Tire Suggestions Please - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

Racinfan83 · 11-15-2013

I know I've been over this some in the past - long story short I got the car with brand new Nitto 555 Extreme tires on it. Have a serious vibration - after a couple places tried to balance them and failed - I had em Road Force balanced and they failed. Called Nitto, sent the tech guy all my invoices and info - they called the dealer who Road Forced them and also my local Nitto dealer and told him to get the tires and work out installation. Get here today and when the Shop Mgr calls Nitto for a warranty # he tells him they aren't going to warranty them because I wasn't the original purchaser. Didn't matter that they have less then
1/32 worn off of them and they obviously were new and defective. So now this shop is screwed and so am I - because this Nitto Tech

lied all along. The Mgr. here at NTB is being really cool about it and not charging me special order charges or for the time they have spent. Nitto can

as far as I'm concerned as they have led me and the shop to believe they were covering them only to wait til last minute and deny it...

SO - I am looking for suggestions on what to put on my car - (NOT Nitto). I don't race it, so I need something that will work for normal driving and on the highway. While I don't intend to ever drive it in rain - I might get caught in it someday so the tires gotta be somewhat "rain ready". And no I cannot afford the Goodyears. Gotta spend less the a grand on whatever set I get. Any help, links, etc would be much appreciated!

GOLDCYLON · 11-15-2013

I like the Goodyear F1 GS DS series however they are next to impossible to find these days. Since you have ruled out Nitto's.... My advise is Michelin Pilot Sports.

Dont even consider Sumitomo's GC

efnfast · 11-15-2013

I run the Pilot Sports and like them, although I have nothing to compare them to.

WARP TEN · 11-15-2013

I know not everyone likes them but I have had Sumitomos on both the ZR-1s and they have been fine. Don 't seem to flat spot as much as the early Sumis did, they are inexpensive and drive fine. They are not real great for drag racing traction. I have them now and they are fine, although they are getting older and I may change in the spring. Haven't decided what. I was thinking of the Nittos....:-) --Bob

Kevin · 11-15-2013

my plan is go nitto next time, I was considering gsd3 or the early viper tyers but I don't have that kind of cash

batchman · 11-15-2013

I know you're past this, but -

Did all 4 fail road force balance???

Did anyone try re-indexing the tires on the wheels, and/or check for bent wheels? You'd be surprised how many bent aluminum wheels there are on the roads, and it doesn't take much of a bend to be felt.

Hard to believe you could really have 4 bad tires. And don't be so sure about blaming Nitto, do you really know what your prior owner did with the car? I hit a highway bridge seam with my 97 Lincoln 18 months ago, you know the kind where they post "BUMP" and it's usually nothing. Well this one wasn't nothing, and I did slow to 55-60 or so but still one tire failed that day and the other front failed three months ago (12k miles later).

And FWIW I've had good luck with Sumis on several cars, including the "going to the inspection station" tires on the ZR-1 (only street driven for transport).

And also FWIW I've found 2 places that will warranty without proof of original purchase - cars and hand tools. On anything else I can think of if I didn't give them the money I can't picture them happily giving back to me.

Best,
- Jeff

ZZZZZR1 · 11-15-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by GOLDCYLON

I like the Goodyear F1 GS DS series however they are next to impossible to find these days. Since you have ruled out Nitto's.... My advise is Michelin Pilot Sports.

Dont even consider Sumitomo's GC

Quote:

Originally Posted by efnfast

I run the Pilot Sports and like them, although I have nothing to compare them to.

I agree 100% with Michelin Pilot Sports.

275 / 40 / 17

335 / 35 / 17

Fit our cars 100% and unreal road quality.

Sumi's are great for a budget and if you don't drive your car much.

Goodyear F1's are another great tire and one of the best in the rain.

David

Racinfan83 · 11-15-2013

I will look at the Michelins. Update: I did - and no way can I afford those.. The Goodyears are $300 less and I can't do them...

