What tires are you running and why?

**toomuchtorque** · 02-12-08, 06:32 PM

Hey guys. I bought my 02 Z06 last November and am now looking for tires. This car has about 430 rwhp, so I'm thinking of running 275s in the front and 315/30/18s in the rear (on stock rims), to manage the extra power. My biggest concerns are tread life and cornering ability (for the canyons).

What tire do you think provides the best balance of treadwear, handling, and cost? Does anybody know if the larger tires will have any adverse effects on cornering? I'm willing to spend up to around 1,300, but I would prefer to spend less.

Also, has anybody tried the Firehawk Wide Ovals? Their super low price makes them so temping...

Thanks a lot!

**s'noJob** · 02-13-08, 05:18 AM

Michelin Pilot Sport PS2

Based on the recommendation of my tire dealer.

s'noJob

**Phil** · 02-13-08, 12:30 PM

I've got the Firestone Firehawk Wide Ovals on mine. The tires came with the car, so I can't offer a comparison comments, but I have no complaints about them either.

**bowtie911** · 02-13-08, 01:45 PM

I run BFG's Comp T/A KDW's on all my cars, my Z has the KDW2's on it. I find that they are better on wet surfaces, they give better ride, grip better on corners and they are quieter. Of course this all my opinion. I drove the Z to California and back a couple years ago and loved it.

**TAC** · 02-13-08, 01:46 PM

Originally Posted by toomuchtorque

Hey guys. I bought my 02 Z06 last November and am now looking for tires. This car has about 430 rwhp, so I'm thinking of running 275s in the front and 315/30/18s in the rear (on stock rims), to manage the extra power. My biggest concerns are tread life and cornering ability (for the canyons).

What tire do you think provides the best balance of treadwear, handling, and cost? Does anybody know if the larger tires will have any adverse effects on cornering? I'm willing to spend up to around 1,300, but I would prefer to spend less.

Also, has anybody tried the Firehawk Wide Ovals? They're super low price makes them so temping...

Thanks a lot!

I run Wide Ovals for everyday driving and road trips. I swith to GY SCs for autocross and track events. The Wide Ovals are much better in rain (and rare snow) and are quieter but definitely don't stick as well as the SCs. I wouldn't hesitate to buy Wide Ovals again but if you truly want to compete, you need a stickier tire. I run stock sizes.

**bwing** · 02-14-08, 10:18 PM

I installed Michelin Pilot Sport PS2's. They ride alot quieter and smoother in my opinion than the OEM Good Year's. I upgraded my wheels to 18" and 19" running 275/35x18 front and 305/30x19 rear. No problems with clearance and I lowered mine using the stock bolts. Corners like a slot car.

**napacruzerC5** · 02-16-08, 09:59 PM

I run the Kumho MX tires because a friend was selling his z06 repros with almost new Kumhos for $600. My Gy GS-D3s were all worn out and would have cost over $1200 to replace.

**gmjunkie** · 02-20-08, 07:45 AM

Originally Posted by Phil

I've got the Firestone Firehawk Wide Ovals on mine. The tires came with the car, so I can't offer a comparison comments, but I have no complaints about them either.

Thats what I run on my Z06,I run Kumho ASX all-seasons on my 03 Z-51!! I have no complaints on either,They beat the Heck out of the stock Goodyear!! I have over 34,000 miles on the Kumho's on the 03 and it don't Rumble,Rides Smooth,Don't Hydroplane and I can hear the Stereo!!!

**Remo** · 02-20-08, 08:07 AM

Hey guys,

I'm not a Z06 owner but mine is pretty fast just the same. I went with the KDW-2's for a variety of reasons. They're quieter than the Goodyears, they stick like crazy, they work very well in wet conditions, many sizes to choose from and they're priced right. I've got about 6k on them now and they're terrific.
Remo

**toomuchtorque** · 02-20-08, 10:23 PM

Originally Posted by Remo

Hey guys,

I'm not a Z06 owner but mine is pretty fast just the same. I went with the KDW-2's for a variety of reasons. They're quieter than the Goodyears, they stick like crazy, they work very well in wet conditions, many sizes to choose from and they're priced right. I've got about 6k on them now and they're terrific.
Remo

Hey how wide are your rims and what size are the tires? With 450 to the wheels, I'm guessing you've got significantly wider rims and tires...

**Remo** · 02-21-08, 09:22 AM

Originally Posted by toomuchtorque

Hey how wide are your rims and what size are the tires? With 450 to the wheels, I'm guessing you've got significantly wider rims and tires...

Front wheels are 18x9.5 and rears are 18x10.5. Tires are 265/40 front and 285/40 rear.

Remo

**EVIL TWIN** · 02-21-08, 11:37 AM

Originally Posted by Remo

Front wheels are 18x9.5 and rears are 18x10.5. Tires are 265/40 front and 285/40 rear.

Remo

Whats the largest tires I can put on my 04 Z06 ?? Looking for a a little more height and definetly width !!!. Currently running an old set of Firestones that need to be replaced !!

**Remo** · 02-21-08, 12:07 PM

Originally Posted by offshore241

Whats the largest tires I can put on my 04 Z06 ?? Looking for a a little more height and definetly width !!!. Currently running an old set of Firestones that need to be replaced !!

offshore241,

I'm not an authority on this subject, but I know that many C5 guys run 305's on 10.5" wide rims. Once you get wider than that you have to be careful about rubbing issues on the inside. But as I say there's lot's of guys running 305/35/18's without problems.

Remo