Chevrolet Corvette Tires and Wheels

Kirstie_H · June 2006

I just traded my 1991 Vette for a 2002 Vette and the thing I have noticed is a lot of road noise with this car. I was just wondering if the run flat tires are the reason for the sound. All of the C5 cars that I drove had the same sound. Is there a tire to replace the ones on my car with that are not so loud?

arizona99 · June 2006

It's not so much a sound but a pulsating in the pedal when I apply the brakes. Thanks for your input.
Mike

starrow68 · June 2006

I'm going to give you the C5 common wisdom without any technical data, which I don't have. The run-flats are felt by most people to be too noisy, I switched to Michelin from the stock GY's and they are just a bit quieter. Then again when I drive around CA most tires seem noisy but when I cross the border into NV and am not on really new concrete everything is quieter too. Seems the roads make a big difference. I also run a set of Z06 wheels with non-RF Kumho's on my coupe for track days and they are not as noisy as the GY's but probably no better than the Michelin's. Having riden in several C5's, to tell the truth, the more people spend on tries the quieter they seem to feel they are, but I'm not sure there is a lot of difference. Also, since I'm lazy and don't like putting the cargo panels back into the rear of the coupe I drive with them out and that makes for lots of noise, they do help. There is a sound deadening material that I've read about that some use to good effect, and I'm betting just a pad/blanket in the rear would help as well.
Randy

starrow68 · June 2006

Interesting thing about brake pulsating, read a technical article, don't know where, that rotors don't warp. The gist of the issue was that pads put down uneven material layers on the rotor which you feel as pulses. The reasons can be as varied as setting the parking brake when the rotors are hot, like at a track day, to even leaving a washed car to sit a couple days and having the pad deposit some material due to moisture. If you search on some of the bigger brake company sites for info you might find more, like Brembo, or Stop Tech, etc.

volvomax · June 2006

I've got Michelin PS@'s on my C5, noise levels aren't too bad.
Of course, I don't remember my C4 as being all that quiet either!

gbjerke · June 2006

Boy, the "pulsating" you refer to sure sounds like warped rotors. Believe you indicated earlier that the rotors were replaced...both front and rear?
Only other thing I can think of because of the "pulsating" issue is an ABS problem. Have never heard of anyone having a problem with the ABS module but???
I take it you feel nothing thru the steering wheel?
Guess if I were you, I'd do a couple hard stops wherein you activate the ABS. Cannot offer you any technical reasons why I would do this except frustration and the possibility that the ABS sensor would "re-set" itself.
Did this "pulsating" per chance begin after you had to make a hard stop and the ABS was activated?
Can't remember from your original post but did you replace the pads along with the rotors?
Also, I believe you indicated the rotors were new. Were they possibly turned and reinstalled? Manufacturors have specs for minimal thickness of rotors and they can usually survive being turned once.
Post answers to above and I'll check with some Vette gurus and get their input.

motorhead1 · June 2006

I just bought a 2002 Vette with 29k miles on it and it needs rear tires. I have looked at many kinds of tires with run flat and non run flat brands. I really do not like Goodyear brand but if I just replace the rear I think I need to keep the same brand on the back as the front. What about putting non run flats on, has anyone out there had much trouble by going that way. There seems to be more brands to choose from in non run flat than run flat.

starrow68 · June 2006

I have a set of Michelin run-flats that I run when not on track and a set of Z06 wheels with Kumho MX Hi-Performance non-run-flats that I use driving to and from events as well as on track. I like the Kumho's enough that I run with them between events if I have less than about 3 weeks to the next one. That resulted in my running the Kumho's from late December until a week after Memorial Day since I did so many on track events. I have had nails in the Kumho's on 3 occasions as well and all three were very slow leaks, I check the pressure a lot since the Z06 wheels do not have pressure sensors and caught it quickly in all cases, I've never been stranded, yet. Kind of depends on where you drive, if you get into less traveled parking lots, etc., I'd stick to run-flats but if you can keep it on a main route to a freeway and then not get off the beaten path, the non-rf's seem to be pretty good.

motorhead1 · June 2006

I only drive the car on weekends and on major roads. I worry about getting on the interstate 300k from home and having a flat with non run flat tires. I have found out that you can buy 4 run flat Kumhos for the price of 2 Goodyears. The front tires have a lot of life left on them so I might just buy 2 Goodyears for the rear.

