Run flat tires
 

Other than waiting for a tow truck, what problems do you run into when you don't have run flat tires on?

None.

:iagree: Ive been running non runflats for about five years now with no problems so far.

Zero.

Permagrin from being able to take corners confidently.

:iagree: X2= O

Of course those of us running UHP or MP RFs do that but we don't wait on the tow truck.

If RFs are so bad, why would Chevrolet put them on their hottest performer the ZR1?

Because there is no spare?
Unless runflats have drasticly improved the last few years, they are the single largest improvement available to a corvette owner (getting rid of them i mean).

Not at all, C5 Z06 did not come with RFs, you get a patch kit and a can of Flat Repair.

C6 ZR1 has Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 ZPs, which is the MP category.

I currently run Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus ZPs (UHP) and have never had my vehicle telegraph a bad feeling in a very tight turn. Heck I comfortably will make a tight 90° turn and accelerate hard on a wet road and it never gives one bit. Just solid traction.

I would gather they have improved considerably the A/S Plus was re-introduced last September and the PS2 ZP released last September. So they are latest technology tires.

Data on those two compliments of TireRack:

Pilot Sport PS2 ZP

The Pilot Sport PS2 ZP (Zero Pressure) is Michelin’s Max Performance Summer run-flat tire developed for selected performance sedans and sports cars. Initially introduced as Original Equipment (O.E.) on BMW 3 series sport package cars, the Pilot Sport PS2 ZP has recently expanded its O.E. applications to include Michelin’s first Corvette fitment on the highest performing production supercar in Chevrolet’s history, the 2009 Corvette ZR1. The Pilot Sport PS2 ZP is designed to combine world class dry road traction, handling and cornering, however it is not intended to be driven in near-freezing temperatures, through snow or on ice.

The Pilot Sport PS2 ZP molds an advanced tread rubber compound into an asymmetric tread design featuring Michelin’s Variable Contact Patch to keep more tread rubber on the road during a variety of maneuvers. The tread design features large outboard shoulder blocks and continuous intermediate and center ribs to provide a solid connection to the ground for control during cornering, braking and acceleration in dry conditions. The tread design also features wide circumferential grooves and lateral notches that help channel water through the footprint to enhance wet road traction. The tire’s internal structure includes two steel cord belts that are further reinforced by size-optimized, spirally wound polyamide to improve steering response and resistance to distortion while enhancing ride quality and high-speed durability. Pilot Sport PS2 ZP tires incorporate Michelin's newest generation of run-flat technology including a heavy-duty rayon carcass reinforced by rubber zero pressure sidewall inserts.

Pilot Sport A/S Plus ZP

The Pilot Sport A/S Plus ZP (Zero Pressure) is the Ultra High Performance All-Season run-flat tire member of Michelin''s Pilot family of low profile, high-speed tires. Developed in the Original Equipment (O.E.) sizes for Chevrolet Corvette C-5 and C-6 coupe and convertible sports cars, the Pilot Sport A/S Plus ZP is designed to temporarily support the weight of the car even after a loss of air pressure, as well as combine enhanced all-weather performance, wet grip and treadwear along with year-round traction, including in light snow.

The Pilot Sport A/S Plus ZP features Michelin’s TriFusion Compound that molds three different tread compounds side-by-side using the precise capabilities of Michelin’s “C3M” tire manufacturing process. The tread compound in both shoulders improves dry handling, the compound used between the shoulders and center rib enhances wet, snow and cold weather traction while the compound used in the center rib boosts wet traction. These three compounds are molded into a directional tread design (shared with earlier Pilot Sport A/S ZP tires) that features a continuous circumferential center rib (to provide communicative road feel and reduce noise on dry roads), high angle directional tread blocks (to sharpen steering response and dry road handling) along with circumferential and high angle lateral grooves (to resist hydroplaning and enhance wet traction). The tire’s internal structure includes two high-tensile, lightweight steel cord belts under the tread area reinforced with Michelin’s “Filament At Zero” (FAZ) technology that spirally wraps an individual strand of polyamide across the entire tread (similar to the way fishing line is wound onto a fishing reel) to increase treadwear and ride comfort while providing high-speed durability and predictable handling. Pilot Sport A/S Plus ZP tires feature reinforced sidewalls that are designed to temporarily support the weight of the car even after a loss of air pressure.

The only thing i have to compare with are the Goodyear runflats I had on my car and now the BFG KDW I have now, night and day performance. However being fair to the tires the Goodyears were 4 years old when replaced probably a bit hard and not too much tread left on em, and the KDW's were so new they made the whole garage smell of new rubber for about a week after I get em.
Oh and the Goodyears were noisy as heck on roads that were picture perfect smooth.

Don't know if it will make you feel any better, but my new Malibu Hybrid doesn't have a spare tire or a jack. The real bad news is it doesn't have run craps either. Guess what my first set of tires will be.

Yes I can concur with you on the GY F1 EMTs, my original set from the factory was useless around 14K. Of course to be fair we should compare only brand new sets of tires. Unfortunately it is a little difficult to do since in most cases we are replacing a worn set with a fresh new set.

