An option for spare tire replacement....

[VetteMed]

By now, our original spare tires are questionable -- and for those of us with upgraded brakes, the spare won't even fit in the front.

Some guys have adapted the late model GTO spare, which apparently is also similar or the same as the CTS and Lucerne spares. I'm told that this requires some grinding of the hub mating surface on the spare wheel, for it to work on a C4. Used, these spares go for $100-150. The wheel alone is around $100-150 new from GM when you factor in shipping, or local dealer markup.

I came across another option, which is now "standard equipment" in all of my vehicles. Apparently some late model GM cars are equipped with a compact 12V compressor, in which is mounted a can of sealant, and a pressure gauge. I bought a "lot" of these, in order to get a good price on the few that I needed for my own vehicles. I have a few extras that I bought as part of the deal, I figured I'd see if anyone here is interested.

This unit will fit comfortably in the storage bins in the C4, and will fit under the storage trays, leaving that available for whatever you need.

Here's a few pics:







If anyone is interested, I'm selling my remaining few for $85 each, including shipping by priority mail.

[tomtom72]

Hey Andrew, that's neat! Just curious, what does GM say about the TPS sensors after one uses that set up to fix the flat?


Tom

[HAWAIIZR-1]

Originally Posted by tomtom72

Hey Andrew, that's neat! Just curious, what does GM say about the TPS sensors after one uses that set up to fix the flat?


Tom

Tom,

You still use sensors? I thought they come off at high speeds like you drive...........

[tomtom72]

Originally Posted by HAWAIIZR-1

Tom,

You still use sensors? I thought they come off at high speeds like you drive...........

My car is still stock Craig ...so no they haven't come off yet! But if I buy tires for my OEM wheels I am loosing the sensors.

Personally, after looking at our sensors I don't see how the stuff can get in. The plastic case is fairly tight, and since the out rush of air from a puncture would drag the sealant to it. I just don't see a big chance of fouling our sensors.

[HAWAIIZR-1]

Originally Posted by tomtom72

My car is still stock Craig ...so no they haven't come off yet! But if I buy tires for my OEM wheels I am loosing the sensors.

Personally, after looking at our sensors I don't see how the stuff can get in. The plastic case is fairly tight, and since the out rush of air from a puncture would drag the sealant to it. I just don't see a big chance of fouling our sensors.

Tom,

I thought these cars go to 180 MPH stock and they fly off earlier than that....lol.

I took mine off and have an extra set; waiting for them to be worth $500 each sensor.

[HAWAIIZR-1]

Well, here are the replies about the Continental Tire kit. I guess even my C5 kit is questionable if it would actually work if called upon with our size tires. Not shown, but they said they same for the OEM 315/35ZR17s



Subject
ContiComfortKit

Discussion Thread
Response Via Email (Jose)

01/24/2012 03:18 PM

Dear Craig,

[Web Inquiry: 120124-000003]

The CCK is intended for use on passenger tires up to a select size. We limit the use due to the strain larger tires would put on the air compressor; which is not intended to run for more than 7 minutes. We use the maximum inflation pressure as a cut off due to the typical size of tires with a maximum inflation pressure above 43 psi.

Subject
ContiComfortKit

Discussion Thread
Response Via Email (Jose)

01/24/2012 11:56 AM

Dear Craig,

[Web Inquiry: 120124-000003]

Thank you for contacting Customer Relations at Continental Tire the Americas, LLC.

Use of the ContiComfortKit, (CCK), is limited to tires with a maximum inflation of 43 psi. A 335/30ZR18 would have a maximum inflation pressure of 51 psi; which is outside the use range for the CCK. We limit the maximum tire size and type due to the design of the air compressor.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to respond to this email.

[tomtom72]

Originally Posted by HAWAIIZR-1

Tom,

I thought these cars go to 180 MPH stock and they fly off earlier than that....lol.

I took mine off and have an extra set; waiting for them to be worth $500 each sensor.

I have to look in my ZR-1 owner's manual again to find the page. I read it when I first got the car in the winter of 04-05. Anyway, in it was a short paragraph explaining that the top speed, in 5th gear, of a 1990 ZR-1 is 177 mph. They also said how long of a distance is needed to get to top speed from a standing start, 5 kilometers I think is what they said. I'm going to go look it up again.

Oh yea, I am saving my sensors also for the day they will be needed for an NCRS PV thingy!


Tom

[VetteMed]

Tom, from my understanding, it is considered safe for the newer sensors which are in the valve stem. I would assume the older style sensors are able to tolerate it as well, but I really have no proof

I think it really depends on the amount of time the sealant sits in the tire before the tire is dismounted and patched. if it's done in a reasonable amount of time, then I would expect the pressure sensor to be able to be cleaned and put back into service.

[VetteMed]

Q: Are tire pressure sensors compatible with GM Inflator Kits?
A: While tire pressure sensors are NOT compatible with commercially-available sealants, they HAVE been tested and ARE compatible with GM Inflator Kits and the sealant that they use. After inflator kit use, the sensor should be inspected for any damage, and replaced/cleaned as needed.

[GOLDCYLON]

Over at the other forum a member found that sears on line sells the replacement dougnut tire. T-155