Tire Replacement Suggestions

[camotorsports]

Hello
Recently purchased a 1990 ZR-1 looking to replace the OEM factory tires any suggestions or help would be appreciated

P275/40ZR17
P315/35ZR17

Thanks Mike

[rush91]

Welcome to the brotherhood! Tires for the ZR-1 are getting limited, so it comes down to just a few brands. I just replaced mine with Nitto NT555G2.....Very good tire, quiet, fits over the rim lip nice, and have really good grip.

Others would be

Nitto Motivo -- all season tire I believe

Nitto NT05 -- A more grippy tire, I think a lot of guys on here run these on the rears, for better traction on modified Zs..

Toyo Extensa -- another all season I believe

Toyo Proxes R888R -- Another high performance tire, soft compound.

Goodyears ---- If they are even making these now? Expensive tire, very good tire, but hard to find.

There maybe others that I can't think of. I know some guys on here run a 335 tire on the rears, and have no issue with fitment. I love my Nittos, Great all around tire, good price and easy to get. A good new tire really helps these cars put some traction down.

[camotorsports]

Thank you for your help and suggestions !!!!!

[DRM500RUBYZR-1]

PS

ALL good suggestions

However,
Do not overlook Michelin by going with a 335 35 17 rear!
Welcome!!!
:cheers:
Marty

[WARP TEN]

Michelins are available with the rears being 335s instead of 315s. Many have used these. I put them on my '95 back in 2014. They fit fine, were excellent tires and were sold and installed by Costco. Not inexpensive but I wanted the best tires I could get after suffering with Sumitomos for a year or so. I highly recommend them. The information below is copied from Tire Rack's website.--Bob



MAX PERFORMANCE SUMMER Category Ratings Charts
Michelin Pilot Sport PS2
(1,651)
|Reviews (1,240)
Consumer Recommended
Tire Rack Tested
Compare
MICHELIN
PILOT SPORT PS2
Max Performance Summer
Front: 275/40ZR17 (98Y)
Style: Blackwall
Serv. Desc: (98Y)
UTQG: 220 AA A
Qty:
Per Tire:

2
$361.81
Availability: 09/25/20
Can be delivered to 60044 when available Free Shipping
Rear: 335/35ZR17 (106Y)
Style: Blackwall
Serv. Desc: (106Y)
UTQG: 220 AA A
Qty:
Per Tire:

2
$403.43
Availability: In Stock
Can be delivered Mon, 09/21 to 60044Free Shipping
Set of 4: $1,530.48
Order Pick-Up Discount
Pick up at our South Bend, IN distribution
center and get a $40.00 discount.Free Road Hazard Protection
($148.22 value. Two-year coverage.)Add to Cart

[stuntmanmike]

I purchased the Nitto NT555 G2 from Discount Tire Direct, really pleased with the handling and price.

[camotorsports]

Thank you for help and the suggestions I went with the Nitto's

[jefferyzornow]

I purchased Nitto's NT555 G2 and from day one have had flat spotting and balancing issues. Wish I would have stay with the Goodyear Eagles. Currently, fighting with Nitto USA trying to get credit toward a different series tire. Totally unacceptable to have to drive 15-20 miles before these tires smooth out.

[lmcptman@gmail.com]

Hello
Recently purchased a 1990 ZR-1 looking to replace the OEM factory tires any suggestions or help would be appreciated

P275/40ZR17
P315/35ZR17

Thanks Mike


I purchased Mickey Thompson street comps in stock sizes and have no issues with them, handle great.

[rush91]

I purchased Nitto's NT555 G2 and from day one have had flat spotting and balancing issues. Wish I would have stay with the Goodyear Eagles. Currently, fighting with Nitto USA trying to get credit toward a different series tire. Totally unacceptable to have to drive 15-20 miles before these tires smooth out.

How long does the car sit for? Sorry to tell you, but any tire for these cars will flat spot after a period of time. Its a new soft compound tire, it will flat spot.

