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Corp Z
Forum Moderator
Joined: Thu Feb 23, 2006 7:22 pm Posts: 330 Location: Ubique
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Time for new tires. Looking for suggestions
So the time has come to replace my 13 year old Eagle GSD3s on my 1996 Z28. They are factory size 245/45/16. Ive really liked them as the tread pattern looks good and they looked wider than tires of the same size. They also performed very well. Sadly goodyear has stopped making the size and Im not interested in going to a larger diameter. So im wondering what tire to replace them with. Ive looked at tire rack and theres a few options but I wanted to see what the forum thought. Ive also thought about going too 255/50/16s but am unsure if they would rub or make the car look like it was riding to high.
_________________1996 Camaro Z28 2010 Camaro 2SS 1994 Corvette Z07
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Mon Mar 16, 2015 12:20 pm |
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flame
CCFBG Club Member
Joined: Fri Mar 03, 2006 8:52 pm Posts: 1164 Location: Drayton
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Re: Time for new tires. Looking for suggestions
Stock size should be 245/50r16
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Mon Mar 16, 2015 6:17 pm |
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transamtom
CCFBG Club Member
Joined: Mon Feb 20, 2006 6:15 pm Posts: 1641 Location: Niagara Falls
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Re: Time for new tires. Looking for suggestions
255/50/16 will fit no problem
_________________ 2010 SIM 2SS/RS A6 13.08 at 107.82
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Mon Mar 16, 2015 10:13 pm |
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Kensredzed
CCFBG Club Member
Joined: Mon Apr 21, 2014 1:17 pm Posts: 143 Location: Scarborough
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Re: Time for new tires. Looking for suggestions
I waited 4 months for my fully loaded 1996 Z28 to arrive. 2-weeks before it arrives, I learn of the re-release of the SS.
The good news. I could still add the SS option to my Z28.
The bad news. I would have to wait another 4 months for GM to officially release the SS to the public.
Ended up that I took delivery of the Z28 and simply bolted on the 275/40/17's SS rims and tires as soon as they were made available 4-months later. I also added the SS front sway-bar.
255's should easily fit your Camaro. The car was apparently designed to accept 275's on all four corners.
Good luck, Ken
_________________ 1996 Z-28/SS
Previously - 1996 Z-28, 1989 Pontiac GTA, 1985 5.7 IROC Z-28, 1976 Camaro LT, 1974 Trans Am 455HO, 1974 Z-28, 1967 Firebird Sprint, 1967 Camaro 230 cu-in 140-hp "Blue Flame" straight six with a 2-speed powerglide.
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Tue Mar 17, 2015 11:02 am |
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Corp Z
Forum Moderator
Joined: Thu Feb 23, 2006 7:22 pm Posts: 330 Location: Ubique
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Re: Time for new tires. Looking for suggestions
What about brands.? Anyone have a good review of a particular tire?
_________________1996 Camaro Z28 2010 Camaro 2SS 1994 Corvette Z07
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Tue Mar 17, 2015 9:48 pm |
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Kensredzed
CCFBG Club Member
Joined: Mon Apr 21, 2014 1:17 pm Posts: 143 Location: Scarborough
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Re: Time for new tires. Looking for suggestions
The type of tire you need depends on your style of driving. The right tire for me may be the wrong tire for you.
GM chose "BF Goodrich comp TA's" for the standard SS Camaro back in 1996 if you wanted some fun and mileage out of your tires. If you wanted traction at any cost, you upgraded to Goodyear Eagle F1's. The problem with the F1's is that you see black streaks in the rear-view mirror all the time, and yes, they are from YOUR tires. Super street traction though...
Few have tested them all. GM did more testing than most of us.
Tire Rack has many reviews and excellent comparisons. Tire Rack also indicates where the tires are manufactured. My opinion would be to stay away from tires manufactured in countries where quality control isn't yet up to a good standard.
I'm also due for tires. I like the BF Goodrich G-force Super Sport A/S. I prefer all-season tires even in summer to avoid hydroplaning at Mach-2 in the rain.
There is a new BG Goodrich tire out now called the G-force Comp-2 A/S. I am curious to see reviews first.
Good luck with your hunt. Ken
_________________ 1996 Z-28/SS
Previously - 1996 Z-28, 1989 Pontiac GTA, 1985 5.7 IROC Z-28, 1976 Camaro LT, 1974 Trans Am 455HO, 1974 Z-28, 1967 Firebird Sprint, 1967 Camaro 230 cu-in 140-hp "Blue Flame" straight six with a 2-speed powerglide.
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Tue Mar 17, 2015 10:14 pm |
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Kevs87TA
CCFBG Club Member
Joined: Sat Mar 26, 2005 2:28 am Posts: 709 Location: Kitchener, On
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Re: Time for new tires. Looking for suggestions
I an running Cooper Zeons on the GTA. agrressive tread pattern and are quiet on the road. Car handles very well with them.I believe we have a Cooper sponsor as well.
_________________ 1990 GTA 1987 TA (gone but not forgotten) 1976 TA (project) 1995 Z -28 Camaro 1982 Firebird ( my 1st )
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Wed Mar 18, 2015 12:05 am |
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cam
Senior Forum User
Joined: Sun May 13, 2007 10:48 am Posts: 984
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Re: Time for new tires. Looking for suggestions
Upgrading to 275/40/17's all round will make a dramatic improvement in overall grip and road feel. Downside is increased wrestling with the road ruts pending where you drive.
