Which brand of street tires are you running on

[Z Factor]

In addition to voting in the poll, please expand on the reason you have them on your ZR-1 (performance, cost, wet weather handling, etc.). If you have different size rims please include that in your post.



:cheers:

[32valvZ]

Sumitomos were on the car when I bought it. I guess theyre ok, but they spin easily wet or dry w/o ASR When they wear out I may go with the BFG's.

[RedSled]

Sumitomos on my black wheels and the Goodyears on my stock rims. Sumitomos were - available, cheap - not afraid to tear them up on the track. I think they've been fine, especially for the price.

[Kevin]

GSD3's. Heard great things about them before I ditched the GSC's that were on it. They hook well, great dry weather traction, amazing wet weather ride and handling.

[JThomas]

Sumitomos, because they were on the car when I bought it. They are okay, but the rears seem smaller than the standard Goodyears.

[Hammer]

Car #458 has Sumitomos on front and Goodyears in back. Sumitomos went on it right after I got it, price of course.

Car #473 has Goodyears all around. When I bought the car, the owner had his tire shop get the tires and they never put them on. They gave them to me for $630 OTD. They are truckers and the tire shop wasn't making anything on the GY's, they make their money on the truck tires.

For the money Sumitomos (at 1/3 the cost of GY's) have my vote though.

[Jagdpanzer]

Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3s
IMHO the best all around tire for Z's in terms of looks, ride, tread life, noise, wet/dry performance and handling for a reasonable cost.
Though I would like to try a set of Michelin Pilots one day if my ship ever comes in or Ed shows up at the door.

[Jeffvette]

Running BFG KD's on the car. Phenomenal dry handling and decent wet weather. The car gets used with track days & autoX with those tires as well with great results.

Previous sets of rears lasted 6 years. About to replace the fronts as they have gotten a little hard.

After this next set, I will be running the Kumho 700's as I do not like the goodyear tires, refuse to run either the vederstein and sumitomo tires.

[rhipsher]

I had BFG KDWS before and they spun to easily. So when they wore out I gave the Vredesteins a try and have been very impressed with them. They will not break loose easily in wet or dry unless you pop the clutch at 5000rpm's (which of course I have) just to see what it takes to break them loose and sure enough that did it.

[FU]

F1GSD3's on one. F1SC's on the other.

[USAFPILOT]

Still have GSC's on mine...they are 11 years old and I need a new set. I want the GSD3's but am waiting for production...thinking about getting the BFG COMP TA KD tires on the website here...but I'm not sure. I had the GSD3's on a set of 2002 Z06 wheels which were mounted to my LT4 I had prior to the ZR1 and was really happy with those tires. I've had the khumo and sumitumo brands and wont go back...also the previous BFG tires I had were very hard to balance, so I am not convinced that the cheap set on the forum is the way to go either, but maybe, because they did provide great traction. They are 2nd to the F1 GSD3's for me.

[ZZZZZR1]

BFG KD's were on the car when I bought it 5 years ago...

Love them and bought another set (2 actually).

For the money BFG KD's are great, but D3's(& impossible to get) are probably the best tire for the ZR1. Too many people have said how awesome they are, but the GF puts me on a budget bigtime.

[bobbyhi]

I've got D3's on mine. Still have a few thousand miles left so I haven't thought about replacing yet. It will be decision time when it comes:mrgreen:

[Ccmano]

Sumi's here...:thumbsup: and I have to say I'm satisfied with them, for the price. Run well wet, quite, ride and wear well, traction is fair. Price was the only consideration when I bought them. They have 7,000 miles on them now and are wearing well.

I'll switch to Goodyear GS-D3's in the spring if they become available. I want better handling and traction. They also look much better because they are wider.

Hans
:cheers:

[1990 quasar blue]

BFG KD's. I bought these late last fall and didn't think they were that great. However, once the outside temps got above 60, I quickly changed my mind. All I can compare them with are GSC's and Gatorbacks since they"re the only other sets Ive had and It's BFG hands down. My only complaint now is trying to get them to Roadforce under 10. They always seems to have a vibration between 65 and 85.

[USAFPILOT]

They always seems to have a vibration between 65 and 85.

I had the same problem with my BFG's too. I think it will be the GSD3 if I can find some.

[flyin ryan]

all my cars have the factory rubber witch means A: Goodyear &
B: they're hatched:cool:
i'm a Goodyear guy though. for a bunch of reasons. my father in-law ran a Goodyear store for years, a good friend of mine owns his own store (30 seconds from my shop), use nothing but Goodyear Eagle slicks on my ¼ mile car (because they work), they are heavily involved in drag racing, hard to argue about performance, they flat out look good & most importantly they are the O.E.M. manufacturer on our cars. i've been holding out for them to begin production again & thankfully they are:pray . bottom line...it's personal preferance & there's nothing wrong with that:)

[Paul Workman]

In addition to voting in the poll, please expand on the reason you have them on your ZR-1 (performance, cost, wet weather handling, etc.). If you have different size rims please include that in your post.



:cheers:

I did some research and found some skid pad results. Of the 10 or so leading sport tires tested, these GY F1 GS D3s had the best wet/dry traction combination. The best dry was the BFG KDs, but they really took a back seat on the wet skid pad. Whereas, the GYs pulled only a couple tenths less Gs on the pad dry than the BFGs, but were almost as good on wet as dry - waaaaay better than the BFGs (wet).

They're quiet, and they stick extremely well, I find. I like um!

P.

[tomtom72]

Put me in the GS-D3 camp also....I knew when I bought my car that it had the original rubber still on it after 14.5 yrs....:jawdrop: and the OO was saying how much tread was left on the fronts....the rears were a bit thin...he allowed..:redface:

The D3's are the noisest tire I've ever ridden on, tarmac or cement. They seem to have very stiff sidewalls so they are not a plush ride. They also get caught in the ruts that trucks leave in hot asphalt and you really have to hang on, and oh yea, did I mention they're noisy? Okay so those are my 'cons' about this tire.

My 'pros' are these tires could proly part the red sea! Oh yea I saw the skid pad data at TireRack and decided to try them based upon that data and the customer/user reviews. If wet grip is important to you above all else....Get these tires! I haven't ridden on rain tires this good since my last set of CN36's in VR, a very noisy tire as well .......the D3's send water out the side, not backward, & will leave dry tire lines in moderately wet conditions. On an interstate with about an inch of standing water they will not go numb in a puddle of moderate depth, the wet braking and turn in, and steady state conering loads that they generate are a thing of joy! In the dry, they need lots of heat before they stick like velcro...if you can smell'em inside the car, they're just right....but at that point they are proly wearing like there is no tomorrow but ya can't have everything. My fronts have been on my car since 8200 and I have 33,000 + now and they have not scalloped/feathered with a fair amount enthusiastic driving. Oh, and the fronts still have plenty of meat left, so don't be afraid of the soft wear rating. I may have to throw them out before they actually wear out. Their reaction to steering input is very satisfying as is the dry grip (when hot), be careful when they are cold as they have little grip at that point & slide around easily....but once they get some heat in'em it's fun time. Overall, I have to give kudos to G/Yr, I'm gonna be a repeat buyer, even at the price level of this rubber.

Tom

[TommyL]

BFGs ... only tire available for the Z other then Sumis. I am very happy with the BFG...they look great and handle very good.

I understand they will be available again for our cars as well.

[SharkPilot]

The car had GS-C's on it when I bought it and they are still going strong. All three of my Corvettes have Goodyears. I have always been happy with Goodyear tires so my cars will probably continue to roll on them in the future.

SharkPilot

[Sgreg]

Michelin Pilot Sport. Terrific tire in every way but very expensive. Easily the quietest and smoothest of the brands I have had. Wet, dry traction is great.

[ZZ-Top]

My car had Sumitomos on it when I bought it. I thought they looked odd (smaller in the wheel well) than others. They were not good performers, dry or wet, but the price is cheap enough if you don't mind losing the rear end occasionally.

I did a lot of research before settling on a new set of Vredestein Ultrac's. I've owned and driven many Corvettes with all sorts of tires, but I have never had anything grip this well in both dry and wet conditions. Plus, the odd tread design gets conversations going!