russo_z · July 2006

If you're looking for safety go with the run flats, if you want performance go with the good year's. The run flats tend to me a much a harder rubber then the non run flats resulting in less performance.

johnevette · August 2006

I had A pulsating problem. with my 97 vette, i changed out all four rotors and replaced with the acdelco drilled slotted dura stop rotors and brake pads, it was gone, but it squeaked alot! so i got the Hawk HPS pads, steel brake lines, and it stop on a dime with change! is it both sides?
maybe you need new calipers? check out Ebay pick up the zo6 caliperss they work great, but i think there the same, just red.
good luck,
johnevette

bobwiley · February 2007

Just bought an 01 "loaded" black coupe with only 13,644 miles---it is "showroom" new. And, ss a "1st" time Vette owner, I was wondering what replacement tires are being used in lieu of the Goodyear Run Flats? The Goodyear's are both very noisy and expensive. I have about 75% tread left; however, the tires are going on 7 years old and I worry about deterioration. I've heard about folks using high performance non-run flats--but--I worry about having a flat in some remote place. Guess there's always a couple of cans of Fix-A-Flat! Appreciate any input and there's nothing like the shear exhilaration of WYAIF--wrapping your a-- in fiberglass!
Bob

vettever · February 2007

Welcome to the world of obsessed Corvette owners! I have an 02 ZO6 with 15000 miles and run Kumho Estasa non run flats. The ZO6 does not come with run flats from GM but rather a tire sealant and little compressor. Also no pressure sensors because the sealant will ruin them. If you don't care about the pressure monitors fix a flat works fine. A pluging kit and compressor won't ruin your sensors and may be the best way to go. Keep in mind any plug or fix a flat is only a tempory repair and the tire needs to be repaired by a tire shop. Not every tire shop will have a machine to mount run flats as the sidewalls are extremely stiff in order to support the car without any air. There are other brands of run flats a little less expensive than Goodyears and non run flats are pretty pricey as well. I guess the best thing would be to leave the traction control "on" all the time and conserve the rubber but lets face it, we just can't keep our foot outta the throttle! Anyway, have fun with your Vette and be sure to wave at every one of us you see!Joe.

bobwiley · February 2007

Joe-thanks for the info. I've read about Kumho's and I can buy the ECSTA MX XRP's (run flats) for about $750--Goodyear's are over $1,500!! From what I've read, the Kumho's are quieter,ride better and offer about the same tread life. Don't want to be "cheap"--but---at 1/2 price I can have 2 sets of Kumho's for every set of Goodyear's. Michelin's are about $1,200. I only believe in one "pressure monitor" and that's manually checking the tire pressure (cold) at least once a month. I've thought about non-run flats and tire sealant--I didn't know it ruined the sensors. I'll have to re-think that one. But, how often do you get a flat? I wondering if maybe the best bet isn't to use non-run flats and carry a couple of cans of Fix A Flat? I have some time to think about that as the tires are still about 70%. I haven't turned off the Trac Control--yet--getting uded to the "rocket!" I had a 55 Chrysler 300---it would fly after ya got it rolling and a 66 Buick GS--that was a mover---but--the Vette--what a machine--I just turned 63--who says mid-life crisis--what mid-life crisis--I'm like a teenager the car is so much fun and really draws the looks. the wife loves the car also and is anxious to give her a try! WYAIF--the ONLY way to go!
Bob

starrow68 · February 2007

My 2002 coupe has two sets of wheels, one with Michelin Run
Flats and the other set, Z06 size has Kumho MX tires for the
track. I say that the Kumho's are supposed to come off when
I'm not going to be on track for a few weeks but it goes
much longer than that at times. I've had a few nails and
been very lucky that it became a slow leak and I check
pressures a lot so I caught it each time without getting
stopped on the road. Either approach works but some day I
may be waiting for AAA to get me to a tire shop. If I did
not run track and used the car for touring I would keep the
run flats all the time.
Randy

bobwiley · February 2007

Thanks Randy. I'd thought about getting a spare set of rims front & rear rims and mounting the current Goodyear's and then switch them I want to go out to play! You're probably right, better safe with run flats than waiting for my roadside service,
Bob

