the adhesion limit. The transitioned into skidding w/o any sudden or drastic loss of grip.

This was in sharp relief to at least one of the tires tested that actually went ~ .98G dry, but ranked waaaay down on the wet (to something like .5G).

I had the first hand experience with some tires on a rental car that gave it up on a wet curve WAY before those "D3s" did on an equally wet surface. Just sayin.

I'm thinking if I never did another drag race, I might be more skewed toward the GY "D3s". But, as pointed out, GM is/was putting P2s on the Corvette says "something" about those tires. (I'd like to get the chance to drive on some one day and see how they compare to the Nittos on dry and especially on the wet. Something tells me I'll prolly like them better ESPECIALLY ON THE WET [NO CONTEST there]).



Paul,
My thoughts on wet driving; during a heavy downpour my 335’s will hydroplane above 50mph making my cars fishtail.

[lfalzarano]

No tire can standup to deep standing water on roadways above 50 mph. GY GSC’s provide excellent performance in wet and dry. I’ve been using the on my Z got over 18 years, BUT I recently switched to the PS2’s. My current experience in the dry they are superior to the GY’s. The ride is smoother and quieter than the GSC’s. I don’t drive in the rain anymore, but I would venture above 50 mph. ZR-1 tires are just too wide not to aqua plane above that speed. Real world experience! JMHO


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