Re: Any Tire Recomendations
 

Thanks for all of the insight and knowledge you have shared with me regarding tires. Not sure what direction I am going to go, but appreciate the many options you have shared. When I make a decision, I will let you know. Again, thanks!

Re: Any Tire Recomendations
 

I wasn't happy with the Nitto 555s either. There was a brand new set with about 50 miles on them when I bought the car, but the car had sat long enough to flat spot them. They never fully rounded back out and were rock hard. When I put on the nearly new (about 100-200 miles) set of Goodyear F1's I got from USAZR1, I couldn't believe the difference. Handling, traction, ride quality, road noise, etc were all incredibly better on the F1s. Even my Corvette guy buddy who was there when I swapped the set on said he wouldn't have believed the difference if he didn't experience it himself.

The Nittos are out there and available, but I wouldn't ever buy a set. I had a set of Summitomos and they were pure garbage. They use a similar size tread piece for many different width tires, so the 315 tread patch isn't much wider than the 275. If you search the internet, you'll find all kinds of comparisons. They were cheap when I bought them (for an '88 383 street/strip Vette), but I was so disgusted with them, that they were off long before they were worn out and that was when I was on Army lower enlisted pay.....

It's too bad there aren't many tires to choose from these days in our sizes.

Chris

Re: Any Tire Recomendations
 

Same here with the 555's. Had new ones on the car when I got it. Car had sat for awhile. Flat spotted, failed 2 road force balances. Got new ones due to they were the cheapest - still not totally thrilled...

Re: Any Tire Recomendations
 

I'd like to hear if anyone has had experience w the Ultratrac Sessanta by Vredestein. Unfortunately they didn't make 19's when I was looking. It's been three years and I am pretty satisfied w the Nitto Invos I have.

Re: Any Tire Recomendations
 

Since this thread is back up, I noticed a TireRack special on the Kuhmo Ecsta XS, with 315s in stock at $250/ea - but the fronts are backordered at $189/ea (usually means there's a container on it's way somewhere, call/chat and ask).

Although I haven't run these myself I did an awful lot with their precursor, the MX. My wife tried them on her autocross 88 z51 but preferred the Toyo R1R (no rears available for us). Would not hesitate to run the XS as an excellent street tire.

Cheers,
- Jeff

Re: Any Tire Recomendations
 

Kumho Ecsta XS
I like mine! Tire Rack reviews rate them highly.
Can't understand why more Zs don't run them?
3 seasons on them and they're wearing well and still hookup.
Neat tread pattern too.

Re: Any Tire Recomendations
 

I have had them on my c5 supercharged corvette and now my zr1. They are great tires. Very good in the rain, great side lateral handling, quiet and reasonably priced. These Dutch tires are the best at there price point. In fact, I would take them over almost all other brands except for michelin which are way more expensive. Everybody that has had a set has loved them. They have a really unusual tread pattern that make people inquire all the time about these tires. I highly recommend them. I bought my sets on the internet only.

ed ramos #3028

Re: Any Tire Recomendations
 

I have the Vredesteins under my Z, I like them.
Michellin Pilot sport tyres I prefer the most but they where not available here any longer in Holland.(17")
The price was 600€ for two rear tyres including balance and re- alligment of the car.

Re: Any Tire Recomendations
 

Because you can't get them. The fronts are on indefinite backorder...exactly the same situation as the GS-D3.

Re: Any Tire Recomendations
 

BTW, I've heard nice things about the Vredesteins' ride quality, etc. In fact, I've actually heard some guys likening their smooth, serene ride to that of the Michelins. But the problem is that they are narrow, no different than Nittos and Sumis. I don't drive my car on a track, so the Sumis were fine, other than the fact that they looked like bicycle tires.

If you want a good tire, then there are several choices. If you want a WIDE, good tire, then it's Michelin or Toyo...at least until Goodyear gets off its azz and decides it wants our money again. It's all about your priorities; mine was to make my car look like a ZR-1, as opposed to a base Corvette.

If I was to find out tomorrow that Toyo was discontinuing the R888 in our sizes, I'd probably buy 2 sets.