GS D3 GY

[GOLDCYLON]

Originally Posted by 93RubyZ

I didn't find the BFG KDs smaller as you can see in the photo of the 315s below. They may have even been just a hair wider, but at the very least the same width. Both tires are mounted on wheels in this photo. As far a wear goes, I just didn't put enough miles on mine to have any wear issues so that probably won't be a consideration for me with the next set I purchase.



Here is a blowup of this image where the KDs appear to be just a tiny bit wider (but again, at the very least the same width).

Pretty close but Put em next to a DS G3 GYs they will look smaller

[93RubyZ]

Thanks. Good to know -- I didn't realize the DS-G3's were wider than the GSCs. I had assumed they would be the same. Width is a consideration for me so if the Nittos are not as wide then the DS-G3s may be the only ones for me to look at.

[Paul Workman]

Originally Posted by 93RubyZ

Thanks. Good to know -- I didn't realize the DS-G3's were wider than the GSCs. I had assumed they would be the same. Width is a consideration for me so if the Nittos are not as wide then the DS-G3s may be the only ones for me to look at.

Well, I just measured the width of the Nitto 555r 315s on my car, and the 315 D3s on Ami's "Turq Monster".

I was expecting the contact patch of the D3's to be wider, and they are. BUT(!), only by approx 1/2"...! (FWIW, I'm thinking part of the perception may be because the shoulders of the D3's are sharper than those of the 555s.)

But, if it is STICK at the drag strip that is important, the 555r (a drag radial) has it all over the D3's. That 1/2" wider contact patch isn't enough to make up for the 555r's STICK advantage...not even close (by my experiences w/ each). On the wet...probably a different story.

So, for WAXERS, the D3's appeal might be greater because they're ≈1/2" wider and the squarish shoulders enhance that perception. SO WHAT? Just sayin...

[KILLSHOTS]

So what, you ask? One of the reasons for the premature death of the ZR-1 was GM's refusal to adequately differentiate this special vehicle from lesser Corvette models. In fact, as we all know, they actually brought the base model even CLOSER in appearance to the ZR-1 in 1991. The only visual cue that ZR-1 owners have to differentiate their cars from base models is the wider rear bodywork. And yet, it seems as though even some ZR-1 owners feel that it is silly or somehow petty to drop extra coin for the widest tire possible to help accentuate this, the ONLY visual distinction of the car.

When I bought my car, it had brand new Sumis. One of the first things I noted was that the fat rear end didn't have the visual "punch" I remembered from when the cars were new. After a long research period, I settled on Toyo R888s, which absolutely fixed the problem. Yes, I said PROBLEM, which is exactly what I had considered it. It was a day and night difference...my car suddenly LOOKED like a real ZR-1.

If you don't care about wider tires, then don't buy them...be happy with Sumis or Nittos, the latter of which I understand is a fine tire. But how about a little understanding for the "waxers" who just want a ZR-1 to actually look like a ZR-1.

[We Gone]

Just for grins. Yellow Nittos, Blue Goodyears.

Front


From another drivers view its hard to tell.

[Paul Workman]

Originally Posted by KILLSHOTS

So what, you ask? One of the reasons for the premature death of the ZR-1 was GM's refusal to adequately differentiate this special vehicle from lesser Corvette models. In fact, as we all know, they actually brought the base model even CLOSER in appearance to the ZR-1 in 1991. The only visual cue that ZR-1 owners have to differentiate their cars from base models is the wider rear bodywork. And yet, it seems as though even some ZR-1 owners feel that it is silly or somehow petty to drop extra coin for the widest tire possible to help accentuate this, the ONLY visual distinction of the car.

When I bought my car, it had brand new Sumis. One of the first things I noted was that the fat rear end didn't have the visual "punch" I remembered from when the cars were new. After a long research period, I settled on Toyo R888s, which absolutely fixed the problem. Yes, I said PROBLEM, which is exactly what I had considered it. It was a day and night difference...my car suddenly LOOKED like a real ZR-1.

If you don't care about wider tires, then don't buy them...be happy with Sumis or Nittos, the latter of which I understand is a fine tire. But how about a little understanding for the "waxers" who just want a ZR-1 to actually look like a ZR-1.

