The DREADED 21" Pirelli replacement dilemma - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

scottymac · 10-01-2015, 06:20 PM

Hey all, long time lurker, not very frequent poster here...

I bought a 2012 SS late last year with 10K miles. It was a great deal and I didn't really think about the 21" optional rims on the car. What can I say? I was leaving my Mustang GT behind and getting behind the wheel of a LS3 SS! I really had no idea that my ONLY choice for OEM replacement tires would be these rough riding overpriced Pirellis. Had I known, I would have insisted on a swap for some 20" wheels/tires on the dealer lot.

So, here I am with tires that are close to needing replacements. I honestly don't want to pay over $2K just for tires. SO....now comes the $64,000 question that I am sure has been asked 10,000 times here; Is there a reasonable alternative 21" tire that will work for my application? I have searched the forums and haven't seen any real definitive answer. I think GM and Pirelli conspired on this one to bend us over.

Anyway, I've seen the Hankook Ventus V12 Evo2 K120 that comes in 245/35/21 and 275/30/21. These have a slightly shorter sidewall therefore I assume a stiffer ride. I can't say I'm a big fan of low profile tires as I am constantly paranoid of curbing these big dollar upgrade rims. I'm not particularly a fan of a rough, stiff ride either. But if I HAVE to get 21" tires, then I would like the input of anyone who has experience with these Hankooks or maybe Nittos or any other brand that comes close to the OEM size. I know I can get these Hankooks for about 1/2 the price of the Pirellis. I don't think this alternative size combination would give me errors with the Stabilitrak system either?

At this point I am starting to think maybe it's better to just bite the bullet here and buy some 20" OEM wheels and tires. I'm not finding many used sets locally that are in decent shape either. Oh what to do????

Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

derek1387 · 10-01-2015, 08:06 PM

Ive used the Ventus V12's on several cars (not in 21" mind you) and have been VERY happy with the results. Great mileage, great grip, and a good price for that size of tire.

Hope that helps.

FASTDIESEL · 10-01-2015, 08:17 PM

Buy some good used 20" rims (on sale in classifieds all the time) and some new tires. You'll come out cheaper and have a better car. I put 19's on mine. WAY BETER than 21's!

Red2014SS · 10-01-2015, 08:18 PM

Cough up $2200 and get you a set of 20" Factory Reproductions wrapped in the tire of your choice. Then sell those 21" hoops for about $450 on Fleabay. You'll thank us the next time you need tires.

Here is the link you need...They even come with lugnuts and TPMS...
http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=292326

Avenging Orange · 10-01-2015, 09:13 PM

I always find it funny when people claim they searched the forum and found no answer on one of the top 3 discussed items. I'd say search some more and brows the tire distributor web sites. Lots of options.

witenite · 10-01-2015, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red2014SS

Cough up $2200 and get you a set of 20" Factory Reproductions wrapped in the tire of your choice. Then sell those 21" hoops for about $450 on Fleabay. You'll thank us the next time you need tires.

Here is the link you need...They even come with lugnuts and TPMS...
http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=292326

Seeing this post, I just bought the LG's w/ no tires for $1175. I think I f'ed up.

witenite · 10-01-2015, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by witenite

Seeing this post, I just bought the LG's w/ no tires for $1175. I think I f'ed up.

Not calling LG out or anything but seeing the FR packages with price now! Before didn't know what tire I was going with so was only focused on wheel price. LG is what I wanted and when they had a price drop, had to jump on it. Just thinking now I should have looked at the over all package/price etc. oh well. Seems like wheel/ tire/lugs/ tpms combo is the way to go.

scottymac · 10-01-2015, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Avenging Orange

I always find it funny when people claim they searched the forum and found no answer on one of the top 3 discussed items. I'd say search some more and brows the tire distributor web sites. Lots of options.

Well, I did search the wheel and tire forum and all I could find was conjecture and speculation. Maybe I'm old and just suck at the interwebz but I never found a definitive "If you put a set of "XYZ" size tires on the 21" OEM rims they will work fine and not cause a problem with the Stabilitrak system or clearance issues." (note: In my search efforts, I did learn about Stabilitrak malfunctioning if the front and back tires are more than a .5 inch difference in diameter). I know there are stickies here listing possible 21" alternatives but most of those are hypothetical sizes that don't exist. So really, just looking for someone "in the know" that has actually put a set of less-expensive-than-Pirelli "XYZ" size tires on their 21" OEM rims and had success. Oh, and there really aren't many options for 21" tires that I've found.