[ZR-1Mike]

BFG KD's were on my car when I bought it three years ago. I shortly needed new rears and the Goodyear D3's weren't available or I'd have bought a set as it was I replaced the rears and will hope for more Goodyear luck next time.

[jonszr1]

i have the goodyear dg3s on both cars and love them . a friend though just put on a set of a new nitto street tires and says he really like them . he paid 760 out the door for them .

[bldavis11]

I purchased the sumitomos in April of this year mostly because of cost. I don't need the performance characteristics of the (much) more expensive tires. Plus I don't drive the care a WHOLE lot, maybe a few thousand miles a year. It just didn't make sense to put on expensive tires that will dry rot off before the tread wears out.

[zr1don]

I bought Sumi's two years ago, about 2,000 mi on them and I'm not dissatisfied (that's knda like backing into an OK). I will probabably try anoter tire brand when I replace them.

[Chris_32212]

i have the GSC's on it which were on it when i bought my car. i want to go with the BFG's next spring.

Chris

[vettn71]

I bought these tires just after I purchased my 90 (1422). 95-style wheels and tires were $1036, mounted, balanced and delivered to my door. Hard to pass up. 9.5" on the fronts and 11" on the rears, So far they seem to run well, but seem to smake a lot in first and second :mrgreen:

Jim

[Zr1 Destroyer]

I ditchin the 345 michelin sports for some new michelin ps2's in a 345 to try and get some traction.......the sports that're on her now are like ice skates!

[Jason 91]

I have the same tires on the car as when I bought it. The previous owner had just put new Goodyears on.

I haven't driven the car as much as I would like for several reasons so they still have plenty of tread.

Thanks,

Jason

[95ZR1]

I've read a lot of things recently about the GSD3 no longer being available for the ZR-1, yet I was playing around on the TireRack web site last night and they say it is in stock for all 4 corners. I don't need tires now, but after thinking these were no longer available, I was thinking I might just buy a set.

[Aurora40]

They were backordered for a while I believe. I don't think Goodyear ever said they were dropping them though.

[tomtom72]

I believe that a coupla of the members had a hooks w/GY and got the corporate line on the subject last yr when the D3's had been out of stock for almost a year.

We have a thread some where here I think where this was discussed. Anyway the short version is that not enough cars are OEM w/the 17" / 35 / 315's so GY runs very few batches of that size and they don't take into account how many drivers use that tire size as an upgrade. I see GY's logic in ignoring the upgrade quantaties. What are they gonna do to quantify that number & add it in to their projections. That's a tough one to calculate, no?

:cheers:

[ShawnZR-1]

I have the Verdesteins. When I needed new tires, nobody had 315's in stock... NOBODY! Steve (Wegone) had put the V's on his car a couple of months prior and I decided to give them a go.

So far, I'm very pleased. Unbelievable traction in the wet and dry cornering is outstanding!! Great price/performance ratio too!

[carter200]

I can't believe I'm the only one with Dunlops :icon_scra I have Sumi's on the front and Dunlop 8000's on the rear. :cheers:

[Jeffvette]

I can't believe I'm the only one with Dunlops :icon_scra I have Sumi's on the front and Dunlop 8000's on the rear. :cheers:


I did not think that Dunlop had made the 8000 in a 315 size since the dinosaurs roamed the planet.

[carter200]

I did not think that Dunlop had made the 8000 in a 315 size since the dinosaurs roamed the planet.

here tis:
SP SPORT 8000 By DUNLOP

http://www.performanceplustire.com/imagesProducts2/2929.jpg (http://www.performanceplustire.com/products/tires/searchType/searchByBrand/manufacturerID/17/productID_/229/applicationID/9461/year/1995/makeID/585/modelID/8133/productID/229/tireDataID/150)
Size: P315/35ZR17
Speed Rating: Z
OD: 25.7
Load Rating: 1433
Side Wall Style: BSW
Manufacturer Part Number:


*Directional tread pattern offers enahanced anti-hydroplaning performance and maximizes dry grip and handling for high performance cars. *Triple tread radius provides increased contact patch area during cornering for greater traction and control. *Twin shift noise reduction for quiet performance sophistication. *Jointless Nylon Band overlay for excellent ride uniformity and contact patch shape. *Steel or Aramid lower sidewall stabilizer for responsive handling and road comfort. *Max Flange Shield rim flange protection feature on 17", 18", 19" and 20" sizes and selected 16" sizes helps protect alloy wheels from curb damage.




PS: I have 335's ;)

[Jeffvette]

Ah, that's right. They don't make the 335 any more. Nor do they make a matching front in either a 275 or 285.

[GOLDCYLON]

Im running BFGs on the rears and trying out some Nexens on the fronts. GC

[kirkstingray]

BF Goodrich G Force KDs on my Amolds and Goodyear Eagle F1 DS D3s on my sawblades. Both have been great tires. I like the BFGs a little better than the Goodyears.

[WB9MCW]

DUNLOP'S BABY

SAMS CLUB WITH ROAD HAZARD WARR.

[JThomas]

Since my last post, 9/7/08, I have purchased the Kumho Ecsta XS. I had them mounted on the car for the trip to BG for the Gathering this year. Tire handled well in both wet and dry weather. It was a little noisy, but I don't drive the car much anyway, so I didn't mind. Autocrossed it in BG and we started in wet weather, ended in dry. The tire was responsive and predictable. I'm typically a Goodyear Tire guy, but I will keep these on the ZR-1 for a while. I also think they look pretty good on the car as well, much better than the Sumitomos. :thumbsup:

[scholtmj]

I just got a set of Nitto NT-01s for my A-molds and boy do the smell like :censored:! I've read this on other forums but was very surprised at how much they do smell. I'll have some drive time data in a couple weeks but for now the look is 1000% better than the Sumitomos.

[USAFPILOT]

Any pics of the new Khumo's mounted...or the Nitto's.

[dbriana]

Any pics of the new Khumo's mounted...or the Nitto's.

I may try the Nitto NT-555 next, would love to see a pic of 315 in rear on a car.

[scholtmj]

I may try the Nitto NT-555 next, would love to see a pic of 315 in rear on a car.

I'll take a few pictures after work. I compared the section width to the GS-D3s and they're slightly smaller; 12.48 inches to 12.6 inches. The set of Nitto's were $500 cheaper than GYs including the $100 rebate GY has going right now.

[dbriana]

I'll take a few pictures after work. I compared the section width to the GS-D3s and they're slightly smaller; 12.48 inches to 12.6 inches. The set of Nitto's were $500 cheaper than GYs including the $100 rebate GY has going right now.

Where did you buy yours?

[scholtmj]

Where did you buy yours?

Discount Tire
www.tires.com (http://www.tires.com)

Pictures:
http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr221/unclescholt/NittoNT01001.jpg
http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr221/unclescholt/NittoNT01003.jpg
http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr221/unclescholt/NittoNT01012.jpg

[USAFPILOT]

Got any of the rears mounted on the car...they actually look sweet on the rims...how much for the 4 tire set?

[lbszr]

I just got a set of Nitto NT-01s for my A-molds and boy do the smell like :censored:! I've read this on other forums but was very surprised at how much they do smell. I'll have some drive time data in a couple weeks but for now the look is 1000% better than the Sumitomos.

Are you running them on the street?

The NT01 has treated me good. They stick really good when they get hot. Called nitto and they said 180, 200 deg. is their happy range with the r compound. Set I got this year had heat cycled and they don't seem to stink as much.

Haven't put many miles on them on the street, they pick up everything and throw it.

Might try the nt05 next for the street. They've been getting good reports on the track and street and not r compound.

[scholtmj]

Got any of the rears mounted on the car...they actually look sweet on the rims...how much for the 4 tire set?

No pictures of them mounted yet since car is down for service. I split a power steering line last time at the dragstrip and have not fixed it yet. I'm waiting for fuel injectors to arrive so I can do front end work all at the same time. The NT-01s also came with a warning about long term storage and flat spotting so I'm going to wait to mount them till the car is fixed and mobile.

