C4 ZR1 Tyres

RobertZR1

CCCUK Member
Hi, I have just joined CCUK, having been out of the UK for a while. I own a 1991 ZR1 and it is in need of new tyres, especially on the rear. I have the standard equipment wheels and will need 315/35 R17 tires. However these don't seem to be readily available in the UK. Does anyone have recommendations on where to source these, and also what brand I should go for? Many thanks!
 

theseoldcars

CCCUK Member
I've never had to hunt down a set in that size but North Hants Tyres stocks (or lists, at least) the Nitto 555 in 315/35 R17.


Hopefully, though, others with more experience in this specific area might chime in.

You could also look at importing tyres from the US, which is what I did for my base C4 a while back. You'll potentially pay a premium but you might get access to a few more options. Pilot Sport All Season 4s are one listed on Tirerack, for example – but you'll have to find an outlet willing to ship them. Worth checking out eBay US.

I've seen a few other options on my travels but those are all otherwise dedicated track tyres and may well not be suitable for your application. Good luck with your search, in any case! :)
 
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teamzr1

Supporting vendor
I've never had to hunt down a set in that size but North Hants Tyres stocks (or lists, at least) the Nitto 555 in 315/35 R17.


Hopefully, though, others with more experience in this specific area might chime in.

You could also look at importing tyres from the US, which is what I did for my base C4 a while back. You'll potentially pay a premium but you might get access to a few more options. Pilot Sport All Season 4s are one listed on Tirerack, for example – but you'll have to find an outlet willing to ship them. Worth checking out eBay US.

I've seen a few other options on my travels but those are all otherwise dedicated track tyres and may well not be suitable for your application. Good luck with your search, in any case! :)

That website says they are out of stock

These are not Z rated tires so why max speed rating shown is 168 MPH, yes I know you would not go that speed
but that does say the design is lessor then a Z rated which rate at 186 MPH

As shown, they are Summer only tires
They really used here in the USA for like drag racing, they are soft and not have much of a tire life
 

theseoldcars

CCCUK Member
That website says they are out of stock

These are not Z rated tires so why max speed rating shown is 168 MPH, yes I know you would not go that speed
but that does say the design is lessor then a Z rated which rate at 186 MPH

As shown, they are Summer only tires
They really used here in the USA for like drag racing, they are soft and not have much of a tire life

It's always worth speaking to North Hants; it does get regular deliveries and the staff know what's coming in. However, it wouldn't surprise me if there were significant delays due to the logistics issues at the moment. The last time I ordered Nittos from them, I had to wait eight weeks (and took an alternate course at that point, anyway).

With regards to the rest, I know – but, in the UK, I'm personally not aware of any other off-the-shelf (effectively) choices. So, well, if you want new tyres... 😄

You do occasionally see the older Toyo Proxes R888 listed but I doubt stock even exists for these, and that's an even more aggressive option.

Most, as you suggest, aren't going to attempt such speeds – or even drive their cars that hard – anyway, and most are just fair-weather cars. I'd always swing for a mainstream high-performance tyre myself, with appropriate ratings, but if such a thing isn't available...

Even Longstone Tyres, a vintage and obscure tyre specialist in the UK, doesn't have anything in 315/35 R17. ☚ī¸ Remembered it this morning and had a quick gander.
 

Chevrolet

CCCUK Member
Hi, I have just joined CCUK, having been out of the UK for a while. I own a 1991 ZR1 and it is in need of new tyres, especially on the rear. I have the standard equipment wheels and will need 315/35 R17 tires. However these don't seem to be readily available in the UK. Does anyone have recommendations on where to source these, and also what brand I should go for? Many thanks!
I wouldn't buy anything without first talking to Keith Beschi at Eurovettes. As us long time Club members/Vette owners know, Keith has been a "stalwart" of the Club since it started, is a Club "Supporting Vendor," and imports Vette stuff from the US. Has also owned a C4 ZR1 and C4 Callaway amongst others. Last new tyres on my C4 were BF Goodrichs that Keith brought in from the US for me. In that difficult to find 255/50/16 size.

Where are you based Robert?
 
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Chevrolet

CCCUK Member
As shown, they are Summer only tires
They really used here in the USA for like drag racing, they are soft and not have much of a tire life
Just for info "ZR" - UK/Europe spec C6s and C7s had/have the Z51 option as standard. And that included "run-flat" summer tyres (i.e. Dont use/be careful in temperatures below 5 degrees centigrade). Was it not the same on US spec Z51 C6/C7s?
 

RobertZR1

CCCUK Member
Many thanks all. North Hants won't have the Nikko in till early July, and I am planning to do the Lemans classic then. And, as observed by some respondents, the Nikko are W rated. I have followed the advice offered here and bought some Michelin Pilots, front and rear, on eBay. The front tyres are available in the the UK but the all in price on eBay was still pretty competitive. Thanks again!
 
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