Car nut: "Oh, man! Did you see that thing go buy?"
Nut's friend: "What? You mean that Corvette?"
Car nut: "Corvette, yes. But, that was a ZR-1! Didn't you see how wide the rear tires were?"
Nut's friend: Well, yeah...kinda; I guess so... But, aren't all Corvette tires wide? You must have good eyes to differentiate the model by the tire width al. There must be something else that tipped you off, right?"
Car nut: "Nope! Only the ZR-1 has tires that wide. No mistaking it!"
Nut's friend says skeptically: So, you're telling me the only identifiable clue to the ZR-1 is the width of the rear tire? Is that what you're saying?? I mean that's it? That' all that makes a ZR-1 different from the standard C4 Corvette? Then what about the Grand Sport? Are all Grand Sports also ZR-1s then, or is it just their paint scheme that further distinguishes a GS from a standard Corvette?"
Car nut: "Well, no. I mean, well, it's more than paint. It has the LT5 motor!"
Nut's friend: "So, it is a ZR-1 IF it has wider rear tires, but does NOT have the dark blue paint and white stripes. Right?"
Car nut: "Um...ah, well...no; the rear is actually 3" wider, and there's no fender flairs. The license plate opening is wider with black spacers between the license plate and the backup lenses, the center stop light is mounted on the roof line. Oh, and the shape of the fenders don't slope inward as much as on the standard models, and the rear wheels, being wider, the lug nuts are distinctly deeper than the standard - except for the GS, of course. Oh! And I almost forgot to mention the best part: the SOUND from the dual exhaust valves is unmistakably unique."
Nut's friend: "So... You were holding out on me huh? There are actually a NUMBER of clues besides just the tire width - which isn't always a hard and fast rule; being unique, I mean..."
Car nut (): "Well, I guess there ARE a bunch of clues; tire width being one possibility, but not the only one. You are right: there ARE several clues..."

[KILLSHOTS]

Originally Posted by Paul Workman

Car nut: "Oh, man! Did you see that thing go buy?"
Nut's friend: "What? You mean that Corvette?"
Car nut: "Corvette, yes. But, that was a ZR-1! Didn't you see how wide the rear tires were?"
Nut's friend: Well, yeah...kinda; I guess so... But, aren't all Corvette tires wide? You must have good eyes to differentiate the model by the tire width al. There must be something else that tipped you off, right?"
Car nut: "Nope! Only the ZR-1 has tires that wide. No mistaking it!"
Nut's friend says skeptically: So, you're telling me the only identifiable clue to the ZR-1 is the width of the rear tire? Is that what you're saying?? I mean that's it? That' all that makes a ZR-1 different from the standard C4 Corvette? Then what about the Grand Sport? Are all Grand Sports also ZR-1s then, or is it just their paint scheme that further distinguishes a GS from a standard Corvette?"
Car nut: "Well, no. I mean, well, it's more than paint. It has the LT5 motor!"
Nut's friend: "So, it is a ZR-1 IF it has wider rear tires, but does NOT have the dark blue paint and white stripes. Right?"
Car nut: "Um...ah, well...no; the rear is actually 3" wider, and there's no fender flairs. The license plate opening is wider with black spacers between the license plate and the backup lenses, the center stop light is mounted on the roof line. Oh, and the shape of the fenders don't slope inward as much as on the standard models, and the rear wheels, being wider, the lug nuts are distinctly deeper than the standard - except for the GS, of course. Oh! And I almost forgot to mention the best part: the SOUND from the dual exhaust valves is unmistakably unique."
Nut's friend: "So... You were holding out on me huh? There are actually a NUMBER of clues besides just the tire width - which isn't always a hard and fast rule; being unique, I mean..."
Car nut (): "Well, I guess there ARE a bunch of clues; tire width being one possibility, but not the only one. You are right: there ARE several clues..."

Thank you for helping me to make my point. The fact that a ZR-1 requires so much additional explanation to those who aren't familiar with it perfectly illustrates so many folks' desire to "accentuate the positive" by installing the widest tires possible.

Goodyear GS-D3s are the widest tires possible, which is why Phillip kindly notified us that they're available again. I could be wrong, but I don't think he was trying to incite a debate on the characteristics, cost or width of Nittos; maybe that would have been best done on one of the many existing tire debate threads.

[Jagdpanzer]

Here is a line up of 315/17 GY GSC, GY D3, 335/15 Michein Pilot, and 315/ 17 MT DR



Close up of the 315 D3 and 335 Pilot

[GOLDCYLON]

Originally Posted by Paul Workman

Well, I just measured the width of the Nitto 555r 315s on my car, and the 315 D3s on Ami's "Turq Monster".

I was expecting the contact patch of the D3's to be wider, and they are. BUT(!), only by approx 1/2"...! (FWIW, I'm thinking part of the perception may be because the shoulders of the D3's are sharper than those of the 555s.)

But, if it is STICK at the drag strip that is important, the 555r (a drag radial) has it all over the D3's. That 1/2" wider contact patch isn't enough to make up for the 555r's STICK advantage...not even close (by my experiences w/ each). On the wet...probably a different story.

So, for WAXERS, the D3's appeal might be greater because they're ≈1/2" wider and the squarish shoulders enhance that perception. SO WHAT? Just sayin...

Paul they are wider and shoulders as commented make em look wider as well but hey that's Just one DD opinion waxers mileage may very lol

[GOLDCYLON]

Ok let's lock this for now and start another tread if required on tires. Phil thanks for the heads up on the D3s being available again