Toque

Guys:

While researching new tires for my 04 Z06 (When it comes time to get new tires) , I found an interesting fact between the Michelin Pilot Sport times and the Goodyear Eagle Supercar tires.

Comparing only stock Z06 tire sizes below... (tirerack.com)

1.) Goodyear = 8/32nd tread depth, Michelin = 10/32 tread depth
Might get better tire life from Michelin...

2.) Both are rated at 220 AA A tread wear. Both should wear at the same rate.

3.) Rear Goodyear = 33lbs / Front Goodyear = 29lbs
Rear Michelin = 30lbs / Front Michelin = 26lbs
That equates to 12lbs total reduction of rotating mass on the wheels !!

4.) Rear Goodyear = $295 / Front Goodyear = $253
Rear Michelin = $354 / Front Michelin = $249

What I take from this is that the Michelin tires would last longer (assuming my driving habits stay the same )and would help to reduce rotating mass ! I might feel weight reduction. It would just cost me $102 more to buy the Michelin tires than the Goodyears.

Your thoughts ?

Is anyone running the Michelin Pilot Sports in the factory Z06 sizes ?
How do you find they compare ?

Toque

Twil1ght

Never tried them on my Z...

I raced on them for a couple of seasons. One thing I will say about Michelin tires is the traction is outstanding and the wet grip is incredible. However, when they break lose on you - good luck. In the words of a world champion, "traction, traction, traction... SPIT!"

LTC Z06

They are good tires. The reason for the reduced tread depth is the same reason racers shave tires. A tall tread block "wiggles" under hard cornering and braking. I went form the F1 to Toyos and went to the track, it was a big difference, I didn't like the Toyos for the track until they had considerable wear on them.

Also, I added this post and your info to #18 of the FAQ sticky.

Toque

But for a casual driver such as myself.... I might not notice that right?

Toque

LTC Z06

No you would not, on the street I could tell no difference between the Toyos and F1s.

TAC

Not true. The tread wear rating is a comparison internal to the company's own tires. A 220 for GY does not mean per se that it will wear the same as a 220 for Michelin.

dwjz06

I think the 220 is supposed to be a standard.
Here is what the Tire Rack says:
Treadwear Grades

UTQG Treadwear Grades are based on actual road use in which the test tire is run in a vehicle convoy along with standardized Course Monitoring Tires. The vehicle repeatedly runs a prescribed 400-mile test loop in West Texas for a total of 7,200 miles. The vehicle can have its alignment set, air pressure checked and tires rotated every 800 miles. The test tire's and the Monitoring Tire's wear are measured during and at the conclusion of the test. The tire manufacturers then assign a Treadwear Grade based on the observed wear rates. The Course Monitoring Tire is assigned a grade and the test tire receives a grade indicating its relative treadwear. A grade of 100 would indicate that the tire tread would last as long as the test tire, 200 would indicate the tread would last twice as long, 300 would indicate three times as long, etc.

The problem with UTQG Treadwear Grades is that they are open to some interpretation on the part of the tire manufacturer because they are assigned after the tire has only experienced a little treadwear as it runs the 7,200 miles. This means that the tire manufacturers need to extrapolate their raw wear data when they are assigning Treadwear Grades, and that their grades can to some extent reflect how conservative or optimistic their marketing department is. Typically, comparing the Treadwear Grades of tire lines within a single brand is somewhat helpful, while attempting to compare the grades between different brands is not as helpful.

So the above statement while true everyone drives there cars differently, and your milage may vary on treadware anyway so get the tire that works for your type of driving.

DWS'03Z

I have the Pilot Sports on my Z and love them.....much quieter tire, and handles wet roads with no worries......

prospero63

Replied on z06vette, but I'll repeat it here. I'm getting ready to slap some Michelin Pilot Sport PS2's on mine. Going with 275 front, 315 rear. Looking forward to seeing how they handle. I've got a road trip planned for labor day, and if I remember I'll come back and post results.

AFVETTE

I like this possibility? I just checked Tire Rack and they will fit a 10.5" wheel width. If I keep the Z these will be my next tires. I had Michelins on my 99 and loved them.

Tom

ryanc440

One of our club member is running 315 Pilots on his rear wheels and he loves them. He said the grip is much better, he had less wheel hop at the strip and they are quieter than the SC.