I got them for $963 mounted/balanced. Kept the Sumo's to sell so did not pay tire disposal. I also got a little discount since I'm a repeat customer...use to have a 89' T/A with a ProCharger. List price they would have been $1035.

I'm not planning to run them on the street except driving to and from Grattan/Gingerman or Martin. I bought some J55 calipers from Jerry so I can use the sawblades with GSCs for the street.

[dbriana]

Discount Tire
www.tires.com (http://www.tires.com)

Pictures:
http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr221/unclescholt/NittoNT01001.jpg
http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr221/unclescholt/NittoNT01003.jpg
http://i486.photobucket.com/albums/rr221/unclescholt/NittoNT01012.jpg

T
Sorry, confused, thought you had NT555 but now see and read you have nt01

[scholtmj]

These don't look like the Nt 555 I was looking at, Nt 01?

Yep, these are Nitto NT-01s.

[ddddyyyy]

I agree with Z Factor





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[USAFPILOT]

They are street legal right? Are they just a really really soft tire? Would you nor recommend them for a car that only gets driven about once every two weeks? They would save me a ton compared to GSD3's and I wont do a sumitumo.

I still want to see some pics of the NEW KHUMOS that are out and in our size.

[dbriana]

They are street legal right? Are they just a really really soft tire? Would you nor recommend them for a car that only gets driven about once every two weeks? They would save me a ton compared to GSD3's and I wont do a sumitumo.

I still want to see some pics of the NEW KHUMOS that are out and in our size.

Check out the first link for a picture of the Kumho Ecsta ASX, the second one for comparing available tires, with prices and softness the 555 is 300, the 01 is 100 and one the 05 is 200. The 555 is a street tire, the others competition I believe. For my price and requirements I think I am going to try the 555.

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direct/findTireDetail.do?pc=33367&counter=2&ar=40&rd=17&sw=false&cs=275

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direct/searchTireMatchingPairs.do?mps=-50&yr=1991&vid=005923

[lbszr]

They are street legal right? Are they just a really really soft tire? Would you nor recommend them for a car that only gets driven about once every two weeks? They would save me a ton compared to GSD3's and I wont do a sumitumo.

I still want to see some pics of the NEW KHUMOS that are out and in our size.


Their DOT so I guess they are, but it says on them for competition use, so there might be a gray area if there was problem, and they probably hydoplane bad. Normal street driving won't get them up to temp so they acturally don't stick their best till then, but their really good then. I found that out twice but luckily had plenty of grass runoff at the track. Basically I think it would be a bad tire for autocross since it wouldn't have time to heat up. It's only my observations though, and I could keep rambling on:blahblah:

The nt05 looks kind of the same way and is made for the street and about the same price. My guess is the nt05 would stick better at street temps but haven't tried it.

[lbszr]

I'm not planning to run them on the street except driving to and from Grattan/Gingerman or Martin. I bought some J55 calipers from Jerry so I can use the sawblades with GSCs for the street.


Was just at Grattan a few weekends ago, the elevation changes made it pretty good since the only other track I've been to is Putnam.

It was a long haul getting there though.

[terry mckeown]

Sumitomo's were on the car when I bought it. When replacement time comes I'll probably look at Goodyears.

[AtsZR1]

put on the Nitto - 05. love them. Bought them because I was looking for a sticky tire...Great tire at a great value.

[GrayZ]

What size Nitto did you purchase??

[4CAM LT5]

Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3's

[USAFPILOT]

I went with Nitto NT-05 if I haven't said so already. Great tire! I wonder how long it will last...grips very well. Mods remove a vote from Goodyear and add it to Nitto!

[vilant]

GY Eagle F1 GS-D3. Was torn between Nitto, Kumho, and GY. Went w/ GY because 1-they're made in the US, or Canada 2-they look great 3- they were top-rated on Consumer Reports (only Michelin PS3 was higher, but they don't make an exact replacement for the rears). Would recommend using a Road Force machine to install tires to rims. My Z rides awesome now, paid a lot, but it was worth it.:cheers:

[WARP TEN]

I have Sumitomos because they were on the 95 when I got it this summer. They seem fine. I also had Sumitomos on my 93 QB after Goodyears and BFG comp T/As. I put them on the 93 largely due to price -- about $640 for a set of four plus mounting and balancing--about $800 total in 2006. There were fine on that car although I have heard people say that they flat spot easily. I have not had a major problem with flatspotting. -- Bob

[JThomas]

I put a set of Nitto 555's on my '95. I think they look great as an OEM replacement tire and they seem to handle pretty well. To date I have 2,400 miles on them and no complaints. This is my second ZR-1 in four years and I have now gone through Sumitomo's, Kuhmos and Nittos. For me the Nitto is the best looking street tire or OEM replacement. I don't plan to race or autocross the '95. The Kuhmo was a very good autocross tire. The Sumitomo was simply a replacement tire that was inexpensive and came in ZR-1 sizes. It was on both cars when I bought them, but it was cheap and did not handle well at all. (JMHO)

[MikeGolf]

Nitto 555 all around now, next 555r on the rear, all around performance and $$. And I can get them when I want them.

[CJ_ZR1]

I have Sumitomos because they were on car when I bought her 4 months ago. I am looking to get some new tires before next summer, probably Kumho...

[SteelBlueZR1]

Seriously consider the Vredstein Ultrac Sessentras... After 5k miles, I can say these are the best tires all around I have ever had on a sports car... Quiet amazing traction off the line and in turns under power, easily controlled in power slide, super long tread life, and good steering feel --- Very inexpensive to boot.

[MightyZR1]

Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3's. I use these as street tires and autocross when I have to drive over 50 miles to the event. I compete against myself more than others, I look for matching times or being consistently quicker each lap.

[Moonlk]

Seriously consider the Vredstein Ultrac Sessentras... After 5k miles, I can say these are the best tires all around I have ever had on a sports car... Quiet amazing traction off the line and in turns under power, easily controlled in power slide, super long tread life, and good steering feel --- Very inexpensive to boot.

I agree. I put these tires on my Z the day I bought it before I had to drive 1200 miles home so I don't have anything to compare to exept the hard, cracked tires that the car came with. I remember reading posts about how a properly running Z should be able to break the tires loose on command in 1st or 2nd gear. But mine just grips and goes. And not from a lack of power.

[ZR1North]

I just switched to Goodyear F1's last week. I replaced the original Gaterbacks with Sumis five years ago. I did not have any issues with the Sumis; they were quite, gave a smooth ride and though I didn't race the car, I found them to perform well under spirited driving. The only reason I switched is because of the rounded sidewalls which tend to look smaller in the wheelwell. They also sit inside the rim lip more than normal which seems to contribute to a narrower look. Overall, I was impressed with the Sumis, especially given the price. I have only driven the F1's 60 miles - I certainly like the look and should be thrilled with the performance.

[ZR1North]

Updating my post of few days ago---I finally got a chance to clean up the wheels and tires today after having the Goodyear F1s installed last week. Now that I've had a chance to work with and size them up a little more, I am even more impressed.

For example, I had never seen tires with a "rim guard" before (extra rubber along the edge to mitigate curb rash - nice!). I also had to remove the 1/2" spacers I had with the Sumis, because the footprint is so much larger with the F1s that with the 1/2 spacer, the tires were protruding too much.

I am a GY F1 convert!

[scottfab]

Updating my post of few days ago---I finally got a chance to clean up the wheels and tires today after having the Goodyear F1s installed last week. Now that I've had a chance to work with and size them up a little more, I am even more impressed.

For example, I had never seen tires with a "rim guard" before (extra rubber along the edge to mitigate curb rash - nice!). I also had to remove the 1/2" spacers I had with the Sumis, because the footprint is so much larger with the F1s that with the 1/2 spacer, the tires were protruding too much.

I am a GY F1 convert!

Timely info. Thanks.

[tomtom72]

Updating my post of few days ago---I finally got a chance to clean up the wheels and tires today after having the Goodyear F1s installed last week. Now that I've had a chance to work with and size them up a little more, I am even more impressed.

