Translator

Ok all, the new Michelin Pilot SS's have been released in Z06 sizes. Here are my questions and dilemma before I purchase a set. I want to mount these on my stock wheels. Which size combination mentioned in the title of the thread should I go with, and why? Furthermore, why do people like to get wider tires when compared to the OEM configuration? Is it due to looks and/or more grip by the wider tires? My concern of getting wider tires is that the ratio may be thrown off and trigger the overspeed or active handling warning lights, but many here run larger sized tires, and experience no warning lights. Last, but not least, don't wider/larger tires create more drag and add unsprung weight, thus slowing the car down, and reducing the RWHP/RWTQ numbers? Case in point, the Z06's that are equipped with the Z07 package (with ZR1 rims and tires) seem to consistency run slower times in the 1/4 (according to tests that I have seen), when compared to Z06's that are not equipped with the Z07 package. Last, but not least, and on the same topic, if you have two identically equipped Z06's running against each other (assuming everything else equal: drivers, traction power, etc...), one being equiped with the stock sized tires, and the other with the 345/285 combo, will the one with the stock sized tires be faster, due to the lower rotating mass/drag of the smaller sized tires? Furthermore, will it dyno higher when compared to the one will the wider tires? Sorry for all of the questions, LOL.

jasonn5

I would venture to say that most people use wider tires for looks. They like to fill up the wheel wells. The 345 have been used with no codes on some cars. Others have reported codes. 295 seem to be the max for the front on stock wheels as long as the car is not lowered. I ran 345 in rears with no problems. Eventually went down to 335 in rear and 285 in front for looks. You are right on the wider tires as far as handling goes on stock rims. Wider does not necessarily equate to better handling.

I have seen quite a few guys go down to 18's all around for the track. In the end its what you want and the look you are going for. I wouldn't hesitate to use 345 in rear and 295 in front. Just be sure to check turn in clearance on the front.. Good luck.. Mike

JoesC5

The Z06 with the Z07 package also has the lighter weight brake rotors. The reduction in the rotor weight is more then the increase in wheel/tire weight, so that shouldn't have an effect on the Z07 1/4 mile times, much less a negative effect as you stated.

My personal opinion is that you will gain more in increased traction in 1st and 2nd gear with the 345's then you will lose with the slightly larger diameter and the small increase in mass.

Are the SS tires availabe in the 285/35-19's for the front with ZP?

Translator

Hi Guys, I am referring ONLY to the new Micheline Pilot Super Sports that are being released now. These are NON run flats. Luke from Tire Rack posted prices and the new sizes today. 295's would be a perfect match for the 345's, BUT they only make the front sizes for the SS in either 275 or 285 with the 18's.

Translator

Ttt

Undy

The non-runflat Michelin 345 Super Sports are 33 lbs while the Goodyear OEM runflat is 34 lbs. That's 4 lbs LESS rotating mass.

Translator

Good info Undy. Do you know how much the Michelin 325 SS weighs in comparison to the 345?

1 BAD BURB

I run nitto invo 345/30/18 and 295/35/18 without any issues. I know a ton of people using them as well.
I doubt any weight difference will really put that much of an effect on the power. Just get a nice set that fills up the wheel wells, looks good and hooks great!
Aj

Translator

Burb, was that a typo, or do you have 18's on the back? The 295 front size matches the 345 rear, but the widest 18 for the front with the Michelin SS is 285, so ideally a 335 would be best matched for the rear, but they only make a 325 or 345 for the rear.

1 BAD BURB

Sorry yes, it was suppose to be 345/30/19.
But agreed with all you mentioned.

RedZ4me

Love to see the installed pics. Hurry!

Alligator

Just want to confirm something. I want to replace my OEM Goodyears (275/35/18 & 325/30/19) with PSS (285/35/18 & 345/30/19).

The diameter will increase.
The car will sit higher and decrease the fender gap. Is that correct?

Thanks!

Translator

Well, now I am reading that some have rubbing issues in the rear with Nitto NT05'S 335'S, so how come many do not have rubbing issues with 345'S, lol? I know that engines and such have different tolerances for each car, but the dimensions of each car will be the same for all Z06's.

1 BAD BURB

yes, your fronts/rear heights right now are 25.5/25.6, respectively.
after you swap to the larger size, it will be 25.85/26.14", respectively.
So, yes, your car will sit .3" in front and .5" in the rear. Really small difference if you ask me. you won't notice any diff when driving. But yes, it will decrease the fender gap. should look a lot better, but of course, you can always lower the car on stock bolts to get rid of the fender gap...

i don't know how this is possible either. Where did you read this? With stock wheels, it is not possible to rub. My car is lowered fairly aggressively, i had 345 nitto nt05R and there was no rubbing whatsoever. tons of people on this forum go to 345 as well, with zero issues.

Translator

I read it on the last page or so if that huge thread announcing the release of the new Michelin Super Sports.

AzDave47

My Nitto NT05's, rear 335/30-19 rub occasionally at the top of the fender well on the inside. The rub occurs from the inner 1" of tread surface, not the sidewall. The car is stock and stock ride height with only Bilstein Sport shocks as suspension mod in the rear. My NT-05 295/35/18 front's rub lightly in several places as well

The rub is minor and I do not anticipate it will create any problem, but I have ordered the Pilot SuperSports in the stock 18/19 sizes since I will use those tires at the Mojave Mile and the Silver State shootout where it is more important not to have rub than to get ultimate grip as on a road circuit. I'll continue to use the NT-05's on road circuits (mounted on stock Spider Comp Gray wheels).

Translator

See what I mean. Some report issues with wider tires, and others do not.

1 BAD BURB

wow, thats wierd... of all my friends with Z06's, i have not heard of one having issues... maybe raise the car up a lil bit?

AzDave47

My car rides 1/4" higher than stock with the NT-05's (I like the reduced scraping of the spoiler on the street). My HPDE driving (Instructor) is very aggressive, but smooth, which may be why I get rub and others haven't. With the minor rub in back, I don't worry about it on road circuits, but doing 173+ at Mojave Mile and looking to run in the higher speed classes in the Silver State, I want to eliminate all tire to body contact with the PSS which will become my everyday street tires. My next set of NT-05's will be 285/35-18 and another set of 335/30-19 if I stay with street tires for the track.

A448PO

Hello guys!

Now i have 345 PS2 rear and i want buy new front! What size are best for stock front wheels? 285 or 295?