RskyBns

My Firehawks are down to slicks and don't want the OEM Goodyears.....what are all of my other choices?

DocToss

Were you not real happy with the firestones, or just looking for other options. I have finally saved my money for a new set of runflats, and I think I will get the bridgestones, but I am still wavering between them and the firestones or kuhmos.

StArrow68

I know the Michelins are more expensive but I've had good luck with other cars and now with track wheels and tires I just use the run flats for the street. Tire rack has lots of good info to compare specs.

leadfoot4

I would be a little wary of the Firestones. Many people here have used them on their Corvettes with good results, so when my wife's Jaguar needed new tires, I bought a set of them for her. So far, the tires perform quite well.

The problem? Shortly after installing them on her car, I found out that Firestone has dropped that tire from it's line in all sizes EXCEPT for the stock Corvette sizes. In my situation, if I happed to damage a tire, and need just one, I'm SOL.

This, in turn, could extend to the Corvette tires also. So, unless a lot of Corvette owners buy the Firestones, those sizes will probably disappear too. Then you'll be stuck if you need only one or two. Many Corvette owners don't put a lot of miles on their cars annually, so tires generally last several years. This situation could then become a problem.

I'm not implying that it's a bad tire, just a marketing problem. I'm sure that the Ford Explorer fiasco had some impact in this situation, as Firestone's reputation has taken some heat lately.

0Luke@tirerack

this list of runflat tires in order

#1.) Firestone SZ50 EP RFT
#2.) Yokohama AVS Sport RNFLT
#3.) Michelin Pilot Sport A/S
#4.) Kumho Ecsta MX XRP (if you can get them)
#5.) Bridgestone Potenza RE050
#6.) Dunlop SP Sport 01 DSST
#7.) anything but the Goodyears which would be number 87 or so ...

on a second note the Firehawk SZ50 EP RFT is not going to be discontinued and has proven to be the best overall tire for a C5 in recent years and the Ford Explorer problem of a few years ago was more of a Ford issue than a Firestone issue


[Modified by Luke@tirerack, 7:40 AM 5/22/2004]

DocToss

Thanks Luke,Is this also your ranking in quality.My brother works for firestone, and he is keen on the bridgestone. Are there that many differences, or is it mostly personal preference with the top tires? Thanks, Tom

0Luke@tirerack

it's some opinion based but, mostly factual based .... when comparing the Firehawk SZ50 to the RE050 both in the runflat construction it breaks down like this

Best ride quality = SZ50
Best Dry Performance = SZ50
Best Wet Performance = SZ50
Best wear = SZ50
Best Initial turn in = RE050
Best Price = SZ50


while the RE050 is one of Bridgstones newest tires so, far is has proven to be a disappointment in all of out testing .....


just compare the UTQG ratings

SZ = 340 AA A
RE050 = 140 A A

I do really like Bridgestones in most cases but, in this comparison they fall well short of the level of the SZ50 EP



[Modified by Luke@tirerack, 3:11 PM 5/21/2004]

DocToss

Thanks, Luke. You the man.

DocToss

I called the local firestone dealer to check on the firestone firehawk runflat prices, and he said they have been discontinued. Now what kind to get?

SafetyAgentMan

I just ordered the Yokohama AVS Sport RNFLT for $1,175.00. Now I need to find a good place around San Jose to install them.

charliesc5

i like the michelin AS ZP.

MNCrystalRed2011

I'd skip the local dealer and go with the Tire Rack. You will find the price + shipping from Tire Rack will be much less than the local dealer. I have purchased a lot of tires from them over the years and will continue to do so.

Lancer033

I've had those since last fall and really liked them until I went to the track with them. On the street, they are a great tire

SafetyAgentMan

I spoke with Luke this week and found him well informed and very helpful, but I don't see how buying tires on-line saves you any money. I just called the local Wheel Works and asked how much they would charge to mount and balance 4 new EMT tires. They quoted me $100.00. I also asked how much they would charge for 4 new Yokohama AVS Sport tires for my C5, including mounting, balancing, valve stems, tire disposal and 8.25 CA sales tax. Guess what, it was $29.00 less than what Luke quoted me and I still had to find someone to install them. I did order from another on-line tire dealer for $129.00 less than what Luke quoted, but today found out I could have gotten the same deal locally and had free tire rotation (N/A for C5) and free rebalance for the life of the tires. In my case I don't see how buying online makes any sense.

SafetyAgentMan

I don't plan on going on the track, but what disappointed you about them? I don't think runflats were meant for the track.

leadfoot4

Safety, sometimes you get lucky, and find a local tire dealer that's price competitive. Most of do not...

RskyBns

Thanks for all the advice everyone.

I ended up going with the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Zero-Pressure.

I think they handle much better than the Firehawks and are also a more comfortable ride. I have also had the Goodyear EMT's which are crap. I have since put a few hundred miles on the new Michelins and I doubt that I will switch to a different tire after these wear down. A bit more pricey, but worth it.

Don't get me wrong, the Firehawks are a great tire...but just after the comparison....The Michelin's are better in my book. I have used all three tires for street, highway, and road racing through the canyons now. And all of these tires have been used as daily drivers. Still...Michelin is best in my book.

Cheers...

DocToss

Thanks, am ordering the michelins today.

F16 1UB

And this is why I like to read the replies. Legitimate, at least they seem to be, honest answers.

Thanks :flag

0Luke@tirerack

Doc Toss ... your local firestone dealer needs to do his home work a little better ... he will find that the run-flat SZ50 EP is not being discontinued ....