This was originally posted in C6 General but it was pointed out that I may get better responses here.
Ok so I'm looking for new tires but I can't decide which way to go here is some info about my driving habits and my car:
I drive around 50 miles a day
I occasionally Auto-X
I have the Z51 package and have enjoyed the SuperCar tires
I've thought about staying with the OEM setup and just replacing the SuperCars. I've also considered upgrading to the Michelin PilotSport PS2 ZP tires. But then again I could save some money and get better tread life by switching to the Firehawks. I'm just so confused by my many options. So help me Corvette Forum! What is everyone driving on here?
Just went thru the same exercise myself & like you, have the Z51 option on my '05 vert. Liked the handling of the Supercars, but HATED the harsh ride & high level of road noise. Did a bunch of research & finally chose the Nitto Invo's. Have them on for two weeks & about 1200 miles & am TOTALLY pleased. Got everything I wanted....traction, cornering & handling of the GY's (maybe somewhat better), much less harshness & much less road noise.....like going over expansion joints on a higway doesn't rattle my teeth anymore. Highly recommended. I got them, along with Cray wheels from Jason at Corvette-Wheels.com. Great price & very pleased with his service. The Invo's are non-runflat, but I'm willing to deal with that....I carry a plug kit & small pump.
The Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 ZP, which is a runflat tire, is without doubt the best tire for a C6. It is the first tire I have ever driven which can out perform it's non-runflat counter part. 1 of the many reasons it is such a fantastic tire, and arguably the most important, is the fact that it was specifically engineered to work with the C6 chassis dynamics. After winning the ZR1 OE tire contract Michelin set out to redesign a specific PS2 ZP for each chassis which came from the factory with runflat tires. So, the version for the C5 is different than the version for the C6 which is different than the version for the ZR1 (look for a C6 Z06 version later this year). By doing this they were able to mate the tires characteristics with the cars characteristics. This allowed them to achieve performance levels not seen before from runflat tires. It's not hype the tire is THAT good.
call me directly or use this LINK for more info or to place your order
Last edited by Luke@tirerack; 06-10-2009 at 03:40 PM.
What are your thoughts about the comment regarding the PS2 ZPs and the fact that they are so tacky that they pick up rocks and other road debris?
"The Michelin PS2 ZP tire provided by Chevrolet for the Corvette ZR1 is very sticky - so sticky it picks up every pebble and piece of sand on the road - I would not recommend this tire if you want to avoid paint damage on the side of your C6 Corvette - it may get a good grip for 638HP but the beating the body side paint takes is not worth it - only consider this tire if you drive on very clean streets or you don't care about rock chips - as soon as the rear tire size 335/25/20 is available in another tire I will remove these PS2 Michelins"
Nitto INVO's are hands down the best value / performance tire on the market. The PS2 runflats are completely overpriced. I carry both... but I call it like it is... "some" vendors (who do not carry Nitto) will not tell you that you will get the same performance, with longer life, a quieter ride, just as good, if not better traction for HUNDREDS of dollars less. (carry a Continental Comfort Inflation kit for $79 for peace of mind)
We have the lowest prices on any of the brands mentioned. PM is for a quote.
Much like most if not all industry experts I don't beleieve the Invo's are in the same class as the PS2's as far as performance have any data or facts to make that claim
Last edited by Luke@tirerack; 06-11-2009 at 02:45 PM.
Nitto INVO's are hands down the best value / performance tire on the market. The PS2 runflats are completely overpriced. I carry both... but I call it like it is....
Quote:
Originally Posted by corvette-wheels.com
See... i didn't even have to mention any names.
ok
Last edited by Luke@tirerack; 06-11-2009 at 05:14 PM.
Much like most if not all industry experts I don't beleieve the Invo's are in the same class as the PS2's as far as performance have any data or facts to make that claim
Are you claiming to be an "expert" because Tirerack allows you to answer some forum threads? Does your business card have that title on it?
They both have a 220 Treadware rating, A Traction, A Temperature, and Z Speed rating. Ask anyone who has had both, (myself included on a 2008 C6Z06) and they will say that the INVO lasts a little longer (in most cases) and is much quieter. All things considered, for the price, its a better choice. There are many threads here on the CF - based on real world feedback / drivers (not claimed "industry experts") that proves my point to be 100% accurate. Not to mention the "Run Flat" that we were originally discussing for comparison purposes, has 9/32 tread vs. 10/32 on the INVO.
rather than anecdotal internet postings I think I will let the FACTS speak for themselves
"FACTS" are exactly that! "real world" results. I personally don't care what an ad published by a manufacturer trying to sell their tires says, or what a paid-for, positive magazine article says... if I drive the same tire, the same way... and one is better in the rain, better launching, quieter, and longer life, and $400 less... than guess what? -- it is what it is my friend.
Vendors are all here to earn a living, and supply great products, to a great community of enthusiasts. Attempting to beat me up over my opinion is simply a waste of your time... kind of like watching grass grow.
Prospective Buyer:
If money isn't an object, your an enthusiastic driver, you compete and/or race for fun, and a few less milliseconds around a ring is worth it to you... by all means, spend the extra few hundred dollars and get the tire that the "industry experts" claim is the better performing tire.
We make the same profit, regardless of what tire you choose. I would be happy to sell anyone, any tire they want for that matter. But when a forum member asks for advice, and we give it based on our opinions --- as experienced everyday Corvette / Z06 drivers... please be logical enough to make an informed decision from someone that isn't biased to a brand that we carry over another one that we do not.
I don't have any experience with the Michelins, but I do have Nitto Invos and recommend them enthusiastically. Best drag strip time with GY RFs was 12.74. A week later went back with Invos and ran a 12.50. Two tenths quicker with just a change of tire. In addition they ride better and are much quieter. Only draw back is they're not run flats. For me it didn't matter because my car is a weekend play thing that doesn't get used that much.
The carnage would suggest a Great Forum Battle has taken place on this land in recent history
I was able to muster up a 1.89 short time and a 12.35et on the stock GY F1's. It took a quick 2nd gear burnout, lots of practice slip the clutch the 1st 20-30 ft, and picking the "better lane". Actually my 12.3 pass I had a 1.97 short time. On the 1.89 60' pass, I miss 3rd and ran a 12.40 somthing. I'm convinced that woulda been my 12.2 pass... but it never happened
I'm also lookiing for tires on my Z51...but I absolutely won't consider anything but runflats. It's a no-brainer to me why anyone would chance damaging their rim with a flat and experiencing the total inconvenience of being stranded on or off the road without a spare. Driving off the side of the road in a Corvette is probably NOT an option on most roads where I live. I'm not happy with the 16,000 miles of treadwear on my F1 Supercar tires, especially considering the replacement cost. Some say I've been lucky to get that many miles...
I'm also lookiing for tires on my Z51...but I absolutely won't consider anything but runflats. It's a no-brainer to me why anyone would chance damaging their rim with a flat and experiencing the total inconvenience of being stranded on or off the road without a spare. Driving off the side of the road in a Corvette is probably NOT an option on most roads where I live. I'm not happy with the 16,000 miles of treadwear on my F1 Supercar tires, especially considering the replacement cost. Some say I've been lucky to get that many miles...
I would say your very lucky to have 16k mi. on your Runflats, yes.
You can get an inflation kit that will allow you to drive 50 miles / 50 mph just as a run flat allows... yes, it may ruin a $45 sensor, but that's a lot cheaper than the $400-500 more that run flat typically run... and you'll get a MUCH better ride, better grip, better in the rain... etc... just my $.02
Corvette Store
Time to replace my GY SuperCars