For example, I had never seen tires with a "rim guard" before (extra rubber along the edge to mitigate curb rash - nice!). I also had to remove the 1/2" spacers I had with the Sumis, because the footprint is so much larger with the F1s that with the 1/2 spacer, the tires were protruding too much.

I am a GY F1 convert!

Yea that rim guard is a nifty idea. Just wait until you either get caught or are in a heavy rain storm....man you are going to really love these tires! :dancing

:cheers:
Tom

[carmine]

Vredstein For Sure Great Ride Handling And Traction Great Price Also Very Pleased Carmine#357 Black Gray Stock

[XfireZ51]

Nitto Invo. Great ride, good wet traction and dry stick. Available in 19's.
One of the favorite tires for Z06s and reasonably priced. Great looking tread pattern too.

[ZRXMAX]

Finally upgraded to Nitto 555s. The feel is real solid as compared to the Sumis I have used in the past. Definately a good value riding on Nittos.

The Sumis always felt good when new but quickly faded as the miles added up.

The GS-C tires have been ok. Probably to old to really get much out of them.

BFGs looked better than they performed.... just so so...

Pirellis were pretty good for a 320 treadware rating back in 2002 and looked good on the car.

[FU]

Had those Nitto Invo's on my ZO6. Great overall tire, tough to beat.

[aafc]

On my 1990 i use B.F.G. g-force sport 255/45 ZR 17 fronts
rears are B.F.G. g-force T/A Drag Radial 315/35 R 17.
When i go to the drag strip i put on the Hoosier Pro Street (26 x 7.5 17 LT )
radial mounted on a set of org 1990 17 x 9.5 that are narrowed to 6 inches,
(17 x 6).

John Becker
one of a few auto ( 4L80E ) EQ. ZR-1's

[Kevin]

what's the reason for running a smaller tire upfront?

[aafc]

Smaller tire up front means lower weight (42 lbs small tire, 51 lbs stock rim and tire. Also offers lower rolling resistance while drag racing. The Pro Street tires
are good for up to 134 mph. I only run 11.82 @ 119.76 with 60 ft. time of 1.74 to 1.84. If i take a trip longer then say 80 miles i put the stock rim and tire set on my car. hope this helps.
John Becker
1990 white/black #2546
one of a few auto (4l80e) eq. ZR-1's

[Kevin]

Smaller tire up front means lower weight (42 lbs small tire, 51 lbs stock rim and tire. Also offers lower rolling resistance while drag racing. The Pro Street tires
are good for up to 134 mph. I only run 11.82 @ 119.76 with 60 ft. time of 1.74 to 1.84. If i take a trip longer then say 80 miles i put the stock rim and tire set on my car. hope this helps.
John Becker
1990 white/black #2546
one of a few auto (4l80e) eq. ZR-1's

thanks john. i thought you were running those smaller tires all the time. makes total sense now

[FastMatt]

I like the Toyo R888's on the street

[dredgeguy]

Smaller tire up front means lower weight (42 lbs small tire, 51 lbs stock rim and tire. Also offers lower rolling resistance while drag racing. The Pro Street tires
are good for up to 134 mph. I only run 11.82 @ 119.76 with 60 ft. time of 1.74 to 1.84. If i take a trip longer then say 80 miles i put the stock rim and tire set on my car. hope this helps.
John Becker
1990 white/black #2546
one of a few auto (4l80e) eq. ZR-1's

You only run 11.82? Pretty good. I went for the first time to the track and ran 13.04 @ 116. Guess I need to practice!

[weldbead]

the only thing available was sumtomo htr's. they seem fine but i dont drive at the limits or in rain..i wanted gsd3's but they were fourmonths out..
btw i have '94 car 213..i love it..

[Franke]

Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3s because I like the way they handle. I also like the looks.

[USAZR1]

I just installed a set of 275/35/19 & 335/30/19 Nitto NT-05's on our 94,today.
Will post feedback when I get a few miles on them.

[edram454]

This is my 3rd set of Vredesteins. I bought two sets for my old supercharged c5 coupe and now for my zr1. Simply a great tire. quiet, smooth excellent traction and wear and at a great price. They have a wild tread pattern but a seriously well made Dutch tire. Cant be beat.

ed ramos #3028

[8cam]

Nittos here, so far I like them but they are a bit noisy. I'll know more after I autocross on them.

[tonywy]

There is a new tire out from Mickey Thompson. It is called Street Comp. The company I work for sells this brand. I have not tried a set of these myself, but I have sold them. Size 315/35/17 should be available by the end of the month. Check them out, they look promising.

[cvette98pacecar]

I like the Toyo R888's on the street

Matt, I have the RA1 which I am about to mount on some Shelby's.

[Hib Halverson]

I use the Goodyear F1 Supercar in the stock 2G ZR-1 sizes.

Back when GY made them in 275/40ZR17 and 315/35ZR17, I ordered two sets. The second set I bagged and stored indoors. The first set lasted six years, I'm on the second set, now.

I like the F1 Supercar becasue of its design: reduced tread depth, soft compound, large, asymetrical tread design with stiff treadblocks on the outside of the tread for good handing and smaller blocks with bigger grooves on the inside for reasonably good wet performance.

Unfortunately, GY stopped making the F1 Supercar in our sizes quite a few years ago. So this set will be my last.

While the F1 Supercar is a bit dated–it was introduced in 2001 for the C5 Z06–with the age of our cars and the very small market for the rear size, none of the big tire makers, the ones with the ability to develop cutting edge products, will spend the money to do newer products (ie: Goodyear F1 Supercar G2 or Michelin Pilot Supersport) in our sizes. So, the dozen-year-old F1 Supercar design, still works well. So well, that I still use them on my '04 Z06 and my '01 Camaro.

I've also used the Goodyear F1 GS D3 on my '95. The D3 is a better tire from a tread life and wet traction perspective than is the Supercar, but, since I don't put a lot of miles on my car, ultimate tread life is not an issue and, because I don't see too much real rain driving with that car any more, wet traction is also not an issue.

The sad thing is there are few tire choices for the 315 and starting to be few choices for the 275. Goodyear is the last big tire company with a really good ultraperformance tire in 275/40 and 315/35 and, of late, there's a nationwide backorder of Goodyear F1 GS D3s in 275/40-17.

When the D3 no longer is available, the choices left really aren't ultra-performance tires, IMO.

[XfireZ51]

Just one of the reasons I opted for larger wheels. Tire availability and selection.

[Mystic ZR-1]

There is a new tire out from Mickey Thompson. It is called Street Comp. The company I work for sells this brand. I have not tried a set of these myself, but I have sold them. Size 315/35/17 should be available by the end of the month. Check them out, they look promising.

Mickey was a good guy and innovator.
And an even better promoter!
Too bad he met an untimely end.
But I'm not sure of the claim that he invented
low aspect tires and ground effects... The Indy "Establishment"
hated him for his innovation.
He went 406 mph at Bonneville in 1960 in a car he designed and built himself!
(Starting with chaulk marks on the garage floor!)

[KILLSHOTS]

There is a new tire out from Mickey Thompson. It is called Street Comp. The company I work for sells this brand. I have not tried a set of these myself, but I have sold them. Size 315/35/17 should be available by the end of the month. Check them out, they look promising.
How wide are they, though? The problem with Sumis and Nittos is that, although they are technically 315s, they APPEAR very narrow on the car. That's why I want F1 GS-D3s or PS2s. If the MT was really fat, I'd consider it.

[tonywy]

I have not seen the 315's yet, but I have seen the 275's and they look good. Check out their web site, all the info is there.

[mike100]

Still have this set bagged up. Another discontinued full width 315...
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c265/mschrameck/Cars/DSC06284.jpg~original

[Kevin]

heard really good things about those

[msorenso]

Have a set of those BFGs on my 96 Camaro SS, hooked up well

[Vetman]

Michelin looking for best handling and especially smoothest ride. Tire engineer tells me Michelin have most vertical flex in sidewall. And almost no following ruts or grooved pavement.

