Firestone Wide Ovals for Daily Drivers...

[ambleZ06]

Today I had to replace my front tires (Goodyear F1SC). I choose to go with the Firestone Wide Ovals. My friend (manager of Discount Tire) said that they would not handle as well as the Goodyear’s, in regards to corning ability, but they would be perfect for my use of the car (daily driver). However, this was not my experience (in reagards to handling).

Anyway, here is my initial impression of these tires. I did not notice any performance difference in these tires from the Goodyear’s. Ok, I will admit that I am not the avid road course driver, that some of you are, but I have to admit that these tires do GRIP. I took my car through some *twisties*, (for you Austin'ites 2222) and to my surprise I felt more comfortable pushing the car in the turns than I did with my Goodyear’s when they were new. I was pleasantly surprised at how well they handled. Never once did I feel like the car was going to under steer. They simply held the road and I pushed them for more.

As for just driving, these tires are very quiet and smooth. Even my wife (typical soccer mom in *BIG* truck) can even tell the difference. They are much smoother than the Goodyear’s, and there is less feedback (in my opinion) in steering the car. I did not get a chance to take them through any water, but I think they will be better than the Goodyear’s.

My summary is that if you need new tires, but are on a limited budget (Christmas debt ), these tires can’t be beat. I mean how can you argue with $280+ for Goodyear’s or $145 (Tirerack) for the Firestones. I must admit that I was a little bit skeptical at first, but I think that I made the right decision. Not to mention that I really like the way they look on the car. The rear tires are still F1SC, and I can’t say anything about the Firestone rear tires. However, if they are as good as the front tires, I am sure that I will be just as happy.

Thanks.

[maineyak_2000]

Thanks for your post....can't beat the price,keep hearing good things about these Firestones Do you happen to know the speed rating ?

[ambleZ06]

Originally Posted by maineyak_2000

Thanks for your post....can't beat the price,keep hearing good things about these Firestones Do you happen to know the speed rating ?

Unfortunately I don't. I don't think that they are a "Z" rated tire, but I have never taken my Z above 150.

[JBsZ06]

Top speed rating on these very good puchase price tires is 168mph..

Since thats about the top speed of the Z06 give or take a few mph...

I'd say you can buy with confidence if your concern is speed rating.

168 mph is dam fast! IMO

[mdickie]

I have had my Wide Ovals on for almost 20000 miles now, simply put, the best daily driver tire for the Z. As good or better in the rain as the Toyo, smoother and quieter than any other tire I have had on the car.

The tire is not Z rated, but let's be honest, how many of us are ever going to drive the Z faster than 168, so I see this as a minor issue at best.

Not as good at the track as the GY F1SC, does not provide the handling of the GY, but I can also live with that as well.

For the price, you simply cannot beat this tire for the Z if you use it as a daily driver.

Mark

[NealB]

I have driven several Z06s back to back with different brands of tires

I agree with this thread that for the money and for a daily driver that is not tracked or autocrossed, the Wide Ovals are a good value.

If you want more grip or a tire for track use, spend more money for something else.

[TonyJ]

I just managed to get a bolt in the sidewall of one of my $300 Michelin Pilot Sports on Thursday. (if anyone needs 1 275 35 17...) Anyway, after reading some reviews I has a couple of the Firestones put on the front. I've drive it some today and they feel great. I'll post a better review after I've had a chance to go through some water and snow...

[maineyak_2000]

So you are mixing these with the Goodyears and adverse affects...nice to know

[billcar670]

Is Firestone a tire you would trust? I sure wouldn't for my or my family safety.

Does anyone remember the Ford and Firestone problem a few years back?

Bill
\\GS670

[Barely Legal]

Does anyone know if they have better rear grip off the line?

[2K_FRC]

This past spring I called Luke at Tire rack for another set of Kumho MX’s and got the bad news – Tire rack was out of stock. Luke put me into a set of Wide Ovals and I too have to say I’m really pretty happy with them. I'v had them up over 150mph several times - My FRC pulls a solid 1.06 lateral G on’em and my best 0-60 is 4.0. I ordered another set of MX’s to replace my now close to the end Wide Ovals. I’ll post up my MX lateral numbers when I get’em on.

[C5~Missle]

Have not had good results with firestones in the past...
I'm not sure they would live up to the stock GY SC tires especially in the twisties....
I'm not saying they wouldn't be good for daily use... just not up to the abilities of the GY in extreme duty...

[jlucas]

Originally Posted by mdickie

The tire is not Z rated, but let's be honest, how many of us are ever going to drive the Z faster than 168, so I see this as a minor issue at best.

BTW, the "Z" rating is outdated. It only means >149.

From Tire Rack.com:
"When Z-speed rated tires were first introduced, they were thought to reflect the highest tire speed rating that would ever be required, in excess of 240 km/h or 149 mph. While Z-speed rated tires are capable of speeds in excess of 149 mph, how far above 149 mph was not identified. That ultimately caused the automotive industry to add W- and Y-speed ratings to identify the tires that meet the needs of new vehicles that have extremely high top-speed capabilities.
W 168 mph 270 km/h Exotic Sports Cars
Y 186 mph 300 km/h Exotic Sports Cars

While a Z-speed rating still often appears in the tire size designation of these tires, such as 225/50ZR16 91W, the Z in the size signifies a maximum speed capability in excess of 149 mph, 240 km/h; the W in the service description indicates the tire's 168 mph, 270 km/h maximum speed.
225/50ZR16 in excess of 149 mph, 240 km/h
205/45ZR17 88W 168 mph, 270 km/h
285/35ZR19 99Y 186 mph, 300 km/h

Most recently, when the Y-speed rating indicated in a service description is enclosed in parentheses, such as 285/35ZR19 (99Y), the top speed of the tire has been tested in excess of 186 mph, 300 km/h indicated by the service description as shown below:
285/35ZR19 99Y 186 mph, 300 km/h
285/35ZR19 (99Y) in excess of 186 mph, 300 km/h

As vehicles have increased their top speeds into Autobahn-only ranges, the tire speed ratings have evolved to better identify the tires capability, allowing drivers to match the speed of their tires with the top speed of their vehicle."

EDIT: for the Firestone bashers, this tire is a re-badged Bridgestone.