[jefferyzornow]

The car sits on "Tire Cradles" form rubber cushions. My Goodyear Eagles were stored the same way with no flat spots. I am quit familiar with flat spots and tires. You may think its acceptable, but I don't.

[rush91]

Have you tired increasing the tire pressure during storage? This has worked for me in the past, and I store my car on a cold concrete floor in the winter for 5 months. I start it once a month and weather permitting go on a 5 minute drive. Flat spot problem fixed.....

[jefferyzornow]

Have you tired increasing the tire pressure during storage? This has worked for me in the past, and I store my car on a cold concrete floor in the winter for 5 months. I start it once a month and weather permitting go on a 5 minute drive. Flat spot problem fixed.....


Yes, I have increased the pressure 10 psi during winter months. Otherwise, the rest of the year, the car never sits in the garage more than a week.

[ram_g]

I have been battling much the same issues with a set of Nitto NT555 G2s bought ~800 miles ago. I finally decided to throw in the towel and have just returned from my local Discount Tire, where they agreed to give me the full price back towards a set of Michelin PS2s (rears 335 width), and not charge me again for mounting/balancing. I am very pleased with DT's customer focus but not so happy with the ordeal.

There are many similar reports online about the Nittos, and yet several others (including in this thread) where folks have had no issues. My take is that Nitto may not have very tight quality control - some (maybe most?) of their tires may be great, but some are evidently problematic from the get go.

[jefferyzornow]

Thanks, I appreciate your comments.

[WARP TEN]

I never had any significant flat spotting with the Michelin tires I put on the '95. Stored on a lift for 5 months Nov 1- Apr 1 with the tire pressures at about 50 psi. When I took it down in the spring a short drive and the tires were perfectly normal. At one point I did have a valve develop a slow leak but Costco (where I bought the tires) replaced it without charge. They also said the valves were only warranted by the manufacturer up to 44 psi. I now put the pressures (on the Z06) to about 45 psi during storage. --Bob

[Racinfan83]

My car had Nittos on it when I got it. Almost new. Had vibration. Road force balanced bad. Nitto reps would do nothing. Ended up getting another set of Nittos because Sumitomos suck and I couldn't afford anything better at the time. Guess what, had these balanced multiple times and still vibration. Pump em up to 50psi cuz car sits so much and it's on carpet. I haven't had much time to drive it last 3yrs, and the vibration makes me nervous. One of these days I think I will take it to Marc and just say "find it and fix it" along with my header stud leak...😳🙄😳😥

[WARP TEN]

My car had Nittos on it when I got it. Almost new. Had vibration. Road force balanced bad. Nitto reps would do nothing. Ended up getting another set of Nittos because Sumitomos suck and I couldn't afford anything better at the time. Guess what, had these balanced multiple times and still vibration. Pump em up to 50psi cuz car sits so much and it's on carpet. I haven't had much time to drive it last 3yrs, and the vibration makes me nervous. One of these days I think I will take it to Marc and just say "find it and fix it" along with my header stud leak...😳🙄😳😥

My '95 had a set of Sumitomos on it when it arrived in 2012. I also had a vibration and the next spring when I drove to Bowling Green it was annoying so I found a tire dealer there with a Road Force balancer and a very experienced tech. He had to rotate all the tires about 180 degrees on the rims and had to use a fair amount of weight to get them balanced. But one of the tires was so far out of manufacturer's specs that he could not get it balanced. But he still solved about 95% of the vibration problem. When I got home I got a set of Michelins from Costco and they balanced out perfectly and were vibration free--even without a Road Force balancer. --Bob

[ram_g]

Had the new Michelins installed at Discount Tire yesterday. What a difference compared to the Nittos! Finally I can appreciate the "smoothness" that the ZR-1 is known for!

I had a good feel that the Michelins would be better just as they were balancing them. The Nittos needed these massive weights to achieve balance but the Michelins just needed very small ones - in fact one tire needed no weights at all. Quite remarkable, and goes to support the quality control aspect I'd mentioned previously.