[8cam]

How wide are they, though? The problem with Sumis and Nittos is that, although they are technically 315s, they APPEAR very narrow on the car. That's why I want F1 GS-D3s or PS2s. If the MT was really fat, I'd consider it.

I don't understand this comment. The tires are either 315s or they aren't. The pic below shows the Nittos on the stock wheels and you can see they fit the rim exactly like they should, without the sidewall camber you'd see when mounting a 335 for example. Maybe you're talking about a more square shoulder?

In any case, the Nittos seem like a decent tire but definitely aren't my favorite by any means. They are a little noisy and I suspect don't have the same levels of grip as other choices. I'll know more after I can autocross them.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb49/mlitherland/ZR-1/3e1c074d-18a1-4485-8ff2-e22d4ee769f6_zps9d76f446.jpg

[WB9MCW]

When I put a tape measure to my Dunlops the rear is around 12" wide on the rear and 11" wide on the front tire.

On my 84 Vette they were 10" wide on both front and rear.

I wonder if anyone has actually measured more than 12" wide on the rear footprint on their ZR-1 tires?

[KILLSHOTS]

I don't understand this comment. The tires are either 315s or they aren't. The pic below shows the Nittos on the stock wheels and you can see they fit the rim exactly like they should, without the sidewall camber you'd see when mounting a 335 for example. Maybe you're talking about a more square shoulder?

In any case, the Nittos seem like a decent tire but definitely aren't my favorite by any means. They are a little noisy and I suspect don't have the same levels of grip as other choices. I'll know more after I can autocross them.

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb49/mlitherland/ZR-1/3e1c074d-18a1-4485-8ff2-e22d4ee769f6_zps9d76f446.jpg
Agreed, Sumis and Nittos are, in fact, 315 millimeters wide. But put a Z riding on them next to a Z on Goodyears, and the Goodyears look wider. You are correct, it has to do with the shape of the sidewalls, NOT the manufacturer's quoted section width. I have also heard from an extremely reliable source that a Michelin 335 and a Goodyear 315 look nearly identical side by side, which would suggest that the shape of the Michelin's sidewall also makes them appear to run narrow. Illusion or not, it is what it is.

[USAZR1]

Fwiw,my 335 Nitto NT-05's measure a tad over 13" wide.

[WB9MCW]

Fwiw,my 335 Nitto NT-05's measure a tad over 13" wide.

What is the tread on the ground "footprint" width?

[USAZR1]

What is the tread on the ground "footprint" width?

I'm at work now but I'll try to get that measurement,tomorrow.

[8cam]

My Nitto 315s are approximately 12.5" sidewall to sidewall, which is also a decent approximation of the dynamic loaded contact patch - the shoulders are rounded for a reason. For these tires the static unloaded contact patch is right at 11" but that really means nothing other than a "look" and for a road/performance tire, they look right. A drag tire will be more square shouldered and will look like more on the ground (but it really isn't). No matter what kind of performance you're looking for, static contact patch doesn't really mean anything.

Hell, 315s are ENORMOUS compared to just about anything out there already! Certainly the widest tire I've ever had on any car, and that's more than 40 different cars. These tires are freakin big. :)

[Hog]

My Nitto 315s are approximately 12.5" sidewall to sidewall, which is also a decent approximation of the dynamic loaded contact patch - the shoulders are rounded for a reason. For these tires the static unloaded contact patch is right at 11" but that really means nothing other than a "look" and for a road/performance tire, they look right. A drag tire will be more square shouldered and will look like more on the ground (but it really isn't). No matter what kind of performance you're looking for, static contact patch doesn't really mean anything.

Hell, 315s are ENORMOUS compared to just about anything out there already! Certainly the widest tire I've ever had on any car, and that's more than 40 different cars. These tires are freakin big. :)

I think what some of the guys are referring to is the fact that not all 315/35/17 tires have the same actual measurements.
The static treadwidth measurement of one manufacturer may be differnt than another manufactureres even though they both say 315/35/17 on the tires sidewall.

These 17x11 315/35/17's on the 3" wider ZR-1 rearend, sure do make these cars look sexy. The only wider tires of the same generation were the Viper's 335/35/17 with a 17x13" rim on the rear for a 95 Viper. I remember placing my outstretched fingertips on the inner edge of a Viper tire, and the outer tire lip reached my elbow. The $100,000 price tag was even bigger though lol.
Those cars have nothing on a LT5 powered ZR-1 IMO.

[WVZR-1]

Nitto advertises "inflated dimensions" and the mentioned widths don't match the "section width" which is the metric dimension in the sizing. It would be interesting I guess to compare their numbers to an actual tire "on the ground".

https://www.nittotire.com/Tire/Street/nt05#size

[We Gone]

GY vs Nitto

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/838/kahc.jpg
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/835/u0sp.jpg

[KILLSHOTS]

GY vs Nitto

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/838/kahc.jpg
Maybe it's just me, but the Nitto looks like a 275 compared to the Goodyear. Possibly just an illusion, as they appear to line up with the upper fender about the same, but does anyone really think they look the same on the ground? And I think the Nittos actually look a little wider than my Sumitomos!

[KILLSHOTS]

Any of you guys have a rearend pic of your car with 335/35-17 Michelin PS2s?

[RICHARD TILL]

Yesterday installed new 5 spoke wheels and Nitto 555`s on the rear and all i can do is look and imagine. The plenum is off to tie the secondaries open while waiting for the Marc H. chip to arrive.

[dredgeguy]

Any of you guys have a rearend pic of your car with 335/35-17 Michelin PS2s?

Here you go

[USAZR1]

Here's a photo of our 94 with 335/30/19 Nitto NT-05's. Rubber on the ground was kinda hard to measure but was somewhere around 12".

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s6/sherryle/Clint/Smudgedrear_zpsbe542246.jpg

[KILLSHOTS]

Here you go
Thank you Charlie! Yep, those certainly look plenty wide to me!

[Vetman]

I have photos of my Michelin 335 x 17's on my iPhone. Not sure how to post the photos.

[Vetman]

Just figured out how to post photo of my Michelin pilots 335's. I think. 3453

[KILLSHOTS]

Anybody ever taken a look at the Toyo Proxes R888? I know it's a "competition" street tire with a very low tread rating and so it would only be good for us guys who don't drive our Zs much. BUT, has anyone taken a look at a pic of it? The shape is like a drag tire; it looks EXACTLY like an Eagle F1...TOTALLY unlike the rounded shape of Sumi, Nitto, Michelin, etc.

Any thoughts on the shape and the extra width it might impart?

[8cam]

I just want to say that the Nittos really suck. I can't WAIT for them to wear out and get replaced...and I might not wait for it. Autocross wasn't bad, but I was definitely limited by the tires, just not gripping real well, although the slides were easy enough to catch.

But if the road is even slightly damp, they have nothing at all. I know the LT5 puts down a lot of power, but I have to be extremely careful and delicate with the throttle to avoid spinning the rears. There's a place near my house where it's a right turn, off-camber, uphill road (extreme example I'll grant) and when I make that right turn, I can't climb the hill at more than about 10mph or the rears just slide out from under me. It's almost comical if it wasn't so annoying. I swear I've driven R-compounds that work better in the wet.

Driving home a couple weeks ago, it was 200 miles straight in a downpour. Most of the time I had to stay in the right lane getting my doors blown off by every Prius on the road, because any faster and I hydroplaned badly. Worst tires in the rain I've ever experienced.

[We Gone]

You can't beat the Goodyear"s in the wet.

[XfireZ51]

I cannot say the same thing about my Invo's. They handle the wet fine.

[bradley]

I just bought nitto nto5s for my car but haven't driven on them yet . on bill boudreaus corvette they are awesome gripping tires . in the wet he said they were surprisingly good.

[Paul Workman]

I just want to say that the Nittos really suck. I can't WAIT for them to wear out and get replaced...and I might not wait for it. Autocross wasn't bad, but I was definitely limited by the tires, just not gripping real well, although the slides were easy enough to catch.

