tire performance....

[Toby]

I noticed that tire rack shows two available tires for my 96 GTS...

Michelin YR rated
Pilot Sport Front: 275/40-17 $290
Rear: 335/35-17 $331

= +-1200.00


and


Dunlop ZR rated
SP Sport 8000 Front: 275/40-17 $168
Rear: 335/35-17 $254

= +-850.00

are the Pilots worth the extra price for a GTS that will mostly be driven with a light foot?

thoughts?

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

Aren't you going to do some Viper Days events? If so, you'll need Michelins.

 

[Marv S]

just an fyi-- A "Y" rated tire is sometimes (but not always) rated for a higher speed than a "Z" rated tire. Even a "W" may have a higher rating than a "Z" as a "Z" only has to be good for 150 MPH to get that "Z" rating.

W=169 MPH
Y=188 MPH
Z=150+ MPH (It can be good for 151 or 190 mph, check with the maker to get the exact speed limit)

Some makers say the "Z" rating is for "Above 186" but the DOT and NHTSA tables rate the "Z" at "Over 150".
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/rulings/UpgradeTire/Econ/TireUpgradeII.html

from nhtsa: * For tires with a maximum speed capability over 149 mph, tire manufacturers sometimes use the letters ZR. For those with a maximum speed capability over 186 mph, tire manufacturers always use the letters ZR.

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/TireSafety/ridesonit/brochure.html


Michelin uses the "Z" designation for tires over 186 mph

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[Toby]

Thanks for the info Marv but....

I won't be doing much driving above 150+..so any other thoughts on the differences?

I also won't ever be driving it in the rain.

If I tracked the car I think I would use a different set of wheels and tires all together.