And all the dealer who did the Road Force said was that "Tires Failed" due to bad sidewalls and that they were ordering 4 new ones (which didn't happen either) And it feels like all 4 are bad...
While I understand somewhat the position about "original invoice" these tires are OBVIOUSLY like BRAND NEW (MAYBE 3k miles on em). And I would think that Nitto would at the least be interested in why they failed? I mean come on - by what they told me today if I had bought the car from a dealer who had bought the tires new - and they were friggin SQUARE - they still wouldn't warranty them? I supplied the guy with all the info he wanted - even TOLD him both in the first e-mail I sent and on the first phone conversation that I was NOT the original purchaser. He could have told me straight up what their policy was and that they wouldn't do anything. I woulda been ticked - but not as bad as I am NOW after working with this guy AND the local NTB Mgr working with him and all he has done to get this worked out - only to get shot down after both of us being led to believe that Nitto was gonna cover it.

ZZZZZR1 · 11-15-2013

I'll forward this thread to Robert. He has the tire connection!

David

SteelBlueZR1 · 11-16-2013

Sorry for your troubles; I can empathize with your pain. I cannot recommend enough Vredstein Ultrac Sessentra tires in OEM sizes for your Z. Have had them for two years and have won several autocrosses against Vettes running tires costing 3 times as much! They are ultra quiet, smooth riding like on air, and show no wear with a 300 tread wear rating. They have a cool rain dispersing tread that plowed thru 2" of standing water and wet grip that is confidence inspiring. Can't say enough good things regardless of price - about $800 shipped for 4! Available here and 4.8/5 ratings from users: http://www.performanceplustire.com/p...ck-to-top-link

11-15-2013	#1
Racinfan83 Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Eastern Missouri Posts: 773	Tire Suggestions Please I know I've been over this some in the past - long story short I got the car with brand new Nitto 555 Extreme tires on it. Have a serious vibration - after a couple places tried to balance them and failed - I had em Road Force balanced and they failed. Called Nitto, sent the tech guy all my invoices and info - they called the dealer who Road Forced them and also my local Nitto dealer and told him to get the tires and work out installation. Get here today and when the Shop Mgr calls Nitto for a warranty # he tells him they aren't going to warranty them because I wasn't the original purchaser. Didn't matter that they have less then 1/32 worn off of them and they obviously were new and defective. So now this shop is screwed and so am I - because this Nitto Tech lied all along. The Mgr. here at NTB is being really cool about it and not charging me special order charges or for the time they have spent. Nitto can as far as I'm concerned as they have led me and the shop to believe they were covering them only to wait til last minute and deny it... SO - I am looking for suggestions on what to put on my car - (NOT Nitto). I don't race it, so I need something that will work for normal driving and on the highway. While I don't intend to ever drive it in rain - I might get caught in it someday so the tires gotta be somewhat "rain ready". And no I cannot afford the Goodyears. Gotta spend less the a grand on whatever set I get. Any help, links, etc would be much appreciated! __________________ [LEFT][SIGPIC][/SIGPIC][/LEFT] [CENTER][COLOR=Indigo][SIZE=4][I][B] Now Sold 1990 ZR-1 #2093, Black on Black..[/B][/I][/SIZE][/COLOR][/CENTER] Last edited by Racinfan83; 11-15-2013 at 05:46 PM.