But if the road is even slightly damp, they have nothing at all. I know the LT5 puts down a lot of power, but I have to be extremely careful and delicate with the throttle to avoid spinning the rears. There's a place near my house where it's a right turn, off-camber, uphill road (extreme example I'll grant) and when I make that right turn, I can't climb the hill at more than about 10mph or the rears just slide out from under me. It's almost comical if it wasn't so annoying. I swear I've driven R-compounds that work better in the wet.

Driving home a couple weeks ago, it was 200 miles straight in a downpour. Most of the time I had to stay in the right lane getting my doors blown off by every Prius on the road, because any faster and I hydroplaned badly. Worst tires in the rain I've ever experienced.

Yours is a curious review! My experience has been pretty much just the exact opposite. I've got the 555 and the 555r combo, and have nothing but nice to say about them. So, I wonder what is going on with your tires? Interesting, to say the least. (BTW, I have a video my wife Ami took on the mountain run last year where we took a flat (if not slightly negateive) camber turn at pretty close to a G. NO skidding...not even a squeal.

And, on Wednesday near Bowling Green, we got caught in rain like someone pouring water out of a boot. Yeah, I had to slow to about 45 mph because the wipers wouldn't keep up. But, no hydroplaning that I noticed, anyway.

Just sayin...

What is the date code on those tires of yours??

[8cam]

I haven't checked the date code, but I'll do that when I head home this afternoon. That 200 miles was all interstate highway, about half on concrete and half on asphalt. The concrete was the worst, bad draining and standing water made it like a skating rink. I could run 60mph when people around me were doing 70 with ease, and there were times when I slowed it to 50 due to spinning rears and sliding fronts. Getting to the asphalt section was an incredible relief, much better drainage and traction.

Just playing with the throttle on a damp road gets wheelspin in 2nd and 3rd, without really trying. I mean maybe 1/3 throttle, not like I'm even hitting it hard. I'll check the tires this afternoon and see exactly what I've got, but I'm saving my pennies for Michelins.

[Paul Workman]

I haven't checked the date code, but I'll do that when I head home this afternoon. That 200 miles was all interstate highway, about half on concrete and half on asphalt. The concrete was the worst, bad draining and standing water made it like a skating rink. I could run 60mph when people around me were doing 70 with ease, and there were times when I slowed it to 50 due to spinning rears and sliding fronts. Getting to the asphalt section was an incredible relief, much better drainage and traction.

Just playing with the throttle on a damp road gets wheelspin in 2nd and 3rd, without really trying. I mean maybe 1/3 throttle, not like I'm even hitting it hard. I'll check the tires this afternoon and see exactly what I've got, but I'm saving my pennies for Michelins.

I had the Goodyear 'D3s on it before. They were very good, even when wet. But, as a dragrace tire, they weren't so good, and when it was at/below 40 degrees, they were like you're describing. But, in all fairness, they arn't intended to be a winter tire. Which brings up another question, if you don't mind me asking: @ what temps do you tires skid?

[tomtom72]

Hi 8cam, I read your first post about your Nitto experience with great interest as I was considering them as an alternative to the pricier PS series & the G/Yr D3 tires.

May I ask which Nittos you are using? Your review sounds as if you have the NT05 series? I have a few C5 buddies that use the Invo and they seem to have no complaints on the Invos in the wet.....but then everybody has different expectations as to what a wet tire should perform like. That's why I just bite the bullet and fork over the cash for the D3's...and I don't drag race so that's not an issue for me.

To be sure, with the D3's ambient temp. road temp & tire age is for sure a factor. I'm on my third set of D3's and I can tell you if they get to 5 yrs old they are about done, and they ain't kidding about that 40* thing either & tread temp too. However, in defense of G/Yr, I have to say they are upfront at their web site when they tell you all of those negatives so you can decide if you want to play at their price level. Oh, and they will wake up the dead in the dry!! LOL The most difficult thing I've found about buying tires is trying to time my purchase when I know I will get a fresh set. Not some set that has been sitting in a warehouse for 3 yrs.

:cheers:
Tom
P.S. I feel for ya! There ain't nothing worse than a set of tires that under perform your expectations.....cash is cash and it stings!

[8cam]

Temperature is a good point. It's definitely been in the cold, and I believe that long drive was mostly in the 40s, really a miserable drive in every way. Normally I love road trips but that one was no fun.

I had to go check. They are NT555 and are dated Feb 2013, so they aren't really that old. Must be temp related.

[Mystic ZR-1]

Paul
"... pouring water out of a boot"???
More like a fire hose!!!! :)
D

[Paul Workman]

Paul
"... pouring water out of a boot"???
More like a fire hose!!!! :)
D

Yeah, buddy!! Or, "like a cow pissin' on a flat rock!" LOL!

[cvette98pacecar]

The Toyo RA-1 were a great wet or dry tire. The only problem is Toyo changed the design to a R888 which is a better dry tire than wet tire.
The Nitto NT555 and NT555R are good dry tires and so so wet tires
The NT05 are great wet tires, they suck when they get hot.
The Michelin are good dry and wet tires but are extremely soft. So, Say goodbye to a tire and wheel if you ever hit anything in the road.
Goodyear are great if you want to change your tires every four years. The rubber gets hard and they are junk at that point.

Jep, did the smartest thing that I ever saw. When I ordered his tires he bought Nitto NT555R for the front and the back. His though process was the tires would be hard before he needed to changed them. If he got caught in the rain he would have to drive slow anyway because the back had 555R on it.

So to answer you question I have Toyo RA-1 ready for the LPE when she is done, Michelin SS on the Callaway Aerobody, Nitto NT05 on the Ruby, Michelin SS Run Flat ready for the Shinoda, Goodyear Supercar F1 EMT on the 95, 98 pace car, Michelin SS RF on the 03 pace car and BF Goodrich TA on the 98.
So, to really answer your question is I buy what is on sale as the tires will be hard well before they are worn.

[tomtom72]

8cam, JMHO :o I'll bet if you look up the temps for where you were that day you may find the answer for the behavior of your 555's.....maybe they are as temp sensitive as the D3's.

I also have to agree with Robert's ( :hello: Robert! ) assessment of the D3's about the age factor. The most I ever got out of my D3's was 4.5 yrs & 32K miles before they were worn physically & getting rather hard to the finger nail test. LOL Oh, the only other pro for the D3's I forgot to mention....when you can smell them from your seat, they are ready to give max grip. It's hard to over heat them in most normal enthusiastic street work on the twisties.

:cheers:
Tom

[Bob Eyres]

I just put on a set of Toyo R888's. They're quite sticky in the dry, they hang right in there on the on-ramps, but I haven't been in the rain with them yet.
As you can see, they look great.
They may have saved my *** as I was cruising up US-1 yesterday, near the bridge over the Port of West Palm Beach. A (99'?) Firebird was playing with me and tailgating. When I reached the steep part of the bridge I nailed in in second, it hooked and felt great.
But just as I reached the top of the overpass, at speed, there was a large roll of rug, as big as a refrigerator in my lane. I flicked it left near the guard rail and squeezed by. The Firebird wasn't so lucky, he freaked and spun a 180 into the other lane slamming into the right retaining wall of the bridge.
I turned around and came back to check on him. He was already out of the car and on the phone. The wife and a three year old kid were in the front seat. "We're ok, they yelled" Wheeew! Thank you Toyos! I don't like doing donuts 150ft. over the channel :eek:

[WARP TEN]

I just put on a set of Toyo R888's. They're quite sticky in the dry, they hang right in there on the on-ramps, but I haven't been in the rain with them yet.
As you can see, they look great.
They may have saved my *** as I was cruising up US-1 yesterday, near the bridge over the Port of West Palm Beach. A (99'?) Firebird was playing with me and tailgating. When I reached the steep part of the bridge I nailed in in second, it hooked and felt great.
But just as I reached the top of the overpass, at speed, there was a large roll of rug, as big as a refrigerator in my lane. I flicked it left near the guard rail and squeezed by. The Firebird wasn't so lucky, he freaked and spun a 180 into the other lane slamming into the right retaining wall of the bridge.
I turned around and came back to check on him. He was already out of the car and on the phone. The wife and a three year old kid were in the front seat. "We're ok, they yelled" Wheeew! Thank you Toyos! I don't like doing donuts 150ft. over the channel :eek:
Bob, it sounds like the tires worked well and you were a good guy to go back and check on the Firebird guy. You get a Scout's Merit Badge.:saluting: --Bob

[XfireZ51]

I just picked up a set of Michelin SuperSport 285-18F/345-19R. The Nitto Invos
were getting a bit slippery and the rears are very close to the wear bar.

