Replacement tires for 1996 Convertible

[Jim S.]

[Joe L.]

Re: Replacement tires for 1996 Convertible

My 1996 Convertible was just judged for the first time at a chaptershow and did very well, but I need to make some changes. The tires on the car are Goodyear GS-C’s,but are getting old and not really safe to drive on. This is not a trailered car, so I need toreplace the tires, but can’t find the GS-C’s except for the EMT version, whichis a 60% deduction for some reason. Sowhat are my choices for replacement tires that will yield the least deductionsfor that 60 point category? How dojudges at regional and national events determine “differ slightly” and “differsignificantly” from the GS-C’s? Is theGS-D a significant difference? Any help appreciated.

Jim Simpson
Carolinas Chapter

Jim------

I don't even think the GS-C EMT's are manufactured anymore, although there may still be some in warehouse or dealer stock. Even then, I'm not sure that they would be available in both of the sizes you need.

The Goodyear GS-D3 is the only tire that Goodyear currently manufactures in either of the sizes you need. It's tread design is completely different than the original GS-C. You will get credit for the fact that they are the original tire brand and size but you'll lose everything on configuration. NO ONE would mistake these tires for the originals.

[Ed N.]

Re: Replacement tires for 1996 Convertible

James nice car. Matt Garret was the previous owner in Texas. He has some great cars. Are you looking to change the rims as well. I taught the 1996 came with the ZR1 silver rims. I have the same exact car in a 95 model. Did the car Top Flight?

Congratulations!

[Jim S.]

Re: Replacement tires for 1996 Convertible

Tire Rack and Discount Tire both have the GS-C EMT's in the correct sizes, but that's a 60% deduct. I was hoping to learn if the GS-D's were 20% or 30% deduct?

Yes, this is Matt's car and it did Top Flight - but can do better with a few changes. Looks like I will swap the five-spoke wheels with Matt for the original stock wheels. Not as good looking, but more points.

[Ed N.]

Re: Replacement tires for 1996 Convertible

I agree James about the stock wheels. I can't imagine this car having any major deductions. It's a 20,000 mile in impeccable condition. The car should PV with ease and hopefully acquire a Hill Award. What were the areas you received deductions on?

[Ed N.]

Re: Replacement tires for 1996 Convertible

James, look familar? IMG_3399.JPG

[Richard M.]

Re: Replacement tires for 1996 Convertible

Why not put your GSc's on the original rims and use them for judging, then buy new tires for your current rims, for daily driving?
and yes Matt has some very nice cars.

[Michael L.]

Re: Replacement tires for 1996 Convertible

Hi All
This is exactly what My Brother did. I do not think they will let you PV on the OE tires due to safety reasons with there age
We have our show / Judging set and our road set. Both sets have Correct wheels

[Floyd B.]

Re: Replacement tires for 1996 Convertible

This is also the approach I took. Mine is a high mileage car so the original gator backs were long gone. Fortunately they didn't stop making GS-C's all that long ago (about 2000 I think) so I was able to find used GS-C's at the usual places: fleaBay and the Corvette Forum. In my case I was lucky enough to find factory originals with about half of their life left. Of course I would never drive on this old rubber but I will mount them on my original salad shooters when I finish reconditioning them. I have Good Year F1's mounted on Grand Sport A-Mold repros. The black A-Molds look great on a red/black convertible.

-Floyd-

[Joe L.]

Re: Replacement tires for 1996 Convertible

Tire Rack and Discount Tire both have the GS-C EMT's in the correct sizes, but that's a 60% deduct. I was hoping to learn if the GS-D's were 20% or 30% deduct?

Yes, this is Matt's car and it did Top Flight - but can do better with a few changes. Looks like I will swap the five-spoke wheels with Matt for the original stock wheels. Not as good looking, but more points.

James------

As far as original tread and overall configuration, the GS-C EMT's are as close as you are going to get. So, even if they garner a 60% deduct, you're not going to do any better with any other currently available tire (except, of course, used or NOS GS-C's) As I mentioned, I do not think that these tires are currently manufactured, so if you're going to go this route, you better do it soon. Also, keep in mind that your application requires a different and specific tire for each of the four corners. This is because 1996 uses a different size front-to-rear AND these tires are directional so they are different side-to-side.

One problem with the EMT's is that they should only be used with the RPO UJ6 low tire pressure warning system and your car may not be so-equipped.

[Jim S.]

Re: Replacement tires for 1996 Convertible

As I read the 1994-1996 judging manual page 118:
C. Deduct 30% - OEM brand, type, and size tires which differ considerably from original in design, construction, material, tread width, tread pattern, style lettering or pattern.
Seems like the Goodyear F1 GS-D3’s are same brand, type(?), and size and differ considerably in tread pattern, so would cost me 30% of the 24 points for the four road tires or a loss of 7 points. Fortunately I have an original spare in excellent condition, so those 12 points are solid.
I love the Michelin Pilots Sports (had them on my C6), but they will cost 92% of originality points + 100% of condition points for a total loss of 46 points. Way too much.
Please let me know if I am not looking at this correctly.