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Are Z-rated tires necessary?

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Old 12-09-2007, 04:32 AM
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Default Are Z-rated tires necessary?

I went to a tire place and saw I could get white wall 225 60 16 Goodyear tires for $70 each! They're only H tires, but if I don't break 99 MPH, shouldn't I be just fine? I could turn the white walls to be on the inside as well.
Old 12-09-2007, 04:35 AM
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well, yeah, if you never go over 99mph you should be fine. but it would be unsafe if you go over, even once...
Old 12-09-2007, 04:54 AM
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Aren't there some other factors, like the weight of the car and the handling? I used to assume that tires didn't make a difference in handling until I went window shopping for tires, and someone mentioned I should get the Z tires so my car would handle better.

I'm pretty sure, however, that I'd have to replace my shot struts, springs, bushings, compressor hoses, and whatever else is stretched/missing/blown/shot/too aged, and then the tires might help the handling.
Old 12-09-2007, 04:57 AM
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im not sure if having z rated tires would have a big difference. i know tire size and quality of tires serve a big factor in it. the stock rating of tires put on cars is usually determined on what the speed limiter is set at.
Old 12-09-2007, 05:01 AM
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So, my limiter is 130mph? Also, thanks a lot for answering the question. That rocks. Now go to sleep.
Old 12-09-2007, 05:13 AM
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im not 100% of the limiter on an ssei of that era. but i think it might be like 128? i dunno, someone will chime in, i could be wrong.

its saturday, i dont need no stinkin sleep, lol.
Old 12-09-2007, 05:17 AM
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Well, it'* still a fairly high limiter. And why wouldn't you question why I'm up? Sleeping for 8 hours with respect to daylight changes is much healthier than just sleeping for 8 hours whenever.
Old 12-09-2007, 06:01 AM
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I'm up because I can't go to sleep. I'm in college, too. I guess in some respects, studying is bad for you.

What do you think of white wall tires? I'd like to try them on just to see how they look. They might affect handling because staring drivers might swerve. Are there tire build quality standards that ensure H and Z let your car handle the same way, or at least close anough? Or is it just tire strength in how hard or soft they are?
Old 12-09-2007, 09:40 AM
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Posts deleted. This isn't the Lounge.
Old 12-09-2007, 11:36 AM
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Check the various speed ratings. Bonnevilles don't need Z-rated tires, you'll never get close to Z-rated speeds.

V rated can handle sustained speeds of 140mph.

H rated is 128mph, and is OE equipment on most GM cars


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