[Mystic ZR-1]

Moron in the Firebird!
Screwing around like that with the wife and kid in the car...
:censored:

[Jagdpanzer]

I just picked up a set of Michelin SuperSport 285-18F/345-19R. The Nitto Invos
were getting a bit slippery and the rears are very close to the wear bar.

Dom,
Please give us a full after action report.

[XfireZ51]

Dom,
Please give us a full after action report.

Phil,

Will do. The winter project is shaping up to focus on the 4 corners. Along w the tires, I'll be installing the DRM brackets. Thinking about the V2V chassis braces, and investigating 2 piece rotors at least in front to reduce unsprung weight. The stock Z06 rotors are 29# each. I've been reading about recovering HP by reducing rotating mass at the corners. An estimate is .8hp for every 1lb of rotating mass removed.

[Paul Workman]

I just put on a set of Toyo R888's. They're quite sticky in the dry, they hang right in there on the on-ramps, but I haven't been in the rain with them yet.
As you can see, they look great.
They may have saved my *** as I was cruising up US-1 yesterday, near the bridge over the Port of West Palm Beach. A (99'?) Firebird was playing with me and tailgating. When I reached the steep part of the bridge I nailed in in second, it hooked and felt great.
But just as I reached the top of the overpass, at speed, there was a large roll of rug, as big as a refrigerator in my lane. I flicked it left near the guard rail and squeezed by. The Firebird wasn't so lucky, he freaked and spun a 180 into the other lane slamming into the right retaining wall of the bridge.
I turned around and came back to check on him. He was already out of the car and on the phone. The wife and a three year old kid were in the front seat. "We're ok, they yelled" Wheeew! Thank you Toyos! I don't like doing donuts 150ft. over the channel :eek:

That reminds me of a similar situation; me driving my 95 C4 on new BFG KDs with a "moostang" tailgating me as we entered an on-ramp at speed. The KD's are/were fantastic when warm and dry - which it was as I braked and turned toward the apex, downshifted, and then nailed it in 2nd. The 'stang couldn't hold the corner, and slid off the bank into a 6" "pond" of rain water.

BF Goodrich made some killer tires for the 17" wheels back then (2002). But, are they still available? I read a Consumer Reports article back in the late '00s where the author said the "KD" must stand for "Killer (when) DRY". (No longer available in our sizes, however.)

[PostmanZ]

Tough to go wrong with BFG, Goodyear or Michelin. I've ran em all and have had excellent results with those 3.

[RussMcB]

I've been really impressed with my Goodyear GS-D3. I've run them on the race track twice (not really by choice). They handled great and the tread held up well. It's always a little iffy to run street tires on the track (especially when they cost a lot new and you want them to last long), but these surprised me. I have track-only Nitto tires and they are faster, but not necessarily more fun.

[dredgeguy]

Michelin Pilot Sport 2's, done 11,000 miles and 80% left to go. Sure after MR4 they will take a hit....

[Bob Eyres]

That reminds me of a similar situation; me driving my 95 C4 on new BFG KDs with a "moostang" tailgating me as we entered an on-ramp at speed. The KD's are/were fantastic when warm and dry - which it was as I braked and turned toward the apex, downshifted, and then nailed it in 2nd. The 'stang couldn't hold the corner, and slid off the bank into a 6" "pond" of rain water.

BF Goodrich made some killer tires for the 17" wheels back then (2002). But, are they still available? I read a Consumer Reports article back in the late '00s where the author said the "KD" must stand for "Killer (when) DRY". (No longer available in our sizes, however.)

Those BFG-KD's are the tires that I had on the car, before I bought the Toyos. They were great in the dry and just ok in the wet. They were also in really great shape 4 years after I bought them (except for the rears :D).
So this time I went even softer, and these R888's are really sticky goobers. By the seat of the pants the car feels planted as well as with the BFG Drag Radials in the dry.
I'd bet that, for street tires, they'd turn a pretty good 60ft. time. But at 25yrs. old I don't hammer the old Z much anymore.

[George Maz]

For my stock OEM 1990 ZR-1 "Salad Shooters"
Just received new rears Michelin PS 335'steamrollers, 3715-3815 date codes...last production run, get them before the Viper guys buy them all up.
Pre-ordered fronts 275 upcoming production run for 2016.
Total of $1309, excellent seller from CorvetteForum "StickyV35" He can get them, tire shops can't.

...can't wait to delete pressure sensors.

...can't wait for the Fikse Dymag Gen ll wheels to be made, I'll use the same seller for 18/19 Michelin SS.

[Kevin]

looks like I'm stuck with Nitto, can't afford the gsd3's and there's no other viable option. Not real happy with the choice but it's all I have. If 18" wheels weren't $5,000 I'd go that way.

[Paul Workman]

looks like I'm stuck with Nitto, can't afford the gsd3's and there's no other viable option. Not real happy with the choice but it's all I have. If 18" wheels weren't $5,000 I'd go that way.

What's your beef with the Nittos? I just bought my third set of 555 and 555Rs for my 500+ FBI ZR-1 because of my experiences with them on the drag strip AND in the twisties (just fresh from the MR4). With the exception of rain performance when they are at the end of their life, the performance has been excellent. What'not to like?:dontknow:

[Kevin]

What's your beef with the Nittos? I just bought my third set of 555 and 555Rs for my 500+ FBI ZR-1 because of my experiences with them on the drag strip AND in the twisties (just fresh from the MR4). With the exception of rain performance when they are at the end of their life, the performance has been excellent. What'not to like?:dontknow:
last set of cheap tires I put on a car ruined the driving experience so much I almost sold the car. I worry about that happening again.

[32valvesftw]

I'm Happy with my Nittos, as Paul said they perform well in most conditions. I admit more choices would be nice.

[RichS]

I've run the Nitto tires on the 96GS and Lightning for years and have been happy with them. I bought a set for the ZR-1 when I bought it in Sept. I had 2 C6 Grandsports with the stock goodyear runflats and hated them. I replaced those with Michelin non runflats. Think they were Super Sports?

[Kevin]

running the nittos now. Haven't driven them much but I'm not impressed

[george1945]

NITTOS. 555 G2s No experience with any others but these seem to stick really well. Have them on the 91 and 90 ZR1s. Have no idea how they would be on a track but the hold well on a windy road.

[S.hafsmo]

No one running the Micky Thompson Street Comps? Are they no good?


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[BigJohn]

No one running the Micky Thompson Street Comps? Are they no good?


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Would they fit your wheels and clear body work?

[S.hafsmo]

Well I certainly hope so. Haven't fitted mine yet. :)

https://m.summitracing.com/parts/mtt-6278

[BigJohn]

Cool Beans!
Can you buy them already cut?

[S.hafsmo]

I think I read somewhere here on the Z reg. that it was just a rebrand of a different tire, and not related to their 1/4 mile stuff.

[henryr]

No one running the Micky Thompson Street Comps? Are they no good?


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i have them on my 90. they are a rebrand of something else. seem okay.

going to switch to the toyo race tires eventually

[ZRXMAX]

running the nittos now. Haven't driven them much but I'm not impressed

Sorry to hear that Kevin. I have run GY GSCs, Sumitomos, and BFGs. The Nittos have beaten them all imho... and for the money, about $800 for the set it seemed to be the best bang for the buck to date.

I am on my second set...

[lfalzarano]

Riding on new Michelin’s is a tremendous better ride and handling than the Goodyear GSD’s. You get what you pay for....


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[zr1don]

I replaced my Sumitomos with Michelin sport pilots and will never go back.

