1991 Tire Choices?

[Craig P.]

I have a low-mile 1991 Coupe that I would like to get judged sometime in the next couple of years. With regard to tires, I have two questions:

1. How important is it to have the original tires on the car when being judged?

2. What is a good make/model of tire to purchase for replacement?? I will keep it garaged over the fall/winter, except for perhaps an occasional good weather drive. I also do not expect to do any crazy fast driving, so a good summer touring tire is probably a good choice for me...

Thanks for your input!
~ Craig

[Joe L.]

Re: 1991 Tire Choices?

I have a low-mile 1991 Coupe that I would like to get judged sometime in the next couple of years. With regard to tires, I have two questions:

1. How important is it to have the original tires on the car when being judged?

2. What is a good make/model of tire to purchase for replacement?? I will keep it garaged over the fall/winter, except for perhaps an occasional good weather drive. I also do not expect to do any crazy fast driving, so a good summer touring tire is probably a good choice for me...

Thanks for your input!
~ Craig

Craig------


Your car originally used Goodyear GS-C tires of size 275-40-17. The same tires were also used for non ZR-1 1992's. GS-C tires have not been available in many years.

As long as you use tires of the correct size and Goodyear manufacture you would get some judging credit. Unfortunately, Goodyear no longer offers any model tire in the size you need. So, as it stands, there's currently no available tire that would garner you any judging credit as far as tires go. Perhaps in the future Kelsey Tire will have available a reproduction of the GS-C.

For now, I'd probably go with a Goodrich or Continental tire of the correct size.

[Mark E.]

Re: 1991 Tire Choices?

Does the car have its original tires or replacement GS-Cs? If they're visually in good shape (hold air, legal tread, minimal cracking) consider putting the tire/wheel assembly aside for judging, and mount a modern tire/wheel combo for everyday use. Some of the C5/C6 wheels look sharp on C4s.

[Walter G.]

Re: 1991 Tire Choices?

I've done that for my '84. I have a second set of reconditioned '84 wheels on BFG tires for 'driver' use. I have my original Goodyear Gatorbacks on the original wheels for judging. The car only has 27,000 miles and the original tires had around 20,000 when I replaced them. I'm not holding out much hope for repros on either the 16" or 17" size C4 tires although it seems they certainly made enough of these vehicles to justify it. Unfortunately the desire to collect/restore this generation doesn't seem to warrant repro tires. There are currently few options of any brand for the correct sizes.

[Bill M.]

Re: 1991 Tire Choices?

Goodyear GS-Cs were introduced for the 1992 model. The 1991 still used Gatorbacks. I confirmed from Corvette Quarterly.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1991 Tire Choices?

Goodyear GS-Cs were introduced for the 1992 model. The 1991 still used Gatorbacks. I confirmed from Corvette Quarterly.

Bill------

Yes, I was incorrect. The GS-C did begin in 1992. I was probably thinking of the wheels. The 1991 and 1992 wheels were the same.

[Craig P.]

Re: 1991 Tire Choices?

Thanks for all the comments - they are appreciated! Yes, they are the original tires. I came to the same conclusion - get a second set of wheels/tires and stow the originals for judging. The originals have 15,000 miles, so still have enough tread to drive and be legal. I don't think I want to wear them down to the cords, so off they go, saved for the post-COVID judging opportunities...

[David H.]

Re: 1991 Tire Choices?

Craig

Tires are judged by Standard Deduction Guideline #3. In your case, given no OEM brand available, a 75% deduction on originality for a Non-OEM brand, with correct size and lettering. With a 75% deduction, Condition can be judged.

There are 30 points for Originality and 30 points for Condition for Tires on your 1991. Your Original tires would receive NO DEDUCTION for Originality, but might (likely) receive SOME DEDUCTION for Condition.

New replacement non-OEM tires (presuming you still have your original spare) would receive an 18 point deduction for Originality. (75% of 24 -- 6 Originality points per tire). New tires would receive NO DEDUCTION for Condition.

You can assess your potential loss of points on your original tires. Minor aging/damage is 1-25%. Moderate Aging/Damage is 26-50%. Severe Aging/Damage is 51-75%. For example, if your tires show moderate aging, then you might see a Condition deduction of 6 to 12 points.

Me personally, I would show a car with original tires and have another set of wheels & tires for driving. If you have thoughts of Crossed Flags judging, definitely keep your originals.

Dave