So what's the problem? Near my neighborhood we have some really crappy roads with sharp undulating dips - not potholes, but 50mph dips that give the suspension travel on any car a real workout. I was hearing some new "scrape sounds" that I think is a bit of interference between the 335 width rear tires and the fender lip. I can see a small bit of paint rubbed off on the driver side and indeed the driver side rear fender lip seems 1/2" lower than the passenger side. I will need to investigate the whole ride height issue further. :cry:

[DRM500RUBYZR-1]

Had the new Michelins installed at Discount Tire yesterday. What a difference compared to the Nittos! Finally I can appreciate the "smoothness" that the ZR-1 is known for!

I had a good feel that the Michelins would be better just as they were balancing them. The Nittos needed these massive weights to achieve balance but the Michelins just needed very small ones - in fact one tire needed no weights at all. Quite remarkable, and goes to support the quality control aspect I'd mentioned previously.

So what's the problem? Near my neighborhood we have some really crappy roads with sharp undulating dips - not potholes, but 50mph dips that give the suspension travel on any car a real workout. I was hearing some new "scrape sounds" that I think is a bit of interference between the 335 width rear tires and the fender lip. I can see a small bit of paint rubbed off on the driver side and indeed the driver side rear fender lip seems 1/2" lower than the passenger side. I will need to investigate the whole ride height issue further. :cry:

I recall others citing the minor interference issues with the rear fender liners.
Small trimming resolved it.

As for the Nittos.
After years of fighting the vibrations I had from day one with the Nittos, I finally resolved the flat spotting!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I bought Good Years!
:cheers:
Marty

[rush91]

I guess I got a good batch of Nittos. Over 1000 miles on them now and not one issue. I thought the Sumitomos were a smooth riding tire, but the Nittos are just as smooth. No vibrations and hardly any road noise....It sucks for those that have had issues with their Nittos.

[32valvesftw]

No issues with Nittos here either. But if you can afford it Michelins are always the way to go IMHO.

[jss06c6]

I purchased the Nitto NT555 G2 from Discount Tire Direct, really pleased with the handling and price.


Second that recommendation. Just put a set on my '91. Very happy so far.. Good grip, quiet, good in water..

[Prez1967]

I need to replace the 10 year old tires on my car this coming spring. Already decided I was going with Michelins... Need to replace the 15 year old tires on my Mustang also (Michelins again). Its going to be an expensive spring LOL

[randy ransome]

I've had Michelin's on my 95 for about 7 years and they've been excellent.





:USFlag:

[dredgeguy]

I am on my second set of Michelin's 335 special ordered from Costco. I put 22,000 miles on the first set and still had some meat on them but was heading to BG and the Tail so figured better to change them now. Quality has a price.

[lfalzarano]

Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 275's and 335's are the best using OEM 17 inch wheels

[mcich7781]

Costco is out of stock of Michelin PS2's in the 275 40 17s and 335 35 17 sizes.

They are contacting Michelin for the latest information.

I am having difficulty finding any tires in the 335 size. 315's will not fit my Fiksies on the rear. Any other thoughts?

Sent from my SM-G955U using ZR-1 Net Registry mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=90383)

[lfalzarano]

Discount Tire and Tire Rack both have the Michelin PS2?s in those sizes. Discount being cheaper of the two venders. Costco is alway out of them most of the time. They get batches in sporadically.


Sent from my iPhone using ZR-1 Net Registry (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=90383)

[Erik]

I'm gonna have to look at tires in the spring too. Still haven't made up my mind as to what I want to go with. Or, more precisely, how much I want ti spend.

[mcich7781]

Both Costco and Discount Tire have none in stock and other than maybe Michelin will have more information in 6 to 8 weeks. I not sure what to do now to find those 335's.

Sent from my SM-G955U using ZR-1 Net Registry mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=90383)

[lfalzarano]

From my experience most of the tire manufacturers put out new stuff late March. The Michelin?s I bought from Discount Tire had a November date of the prior year. I got them between March and April. But since you will be snow bound in IL until late May, just work on other car issues.

I just checked Discount Tire and they can deliver the 335/35 R17 in 1-5 days. Price is $377/each.


