(Temporarily) Going with Less Expensive Tires

Hi all,

I own a 2002 Z28 with 40,000 miles on it. Judging by the tread on the tires, it is getting close to replacing them. My current tires are the factory Goodyear Eagle RS-As (P245/50ZR16). These are not inexpensive tires, as I found out when I replaced one of them a few weeks ago when I cornered too fast and ruptured the tire after hitting a streetlight pole: $212 at my local Discount Tire Co.

Financially, at the current time, it will be almost impossible for me to replace the other three RS-As with RS-As – they are just too expensive.

I would like to place less expensive tires on the car, but I know very little about tires; my research seems to have confused me more than enlightened me. Also, I plan on keeping the Z28 for the long term.

Here’s what I would like to do: remove the new RS-A and set it aside (it’s only four weeks old) and replace all four tires. Here are my priorities for tires: 1) traction, especially in wet conditions (my Z28 does not have traction control and I nearly wrecked it after six months of ownership due to this), 2) handling – Houston freeways demand fast lane changes, 3) Ride smoothness (compared to a “normal” sedan, the “rough” ride of the Camaro doesn’t bother me, but I would prefer that it not be any rougher.

Ability to perform at high speeds is not a consideration. I’ve been driving the speed limit for a bit now (gas prices are annoying). Even sold my radar detector. :/

I don’t want to buy tires that are so inexpensive that I am risking blow-outs. I will pay for safety.

Suggestions?


--Michael

inexpensive performance tire..kumho 711 or 712, if you dont plan to completly race the car, but want a comparable tire on the vehicle, step up in price and look into the Yokohama YK420, not a complete performance car tire, since its availible in MANY different sizes, hell, I have them on my 1993 Corolla. Awesome tire, I believe 45k mile treadlife warranty. Also check out the Kumho ASX too. less expensive than the Yk420

all can be found at your nearest Discount Tire. If you need more help, talk with the guys at Discount Tire and tell them what you wrote in this thread :)

Kumho 712's is cheap Z rated tire. It has a single deep groove center in the middle with runners = great rain tire. It's a decent dry tire once they warm up.

Another vote for the kumho 712's, great tire for the money.