2infiniti · February 2007

Bob: I too just purchased a perfect 2001 loaded and with the original tires. The tread is fine but the noise is awful. I am cheap otherwise I would have bought a C-6 (which was easily affordable but this C-5 is great) so naturally I explored all tire options. Tire sensors are only $40 but the safety factor is important so it looks like I am going to go with the KUMHO ECSTA MX XRP, but I did just learn that Yokohama came out with a run-flat the AVS Sport. I have not yet priced them. Based on all my research unless the Yokohama offers better pricing it will be the KUMHO. Other than Tire Rack the best price I found was @ Discount Tire. Anyone else have any thoughts? Rob

bobwiley · February 2007

Thanks Rob: My tread is about 70-75%--so i have a while before buying replacements. I can't see spending big $$$ for Goodyear's when I can buy the Kumho's for 1/2 the price and the reviews all say the Kumho's are just as good as the Goodyear's and quieter. One reviewer had over 25,000 miles on his Kumho's--not sure how much tread was left as he didn't say--but--25-30K seems like the normal life expectancy. I got a local price here at Lake of the Ozarks of $162 for the 245/45ZR/17's and $205 for the 275/40ZR/18's. Price at TireRack was $142 and $236 respectively--so its a wash and I have a local dealer if something goes wrong. You can read the reviews at Tire Rack. One guy said he'd be damned if he'll put Korean tires on his Vette---mmmmmmm seems like we were saying a few years ago--- "I'll be damned if I'll have a Japanese car!!" Let us know how the Kumho's work out!
Bob

richbf2 · February 2007

what is your average gas mil. on you Vette out there? (manual or auto.) please advise. On paper, it says 28 hgway, but i highly doubt it. This means that the Vette is more gas-efficient than the Z or even the new 07 G35 sedan. :confuse: Please advise. thanks

bobwiley · February 2007

richf2: Bought my 01 Coupe in January and drove it back from Chicago to Missouri, just over 425 miles. Stayed at 70 MPH on I55 and there were very strong and gusting southwesterly winds that day. Computer said I got 25.8, calculator said 25.3--I was pleased as I certainly didn't buy the Vette for gas mileage! Next phase of the trip, 2 lane roads, mainly 65 MPH, and, of course as many " exhilaration" 20-70" runs as safely possible. Hey, I was like a "kid in a candy store"--what a machine!! I still managed over 24 MPG. I've heard of 28-30 MPG--but--I suspect that's few and far between. I'll take 24+ MPG anytime and still know I have a "rocket" anytime I need it! Wife's Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited "struggles" to get 20 MPG higway and that's with a 4 liter straight 6! No, I'm very happy and I imagine with "careful" driving--you could get 26+MPG--but--what sense does it make to have a Vette and expect it act like a Corolla? With all the fun the Vette provides---heck--I'd be happy with 15 MPG+! Remember--WYAIF--Wrap Your A-- In Fiberglass---nothing is more fun!!
Bob

bobwiley · February 2007

Sorry--forgot to say mine is an "auto--uggh"--only because the wife refuses to drive a stick.
Bob

2infiniti · February 2007

At 75 MPH I am turning just over 1400 RPM in 6th gear and getting about 34 MPG. In town I average just over 20 (provided Ikeep my foot out of it which isnt easy) and on the highway just about 31. And this is actual not what the mileage computer says. however the mileage computer on the Corvette is the best of any of 4 other vehicles I own. That said, I didnt buy it for mileage. try an k& N air filter, it upped my mileage about 2 on the C-5, about 4 on my Infiniti I-35 and nothing on my Durango Hemi.

starrow68 · February 2007

My C5 Z51 6sp is doing just 68/69 at 1500 rpms and if I keep it below that close to the speed limit it gets over 30mpg, about 31.5. But it takes long trips at that steady state to over come any romps on the gas or road side stops and getting back up to speed. It is an amazing touring car as I've now driven with my wife back from picking up two Vettes in Laurel, MT (01 and 04) doing an easy 1400 miles in three or four days. Great way to break in a new car.
Randy

2infiniti · March 2007

OK: I have decided to go with Run-flats. I was going to go with Michelin Pilot Sport AS/ZP but some have said their gas mileage dropped dramatically. Has anyone out there had any experience with the Michelins on a C-5 vs OEM Goodyears?

thanks

starrow68 · March 2007

The only difference to make to the mpg is with the right
foot. I have Michelin run-flats on my C5, when I take off
the track tires and I get the same mileage as my OEM GYs. As
a matter of fact, my Michelins are quieter than the OEM GYs
on the wifes C5, look better and I like the grip better. Running
my Z06 size wheels with 275/295s really spoils me
for going back to stock C5 size tires. That is unless you
want to drift some and enjoy the oversteer

.
Randy

2infiniti · May 2007

I bought the Michelin AS Pilot sport. Discount Tire even beat Costco on price. They are much better than the original Eagles. No gas mileage difference between the Michelins and the Good Years. They are much quieter, rides smoother and hooks-up as opposed as going sideways when you stand on it with the traction control off. These are so much nicer that they were worth the cost even if they wear no better than the Eagles.

jiminthehills · May 2007

If you don't mind, where and how much did you spend to get the Kumho's in the sizes that fit a C5 Z06? I can't find any more selection than OEM Goodyear's, Michelin's, or Firestone's.