Perhaps someone who may have successfully accomplished this task can make a sticky that says something like, "If you have 21" OEM rims then you can safely use a set of alternative 21" XYZ tires without any issues"

But I digress....thanks for everyone's input. I still have some time to make this decision.

ChevyCamaroGirl · 10-02-2015, 12:02 AM

Pirelli makes a 21" all-season tire called Scorpion. I've got them in 22" on my Camaro and they feel pretty much just like the stock P zeros. My 22" cost me about $1000 shipped, so 21" should be somewhere around there in pricing. Plus right now Pirelli has a rebate offer going on for the next couple of days on a set of 4. PM me if you would like the name of the place I got my tires.

scottymac · 10-03-2015, 04:32 PM

Problem solved, decision made. Ordered some 20" black SS replica wheels and new tires. Should be in by Tuesday or Wednesday.

I will have some 21" OEM factory hoopties up for sale soon!

Sent from my SPH-L900 using Tapatalk

scottymac · 10-06-2015, 08:05 PM

Got my 20" SS replicas with some Falkens today. The ride is so much smoother! I love the look too. $1345 out the door!

FASTDIESEL · 10-06-2015, 08:11 PM

You WON'T be sorry! Great choice. Looks good.

I've NEVER missed the 21's.

scottymac · 10-06-2015, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FASTDIESEL

You WON'T be sorry! Great choice. Looks good.

I've NEVER missed the 21's.

Thanks man! I'm very pleased with the look myself. Now that the weather is cooling off I am going to wash, clay bar, and wax the hell out of my car now. Can't have it looking shabby with a new set of shoes!

10-01-2015, 06:20 PM	#1
scottymac Drives: 2012 1SS Camaro Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: DFW, Texas Posts: 28	The DREADED 21" Pirelli replacement dilemma Hey all, long time lurker, not very frequent poster here... I bought a 2012 SS late last year with 10K miles. It was a great deal and I didn't really think about the 21" optional rims on the car. What can I say? I was leaving my Mustang GT behind and getting behind the wheel of a LS3 SS! I really had no idea that my ONLY choice for OEM replacement tires would be these rough riding overpriced Pirellis. Had I known, I would have insisted on a swap for some 20" wheels/tires on the dealer lot. So, here I am with tires that are close to needing replacements. I honestly don't want to pay over $2K just for tires. SO....now comes the $64,000 question that I am sure has been asked 10,000 times here; Is there a reasonable alternative 21" tire that will work for my application? I have searched the forums and haven't seen any real definitive answer. I think GM and Pirelli conspired on this one to bend us over. Anyway, I've seen the Hankook Ventus V12 Evo2 K120 that comes in 245/35/21 and 275/30/21. These have a slightly shorter sidewall therefore I assume a stiffer ride. I can't say I'm a big fan of low profile tires as I am constantly paranoid of curbing these big dollar upgrade rims. I'm not particularly a fan of a rough, stiff ride either. But if I HAVE to get 21" tires, then I would like the input of anyone who has experience with these Hankooks or maybe Nittos or any other brand that comes close to the OEM size. I know I can get these Hankooks for about 1/2 the price of the Pirellis. I don't think this alternative size combination would give me errors with the Stabilitrak system either? At this point I am starting to think maybe it's better to just bite the bullet here and buy some 20" OEM wheels and tires. I'm not finding many used sets locally that are in decent shape either. Oh what to do???? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

10-01-2015, 08:06 PM	#2
derek1387 Drives: 2015 1LS Red V6 Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: St Joseph, MO Posts: 1,849	Ive used the Ventus V12's on several cars (not in 21" mind you) and have been VERY happy with the results. Great mileage, great grip, and a good price for that size of tire. Hope that helps. __________________ Sponsors: Overkill Motorsport BCS Auto JacFab Machining APDEG Dream Gear Mobile Audio Thanks to Will @ Overkill Motorsports, Jason @ JacFab, Jim @ Ohio Speed, Brandon at Dream Gear, and the boys at Randy Curnow Chevrolet 5th Gen V6 Performance Facebook Group

