Rarely, rarely have I seen a comment of someone saying "I couldn't stop on my old tires when someone pulled out in front of me". Or Youtube videos of that. I am sure it happens. You have a valid point. But it is an exception. I would also state that awareness applies to knowing what's around you while driving. I have had plenty of people pull out, not once has tires been and issue or ABS coming on. I was "aware" at intersections or people turning. But I am the exception......
I have a 96 and a 98... both with no ABS. If I had just one complaint over the years, it was that. NO ABS! It's easy and you're likely to encounter emergency braking situations in a car as fast and tempting as our Vipers.
I've gone thru a couple sets of 17" Michelins on both cars. And in the past 10 years have driven on pretty old, hard tires at times. Tires even older than 10 years.
Here are my brief observations of old Michelins:
Panic/emergency braking: HORRIBLE - always locks up left front tire first and then both fronts .. usually resulting in a flat spot that takes months to wear away.
Normal and very aggressive braking: (but not emergency) .. the old tires do very well. In fact, "new" tires on non-ABS Vipers lock up the left front almost as easily as the old, but again, only under really hard braking. I stay aware of this and modulate. But even the best of us can panic and nail the brakes with no modulation.
Cornering: In really hard driving on slower, tight twisty roads, the old dry Michelins still corner really well but noticeably less traction than brand new sticky tires.. definitely not as good as new tires but no where near the "black ice" feeling.. nowhere near.
Cornering at higher speeds: The old Michelins actually still inspire confidence. I've never had an issue at higher speeds cornering. But stay aware and use common sense.
Very High speeds (up to - fill in the blank - mph):
No issues. Typically don't corner hard at speeds over 90 mph anyway other than maybe hwy on-ramps and longer sweepers.
All these personal observations are for "old" Michelins that still have tread left. The more tread, the better they were. I do always run my tires down to the wear bars. In fact, some of the most fun can be had on old, balding rear tires... when we can act like an 18 year old in a stolen Viper.
Ahh, the smell of burning rubber and the thick white smoke. It's an experience not to be missed. (just be sure ya have another set of rears ready to install).
Old tires can be dangerous same as old people but both still can work.