Sent from my iPhone using ZR-1 Net Registry (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=90383)

[Erik]

From my experience most of the tire manufacturers put out new stuff late March. The Michelin?s I bought from Discount Tire had a November date of the prior year. I got them between March and April. But since you will be snow bound in IL until late May, just work on other car issues.

I just checked Discount Tire and they can deliver the 335/35 R17 in 1-5 days. Price is $377/each.


Sent from my iPhone using ZR-1 Net Registry (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=90383)

That's not a bad price!

[ZR2]

I just had Toyo Extensa HP II's put on. They came in both front and rear exact sizes. There are fewer and fewer tires that are made in matching sizes. Tire Rack at the time did not have really any in stock from one manufacture and the correct sizes. I found them with Tirebuyer, which is just like Tire rack, just smaller. For all 4 tires I paid $545 which included sales tax etc. Drop shipped to a local Tire place and they put them on and did an alignment. Between the new tires and the alignment, which it needed the car now tracks straighter and does not wander over uneven surfaces. It was less than $200 for the alignment and mounting. The previous tires the the Previous owner put on were Yokahamas. The old tires had plenty of tread, but I knew they were old.........as it turns out made in ......2006!!! Haven't driven too far, but I can tell that they are so far much smoother and seem quiet and seem to handle better.

[ZR2]

The only knock on the tires.........is a W speed rating.....168 mph, so I will keep in under the limit!!!!!

[Mr.Yuck]

I run the Goodyear GSD3's Great handling tire and great in the rain but super loud road noise. Not pleasant a long trips..

Sent from my SM-N981U using ZR-1 Net Registry mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=90383)

[Erik]

I just had Toyo Extensa HP II's put on. They came in both front and rear exact sizes. There are fewer and fewer tires that are made in matching sizes. Tire Rack at the time did not have really any in stock from one manufacture and the correct sizes. I found them with Tirebuyer, which is just like Tire rack, just smaller. For all 4 tires I paid $545 which included sales tax etc. Drop shipped to a local Tire place and they put them on and did an alignment. Between the new tires and the alignment, which it needed the car now tracks straighter and does not wander over uneven surfaces. It was less than $200 for the alignment and mounting. The previous tires the the Previous owner put on were Yokahamas. The old tires had plenty of tread, but I knew they were old.........as it turns out made in ......2006!!! Haven't driven too far, but I can tell that they are so far much smoother and seem quiet and seem to handle better.

Thanks for the feedback on the Toyos. I was looking at them too, as I hope to put a bunch of miles on mine, and having a tire that can handle a little rain is a bonus. Plus, I do hope to wear out, not age out, my tires.

[wprice]

Hi Guys,

Not having any luck finding the Michelin PS2 275/40/17, any suggestions?

Wayne

[lfalzarano]

Discount Tire has 275/40/17?s and will ship 1-5 business days.


Sent from my iPhone using ZR-1 Net Registry (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=90383)

[wprice]

They do not have the Michelin PS2 in that size. I just called to confirm. The best they could do for me is Nitto 555 G2.. Any comment on these tires?

Wayne

[lfalzarano]

I can get them in NC?
15141


Sent from my iPhone using ZR-1 Net Registry (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=90383)

[mcich7781]

Got my PS2s at Tire Rack last month. 275's fronts 335's for the rear.

Pricey, but I was desperate to find the 335's for my Fiksies. 15142

Sent from my SM-G955U using ZR-1 Net Registry mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=90383)

[CamP]

They do not have the Michelin PS2 in that size. I just called to confirm. The best they could do for me is Nitto 555 G2.. Any comment on these tires?

Wayne

The Nittos are good and they are inexpensive.

[ZR2]

More miles on the Toyo Extenzas and still very happy with them

[Prez1967]

The Nittos are good and they are inexpensive.

I got a set of Nittos for my Mustang since it needed tires first. Im happy with them. Will be going this route for the Z as well.

[kz098123]

I got the Nittos a little while ago. They are definitely better than the rock hard 10-year-old tires I replaced.