Tire wise im no fan of the GSD3 i much preferred the older GSC but really if you want a truly mint tire the Michelin Pilot Sports are tough to beat when considering all factors. For low buck, quiet, easy driving and INSANE amounts of grip im very partial to the Kumho ecsta XS ( only that model, not the others ) but its not ideal in the rain although imo far from "unsafe" like a drag radial is or anything like that. I drove 3 hours through some pretty heavy rain and aside from not being able to lean into it much on accel? Right as rain so to speak. Im unsure of 16" sizing avail on those mind you.
Had decent luck with an assortment of BFG rubber over the years, probably ran more BFG shoes than anything else, maybe GoodYear, dunno. Lots of miles on both brands lol
_________________ 1987 IROC ww 99 LS1,TR224/112, STG2 heads ported by American Speed, P Gold springs, LS6 intake, SVO 30's, Ported TB, Comp Cromo Push rods, Katech Rod bolts, LS6 oil pump, T56, SW LT's, 8.8 hybrid rear 3.73, 275/40/17 MT ET streets, lots more
12.1 @ 112 mph 1.69 60'
89 R7U 1LE Players Challenge car all stock.
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Wed Mar 18, 2015 5:17 pm |
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Kensredzed
CCFBG Club Member
Joined: Mon Apr 21, 2014 1:17 pm Posts: 143 Location: Scarborough
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Re: Time for new tires. Looking for suggestions
With 275's on the front, wrestling with road ruts is an understatement. I think GM calls it "trough wander" in the SS Camaro owner's manual.
Chevrolet suggests that you don't need a wheel alignment because "trough wander" is totally normal. Yikes! It's a hoot driving the DVP! Don't blink or you've just involuntarily changed lanes.
_________________ 1996 Z-28/SS
Previously - 1996 Z-28, 1989 Pontiac GTA, 1985 5.7 IROC Z-28, 1976 Camaro LT, 1974 Trans Am 455HO, 1974 Z-28, 1967 Firebird Sprint, 1967 Camaro 230 cu-in 140-hp "Blue Flame" straight six with a 2-speed powerglide.
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Thu Mar 19, 2015 6:08 pm |
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flame
CCFBG Club Member
Joined: Fri Mar 03, 2006 8:52 pm Posts: 1164 Location: Drayton
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Re: Time for new tires. Looking for suggestions
Kensredzed wrote: With 275's on the front, wrestling with road ruts is an understatement. I think GM calls it "trough wander" in the SS Camaro owner's manual.
Chevrolet suggests that you don't need a wheel alignment because "trough wander" is totally normal. Yikes! It's a hoot driving the DVP! Don't blink or you've just involuntarily changed lanes. Some tires are worse than others but if the rag joint in the steering shaft is loose its a real treat!
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Thu Mar 19, 2015 7:20 pm |
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Corp Z
Forum Moderator
Joined: Thu Feb 23, 2006 7:22 pm Posts: 330 Location: Ubique
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Re: Time for new tires. Looking for suggestions
Thanks for the responses so far. My vette has 275's in all 4 corners so I am well aware of the "mind of its own" steering experience. I dont plan on going up to 17s on the Camaro though. I was just looking for a slightly wider 16 inch tire. The car is a fair weather cruiser thats never intentionally driven in rain. That said I have been caught in rain a few times over the last several years and the GSD3s were fantastic. Never worried at all about losing the back end wiping out.
What about the Firestone Firewhawk tire? They have decent reviews on tire rack and are a good price.
_________________1996 Camaro Z28 2010 Camaro 2SS 1994 Corvette Z07
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Thu Mar 19, 2015 8:51 pm |
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transamtom
CCFBG Club Member
Joined: Mon Feb 20, 2006 6:15 pm Posts: 1641 Location: Niagara Falls
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Re: Time for new tires. Looking for suggestions
I have had good results from Yokomama,Hankook,Falken and good old Khumo's.
Not sure on the new Firehawks but the old SZ50's were great.
_________________ 2010 SIM 2SS/RS A6 13.08 at 107.82
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Fri Mar 20, 2015 5:32 am |
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lb9 GTA
CCFBG Club Member
Joined: Fri Apr 11, 2008 9:57 pm Posts: 823 Location: scarborough/markham
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Re: Time for new tires. Looking for suggestions
I've heard good things about the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500. The BFG g-Force Sport Comp-2 is supposed to be a little better. I have no experience with either but I'm leaning towards the comp-2 if I don't go to a 17 or r compound when it's time for me to get new tires.
_________________ 1988 Trans Am GTA, LB9, 700R4, CAI, cat back, SFCs, Pro Kit springs, wonderbar, LCRBs
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Fri Mar 20, 2015 2:24 pm |
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Daz
CCFBG Club Member
Joined: Sat Mar 19, 2005 8:15 am Posts: 3233 Location: Mississauga
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Re: Time for new tires. Looking for suggestions
I had the 255/50/15s Firehwawks and they stick very well for a street tire..Great in rain or the track.Got 1.90s 60ft with my 13 sec IROC then..The 255 Firehawks are narrow for its size..Its just little bit wider than the GSCs..If you're not doing slalom or track the cheap Chinese federals are fine.
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Sat Mar 21, 2015 10:49 am |
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Daz
CCFBG Club Member
Joined: Sat Mar 19, 2005 8:15 am Posts: 3233 Location: Mississauga
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Re: Time for new tires. Looking for suggestions
correction: I had 255/50/16
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Fri Apr 10, 2015 11:01 am |
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