Mine is a 2004 and I believe the sizes are P265/40ZR17 front and P295/35ZR18 rear (both non-run flats).....

starrow68 · May 2007

The Kumho MX tires I run are 275/17 fronts and 295/18 rears
they don't have a 265/17. I price them at Tire Rack and
then go to America's Tire/Discount Tire store locally and
they match the price. Since it used to be about $10 per
tire to ship from Tire Rack, they add that to the price and
then charge for installation. Very good deal.

Those are on 9.5 front and 10.5 rear wheels. I'm also aware
of guys that run 295 tires on stock 9.5/18 wheels.
Randy

jiminthehills · May 2007

I just visited the Kumho site and, yea, I can't find a 265/17 either.

Sounds like you have the stock-size Z06 C5 wheels. Do you notice any problems running the 275's on the front around town (I know you like these on the track...)?

Any drawbacks you would like to comment?

starrow68 · May 2007

I have no issues with the non-run-flat Kumho's for daily
driving. Matter of fact my run-flat Michelin's have been
in the garage for over 6 months, sitting. After running a
wider tire you get spoiled with the grip, I've even had the
Active Handling come on in the wife's C5 coupe on stock
tires a couple times, expecting more grip than the stock
size tire provides. Running the Z06 wheels on a coupe is
also very nice.
Randy

jiminthehills · May 2007

Nice analysis and comments. My fear is that the 275's will rub somewhere they are not supposed to, thus increasing their wear...no issues with this? How about reduced turning radius?

starrow68 · May 2007

The only place I get a rub is on the after market brake duct
in the front with the 275's, I think it is ACI model. If I
didn't have that, there is no rubbing. I know people at the
track that run up to 305s in the front without rubbing issues.
No issues with turning radius either.
Randy

jiminthehills · May 2007

That's great info, thanks. Makes you wonder why Chevy spec'ed a 265 in the first place if there's no drawback to the 275's, doesn't it? Maybe it's cost, excessive resistence during parking maneuvers, or extra tram-lining on the freeway grooves w/ the extra width, but usually there is some-sort of a drawback with going wider....it's nice to be able to discuss these issues with someone like you who has been there. These Forums are a great help.

starrow68 · May 2007

As for following the grooves on the freeway, the bigger tire
does it more than the smaller. Pays to keep good grip on
the steering wheel, which from time on the track I some
times have a pretty loose grip, more relaxed driving than I
used to be. Another thing to remember where there is wet
conditions, I have hydroplaned at 65 on the stock 245s in
the coupe, very deep conditions in a big down pour, but with
the 275s I'm pretty slow when any rain is falling. Not bad
if the road is just wet after a rain.
Also, presumably I get less MPG with wider face of the
tire to the line of travel for wind resistance. Then again
on the way back from Reno-Fernley Raceway last Sunday I
reset the mileage computer as I left the track and when I
got home it was at 31.7mpg. That was after stopping to fill
up in Reno and then putting in 6.5gals to top off at home.
That puts it at about 31mpg. Well, not bad after it was
reading 7.4mpg on track

.
Randy

jiminthehills · May 2007

That's excellent mileage, in spite of the 275's! I appreciate the thoughts....

My mileage back from Vegas to (So Cal) was 27.7 (could it be the LS6 engine explaining it?). That was also by putting it in neutral on some of the steeper down-grades, pushing 80 mph and having to do some braking to avoid over-running some folks. Leaving it in gear and using engine-braking seemed to see the mileage drop from 99.9 to the 40's and 50's on those freeway stretches.

