Tyres

[tommyg]

Hi, can anyone recommend some replacement tyres for a 2006 Z06, ideally I am looking for tyres that will work really well on the track, not too fussed about wet weather driving!
I do want to keep the original wheels though and am having trouble finding tyres to fit the rears.

Thanks

[Godzilla]

You're out of luck as far as track tyres are concerned. Nobody makes a wide enough rear tyre in 19".
If you can wait until next year Michelin will be releasing the Pilot Sport Cup in the right size, 325/30 19 and that will be a fantastic track tyre.

Otherwise, it is just the stock Goodyears, which don't last any time in my experience, or Michelin Pilot Sports which come in Viper size, 345/30 19 which will fit fine on our rear rims, but they are not a proper track tyre. They may well be better than the GYs though.

The only other possibility is the new Nitto Invo, but I don't know if that has been released in the right size in Europe yet. Some US reports say it is pretty good for a road tyre.

I have done what all the serious track drivers have done in the US and bought 18" rims all round for summer/track use. You then have a fairly wide choice of track tyres.
I've gone for Toyo R888s which are unbelievable in the dry.

[tommyg]

Ah. So a new set of rims then. And there was me going to ask you for the details on your coilovers as they look like a good modification too!

Might have to go with the Pilot Sport 2's then for now, I am a bit surprised that I need new tyres after only 7,000 miles however I supose that does include 3 track sessions

[songman3]

I`ve had a couple of chats with Toyo regarding their producing the R888 in 325/30/19 - that size is now under consideration so they say - hope it won`t be long

[tommyg]

If they do that would be excellent! I've tried looking for 18x12 replacement rear wheels (albeit limited by work internet) none wide enough that I can see....

[Godzilla]

tommyg said:

If they do that would be excellent! I've tried looking for 18x12 replacement rear wheels (albeit limited by work internet) none wide enough that I can see....

There are now! After many attempts to get the fitment right, Image Wheels finally now have wheels that will fit a C6 Z06.

I think they are the only UK option, especially as you have to fit tyre pressure sensors.

I have gone for 18 x 10.5 fronts and 18 x 12.5 rears with 285/30 and 335/30 R888s.
They also look pretty cool IMO!

I'll get pics of both front and rears up soon, but here's a pic of the rears:


I needed a 6mm spacer on the fronts to clear the big Brembos, but I don't know if they are necessary for the stock Z06 brakes, although they probably are. That necessitated longer studs too, but I know where to get hold of them if anyone is seriously interested.

Typical that there finally seem to be some 19" options on the horizon!
But at least I KNOW I can definitely get 18" track tyres and in time for this year's track fun...

[Viper]

depends how serious you want to be and what mileage you can live with out of a set, our club regular viper trackers ditched the pilot sports some time ago, moved onto kumhos and this season onto the Toyo 888, they are the superior track tyre yet you can still use them on the road

Edited by Viper on Wednesday 15th August 16:19