Tire Recommendations

[ssesny]

I am a new corvette owner, purchased a 2002 convertible at the end of October 2006 so haven't had the opportunity to drive it too much (yet). I am interested in replacing the tires, currently have the original Goodyear run flats (very hard ride) and I'm thinking of replacing them with the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S ZP's. Does anyone have any experince with these or any suggestions for other replacements?

Thanks,

Steve

[JT-C6]

I did the exact move you are contemplating on my ex-C5. The Michelin Pilot Sport Zero Pressures were quieter and provided better traction on wet and dry surfaces.

[Mike Campbell]

I'd suggest Nitto 555's. I put them on my C5 & was very pleased with them. They're half the price, had great traction & wore extremely well.;yn

[ssesny]

Thanks for the feedback

[LLPavorsky]

You and I have the same car so I'll tell you my tire experience. I also started with "Run Craps" and almost lost a tooth everytime you hit a bump, not to mention the your ears are ringing after a long trip. Went to Kumho MX's for about 10,000miles and were very happy with them. Sticky and strickly Good weather tires, don't want to get caught in the rain with them. Also were reasonably priced. I have sinced moved on to Michelin Pilot Sports NON run flat and its like a dream come true. They are great tires in every respect. Ride quality, noise, traction etc. Only one drawback, They are pricey but I believe they are the best. So it depends on if your car is an everyday, nice weather only, or a weekend crusier. If you can spend the bucks Michelins are the way to go. JMHO.

[Bill Burkholder]

I agree with Lee... I have Michelin Pilot PS-2's and they are very quiet tires. In cold weather they do need to warm up before you plant the throttle. They corner well (ask Glenn) and don't bounce when you hit a bump.

[JT-C6]

I even saw an improvement in "bump steer" switching from the Goodyear runflats to the Michelin Pilot Sport runflats. If you want the security of a runflat tire, you have the choice of the Michelin, Kumho, and Firestone products. I found Michelin to be quite an improvement.

If you are comfortable with not having runflats, you have tons of choices. Carry a plug kit and a 12V air pump and hope you can avoid the road hazards. Lots of people have dumped the runflats. I still don't have the stomach for it, but I'm sure the ride is a lot nicer.

[ssesny]

You folks are great...your comments, suggestions and experience are very much appreciated. It's nice to know that you can draw upon the knowledge base of this group...especially for a novice

Thanks
Steve

[ssesny]

Folks, I put the Michelin Pilot Sport Zero Pressures tires on last week and what a difference...track well, much smoother ride and reduced noise. I was so glad to get the Goodyear "Fred Flintstones" tires off. I think my car is happier too. Thanks for your recommendations.

Steve

[Jack]

I have a 98, run flats were horrible, got rid of them at 6,000 miles. Replaced with michelin pilots that are still on the car at 43,000 miles, lots of touring miles. There is no comparison in the ride and handling, let alone the noise. A totally different car. With the addition of Z-06 sway bars and an aggressive street alignment, car rides on rails. I have the select ride option, so the shocks can be tuned to the conditions, best of both worlds. i do not worry about a flat, not enough to put up with those horrible run flats, last time I had a real flat was in 1984 in my minivan and a piece of angle iron on I95.