Tires, directional or not?

[livinez]

Need to replace the mismatched skins that came on my recently purchased 85. Put directional Bridgestones on my last car (97 Miada STO) and loved both the wet & dry weather traction. But didnt like the way they followed grooves and ruts. Wasnt bad with that light car, but really dont like to think what this much larger footprint and car might be like.
I really don't need the latest greatest in preformance. Just really need excellent wet grip and average dry weather and mileage results.

After reading reviews sounds like the Kumho ECSTA Supra 712's are a great directional in wet and all other situations. I have had good luck with BFG Comp TA's in the past and feel that I would go that route again if you folks had good luck with them on your Corvettes.

So please share you yeas and nahs with this newbie before He spends his hard earned bucks,
Thanks, TC

 

[vee93]

TC,
I've been really pleased with my BFG g-Force T/A KDWs!!! Running 285/40ZR17s front and back. The front tires will be replaced with 275/40ZR17s in the near future. I don't want to go the stock 255s-just a matter of taste. The tires stick like glue and are really quiet compared to some others I've tried. I was even able to order them on the cheap from a local Wal-Mart of all places (no, they did not put them on) and I saved a bundle compared to tire specialty shops.

 

[livinez]

another can of worms(lack of knowledge)

Is using different widths on my stock 16" rims.
Thanks for your input Vee93, I will check into that model of BFG's.
I have a steep learning curve ahead on this my 1st vette,
lots of small and large projects to get it to peak preformance!
But new tires are a must very soon!
Will probably stay with stock sizes to keep it simple and not smoke my noggins CPU (I have such limited capacity betwwen my ears)
Anyone else have good experience with other brands?

 

[TAC]

Consider Firestone Firehawks. Probably more expensive than most but have excellent water handling. They seem to be quiter than my old GSCs too.

 

[barefootskier]

TC,
I have had very good luck with my Michelin Pilot 285/40ZR17's.
And the Michelin name is not alsways big bucks. I searched online and the cheapest I found them for was $304 each, but then checked around at local tire stores and found a company that had 50 of them in their warehouse. Since the C5 tires are the faster selling tires, they were happy to sell them at cost to me, $147 each! They handle well, last set lasted me 50,000 miles, but they are a harder tire than the stock Goodyears that came on the car and ride harder than other tires. The Goodyears only lasted 30k miles. As far as traction on wet roads, I really cant say, it only rains about 10 days in San Diego, Ca.

 

[livinez]

Thanks again

Seemings how we ride around in the same mud puddle(puget sound basin):eyerole your experience carries weight. Havent considered the firehawks but will definately give them a long look.
Do you know of a good injector service in the SeaTac area? Mine appear to be due for attention.
Have heard only good about the pilots and will see what the prices are in my area.

 

[TAC]

Sorry...don't have any info on injector servicing. Try calling Blood Enterprises in Auburn and see if they have a recommendation. They did some dyno tuning for me. Don't have the phone # but should be easy for you to track down.

 

[LT4man]

Try WitchHunter.com for injector cleaning. They are located in Bothell, WA.
I just put a set of Goodyear F1 GS D3's on my CE. They are absolutely the best tires that I have ever had in my life. They are quiet, grip in the wet like nobody's business and dry traction is unbelieveable! I bought them at Just Tires for the same price that Tire Rack sells them. And for $18 per tire, I have a free lifetime replacement if they fall apart. When buying a big ticket item (like we Vette lovers do on a daily basis) almost every vendor I have ever dealt with will give you a better deal than Joe Schmoe that comes in off the street. Just ask! Good Luck!

 

[livinez]

Thannnk You Itman!

Reasonable prices for quality work it looks like!
Unfortunately those gr8 tires arent in my size and the vette budget is getting tight, so no bigger wheels for those.
The tire shopping is put on hold while I pull the motor and do a rering and bearing job. Got to pull it to replace a leaking freeze on back of block so will freshen it up.
Waiting for my OBD1 tool to arrived before I unhook anything to get the codes.
While shes on blocks I'll have tires done while the drive train gets inspected and freshened up too..
Heck, I'm putting off returning to the working world to get my latest girl up to snuff!
Loved the Windy City when I used to truck you flowers. Want to come back as a tourist!
Thanks again folks! TC

 

[scorp508]

I am also running the F1 GS-D3 and it is everything I could of asked for and more.

Dry driving
Wet driving
Autocross
Drag racing

These things just own all other oncomers.