Gatorback replacements?

[Hoosier66]

My '87 has Goodyear Gatorbacks on it and the Z-51 suspension too.

Although these tires only have 20K miles on them or so, the shocks too, there is still a considerable amount of tread on them, they are about 12 years old. The tires are actually in pretty good shape because the car is garaged with a cover, no rot that I can detect, and I've pretty much avoided fowl weather. The car has 51K actual miles put on solely by me.

When the time comes, and it's coming soon, what would be a good replacement tire for this suspension setup?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Mr. Lucky]

I'm no expert on C4 tire recommendations, but...
Since Gatorbacks are (apparently) no longer made in the '87 Z51 size, you might want to consider upgrading to later year 17" rims first. It would greatly expand your options as far as available tires (+probably improve handling).

References:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Sizes.jsp?make=Goodyear&model=Eagle+ZR+Gatorback
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/tech/c4/susp_chart.html


P.S. You might want to also ask this question in C4 General.

 

[Patrick]

Hoosier66,
Since this is a question about you '87, I'm going to move this thread to the C4 Technical & Performance Forum.


-Patrick

 

[c4cruiser]

Being 12 years old, I would seriously consider tossing them before one of them comes apart. Check this out: http://www.komo1000news.com/consumertip/story.asp?ID=37837The variety of 255/50-16 tires is dwindling, but there are still some decent tires out there that will easily outperform the comparitevly old technology GatorBacks.

If you go to The Tire Rack website and use their Search By Tire Size page: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/SearchTires.jsp and plug in 255/50-16 you will get a list of some very good tires. One of the best in that result is the Kumho Ecsta Supra 712. It's a great street tire that will handle some autocross use and the price is tremendous for what you get.

Going to a 17" wheel opens up a whole new range of possibilities in high performance tires in a 275/40ZR-15 size, but because the 84-87 cars had a different wheel offset (38mm) as compared to the 56mm offset of the 88-96 wheels, you would need a wheel with the correct offset (AFS Wheels has them) or get 88 and later OEM wheels and use adapters. Adapters are fine for general street use, but I would not recommend them for high-speed use like track days.

 

[Hoosier66]

Sorry, Patrick, must of not had my glasses on

 

[Hoosier66]

I had adapters on my VW bus, , way back when, C4cruiser. Never again, under any circumstances would I ever consider them, especially on a Corvette.

 

[WhalePirot]

After you search through the myriad of posts here, about tires, I'd spend some time reading the TireRack feedback, while trying to judge the author's similarity to one's self.

I ran exclusively Gators, until my last set of BFGs, which are now old and slippery, despite adequate tread. My next set will be Goodyear, again, the only remaining American tire company, with supporting commentary, here, by a member near the 'inside'. It'll be a cold day in h*** before I put Korean made anything on my Vette, as I've seen their quality for years.

 

[Hoosier66]

I've been investigating C4cruiser's recommedations about 17" wheels, unfortunately I do not like the AFS wheels. I will keep looking because it looks like that will be the only way to get a decent tire. The Goodyear F1 CS-D3 looks like that will fit my driving habits, the tricky part will be talking my wife into new wheels. ad I like the wheels that I have already, they're not all beat up and they are paid for.

 

[WhalePirot]

The Goodyear F1 CS-D3 looks like that will fit my driving habits.

My choice, also. Take your time and watch for a steal on some good used wheels.

 

[Moonunit 451]

I've been investigating C4cruiser's recommedations about 17" wheels, unfortunately I do not like the AFS wheels. I will keep looking because it looks like that will be the only way to get a decent tire. The Goodyear F1 CS-D3 looks like that will fit my driving habits, the tricky part will be talking my wife into new wheels. ad I like the wheels that I have already, they're not all beat up and they are paid for.

I have some Dunlop SP 8000's that only have about 5,000 mi on them. I had (have them) on my 86 16's. I changed to the AFS 17's with the GS D3's, which are FANTASTIC, but the Dunlops were qiuit good.

I'm willing to dismount them and ship them for a fair price if you're interested

 

[Hoosier66]

Thanks for the offer but I think I will pass for now. I am still working(convincing my wife) on the new 17" wheels so I can get new F1's.

 

[WhalePirot]

I am still working(convincing my wife) on the new 17" wheels so I can get new F1's.

I wonder what he'll have to buy her? :L