C8 Tyres (Tires)

[Termie]

I notice in the UK C8 Brochure, it mentions the tyres are Michelin PS4S runflats (Michelin® Pilot® Sport 4S 245/35ZR19 front and 305/30ZR20 rear, high performance, run-flat, summer-only tires). I was quite surprised to see runflats are on it.

I wasn't aware the PS4S came in runflats, but a quick check of common tyre websites shows the PS4S fronts are indeed available here in the UK as runflats, but the rears do not seem to be available as runflats in the UK.

I'm not sure if this is a similar situation to previous generations, but if so, did people just move to non-runflats, or are there specialist suppliers that can supply these tyres? It may also mean that if you are unlucky enough to get a rear puncture and have to change the tyre, you have to change all 4 to non-runflats?

 

[teamzr1]

FYI
What do most modern performance cars have in common? If you answered Michelin tires then you’re on the correct track. Every time a new high-performance car debuts it seems more and more common to see a set of bespoke set of Michelin tires as part of the build package. Based on a press release by Michelin Japan we get a glimpse into Michelin’s quest to improve upon the best tire on earth the current ` PS 4S tire with the all-new Michelin Pilot Sport 5.

In recent years, tires have gained a lot more respect. Sure, a new set of tires isn’t as exciting as an ECU tune, or a new set of coilovers, but a good set of tires can transform your car’s driving experience. Good tires can improve every measurable metric of your car’s performance, and they’re the only part of your car that’s supposed to touch the ground. That means all the engineering that goes into your car’s construction relies on the tires to perform.

Now that we’re established the importance of tires, why does the new Michelin Pilot Sport 5 stand out?
Well based on qualitative data and quantitative information from years of reviews, many agree that the current Michelin Pilot Sport 4S is the best tire on the market. The new Michelin Pilot Sport 5 improved upon the Pilot Sport 4S in both quantitative testing and qualitative feedback.

The new Pilot Sport 5 is 1.7% seconds [sic] faster than the Pilot Sport 4S on a wet lap on Michelin’s test track. In addition to the wet performance, the Pilot Sport 5 is 1.5% [sic] faster than its predecessor on a dry lap. The New Pilot Sport 5 press release isn’t just about numbers, either.
Michelins goes into detail about how they improved the feel of these new tires, which should result in even more driving pleasure. We can’t wait to try these out.

Many here end up also getting the GM C8 All-season tires as the 4S cannot be driven in cold weather
Many C8 owners complain they cannot even find the 4S in stock for replacements
Due to their size and width limited cars can use these so far less are made and hard to find
In any case, might expect to need a loan just to pay for C8 tires
C8 owners are forced to carry in car repair tire plugs and small 12 volt air compressor

They're non run-flats :

The only Continental Tire product that currently fits the original wheel sizes of the C8 Corvette Stingray is the Continental SportContact 6.
This set of rubber, which unlike the factory tires is not a run-flat, is described by Continental as an “ultra high-performance tire,” that is “designed to meet the demands of the most powerful and sportiest vehicles.”

 

[Chevrolet]

I notice in the UK C8 Brochure, it mentions the tyres are Michelin PS4S runflats (Michelin® Pilot® Sport 4S 245/35ZR19 front and 305/30ZR20 rear, high performance, run-flat, summer-only tires). I was quite surprised to see runflats are on it.

I wasn't aware the PS4S came in runflats, but a quick check of common tyre websites shows the PS4S fronts are indeed available here in the UK as runflats, but the rears do not seem to be available as runflats in the UK.

I'm not sure if this is a similar situation to previous generations, but if so, did people just move to non-runflats, or are there specialist suppliers that can supply these tyres? It may also mean that if you are unlucky enough to get a rear puncture and have to change the tyre, you have to change all 4 to non-runflats?

The C6 and C7 had runflats when new. Think its true to say that its never been a problem to find replacement ones in the UK. But just looking at Ebay Uk, there appears to be only one set of rear (runflats) on there (in Italy) in the C8 rear size (99Y load marking OK?). That tells you something perhaps?
Summer Tyres 305/30 ZR20 Michelin 99Y PILOT SPORT 4S Runflat ZP 3528706337697 | eBay
A question for Ian Allan? Certainly on the C6, some owners (including me) changed to non run flats when needing new tyres for a less "crashy"/more comfortable ride quality. Then again, the cars have been designed to use their specific OE run flat tyres. Obviously buying replacements in the US is an option.

 

[Stingray]

The C6 and C7 had runflats when new. Think its true to say that its never been a problem to find replacement ones in the UK.

I'm not so sure about that. In my experience spec' tyres for modern Corvettes have been almost impossible to find in UK, particulary since if you want a "set" you need two sizes at the same time. For this reason I'm now driving around on conventional PS4S - a decent tyre in my opinion. But if OEM runflats had actually been available I'd have bought them.

Battery availability for Corvettes is equally comedic.

Welcome to the realities of Corvette ownership on the wrong side of the pond! If it was easy everybody would be doing it.

By the way, I've had two full-tilt vulcanised repairs done on runflats over the years. Well worth tracking down if you're caught with a puncture in the wrong part of the tyre and zero availability of new ones. £25 and a couple of hours well spent for the professional repair. (Cough: Tadworth Tyres in South London or Newdigate Tyres near Gatwick.)

 

[Stingray]

What do most modern performance cars have in common? If you answered Michelin tires then you’re on the correct track.

Yes, I've been a fan for many years. Tyres are all black and they're all round with some costing more money than others. I don't think I've ever met a cheap Michelin tyre but I've never regretted spending the money.