10-01-2015, 08:17 PM	#3
FASTDIESEL Drives: 2010 2SS/RS L99 SLP Cosmetics Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: West Tennessee Posts: 382 View My Garage	Buy some good used 20" rims (on sale in classifieds all the time) and some new tires. You'll come out cheaper and have a better car. I put 19's on mine. WAY BETER than 21's! __________________ 13.244 @ 104.91 100% stock (#17). Now - Mike Norris catch can. 245/50/19 Firestone Wingfoot A/S on LT2 black powder coated rims (square). 1 7/8" Speed-Engineering LTH, off road pipes, tune. Now 12.93 @ 109.13.

10-01-2015, 08:18 PM	#4
Red2014SS Drives: 2014 2SS/RS Camaro Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Kentucky Posts: 2,421	Cough up $2200 and get you a set of 20" Factory Reproductions wrapped in the tire of your choice. Then sell those 21" hoops for about $450 on Fleabay. You'll thank us the next time you need tires. Here is the link you need...They even come with lugnuts and TPMS... http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=292326 __________________ 2014 2SS/RS, L99, SW LTH w/HF Cats, GMPP Ex. Z/28 CAI, FR41s in PVD Black Chrome, Recaros, Pfadt Sway 377hp, 383tq 12.739@110.44 MPH

10-01-2015, 09:13 PM	#5
Avenging Orange Drives: 2010 Inferno Orange 2SS/RS Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Clermont, IN Posts: 3,297	I always find it funny when people claim they searched the forum and found no answer on one of the top 3 discussed items. I'd say search some more and brows the tire distributor web sites. Lots of options. __________________ 2010 Inferno Orange 2SS/RS M6 Black Leather, Sun Roof, OBX Headers, Borla touring axle back, Cold Air Inductions CAI , non synthetic fluids, BMR total bushing upgrade/1" lowering springs, DSE 32mm rear sway bar. GM fe4 shocks/struts/LCA's, AAM 3.91 diff, Vertini RFS1.8 20x9 +30. Conti ExtremeContact Sport 275/35/20. sjm autoprod ABL dash kit. Mike Norris tuned 413/419. Avenging Orange: 43 years of not buying into the Hype........and damn proud of it!! https://youtu.be/9JD9it6SmB8 https://youtu.be/xmelTlEzI34 KICKING CANCERS ASS SINCE 2015!!

10-02-2015, 12:02 AM	#9
ChevyCamaroGirl Drives: 2010 CAMARO 2SS RS BLACK Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: NorCal Posts: 226 View My Garage	Pirelli makes a 21" all-season tire called Scorpion. I've got them in 22" on my Camaro and they feel pretty much just like the stock P zeros. My 22" cost me about $1000 shipped, so 21" should be somewhere around there in pricing. Plus right now Pirelli has a rebate offer going on for the next couple of days on a set of 4. PM me if you would like the name of the place I got my tires.

10-03-2015, 04:32 PM	#10
scottymac Drives: 2012 1SS Camaro Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: DFW, Texas Posts: 28	Problem solved, decision made. Ordered some 20" black SS replica wheels and new tires. Should be in by Tuesday or Wednesday. I will have some 21" OEM factory hoopties up for sale soon! Sent from my SPH-L900 using Tapatalk

10-06-2015, 08:05 PM	#11
scottymac Drives: 2012 1SS Camaro Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: DFW, Texas Posts: 28	Got my 20" SS replicas with some Falkens today. The ride is so much smoother! I love the look too. $1345 out the door! Attached Images

10-06-2015, 08:11 PM	#12
FASTDIESEL Drives: 2010 2SS/RS L99 SLP Cosmetics Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: West Tennessee Posts: 382 View My Garage	You WON'T be sorry! Great choice. Looks good. I've NEVER missed the 21's. __________________ 13.244 @ 104.91 100% stock (#17). Now - Mike Norris catch can. 245/50/19 Firestone Wingfoot A/S on LT2 black powder coated rims (square). 1 7/8" Speed-Engineering LTH, off road pipes, tune. Now 12.93 @ 109.13.