I guess RPM kills mileage, even if it's 1900 RPM vs 750, w/ a closed throttle.....

ruking1 · May 2007

Since the Z06 gearing is app 10% lower than the normal Corvette, it probably can be attributed to that.

jiminthehills · May 2007

ruking - good point. I discussed mileage a little more over on the Vette MPG thread....meet me over there, as I would love to hear what your experiences are in your Z06.....

bobwiley · November 2007

Just put Michelin Pilot A/S ZP's on my 01 Vette coupe with 19K miles. WOW---what a difference from the "concrete" overpriced Goodyear's. So much quieter and I thought I was driving a new sedan it was so smooth. I tried all 3 of the Select Ride features and what a difference. Yes, I'm a Michelin fan and now more so based on price and performance. Paid $1,172 after a $50 Michelin Rebate. Check them out and if you can find a Vette with them, drive it and feel the difference for yourself. I do not "smoke" the tires and only 19K miles on a set of $1,600 Goodyear's in unacceptable. Hope this helps. Bob

tedebear · November 2007

If those Goodyears were the originals on an 01 vehicle it was time to change them anyway, regardless of the miles. Tires start turning into hockey pucks as they age.

starrow68 · November 2007

Thing about tire mileage is the driver counts. I can't say
how long mine last since I track the car at road courses and
burn up track tires in about 750 track miles. However, on
the wife's '04 coupe, she is still on the OEM GY's at 23k,
but I'm just about to change them for the Michelin's before
we get into wet part of winter.
Randy

bust_it · March 2009

I have a 2007 LS2 and have had problems with both front tires wearing inside edges only, down to the fiber with excellent tread showing from the center out. Local dealership replaced the two front tires and realigned the car and I am still having the same problem. Was wondering if anyone else was having similar issues. I am running Goodyear run-flats :mad:

okko1 · March 2009

sounds like a camber issue i will check my spec and see if change would help. as light as the car is rapid tire wear would be unusual. :shades:

bust_it · April 2009

Hey! 05 corvette , My local Goodyear dealer told me yesterday that Goodyear was running a special on several different tires including the run flats ! This is in Kentucky , He said 40 dlrs less on front and back ! Might want to check out your local dealer and see ! ! ! Bust_it

rt2009 · April 2009

I am experiencing the same problem. Front inside uneven wear to the cord. 16K miles on a Z06. Did the local dealer replace and realign under warranty? I can't get my dealer to budge. Did you find out if it was a camber issue?

bust_it · April 2009

Hey ! I think I may have just sent you an e-mail . But Factory settings are too aggressive and when someone buy`s` a vette the dealer should ask how hard you plan to drive it ! And if you want to drive 70mph around a curve Factory Settings are what you want , but if you want to just cruise old lady settings are what you want ! I had my car set to the old lady settings and switched my fronts from side to side putting the smooth edges on the inside and the worn edges on the outside and am waiting to see what happenes and switching left to right this way won`t change direction ! But I`m sure you understand the tires must be switched from rim to rim ! And I have complained to Chevrolet and they said they would make me happy ! Good Look ! bust-it !

bust_it · April 2009

Right now Goodyear I was told by my local dealer had a special on some tires and he called me to let me know and this was 30 plus dlrs. per tire ! And tires on my car were one of the ones on special ! bust-it !

newvibebuyer · May 2009

The factory Goodyears on my 02 Vette Convertible were so badly cupped at 15,000 miles that I replaced them with Michelin run-flats - Michelin Pilot Sport A/S ZP (Zero Pressure) - front and rear. Amazingly quiet, and they provide great handling. My brother ('01 Convertible) put the same tires on his and also thinks they are great. I think the current model is called the Pilot Sport A/S Plus ZP. And the best thing - the Michelins were over $100 per tire cheaper when compared to the factory Goodyears.

bust_it · October 2009

I have some bugs in my headlights and don`t know how they got there , but there in there and I`ve got to get them OUT ! Anyone help ! ! !

bust_it · October 2009

Hey ! I don`t remember the old lady tire alignment that someone on here gave me . So can someone put the settings for driving from New York to wherever for long distance driving on here again ! Please ! !

drs6 · November 2009

I have a 2010 Vette ordered & want to replace the tires on it with some really quiet when it comes in. Any sugestions?

rayainsw · November 2009

Congrats.
Based on anecdotal evidence
[ posts elsewhere ]
seeking equivalent performance but
quieter & better ride,
I would have replaced the tires on my 2007
with Michelin Pilot Sport Run-Flats...

If you do not want RF tires,
most any other tire will be both
smoother riding & quieter than OEM.
Just my 0.02 gallons worth....
Enjoy!
- Ray
Ex-C6 driver...

Chevrolet Corvette Tires and Wheels

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