For all-year-round use of cars in UK I'm not much bothered by ultimate dry grip. I just like staying attached to the road on a chilly morning in January or in an April rain-storm. The rear wheel torque of these cars can unsettle them very easily.

 

[teamzr1]

Just think, if you get a C8 Z06
If you afford replacements, they give you free shipping

 

[Chevrolet]

I'm not so sure about that. In my experience spec' tyres for modern Corvettes have been almost impossible to find in UK, particulary since if you want a "set" you need two sizes at the same time. For this reason I'm now driving around on conventional PS4S

Think Im gonna have to agree with you on that for the C7. Haven't needed replacements on mine yet. But just looked quickly for rear OE replacement runflats and any company that advertises them is saying out of stock!! Is the ride quality better/quieter on the conventional PS4S?

 

[Stingray]

Is the ride quality better/quieter on the conventional PS4S?

Regrettably not much different, although slightly less painful on the concrete section of M25. In C7 sizes these tyres are designed for hefty SUVs so still come with a pretty stiff sidewall. I'd say the overall ride and handling balance isn't much different from original runflats.

It's truly bizarre that GM sell these cars in UK but make no effort whatsoever to ensure a supply of original spec' tyres for replacements. It's been like this for more than 20 years.

 

[Nassau65]

It's truly bizarre that GM sell these cars in UK but make no effort whatsoever to ensure a supply of original spec' tyres for replacements. It's been like this for more than 20 years.

I suppose as GM are NOT in the tire business, and they are not a warranty item ( unless faulty ? ) they don’t think they need to worry about it.

 

[Nassau65]

879 bucks for a tire. Ouch.

 

[Termie]

Thanks all for the advice. As was said welcome to vette ownership in the UK. I'll likely change to non-runflats when the time comes, but will also ping Ian Allan a message to see if they have any alternative options.

 

[teamzr1]

Is it possible those in the UK,
order from GM the all season runs flats to use in cold weather and switch back to the summer only tires when needed ?

 

[Termie]

Is it possible those in the UK,
order from GM the all season runs flats to use in cold weather and switch back to the summer only tires when needed ?

View attachment 15418

I live in South East England, where we don't really need to change tyres in the winter. I used to use winter tyres when I lived in Scotland, but haven't found it necessary here.

 

[teamzr1]

The Z51 gets the summer only tires and GM says not to use in 40 F degree temps and lower, even on dry roads
Tire makeup is soft for good track traction, but too many Z51s here in the USA crashing when using them in cold weather




I assume the RHD C8s are all Z51s ?

 

[teamzr1]

Here is an all-season tire that does not say it is a run-flat and is cheaper in cost
Can be use in bad roads such as snow

product info​

Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4​

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Get a combination of ultra-high performance and winter traction this winter with the incomparable Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4.

Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4 Features​

With the dual heritage of Michelin’s Pilot performance and Alpin winter safety, the Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4 is proof that you don’t have to compromise your need for speed to stay confident on winter roads. Designed for original equipment fitments on high-powered and staggered vehicles such as the Corvette, you can face winter with absolute assurance when you outfit your sports car with the Pilot Alpin PA4.
With Michelin’s experience designing industry-leading tires, the PA4 features delivers stellar winter performance utilizing a silica-enhanced tread compound.
To further enhance the winter capabilities of the Alpin PA4, Michelin enriched its rubber compound with sunflower oil, creating what Michelin call their Helio Compound. This winter-focused compound ensures the Alpin PA4 stays flexible below freezing, so you get fearless performance no matter how fearsome the weather gets.
The Pilot Alpin PA4 also features a sporty tread design with a wide center rib and large shoulder blocks. And did we mention Michelin’s Stabiligrip 3D sipes? All of these features ensure a rigid contact patch that responds immediately to steering inputs, giving you confident cornering control on dry, cold roads.
Other performance features of the Pilot Alpin PA4 include:

• Certified for use in extreme winter weather, this tire is backed by the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake Rating.
• A dense groove pattern including sweeping, lateral and longitudinal grooves repel water and slush for confident traction regardless of whether your vehicle is RWD or AWD.
• Responsive handling on dry roadways provided by its asymmetric tread pattern, which optimizes rubber placement for maximum winter control.

Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4 Treadwear and Warranty​

This tire features a sturdy construction that maintains stability at high speeds. Plus, with its 3D interlocking sipes, its tread blocks maintain their shape over the long term. Not only does this provide responsive handling, it also helps reduce premature wear. Thanks to all of these features, you can expect even wear for the life of your Pilot Alpin PA4 tires.
As a result, Michelin back the majority of PA4 fitments with a 30,000-mile manufacturer’s warranty. But if you want protection that’s as high-performing as these UHP snow tires, consider our exclusive Certificates.
Bundle up the peace of mind provided by the knowledge that your Michelin snow tires are protected against road hazards from the first flurries of snow all the way down to 3/32’’ of tread wear. And if your tires are damaged beyond repair, we’ll set you up with a brand-new replacement tire.
You can add our Certificate coverage in the cart of your order.
You can get peerless performance without compromising control on challenging winter roads when you upgrade the tires on your luxury sports car to Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4 winter tires.

Discount Tires

 

[Tattooboy]

Have got Michelin Run Flats on My 2006 C6 Z06 and will be sticking with them when they need changing. Would prefer a firmer ride and be able to get somewhere with a puncture than be stuck at the side of the road somewhere without a spare.

Openeo/Black Circles are always good for tyre choices but you do need to keep checking as stock changes quickly.