Runing EMT tires without EMT option

[Pavarotti]

I might get a set of GoodYear EMT tires (runflats) at a very good price. I have a 1993 Coup without the EMT option. I cant se how but is there any problems running those tires without the option??

 

[DRTH VTR]

The risk is that you will have a tire with no pressure and not be able to tell. Is that worse than underinflated non-EMT tires? I could argue either way, but I am no expert.

 

[LT4man]

I had run-flats on my '94 and '96. I could tell if the tire was low. You just get used to how they should look.

I had the tire pressure sensor system. I do not think the system actually helped me much. In fact, the system went on the blink and was not able to be repaired for a couple of years. Chevy did not have a handle on the issue.

SAVE THE WAVE!

 

[Pavarotti]

Thats pretty much what i am thinking. I have to check my tire pressure often which i do any way. Or run those valve caps with pressure indicators.

And are the EMT´s really so hard that i am not going to tell the difference?

 

[LT4man]

Thats pretty much what i am thinking. I have to check my tire pressure often which i do any way. Or run those valve caps with pressure indicators.

And are the EMT´s really so hard that i am not going to tell the difference?

Who told you that? otfl

I had them on two Vettes. I NEVER bought a new set when they wore out!

The sidewall HAS to be stiffer. They have to be able to run in a completely flat state and allow the driver to control the vehicle. The stiffness of the sidewall allows the tire to do that and not come off the rim.

SAVE THE WAVE!

 

[Tuna]

The GoodYear EMT's in GS-C or F1-GS have really stiff side walls. On a C4, even with the base suspension, you will feel the difference in the tires - they will be harsher. You will also notice a quicker steering response just off center as the stiffer side walls react quicker to steering input. They will not handle as good at max performance as non-runflats though.

I had the LTPWS on my 92 and decided to put GSC EMTs on it many years ago - I couldn't wait until those things wore out.

In many cases, depending on the persons ability to know and feel their car, it will be very difficult to tell if an EMT is going flat without the tire pressure system installed. Most tire dealers will not install EMTs on a car without the tire pressure sensors installed - liability issues, etc.

The EMT tire is compatible with any existing wheel in the correct size.

IMO, putting early EMT's (GSC or F1 GS EMT) on a C4 are not a good idea - especially not a good idea if the tire pressure warning system is not also installed.

Michelin and others make runflats that had softer side walls and they work really well. Some have 50 mile limits with no air. The early GY EMTs have 200 mile limits with no air. The new GY F1 GS2 and SC EMT (C6 tires) are a 100 mile tires. They are much better for ride, handling and noise. I don't know if they come in C4 sizes though.

BTW, all my cars have runflats - all are new generation tires in either Michelin or GY, all have tire pressure warning systems and they all work.

 

[Pavarotti]

Thanks for this info, it was pretty much what i expected but it is always good to hear it from other people.



I understand the drawbacks with running EMT tires without EMT sensors. For the discussion, say i can live with that. How does GY EMT compare to budget tires, like for instance Hankook Ventus?

How would you rate the Goodyear Eagle GSC EMT versus budget tires regarding wet and dry traction, wear, noise?

 

[Tuna]

I have no experience with budget tires. It's either GY or Michelin on my my cars for now.

For noise, dry and wet traction and wear on a C4, I'd recommend the GY F1 D3. I had them on my old 92 when I sold it and they are really good.

The GSC EMT does not have the greatest dry traction but it performs very well in the wet - with reasonable tread still on them. When new, they are not very noisy but as they wear, they get very noisy. Much more so than other tires. With heat cycles, they get harder = noisier and harsher.