When I drove off the lot from Discount Tire with the new Michelin's it was as if I just got a brand new car, it handled so differently. Since then I've been through the first set of Michelin's and am now starting on the second set of A/S Plus the second generation of that tire.

zero----- plus runflats are too expensive (goodyear) that is .Anyway 2 flat tires in 40 years of driving I don't worry about flat tires
:thumbs:

Nope.






And Im a firm believer in running runflats (Michelins), but thats not what you asked :thumbs:

No problems with running non runflats and probably will perform better.

I have been running on Non-Rf's(BFG KD's, now Nitto's.) since I have had my C5 - 98...
I have had two flats, both I fixed. Search the other cuent post for my tool kit, etc.
I take the C5 into the mountains, including Death Valley where there is no cell coverage, and have an extensive repair kit, including a jack to ensure I can at least fix most issues. One flat was in my garage, the other in my work's parking lot. Not bad to fix, but filthy to do. AAA onlycomesout to pu on a spare, not patch your tire.
However, I just put Michelin RF Sports on the C6 and can say the technology has improved quite a bit.
Chances are very high I will replace he current Nitto's with the Michelin RF's.

Really no other drawback other than what you mention. As long as you are prepared for the potential flat tire hassle, non-runflats are a good option.

:iagree:

Carry a tire plugging kit, and a small 12 volt air compressor.

This may be a dumb question, but what does MP and UHP stand for??

:iagree::iagree::iagree:

That's what I do too, I love the quiet ride from my non run flats!!!:cheers:

Maximum Performance and Ultra High Performance.

MPs are the highest rated tire.

I am getting ready to order the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S plus ZP from Discount Tire Direct....they will be replacing the OE GY Runflats.....I am anticipating a nice difference in my car:thumbs:

You are in for a pleasant surprise!

I'll be anxious to hear you opinion of them afterwards.

:iagree:

that's what you could get with a Z06 (along with a can of slime!)

i keep run flats so i dont need a tow truck....:cheers::thumbs:

:thumbs::iagree::cheers:

If you get a flat chances are high you won't be able to fix it with what you have. Not to rain on your parade, but you and others will be woefully, unprepared. This was all I carried when I got my first flat and I needed to extract a nail with a half a head from my tire. I simply did not have the equipment to do that. I now carry screwdrivers, pliers, a breaker bar, lug socket, and a jack, amongst a few other things. The other issue I had was the nail, was on the inside of my front left tire. Try and reach it :D I could not push it in, nor could I extract it, with the patch tool.
Think of the worst conditions for getting a flat and prepare for it. For me it is Sunday night in the rain 200 miles from home and a Road Service flat bed is three hours away, and you need a flatbed to be hauled to the closest tire repair place, which on Sunday night will be closed.:eek:

You're not raining on MY parade, because I do carry all of the above mentioned tools, including a flashlight that you didn't mention. They're all neatly stored in a soft zipper bag, in my center rear compartment.

I've carried the same set up in my camping trailer for many years.
Trust me, it works!

Interesting, I didnt know run flats had a significant performance penalty - thanks.

Last time I put GY run flats on it was $1850 otd....I put some good Khumo tires on that have very very similar performance ratings on for 700. That difference can pay for a TON of tow trucks or replacement tires if I ever get a flat.

Plus there is a night and day difference with performance.

And how did you determine that? Surely not from this post.

I was unaware when I started shopping for my C5 that there was not a spare. When I found out it concerned me a fair amount. I did a general internet search and found a site called www.vettespare.com. What they offer is a little pricey but I think there may be an alternative to them. I don't really want to pay for new RF's. I don't want to be stranded either.

From this post...

Both sets of my Michelin Pilot Sport A/S ZPs (first gen and plus models) were around $1300. out the door. That included the extra for road force balancing too. Basically $203 front and $256 rear.

Please do more research. Look carefully at professional reviews and the tire specifications.

One off the cuff opinion does not define a fact.

A GTO 2004 and up spare will work in a pinch.
Attachment 48179927
I carry a plug kit,Slime, jack very small, lug wrench, compressor, small 2x4 to raise car a bit, AAA towing and a cell phone.

http://www.automotiverhythms.com/car...chelin2009.php

Or better yet, do a few searches, you might be surprised from the tests.

That's a good read....thank you. :thumbs:
Ed

To each their own, to me we spend big bucks on our cars, mods, etc.,and at the very least we should do the same with what supports the entire car and people in it, the tires. Sounds like the Mich ap's are the way to go and worth the extra bucks.:seeya

jet jock...you have mail:cheers:

Funny...i have nonRfs and the other day i noticed i had a slow leak (per DIC) in my left rear. Turns out to be a nail (head was shaved off). I do have a small portable pump and so for the last two days until I can get a spare (got one from tire rack) I have to pump my tire before I go to work. I thought of patching the tire but where the nail is at its just on the side of one of the tread and groove. Worst case I'll patch it later and use it as a spare. Kind of an inconvenience...

