Pirelli P4000 Super Touring Update

[Mark H.]

I've had a set of these on backorder from Tire Rack for months, and several weeks ago sent an email to Pirelli North America asking when they would be available. They responded that the tires are on backorder and are expected to be available in mid-January. I'm assuming that's January 2011.

Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays to all!!

[Duke W.]

Re: Pirelli P4000 Super Touring Update

So it appears that Pirelli will make at least one more production run of these tires. That's good news!

Any C2 owners who anticipate needing tires in the next decade and want a high quality, high speed-rated tire for maximum safety and performance should consider ordering a set.

C3 owners who want to run a 215/70R-15 should also consider. I think Goodyear still offers the V-rated Eagel RSA "police pursuit tire" in a 225/70R-15 size that I recommend for C3s, but I doubt that tire will be around much longer.

Whether properly stored or installed on a vintage Corvette that spends most of it's life in a garage, these tires should be serviceable for at least a couple of decades.

They are blackwall, but if you order them through Diamondback, they can apply any sidewall treatment you want - for a price, of course!

Duke

[Jack J.]

Re: Pirelli P4000 Super Touring Update

Mark/Duke, Can you give us a ball park price on these tires for a C2? Thanks

[Mark H.]

Re: Pirelli P4000 Super Touring Update

When I ordered mine from Tire Rack, the price was just shy of $600 for the set, with shipping.

[William G.]

Re: Pirelli P4000 Super Touring Update

what size do you put on a c2
thanks Bill

[Joe C.]

Re: Pirelli P4000 Super Touring Update

what size do you put on a c2
thanks Bill

205/75-R15 or 215/70-R15

If it is true about another production run, and you are using the P4000's, you will order 215/70-ZR15

[Mark W.]

Re: Pirelli P4000 Super Touring Update

I don't see the P4000 when I go to the Tire Rack web site. Do you need to call for this tire? Also, I have run 205/65 15s (2 different sets) on my '66 for 10 yrs and never had any problem.

[Duke W.]

Re: Pirelli P4000 Super Touring Update

...other than your speedometer/odometer reading about 8-9 percent high.

Duke

[Mark W.]

Re: Pirelli P4000 Super Touring Update

Duke, I was just referring to tire rub that some people experience on C2s. Never even thought about that aspect, but it does explain when I am cruising at 75 on the freeway why so many cars keep passing me

[Duke W.]

Re: Pirelli P4000 Super Touring Update

You can eliminate the error if you install a speedometer driven gear for the next higher numerical axle ratio, since they are all about 9 percent apart except 3.55, which spilts the difference between 3.36 and 3.70, and 4.11 is 11 percent shorter than 3.70.

I've never heard any reports of these 215/70ZR-15 P4000s causing interference other than rubbing on the steering gear carriage bolt heads at full left lock, which only happens at parking lot speed.

On disk brake cars with 6" OE wheels they are tight, and if anyone has any interference, check the front and rear camber as it may be too far in the positive direction relative to the zero to slight negative recommended for the front and slight negative for the rear.

Duke

[James N.]

Re: Pirelli P4000 Super Touring Update

Question for Duke - I'm thinking of buying a set of the Goodyears for future use. I'd have Diamondback apply a redline side wall. The last set I got from Diamondback the tires were wrapped in plastic, like a shrink-to-hold plastic wrap that comes on a hand held spool. I know that the redline sidewalls are not to come into direct contact with with the backside of another tire. Should the tires be left in the plastic for long term storage? Or what's the best way to prep these tires for long term storage? Thanks.

[Duke W.]

Re: Pirelli P4000 Super Touring Update

You should ask Diamondback what they recommend, but in the absence of other advice, my recommendation would be to leave the wrapping on, however, if the wrapping pinches the sidewalls together a good deal, I'd remove it and place the tires in opaque plastic garbage bags. Store them upright, next to each other, not stacked, and place them in garbage bags either way if the storage area has much light.

Tires should be stored in a cool, dark place. Basements, if you have one are good, and store them as far as possible from any electrical equipment that can generate ozone like appliances with electric motors - washers, driers, HVAC equipment, etc.

Attics are okay in the winter, but they get hot in the summer, which can accelerate aging.

Duke

[Peter M.]

Re: Pirelli P4000 Super Touring Update

A friend of mine has had these tires on order for several months now. He told me that thay are now in and he is picking them up this Tuesaday (12/27).

Give your dealer a call and see if yours are in also.

FWIF

[Jeffrey G.]

Re: Pirelli P4000 Super Touring Update

I'm considering ordering Firestone F380's with about a 3/4" whitewall for my 66'. I'm not driving on a race track or at very high speeds, just normal driving.
I know the Pirelli's are more expensive, especially with whitewalls from Diamondback, does anyone have an opinion why the P4000's would be better then the F380's?

[Joe C.]

Re: Pirelli P4000 Super Touring Update

I'm considering ordering Firestone F380's with about a 3/4" whitewall for my 66'. I'm not driving on a race track or at very high speeds, just normal driving.
I know the Pirelli's are more expensive, especially with whitewalls from Diamondback, does anyone have an opinion why the P4000's would be better then the F380's?

There were complaints last year about tread separation on the F380's. Since you don't care about very high speeds, then you know that the Firestone has a speed rating of "S" (max rated speed is 112 MPH, which is one of the mid-lower UTQG speed ratings). The P4000 is the only tire on the market, available in that size, which is UTQG rated "Z" (150+ MPH). The Pirelli has a treadwear rating of 320 versus the 400 rating for the F380, which makes the Firestone a slightly harder tread compound, which should give you (around) 10,000 more miles per set.

The Pirelli's have a sidewall logo/design that won't take whitewalls very well.