11-15-2013	#2
GOLDCYLON Join Date: May 2007 Location: Peoria, AZ Posts: 9,155	Re: Tire Suggestions Please I like the Goodyear F1 GS DS series however they are next to impossible to find these days. Since you have ruled out Nitto's.... My advise is Michelin Pilot Sports. Dont even consider Sumitomo's GC __________________ GOLDCYLON - 91 ZR-1 #2014 GOLDCYLON - 90 ZR-1 #2794, 4L60e (Formerly Schrade's) GOLDCYLON - 11 CTS-V Arizona State Director 91 WHITE/BLACK #2014. 380 P&P&PCed,Ported Heads, Jeal Long tubes, Corsa Exhaust/FIKSE FM-5s /LED TLs, LED Headlights, Front Wilwood 6 piston narrowlite calipers and rear Wilwood caliper street shop mod,CNCed Coolant Pipes,TPI Cvr,Filter cover,Stainless Bolts, DRM/DOM PROM /ZFDOC mod build #102,DRLs,BMAD with stainless Debris Screen,Coplan Air Blaster, Pioneer APP Radio 4,Brey-Krause HB,Sub Bar,Fire extinguisher seat mount,DRM Coilovers,LEDs everywhere,Compass mirror (orange),V1 DIC hidden display, Homelink sun visor, Carbon Fiber top x3 and APSIS Carbon Fiber interior, APSIS CF Steering Wheel/NAPA Leather, Banski trailing arms, Guldstrand front suspension,urethane bushings from Prothane (total suspension) ZFDoc drive shaft safety loop, raptor shift light (orange),AO engineering louver front plate, Console seat cushion, 96CE seats with black custom Sheepskins, ss billet catch can,Viper remote entry/alarm,Cragar Rear Louvers,LED side louver lights, Dewitts Radiator with SPAL fans and a Woods 160 T-Stat 90 RED/BLACK #2794. 4L60e Automatic Stage V by RPM Transmission, TCI Dedicated TCM, OBX Stainless Headers, Corsa Exhaust, SAN Secondaries and Haibeck PROM, Exotic Muscle Coil overs, LED Interior Lights, LED Tail Lights, LED Headlights, 94 Sport seats with black custom Sheepskins , Cragar rear louvers, GS Front calipers, Banski Trailing arms, APSIS Carbon Fiber steering wheel, Front and Rear Baer Eradispeeds, DRLs, Guldstrand front suspension,urethane bushings from Prothane (total suspension), Dewitt's Raditor with Dual SPAL fans and a Haibeck 170 T-Stat 11 RED/GREY CTS-V

11-15-2013	#3
efnfast Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Dunbarton NH Posts: 7,479	Re: Tire Suggestions Please I run the Pilot Sports and like them, although I have nothing to compare them to.

11-15-2013	#4
WARP TEN Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Lake Bluff, IL Posts: 2,094	Re: Tire Suggestions Please I know not everyone likes them but I have had Sumitomos on both the ZR-1s and they have been fine. Don 't seem to flat spot as much as the early Sumis did, they are inexpensive and drive fine. They are not real great for drag racing traction. I have them now and they are fine, although they are getting older and I may change in the spring. Haven't decided what. I was thinking of the Nittos....:-) --Bob __________________ 2016 Long Beach Red Z06 #10281 "POPS Z" 1995 Polo Green #409 "WARP TEN"--Haibeck 350/510 package, 4.10s, Hurst, Stock Exhaust with QTP Cutouts --Sold but still running strong 1993 Quasar Blue #161 "HIL KING" --Sold but still running strong, now with more than 120,000 miles 1967 Marlboro Maroon/Saddle Corvette Coupe 300 hp/4-spd --Sold a long time ago ZR-1 Net Registry Founding Member #95 NCM Lifetime Member Favorite Quote--Attributed to Mickey Thompson: "Too Much Horsepower is Almost Enough"

11-15-2013	#5
Kevin Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: pittsburgh Posts: 4,632	Re: Tire Suggestions Please my plan is go nitto next time, I was considering gsd3 or the early viper tyers but I don't have that kind of cash __________________ It's not the car, it's the people - Doug Johnson 90 r/r "KEYS ON" nick named "T.L.B"

