I been having a heck of a time trying to find C4 Corvette tires in a matching set... The late Corvette C4 uses the following tire sizes (Non ZR-1 of course).
255/45/ZR17
285/40/ZR17
Given the fact these tires are directional, AND they are different sizes for front and back it's been hard trying to find new tires from Goodyear, Michelin, BFGoodrich, or even Firestone! Apparently they have all discontinued this proper tire combination as of the date this was written. I have checked high and low and none of these tire brands offer the late C4 tire sizes in a matched set, front and back. There are people selling NOS (New old stock) Goodyear Eagle Run-Flat's which were the original tire on these cars but at over two decades old at this point they would be all dry rotten and not good for actual use outside of perhaps a garage queen.
Recently I was able to get a hit on some matched tires in the sizes above from Nitto on eBay. They are the Nitto NT555 GS's in 102 and 104 configuration. The rears were $336 for the pair and the fronts $266. Looking forward to mounting them and also fixing the low tire pressure warning system while they are off. I really wore the back set out on a recent 5000 mile trip across country but at least I can feel like I got my moneys worth.
Just figured I would mention this incase people with late 1991-1996 Corvettes were looking for new tires and having a hard time.
I look forward to seeing them in the flesh once they get delivered. I'll also be sure to report back with how they ride, along with a separate thread for whatever issues I run into on the Low Tire Pressure Warning system.
Also intersting to note is these tires are W speed rated, which is good till 168 MPH, which is even better than ZR rating.
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What is to give light must endure burning -- Viktor Frankl
Finally got a chance to install these Nitto's on my Corvette!
I am very impressed! Completely changed the entire way the vehicle rides and handles! Felt like the vehicle was getting a bit of bump steer towards the end at high speeds when hitting large bumps into corners but with these tires that has all but vanished! I must also say they are smooth as silk and took about 50% of the harshness away too! Amazing what a fresh set of properly balanced tires will do for a car! By far one of the biggest improvements to the ride and handling of my Corvette HANDS DOWN!
I have noticed quite an improvement in traction, but unfortunately the Corvette will still roast them off the rim if traction control is off from a dead dig... I have also had the traction control activate a few times shifting into gears at WOT on the highway when trying to merge... So apparently the power of the vehicle is such that even a new set of tires isn't going to keep it from shredding them at full throttle.
I'll report back on how they wear and hold up over time but so far I am VERY impressed!
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What is to give light must endure burning -- Viktor Frankl
New tyres are a treat, especially when they work really well. I hope they hold their performance as they wear, as some brands lose that nice handling & get noisy after they're only 1/2-worn. - But I guess that would only make them good burn-out tyres in your case LOL !
Good news is good news ! Winter is coming now mate, so enjoy your baby !
-- Edited by Rastus on Tuesday 10th of July 2018 03:11:07 AM
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"Only an alert & knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial & military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods & goals, so that security & liberty may prosper together". Dwight D.Eisenhower.
Thing here with these tires are the fact there really isn't a lot of options out there. Many popular brands have discontinued the original tire sizes and it's hard to find a tire company that makes both the sizes for front and back in a matching tire. If anyone else reading this has other brands that are readily available I'd love to hear about them!
There are still some old Goodyear tires out there (New old stock) but by now that rubber is 20+ years old! These Nitto's are fresh and I am very happy with them thus far. Even the price was fair considering what they are for.
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What is to give light must endure burning -- Viktor Frankl
I need new tires too. Got about 46K on my C5, think they are the original run flat goodyears! Seems time. I continuosly go FASTER. 35mph corners I'm up to 65 on but start to drift. Need new tires! Thinking pirellies, run flats.
Thought I would update the thread that I was still very happy with the Nitto's after an entire season! Good wear quality I feel for the amount I lean on them.
Also, with regards to the low tire pressure warning system, while I agree a show car would be better to have them, this early style with what amounts to a massive 17 inch hose clamp around the rim and a heavy module in the center is not exactly what I would consider safe at this age. For someone seriously planning on running their C4 Corvette and having issues with the light it would be my recommendation to remove them, pull the light in the dash and set them to the side for whoever might want to take that risk. You would be amazed at how nicely these balance out without the sensors, and they are VERY expensive for such old technology. You can only imagine what would happen if one of these 17 inch hose clamps came loose at 100+ MPH, so in that regard and having driven across country I felt better about just religiously checking the tire pressures and knowing I don't have an antiquated early style warning system waiting to let go on me.
A great idea for someone who makes aftermarket parts would be the newer style valve stem sensors that would put out the same signals the older cars like these require. If they came out with something like that I would turn the system back on, but for someone like me who actually drives their Corvette it's just not worth the risk with the older system. If anyone knows of any modern day style TPS sensors that are part of the valve stem and work with these cars system, feel free to make mention of it!
All in all, the Nitro's are worthy of my recommendation thus far - and the fact they are made here in the USA makes me feel good. So if you're thinking about some new shoes for your later model C4 Corvette - now you have an option for fresh rubber!
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What is to give light must endure burning -- Viktor Frankl
Dayum, I need more for my C5 too. Got the original "runflats" (goodyear)after about 44K. I'm finding if I do 35mph corners 60-65 I'm drifting. Need more traction!!!!
I wanted to give an update on this thread... it's now 2022 and my Corvette spends the winter sitting... and it spent a lot of time sitting during the first wave of COVID and these tires have been GREAT!
Think I still have several years left on them! Never have any noticiable flat spotting beyond the first mile after sitting all winter!
Traction is great if it's a hot day, and not bad in the cold and wet weather for what kind of tire it is!
I see some guys on the other Corvette forums talking bad about these tires but I don't know what they are talking about! They are on the more expensive side, but that's just because they are a rare size combo.
When I do wear these tires out, I'd have no problems buying another set! That's how happy I have been with these tires... of course now that I said that something is going to happen, lol... but if it does I'll be sure to report back!
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What is to give light must endure burning -- Viktor Frankl
