MES
Enthusiast
I don't think there is an exact age but I would say to replace them in 2 years or 3 at the max. If yours are original 97 REPLACE THEM NOW!! they are in very poor shape, they have no traction and will break loose easily.
Tires-How old is too old ?
- Thread starter MES
- Start date
Phil
Enthusiast
When you feel that your car swing to left and right all the time on a straight road. Also, when you are driving, when you feel that your car seems to want to lose control all the time, then it's probably the time for you to buy new tires. And Yes, it's unsafe to drive your Viper when the treads are gone on your tire. It's my experience.
Tires degrade from various factors as obscure as placing them near electric motors in buildings ( heard that from an old tire wholesaler ), to weather checking , to extremes of heat cycling from racing. In general, age is determined alot by where you live ( extemes of temperature ), if the car is stored , mileage driven, and whether you check your pressure enough to keep them properly inflated. In most cases tires do not need to be replaced every two to three years, as tire life with today's tires is much longer than this. Many of the folks at Viper Days were running on 6 year old , from manufacture date, MXX3's and winning trophies. Tom Glenn, the Super Stock Western Region and National Champion, was on MXX3's that were built in 1996 - he won by a comfortable margin. I would call Jon B at 360-837-3937 or Zisser Tire ( sponsor and Viper owner ) at 800-869-8992 for great prices if you do need rubber now. Best of luck.
SteveBCloud9
Enthusiast
Based on experience you should replace them if any of the following apply:
1) If tread depth is less than 3/32.
2) If they are more than 3 years old.
3) If the tire has worn unevenly and is "balder" in spots.
4) Any type of wear (mfg. into the tire) mark showing.
5) Tire shows any defect (buldge,rip,puncture)
1) If tread depth is less than 3/32.
2) If they are more than 3 years old.
3) If the tire has worn unevenly and is "balder" in spots.
4) Any type of wear (mfg. into the tire) mark showing.
5) Tire shows any defect (buldge,rip,puncture)
YellowSnake
Enthusiast
I WAIT UNTIL THEY ARE BALD, THEN THEY ARE SLICKS! ITS GREAT.
Don Hiltz
Enthusiast
What's the best tire pressure for Pilot Sports? I've heard multiple answers from multiple "experts". Stipulate cold pressure.
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by steveb:
Based on experience you should replace them if any of the following apply: <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
6) Tires somehow become model mis-matched, ie XGT-Z w/ MMX-3 or MXX-3s w/ Sports.....
Based on experience you should replace them if any of the following apply: <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
6) Tires somehow become model mis-matched, ie XGT-Z w/ MMX-3 or MXX-3s w/ Sports.....
Ron
Enthusiast
<FONT face="Comic Sans MS">Jon,
Having a spare pair of rear MXX-3's, I'm curious about your silicone comment. Should one just spray up the inside and outside with standard silicone spray?
Thanks</FONT f>
Having a spare pair of rear MXX-3's, I'm curious about your silicone comment. Should one just spray up the inside and outside with standard silicone spray?
Thanks</FONT f>
Best answer: It depends!
Track rubber is soft, deteriorates and hardens fast. The softer the compound the faster the hardening due to heat cysles and ozone and other polluting factors....even sunlight.
1992-1995 XGT-Z rubber is an extreme hazard, because it is the softest rear compound ever put on an OE street tire ! The fronts are just a bit harder. But a 6-9 year old XGT-Z is like drivng a rock, unless: You have them shaved! This exposes the soft rubber and revitalizes the tire, assuming you can find a vendor who will even shave used tires, and enuf tread remains.
MXX-3s are somewhat harder, non-directional, and have a longer shelf-life so to speak. But the faces harden! Older tires can be revitalized somehwat with a good smokey burnout on concrete "shaves" em back into life. A good oversteer/push skid Zanardi donut in a deserted parking lot scrubs the fronts. Or, have them shaved. One reason why Stock-class racers LOVE MXX-3s ! Oldies but goodies...
Pilot Sports are downright hard compared to XGT-Zs. They will have a longer useable life.
If you are storing/saving (hoarding?) tires, be sure to silicone-protect them, in opaque plastic babs, with as much air evacuated as possible. Store in a cool place.
I hate to waste your money.....so USE YOUR TIRES up, but realize that aged tires have lower limits! Come to think of it, so do most aged DRIVERS ! Be Safe Out There
Track rubber is soft, deteriorates and hardens fast. The softer the compound the faster the hardening due to heat cysles and ozone and other polluting factors....even sunlight.
1992-1995 XGT-Z rubber is an extreme hazard, because it is the softest rear compound ever put on an OE street tire ! The fronts are just a bit harder. But a 6-9 year old XGT-Z is like drivng a rock, unless: You have them shaved! This exposes the soft rubber and revitalizes the tire, assuming you can find a vendor who will even shave used tires, and enuf tread remains.
MXX-3s are somewhat harder, non-directional, and have a longer shelf-life so to speak. But the faces harden! Older tires can be revitalized somehwat with a good smokey burnout on concrete "shaves" em back into life. A good oversteer/push skid Zanardi donut in a deserted parking lot scrubs the fronts. Or, have them shaved. One reason why Stock-class racers LOVE MXX-3s ! Oldies but goodies...
Pilot Sports are downright hard compared to XGT-Zs. They will have a longer useable life.
If you are storing/saving (hoarding?) tires, be sure to silicone-protect them, in opaque plastic babs, with as much air evacuated as possible. Store in a cool place.
I hate to waste your money.....so USE YOUR TIRES up, but realize that aged tires have lower limits! Come to think of it, so do most aged DRIVERS ! Be Safe Out There
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Ron:
Jon, Having a spare pair of rear MXX-3's, I'm curious about your silicone comment. Should one just spray up the inside and outside with standard silicone spray? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
They are about to ROT...Step back! Give ya $50 each RIGHT NOW to save you from certain, imminent de-composition......
HOWEVER: If you plan on storing tires for years, as w/ my 78 Indy Pace car, I spray silicone on all external surfaces, including the tread. (CAREFUL on your first drive!) No need to spray the inside, but do slather up the bead real good. (Assuming these are dis-mounted) Store DRY tires in opaque bags, evacuated of as much air and moisture as possible. Store cool. DONT use a dessicant however!
Remember my 96 GTS was the 1st one ever delivered to a customer, and it had OEM white wheels! (1 of 2 Blue/white) So I stored the OE rubber and wheels thusly, in Dec 96. (hated cleaning the white wheels) They still look show-greased NEW and not at all dried out. I hate that siliconed look, but in storage its the best.........
OK....Ill pay $60 each.....OK OK Ill pay shipping too !
Jon, Having a spare pair of rear MXX-3's, I'm curious about your silicone comment. Should one just spray up the inside and outside with standard silicone spray? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
They are about to ROT...Step back! Give ya $50 each RIGHT NOW to save you from certain, imminent de-composition......
HOWEVER: If you plan on storing tires for years, as w/ my 78 Indy Pace car, I spray silicone on all external surfaces, including the tread. (CAREFUL on your first drive!) No need to spray the inside, but do slather up the bead real good. (Assuming these are dis-mounted) Store DRY tires in opaque bags, evacuated of as much air and moisture as possible. Store cool. DONT use a dessicant however!
Remember my 96 GTS was the 1st one ever delivered to a customer, and it had OEM white wheels! (1 of 2 Blue/white) So I stored the OE rubber and wheels thusly, in Dec 96. (hated cleaning the white wheels) They still look show-greased NEW and not at all dried out. I hate that siliconed look, but in storage its the best.........
OK....Ill pay $60 each.....OK OK Ill pay shipping too !
