C5 Shocks/Tires

[G WIZ]

Just purchased bilstein shocks for my 99. Anyone have any positive/negative feedback on these shocks? I am also considering Nitto (non runflat) tires all the way around. There is over a one hundred dollar difference in one rear tire between the nitto and the eagle F1 supercar tire (non runflat) which is the other tire I was considering. Anybody out there who really knows tires think there is that much of a difference between these tires. I do not race but I do have an aggressive driving style and I like hitting 90 degree turns hard and fast. I think the best time in a vette is coming out of the apex of a turn. Thank God for traction control. It has saved this rookie driver numerous times. Anyway, how bout the tires/shocks? Anyone know?

 

[6 Shooter]

I'm sure non-runflat tires are superior for performance driving than runflats but I've kept the runflats on ours for the long drives we take.

As far as the bilstein shocks, our C5 has the Z51 option and I like the way it handles. I don't know if the C5 Z51 option used bilstein shocks or not. I know my 96 LT4 with the Z51 option had bilstein shocks and they were great.

How many miles do you have on your 99?

Later . . . . . .
6 Shooter

 

[G WIZ]

I just turned 42K and you can definately tell the ride is going downhill because of the need for both shocks and tires. I will hold off on the tires for as long as possible and try to maximize my tread because they are so expensive. The nittos are a great price alternative, but I want to make sure they are a good alternative in quality.

 

[bluecoupe]

I've heard great things about 2004 Z06 Shocks (Made by Sachs). I am switching my Z51 shocks for these. I hope it reduces the rough ride without sacrificing handling.

note: Bilsteins come in two flavors for the C5; HD or SP (sport).

 

[c4c5specialist]

Hi there,
04 Z shocks are very good and provide great control with less ride harshness when driving on the highway.
As far as tires go, I love the P/S 2 by Michelin. Sticky, wear well and not alot of road noise.
Allthebest, c4c5

 

[G WIZ]

Okay, thanks for the info. I will check out the michelins that you mentioned. I did not know that the bilsteins came in two flavors for the C5. I already ordered mine and not sure which is coming. I had bilsteins installed on an 85 vette a few years ago and they made a real difference.

 

[Bioscache2]

Hi there,
04 Z shocks are very good and provide great control with less ride harshness when driving on the highway.
As far as tires go, I love the P/S 2 by Michelin. Sticky, wear well and not alot of road noise.
Allthebest, c4c5

Tire rack doesn't list the front tire for the Corvette as available for the P/S 2. Can another size be used or does Tire Rack just not use it?

Also how many miles would you expect the P/S 2 to go for?

 

[bluecoupe]

Tire rack doesn't list the front tire for the Corvette as available for the P/S 2. Can another size be used or does Tire Rack just not use it?

Also how many miles would you expect the P/S 2 to go for?

If you switch to Z06 (size) wheels they have PS2s that fit:
Front: 265/40YR17
Rear: 295/35YR18

Call Tirerack for more info

 

[Bioscache2]

If you switch to Z06 (size) wheels they have PS2s that fit:
Front: 265/40YR17
Rear: 295/35YR18

Call Tirerack for more info

But will those tires fit a stock C5 without getting a tub kit?

 

[G WIZ]

I was told by a salesperson at discount tire that they would fit the stock rim. Does anyone know if this is accurate? ie. a Z06 tire (295 rear) will fit a non Z06 C5 rim. ?? Anyone?

 

[bluecoupe]

But will those tires fit a stock C5 without getting a tub kit?

They will fit without tubbing. You should get the (active handling/ABS) computer flashed for the Z06 size tires. I have also heard that some people have replace a rubber bumper or cushion on the suspension and others have not.

Here's an "old" article on changing the tires/wheels:
http://www.vetteweb.com/features/0204vet_wheelfragments/

 

[Bioscache2]

Does anyone know how long a set of P/S 2's would last on a corvette?

 

[The Drakester]

Does anyone know how long a set of P/S 2's would last on a corvette?

Until you wear them out!

Not to be facetious, but that answer is good for any tire- I have PS on my BMW and they are wearing well but I think they are noisy.

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
I do agree that with any tire, come maintenance to keep them at their best.
I have seen 25k out of a set of PS2s with NO TRACK driving.
Others have seen 15k with track driving.
It will all depend on how much your drive agressively and maintain your tires.
Allthebest, c4c5