Snow tires for 2001 Z-06: Eagle M+S EMT?

[Donald Langweil]

I need some advice:
I want to use my 2001 Z-06 this winter. Yet light snow/ice gets tricky with the Goodyear Eagle F1's (The car performed a double 360 in the ice/hail during a 1>2 change last year- but did not hit anything). Tire rack recommended the Goodyear Eagle M+S EMT F P 245/45R17 89V and r 275/40R18 94V as snow tires.

My concern is that these tires are designated run-flats. TireRack stated that the 2001 Z-06 utilized a ABS-based Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Thus they stated the Eagle M+S EMT tires work on the 2001 Z-06. Does the Z-06 have TPMS?

Tire Rack also stated : Keep in mind with the C5 sizing the diameter difference between front & rear tires is about 1" vs .6" in Z06 sizing, there's are small risk of Traction Control functioning differently with this difference. Is this a big issue? What does "functioning differently" mean?

Thanks,
Don Langweil (NJ)

[JBsZ06]

Could you just get the diameter of both front and rear tires of the Z06 and then just replicate it with traditional NON runflat tires?

Thats what I would do..

I'd probably throw them on C5 1997 to 1999 wagon wheel rims for the winter months...(rims available for around 200-250 for all four)

If I were to go with runflats snow tires then you really should have the tire pressure sensors put in the tires and the D.I.C needs to be activated to read the sensor signals..

So with all of that I'd go non run flat snow tires myself..

Good luck with whatever you decide.

[Donald Langweil]

JBsZ06 thanks for replying. That Gm and the Chevy dealers does not have snow-tire info/ guidelines sorted is really bugging me. This is my 3rd Vette over 25-years and may be my last ( I was super happy w/the Z-06 until now)..

Unfortunately, after contacting GM customer assistance, 3 dealerships and a number of online tires sites; the best specific info that I received was from Tirerack-that Eagle M+S EMT tires were the only snow tires that will work on the 2001 Z-06. I am not sure why I could not get the diameter of both front and rear tires of the Z06 and then just replicate it with traditional NON runflat tires- but I am not technical enough to make this determination. No one other than yourself has advisesd that this is a viable option.

If I go with the Eagle M+S EMT with runflats snow tires, can you recommend anyone in NJ or NY area that can install the tire pressure sensors put in the tires and activate the D.I.C to read the sensor signals..
Thanks,
Don

[Mo Kalali]

I passed on buying a brand new Z06 at least on two occasions just because there were not any decent wheel/tire packages available for winter use (I was looking for snow tires).
It finally came down to a choice of having the Z AND a beater for winter, or go with something else. I reluctantly went with something else.
With that much torque, there is really not much one could do to prevent sliding/spinning. It is just pure physics.

[UstaB-GS549]

I think there are other non run flat tires that would fit, but Tire Rack & GM can't officially recommend them because they don't have a speed rating to match car's capability. Unfortunately, if they do suggest you run a Blizzak or similar tire in the same size, AND you are foolish enough to try going 170 MPH on those tires, they would be liable.

If I had to drive mine in the winter, I would try to buy two sets of front wagon wheels and mount the narrowest snow tire available on them. I would buy them from a source that doesn't care what kind of car they are going on and check out the ABS/TC in parking lots. I do track time events on "wrong diameter tires" and can't see any difference with ABS/AH/TC functions.

IMHO, no vehicle, including AWD, would get around in the snow with 295 Eagle F1's. It's the tires not the car.

[ADE 1000]

This isn't rocket science guys. I would never drive my Z06 in the snow, but I have gone through this excercise to find snow tires to match the wierd tire diameters on my Mercury Marauder.

The tire diameters of the stock Z06 are as follows:

Front 265/40-17 = 25.3"

Rear 295/35-18 = 26.1"


I would suggest getting four 17" wheels and getting the following tires available from the TireRack.

Dunlop Winter Sport M3 Front 245/45-17 = 25.7"

Dunlop Winter Sport M3 Rear 255/45-17 = 26.0"

The slight difference in tire diameter will not make a difference. People have been known to run 25.7" tall 275/40-17s on the front of Z06s with no problems. The Dunlops are also very good tires and they are priced at around $150 each.

[JBsZ06]

If its at all possible I would consider basing it off the stock C5 tire and wheel sizes rather than the Z06 wheels and tires.

They are a little narrower and the diameter might be a little different so its worth checking into..

The wagon wheel 1997 to 1999 would also be what I would use for winter use.

I would also give up the speed rating as well since I could control myself to not go beyond whatever the speed rating ends up being with the snow tires..

[johniew398]

Let's see - snow tires for a Z06. I have never had the Z on ice or snow but I suspect it wouldn't handle near as good as my 1994 Vette due to the torque and tire size.

But, I guess a pair of these might work if someone was so inclined to drive a Z during icy conditions: