Tires

[ringleader]

: I'm considering buying the Firestone Firehawk SZ50EP for my 1990. Any feedback will be appreciated.

[WhalePirot]

check Tire Rack comment section for more input.

http://www.tirerack.com/survey/Surve...rehawk+SZ50+EP

Not a lot of Corvette owner comments. Firestone has been rather low in my book and now that Bridgestone (Japan) owns the company, it is no higher. My experience with Bridgestone has not been too pleasant.

I review comments on Tire Rack and temper them with how things are stated and on what car the tires are mounted. I compare the various DOT ratings, too. Surely, softer rubber sticks better than hard, but wears out faster. Some commments posted indicate that some drivers haven't quite made that connection.

At least they're not too pricey! might be worth a try! Hell, Ken likes 'em!
mike

[Ken]

I'm runnin' them. I like 'em.

[Edmond]

I did all four last fall and I love them. They're quiet and they give you extremely good traction in dry or wet weather.

[Eagle85C4]

I am on my second set....got a set of 255/50/16's that was on the car for a bit less then 3000 miles when I changed to a set of 275/40/17's...great tires, quiet and stick to the road like glue.
As for tire wear....I am amazed that these tires wear so well....3000 miles and they still look like brand new.
Initally after the fiasco with the SUV tires... I was a bit standoffish about Firestone but after seeing the remarks at tire rack about the SZ-50's I bought a set....and have been extremely pleased. So I bought another set....

[vms4evr]

I just finally worn out my SZ50s after 30K mi. They are great tires. They run just as strong in the wet as they do in the dry. Not sure about the EP variation. Mine were the original SZ50s. I have no complaints other than when it is really cold out they are like rocks until you get them warmed up. This is pretty much true of most performance tires anyway.
Graham

[Crash89]

Just put a set on my '96 LT1 and am extermely happy. I was a bit leery at first but look at who's running at Indy! That should tell you something.

[jsinga]

I've just about worn out the set of SZ50 on my 87.
When new they were GREAT in the rain.
They have a smooth ride and handle tight.
They are made in Japan.
The only reason I won't put them back on is price. I have read some good reviews on Kumho and they are $50 cheaper at tirerack. Even considering the difference I might get another set.

JS

[Crash89]

Every seemingly "knowlegeable" tire person I talked to told me to stay away from Kuhmos. I read the reviews and was going to get a set until the doubts set in. No matter what kind of tire you get for a 'Vette, its a large chunk o' change yer layin' down. I guess the peace of mind was worth the extra $50.00

[ltcdad]

I'm riding on Kumho ECSTA tires and they're great (in my opinion). I'm no "tire expert" but the ride is good, noise is unexpectedly low and the grip is phenominal. I'm driving on stock wheels for my '88, I bought the tires (255-50-16) from a local dealer because by the time I paid the $84+ each and shipping at Tirerack.com and then paid someone locally to mount and balance I was at the same price the local guy wanted for the tires mounted and balanced ($115 ea).

The vette's my daily driver and the Kumhos are working out very well.

Everyone has their own opinion and no one's wrong as long as they're happy with what they've got!!!

Dave