I still don?t feel like I am fully hooking up in 1st gear under full throttle. I feel a little slippage. Not sure how long they will last for me the way I drive... too fun for me to not punch it all the time.


Sent from my iPhone using ZR-1 Net Registry (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=90383)

[LGAFF]

The only knock on the tires.........is a W speed rating.....168 mph, so I will keep in under the limit!!!!!

While I wouldnt want to spend a lot of time over 168MPH(and generally who will) the speed rating is done at sustained speeds.... also there was a time when the speed rating was just 149MPH+ so tires used in the past may not have been much different than these

[CamP]

I got the Nittos a little while ago. They are definitely better than the rock hard 10-year-old tires I replaced.

I still don?t feel like I am fully hooking up in 1st gear under full throttle. I feel a little slippage. Not sure how long they will last for me the way I drive... too fun for me to not punch it all the time.



The Nitro NT555R2 rear tires will solve traction problems up to 500hp.

[BlackSheepz]

Im really happy to see this thread, my Z needs new shoes and I saw the Toyo Extenza HP II tires and was very hesitant because of how cheap they are. (in Indianapolis I can get them for $705 installed....).

I'd much rather put more Eagle F1 GS D3 tires on her, but I can't find any and this is not my only Corvette getting tires this season...

The local discount tire doesn't have Nitto 555 G2s either. So it looks like I'm going to give the Extenza's a shot and in a couple of seasons I can just replace them so that way A I'm not on 11 year old tires, and B, both cars wont need replaced at the same damn time again....

Thanks!

[rush91]

Im really happy to see this thread, my Z needs new shoes and I saw the Toyo Extenza HP II tires and was very hesitant because of how cheap they are. (in Indianapolis I can get them for $705 installed....).

I'd much rather put more Eagle F1 GS D3 tires on her, but I can't find any and this is not my only Corvette getting tires this season...

The local discount tire doesn't have Nitto 555 G2s either. So it looks like I'm going to give the Extenza's a shot and in a couple of seasons I can just replace them so that way A I'm not on 11 year old tires, and B, both cars wont need replaced at the same damn time again....

Thanks!


Tire Buyer has stock of Nitto555 G2s....I needed a new front tire, ordered last Monday, received 2 days later.

[BlackSheepz]

Tire Buyer has stock of Nitto555 G2s....I needed a new front tire, ordered last Monday, received 2 days later.

Thank you for this suggestion.
I just ordered a FULL set of Nitto 555 G2s from Tire Buyer to the local install place. I feel like due to the resounding sentiment on the forum about them that they are the right choice (Plus they were only about $250 more total).

Thanks everyone!

[Bob Eyres]

I got the Nittos a little while ago. They are definitely better than the rock hard 10-year-old tires I replaced.

I still don?t feel like I am fully hooking up in 1st gear under full throttle. I feel a little slippage. Not sure how long they will last for me the way I drive... too fun for me to not punch it all the time.


Sent from my iPhone using ZR-1 Net Registry (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=90383)



Take a look at the Toyo R888?s. On my car they stick like glue, and surprisingly have lasted for 4 years.
Every time out it sees at least one first gear blast, and 7k in second and third.
Gotta be careful in the rain though.


Sent from my iPhone using ZR-1 Net Registry (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=90383)

[93RubyZ]

I also have the Toyo Proxes R888 all around. I only drive in good weather so their handling in poor weather isn't a concern for me. The only complaint I have is they don't "look" as wide as the BFGs I had before. Measurement-wise, the difference is negligible -- it think it may be because the Toyos have more rounded shoulders. Next time I may spend the extra amount and get Goodyears if they are still available.

[Hib Halverson]

While I no longer own a C4 ZR1, I had 275/40ZR17 and 315/35ZR17s, on reproduction Grand Sport whells on much modified 71 Big Block.

The Goodyear F1 GS-D3s were put on in 2002 so it was time for new tires. Apparently GY no longer makes those tires so I bought a set of Mickey Thompson Street Comp tires in those sizes.

I was impressed when the tire shop told me they were ready and that they took only about 1/4-oz of weight on each wheel to balance them.