Many have reported a small loss of MPG too,,just thought I'd throw that out there as well!! My opinion Goodyear run flats:ack:,,Michelin's:thumbs::thumbs::c heers:!!

I have a question??
 

Michelins appear to be the front-runner-Now the question? Does the C5 come with a lug nut lock key to remove wheel? I haven't found one if it does!

Look under the drivers side, rear, lower, compartment under the hatch. Lift the cover and a key should be tucked in there. If not, drive a socket onto the lug, remove it and replace it with a regular lug. That is after all, all a thief would have to do to rtemove it. :)
Ed

No Locking Nut Here
 

I do not have a locking nut on any of my wheels and am reasonably sure the car (2004) was stock when I got it. Bottom line, you may or may not have a locking nut and the only way to know for sure is to look. If one came from the factory the key is located as posted above unless, of course, somebody used it and did not put it back.

I can't agree more with the improvements of the Michelin AS ZP Plus tires offer. After a lot of research I replaced the original Goodyears and the difference was huge. The Goodyears had next to zero traction especially when the temps dropped and were LOUD all of the time. The Michelins made a huge difference - quieter and the grip is amazing compared to the original Goodyears. I did appear to lose some mpg but that is the only down side that I have seen.

The Michelin PS ZP's (or AS ZP's for all season) are the absolute best runflats you can get. Period.

However, despite some claims here, you can still get better tires in the non-runflat catagory for less money. For example, I just changed out my Pilot Sports ZP's for some Nittos and the difference was remarkable.

This is not ragging on the ZP's, just know that there are better tires out there.

who knew?:rofl::cheers:

Sorry, my computer was down and out, bad hard drive. You are right, my air pump has a light on it, plus I carry a headlamp, so I don't have to hold a flashlight.
Many moons ago I wrote up a Tech Tip on the tools I carry, it seems to have gotten lost.:cheers::flag:

Another vote here for the Michelin AS/ZPs Like Jet Jock said, night and day difference over the Kuhmo RF that were on it when I bought. mine were $1000 out the door.

Michelin AS/ZPs are on....incredible difference over the GY run flats:thumbs:

Michelin AS/Pilot
 

While I am happy with the noise improvement over the GY F1s (1997 C5), and the performance is good, I am not crazy about the look. For a "Low Profile" tire, seems to look (FAT). However, I live in the Northeast and feel more confident with the AS Tire in the rain.

On my second set of GY runflats. LOVE the look, don't mind the ride or noise at all. It's a sports car, not a Buick. Besides, my right foot and music drown out all the tire noise anyway. LOVE the runflats! Gotten flats twice in 5 years. WONDERFUL to just drive the car into the shop and get it taken care of.

... still not seeing many reports from those running the PS2 ZP.

I'd like to hear comparisons of the Eagle F1 EMT to the Pilot Sport PS2 ZP.

Installing Michelin Run Flats Disc Tires 1200 with insurance replacements sensors out the door for my 2003.:willy:
Bigger issue....I just bought a 2003 in 2013.....with tires made in 2002...Originals!!!!!!!!!!Museum??:rock:
OMG:eek:
I guess the need for a flag on the rear end was more important than safety..:hide:
In God We Trust but WTF.:blueangel:

Please remember how to read DOT codes indicating year tires are born...
We can argue about how many years they really last...:iagree:
I say 5...some say 7 none say 10...:lurk:
HellO:ack:
Just sayin':crazy:

I know 3 year old thread..:spit:
Bad Me..:smash:

:flag:

vettespare
 

Wish I'd had this information when I purchased my Michelin run flats a couple months ago. I would have gladly paid the price of this spare kit and purchased non run flats.

I have been running the pilot a/s sport zp runflats for three years now the tires come with a 45,000 mile warrenty and so far with 37,000 on them it looks like they will get the 45,000 plus another five before i will need to buy new ones i have no complaints with these tires they are much better then the goodyear run flats that came with the car...i will probly buy them again when the time comes...

According to Google:
UHP stands for Ultra High Performance and refers to a tire meeting the following requirements.
* Rim diameter : over 16 inches
* Aspect ratio : under 55
* Speed rating : over 'V'

Don't know what MP means.....and it was NOT a dumb question.
How about:
Masterful Performance
Mom's Pontiac

I have read and heard a lot of good things about the Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS run flat tires. Provide RFT security and drive/handle like a non RFT tire. Anyone else?

You should try that in Texas. You'll be introduced rather quickly to the concrete retaining wall.

My run flats literally make my car lose complete contact with the road and hop sideways every time I hit a bad section of road at speed. They'll be gone soon and I will never have another set on my car.

When I bought my 99 20 years ago, I assumed that was the Corvette ride.
When I put new Michelin non run flats on, I was pleasantly surprised.
even though the cost, I am looking forward to getting rid of the run flats on my C7.

I just returned from a 140 mile round trip for tires. 70 miles there on the old Michelin Pilot Sport 3 ZP run flats and 70 miles back on the new Conti Extreme Contact DW06 plus non run flats. The improvement in ride quality, interior noise, and particularly traction is hard to describe. Feels like a different car.