11-15-2013	#6
batchman Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: I live at Devens, one run at a time Posts: 455	Re: Tire Suggestions Please I know you're past this, but - Did all 4 fail road force balance??? Did anyone try re-indexing the tires on the wheels, and/or check for bent wheels? You'd be surprised how many bent aluminum wheels there are on the roads, and it doesn't take much of a bend to be felt. Hard to believe you could really have 4 bad tires. And don't be so sure about blaming Nitto, do you really know what your prior owner did with the car? I hit a highway bridge seam with my 97 Lincoln 18 months ago, you know the kind where they post "BUMP" and it's usually nothing. Well this one wasn't nothing, and I did slow to 55-60 or so but still one tire failed that day and the other front failed three months ago (12k miles later). And FWIW I've had good luck with Sumis on several cars, including the "going to the inspection station" tires on the ZR-1 (only street driven for transport). And also FWIW I've found 2 places that will warranty without proof of original purchase - cars and hand tools. On anything else I can think of if I didn't give them the money I can't picture them happily giving back to me. Best, - Jeff __________________ [I]91 ZR-1 #1840, autocrossing in SCCA BSP. FIC S/S's DRM chip/Watson/Borla/lid/LW batt&headlights, springs, shocks, pads & lines, quick rack & Turn One, camber brace, 32/22mm sways, A/C halfway deleted 17x11 & 12 CCW's, 315 & 335 Hoosier A6s [/I] Last edited by batchman; 11-15-2013 at 08:13 PM.

11-15-2013	#8
Racinfan83 Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Eastern Missouri Posts: 773	Re: Tire Suggestions Please I will look at the Michelins. Update: I did - and no way can I afford those.. The Goodyears are $300 less and I can't do them... And all the dealer who did the Road Force said was that "Tires Failed" due to bad sidewalls and that they were ordering 4 new ones (which didn't happen either) And it feels like all 4 are bad... While I understand somewhat the position about "original invoice" these tires are OBVIOUSLY like BRAND NEW (MAYBE 3k miles on em). And I would think that Nitto would at the least be interested in why they failed? I mean come on - by what they told me today if I had bought the car from a dealer who had bought the tires new - and they were friggin SQUARE - they still wouldn't warranty them? I supplied the guy with all the info he wanted - even TOLD him both in the first e-mail I sent and on the first phone conversation that I was NOT the original purchaser. He could have told me straight up what their policy was and that they wouldn't do anything. I woulda been ticked - but not as bad as I am NOW after working with this guy AND the local NTB Mgr working with him and all he has done to get this worked out - only to get shot down after both of us being led to believe that Nitto was gonna cover it. __________________ [LEFT][SIGPIC][/SIGPIC][/LEFT] [CENTER][COLOR=Indigo][SIZE=4][I][B] Now Sold 1990 ZR-1 #2093, Black on Black..[/B][/I][/SIZE][/COLOR][/CENTER] Last edited by Racinfan83; 11-15-2013 at 10:12 PM.

11-15-2013	#9
ZZZZZR1 Banned BANNED Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: MD Posts: 3,690	Re: Tire Suggestions Please I'll forward this thread to Robert. He has the tire connection! David

11-16-2013	#10
SteelBlueZR1 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Evergreen, Co. Posts: 346	Re: Tire Suggestions Please Sorry for your troubles; I can empathize with your pain. I cannot recommend enough Vredstein Ultrac Sessentra tires in OEM sizes for your Z. Have had them for two years and have won several autocrosses against Vettes running tires costing 3 times as much! They are ultra quiet, smooth riding like on air, and show no wear with a 300 tread wear rating. They have a cool rain dispersing tread that plowed thru 2" of standing water and wet grip that is confidence inspiring. Can't say enough good things regardless of price - about $800 shipped for 4! Available here and 4.8/5 ratings from users: http://www.performanceplustire.com/p...ck-to-top-link __________________ Bert Rankin 1991 ZR1 Steel Blue / Steel Blue #1029 Haibeck chip, slotted rotors, camber brace, C-beam plates, OBX exhaust, Nitto NT555 tires [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]