[George45]

NITTO G2s. For my driving in the 91 ZR1 they are just fine. The car came with the originals still mounted and holding air. Had 12k on the clock. Have only had the car to 115 mph, and they were fine. They also held well on a windy twisted road and were good for as fast as i wanted to go.j

[-=Jeff=-]

Just ordered Pirelli P Zero Rosso asymmetric for my car.. I wanted a good Street tire and had to find a 335/30R18 as my rear rims are 12" fronts will be 285/35R18

[XfireZ51]

Jeff,

I have the Michelin 285s. Interesting to see ur clearance on front fender.

[-=Jeff=-]

I hope so, I really did not have any other choices, I am actually hoping the section wide is a bit narrow compare to Michelin.. worst case I swap the centers back tot he outside and run a small spacer like when I had the C5 Calipers, which would be fine if I have to do that.

Afterall it is only 5mm per side of the rim

[XfireZ51]

Jeff,

As an FYI, I have duct tape in the front fender well above the tire. Depending on the bumps it rubs the tape but only the silver so its extremely slight.

[-=Jeff=-]

Dom,

what is the offset of your front wheels?

[XfireZ51]

Jeff,

The offset is +40 using the Z06 rotor. Stock C4 ZR rotor pushes tire out a bit further w those wheels.

[-=Jeff=-]

I will probably move the Centers on the front back to the outside

[Flyman 27]

I would suggest that you check the manufacturer's website and check out your choice of tire before purchase. A lot of the performance tires are intended for drag racing. They can get kinda squirrely on the street, especially if you like hard cornering.
What is the intended purpose of the tires? Some are auto cross designs, so they would be great for summertime driving with heavy cornering.

[-=Jeff=-]

Fit seems nice on my 285s, I have yet to drive it

7325

Before and after I changed the wheel offset. Sticking out is before

7326


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[conesare2seconds]

Boy, stock tire size availability (street tires, at least) is weak. Even compared to 2016.

[conesare2seconds]

Boy, stock tire size availability (street tires, at least) is weak. Even compared to 2016. I passed up a set of 18s a while back thinking I wanted to stay with stock sizes. Now it’s looking like even 18s are thin on the ground in +1 spec. Prefer not to go to 19s though.

[Paul Workman]

I just today installed Nitto 555-G2s on the front of my Z. (One of the front tires had a punctured sidewall. They were 6 years old, so I replaced them both.) The rears have 2 wait till spring when I plan to install Nitto 555rs (drag radicals). I've been very happy with this combo for rain, drag racing, mountain twisties!

This will make the 3rd set of the Nittos on my Z and Ami's Z has them too. That said, I'd be interested in what ppl have to say about the Pilot P2s. Worth the cost of a wheel upgrade ya think?

[lfalzarano]

I changed from the Goodyear’s to the Michelin’s last year. Front just street driving, the ride of the Michelin’s is superior and quieter. I haven’t run them in the rain or tracked them yet. I might get a feel for rain driving when I go to VIR this weekend. My experience with the Goodyear’s is based on 78K miles both on the street, track and severe rain in Florida. My experience with the Michelin’s is only a few thousand miles... I will track them in November at VIR to be able to provide a real comparison.


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[9157]

Has anybody tried these?
10838

10839

[XfireZ51]

Had Nitto Invos on my ZR for several years. Liked them and they were good driving tire and in the rain. However, the Michelin SS is a better tire Better ride and grippier.

[32valvZ]

Just bought a full set of Nitto NT555 G2 Looking forward to trying them out.

[Mystic ZR-1]

Just bought a full set of Nitto NT555 G2 Looking forward to trying them out.

FWIW: the 555s work great on my BMW 540i-6
Reasonable $, took very little weight to balance, run quiet
and are wearing well.

[mpiecyk]

Depending on your wheel size I installed Michelins Pilot 4S on my 1990 ZR-1, 275/35-18 frts and 325/30-19 rears.Max performance summer tire,not intended to be driven in near & below freezing temps.
Performance & comfort I'll give it a (9) out of (10) Ten being the highest.
I feel its a excellent tire for a great car.
Tire Rack has them in stock and free shipping.
Always request the manufacturers date on the tire.

[Young1]

I got a quote from Discount Tire 10 days ago for Nitto 555 G2 for $866.00. Just in case the new owner of my project car wanted a new set on.

[32valvZ]

I got a quote from Discount Tire 10 days ago for Nitto 555 G2 for $866.00. Just in case the new owner of my project car wanted a new set on.

I got a set for $721. with road hazard... Guy gave me a great deal because they didnt have any GSD3s to sell me to match the rears...

[Jax ZR1]

Limited selection here in Canada and price was a big factor also, had GY on it when I bought it but they were 15 years old and dried out and cracked, so tried the Nittos and have found them to be a great tire

[tgonyaw]

I too ended up with a set of Nitto 555 G2 tires. This car is set up to be an all weather year round driver car. I have driven about 2000 miles this past year and the tires have surprised me on the plus side. They will break loose at 7000 1st to 2nd hard shift. No track day testing yet. Hopefully after the virus leaves. Tires have not flat spotted after sitting up to 3 weeks at a time. No cracking when driven at 25 degrees F.. Have responded well at all speeds which have tested some triple digits. I think the 4 or 5 year age rule will apply before tread depth becomes an issue. These tires are in the stock sizes GM put on the car.
Car has ported intake,Corsa cat. back, and appropriate tune.
91Z #1838

[Bob Eyres]

Anybody ever taken a look at the Toyo Proxes R888? I know it's a "competition" street tire with a very low tread rating and so it would only be good for us guys who don't drive our Zs much. BUT, has anyone taken a look at a pic of it? The shape is like a drag tire; it looks EXACTLY like an Eagle F1...TOTALLY unlike the rounded shape of Sumi, Nitto, Michelin, etc.

Any thoughts on the shape and the extra width it might impart?



I’ ve had the R888’s on mine for 4 years, and less than 10K mi.
I highly recommend them, (new tread design now). Sticky as hell, as good as drag radials on the street, but be careful in the rain. Cheap, durable, and sticky. They’re aging out before they wear out, but just what I wanted.


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[rkreigh]

I ran the pilot sport cup in the 18 345 and when new they are great but like any gum ball tire they heat cycle and get hard fast, especially if you DO use them like a drag radial.


I'm running toyo ra1s which I love on the c5



right now I'd run the R888R which stick like grim death. These tires are limited in both cold and rain, but I don't have a death with so I don't drive like an idiot in those conditions and the tires work fine.


The warnings is that the tires will chunk in the cold and crack but I haven't had that happen yet and I drive the turbo car year round (when it works!!)


Now I just picked up a procharged c5 that has the nitto n555 which I also like


My advice is get a tire that will wear out before it ages out and then go do it

[93RubyZ]

I'm currently using the Toyo Proxes R888. I can't change my vote and Toyo isn't on the list.

[HAWAIIZR-1]

BFGoodrich g-Force Rival S. I love these tires! 🤙🏼

15932


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[Erik]

I'm currently using the Toyo Proxes R888. I can't change my vote and Toyo isn't on the list.

I did the same, and they have been fantastic. As I like to drive my cars, getting some more mileage out of the tires isn't a bad thing.

[tnse]

For those who might be interested, as of Spring 2022 Michelin has a new tire option for the C4 ZR-1 in the OEM sizes of 275 front and 315 rear. See this link for information:

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c4-zr-1-discussion/4623542-new-tire-option-for-c4-zr-1-315s-and-275s.html

For those who purchase the Pilot Sport All Season 4 and install this option, pictures and a review/comparison with other current tire options (Nittos, GSD3, Toyo) would be helpful.

[G-Sting]

It looks like the Goodyear Eagle F1 tires are currently available on the Walmart site (and possibly Sam's Club). Rears only in the 315/35R17 ZR size. Seems like we all go through rears quicker than fronts... for some reason. :-D

[lfalzarano]

As I recall over 2 decades, our Goodyear F1 tires aren?t reproduced and available until 2nd quarter of each.


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[spork2367]

As I recall over 2 decades, our Goodyear F1 tires aren?t reproduced and available until 2nd quarter of each.


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Out of production for quite awhile now.