Florida Mike

So I hear alot of guys saying they ditched their RFs to gain a better ride and less noise. My Goodyears are ready to be replaced but I am one of those paranoid types that worries about driving without a spare or RFs. We travel alot in the car and I am the type who brings along almost every tool AND the shop manual! (But I would like a better and more quiet ride)

So if I rid myself of RFs what can I do to make myself feel better about not having tire trouble on the road with no spare? Or do I just rely on AAA and worry less? (And maybe I do worry too much as in 25 years of driving, I have only ever had one blowout and two flats)

Help me out with a decision.... RFs or not?

blacksedan87

If you are totally paranoid - there are aftermarket extended mobility tires that will give you a better and quieter ride than you've experienced with the OEM Goodyear EMT's.

Michelin and others make extended mobility tires, the biggest difference is the distance in which you would be able to drive with zero air pressure in the tire.

The Goodyear EMT is the only tire certified for 200 miles with no air. Most of the others say their tires can go no more than 50 miles.

Here's an interesting article that de-bunks some of the myths about the Goodyears and explains the differences between brands.....

http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...Run+Flat+Facts

Florida Mike

Thanks Blacksedan...going to go read that right now.

Oldvetter

Did you know that Goodyear OEM Runflats get 3 mpg better mileage than non-runflats and at least 2 mpg better than other runflats?

Despite the "bad press", they DO handle great (better than Goodyear GS-D3s according to the magazine Corvette Enthusiac) and look great (mainly due to their being the widest tire in that size, the 275s are wider than the ZO6's stock 295s). No doubt they accelerate (hook up) worse and ride worse than non-runflats. They also last a long time for a performance tire (long tread life).

bucwheat

Better mileage? Mine stayed the same.

Lancejoker

I got the same or better mileage with non runflats. Though I run mine at 32psi and not 30.

Mr.Bill

No run flats here..
Do I worry about a flat....No.
Here is what I always carry in the car..
1. Z06 pump kit.
2. Tire plug kit.
3. small 4 way tire wrench.
4. A small sissor jack.
5. AAA.
6. Cell Phone.
I think if I was to get a flat I would have it covered unless the tire is trashed.
and all this fits in the center cubby...lol

Hall1836

Ride in someone's car who has switched to non-runflat tires, you will not believe the difference. I switched to Toyo's and the radio can be heard with out raising the volumne so much that the sound is distorted. You can also have a conversation with someone in the car without yelling. Still somewhat worried about having a flat but will address that when it happens. Think about it, before having runflats did you worry about flats, and did you always check the air in your spare.?

jrprich

I would like to hear a review from someone that switched from Michelin Run FLats to non run flats to see how big a difference this switch is.

1998whitecoupe-a4

I'm sticking with RF's - bad ride or not.

If you travel frequently in a Vette why would you not want run flats?

dobewillie

if I was twenty years younger Id trash my rfs

Mr.Bill

I do a lot of road trips and can't see myself running run flats, I would be crazy the first 300 miles on run flats...

rwsr50

In the 3 years and only 7,000 miles I've had the car, I've had 2 flats. I'm sticking with runflats, and like the tread wear, width, and looks of the OEM's better than any.

Hammer99

Have you driven a C5 with non-runflats? I mean a decent test drive?

jrprich

Wondering if all the anti RF posters have only experienced the OEM Goodyear RFs ?

Not all RFs ride or handle the same. Many tire manuf. now offer RFs in many different configurations.

Mr.Bill

Ouch That sucks, I am knocking on wood, 2 years 20,000 miles no flats

doug doo wop

I put Michelins RF on both of mine and they are great, sooo much better then the GY.

1998whitecoupe-a4

Can't say I have, but I like the peace of mind the run flats give, also I did not buy a Vette for it's ride quality, I bought one cause it's fast and now even faster

TomNMacon

3 sets of rears, two sets of fronts of the GS-D3s. In no way can the RFs compare to these tires. Mine is a DD. When I had RFs it was loud and very slippery. You never knew when they would let loose. The GS-D3s are quiet and have very good grip. Not the longest lasting tires, but for a DD in the rain and all season long, a very, very, good tire.
If you are scared that one day (tomorrow, next week, one year, during the life of the tire) you might get a flat, then stick with the run flats. If you want to experience what these cars are capable of, and talk to your passenger without yelling, get some non RFs.
There is a reason GM didn't put these on the Z06!!!!

AntsSilverC5

After burning up my rears (hard driving, and some drag racing) and eventually the fronts, I ditched the OEM run flats for Goodyear supercars (285 rears) and for BFGoodrich G-Force Sport (fronts). I can say that every aspect of performance has improved in my car, (ride, noise, handling, grip, less rotating weight, not to mention about half the price). I do however, carry a small pump and slime (yes I know it can mess up the tire and even the tire pressure sensor for long term, but probably wouldnt care in an emergency). I've been lucky and only had one flat the entire 20k miles Ive had my car and that was when I DID have my runflats lol. I have been on two road trips (700 and 850 miles each, roundtrip) non runflats and no problems (knock on wood). Another thing, I don't feel as guilty burning rubber in non-runflats as I do in the runflats (my wallet doesn't hurt as much) My new set of Yokohama's on the new CCW rims I'm getting delivered next week are also non-runflat (and a lot thicker than stock too)