tire pressure question. I have searched, but cannot find the recommended tire pressure for my 1991 z28. It has 245/50 16 tires. The door sticker is gone and the owners manual says to refer to the door sticker. A dumb question, but, can anyone help me out? thank you, Randy.

 

The door sticker would say to run 30 psi. I work at discount tire compmany. 32 psi would also work good as well. I run 30 psi.

 

Thank you very much. I just put new tires on and the installer insisted that I run 35lbs. I always ran 32 before and I was just curious. Thanks again. Randy

 

Yes. 35 is a standard pressure for most street radials tires. But now a days specific tire pressure is very crucial Now. 30-32 will be perfect for ur Camaro. U are welcome.

 

Good performaace tires have a much wider PSI rating, my dunlops are rated for 35-52psi with no deformation.

I run 40 cold.

 

Wider tires have a higher pressure so that that the bead of the tire seats properly on the wheel during the installation. It is not the recommended pressure to run in on the street.
In general the wider the tires get the shorter the tire get (aspect ratio) too much pressure in the tires will cause a stiff ride as well as cause the tire to wear much faster.

 

My tires are Cooper Zeon ZPT's. So far I like them alot. Very good wet and dry traction, not sure how they will wear in the long run. That's why I was wondering about pressure. Going on a 3000 mile trip tomorrow and wanted to be sure. Thank's for the reply. Randy

 

Sorry but these are ultra high performance tires and the 35-52 psi rating is without deformation, so they will not wear any different in that range.

Under inflating a tires makes it wear out too.

And these are sports cars, it suppose to have a stiff ride.
If you want yours to ride like a fleetwood caddy, that your choice but wrong in my book. Buy a caddy instead.

Member all those roll over accident with Furds???

Its cause folks used the PSI rating on the door for ride quality which was under infalted per the Firestone spec's on the sidewall of the tire n why they rolled over during a hi speed manuver, even though Firestone took most of the blame, it was Furds fault for tell folks to under infalte their tires so Furd could claim a smoother ride.

 

So what do you recommend? The sidewall says max pressure of 44 lbs. @ 1600 lbs. normal load. I am curious. Thank's Randy

 

You will have to experment to see what fits your style, but long as you stay in the range that will not deform the tire/go out side the rating numbers, your ok.

I don't like a soft spongy tire that rolls over in a sharp turn, when I crank that wheel I want a firm postive feel. I tried 50 before but it was to stiff for my liking, 40 cold is good for me.

 

Thank's Gumby! This why I come to T.G.O. with questions, there is a wealth of knowlege here. Sometimes you have to sift through it all to make a decision, but, I really appreciate all the info available here. Thank's again. Randy

 

I run 35 psi (cold) in all 4 tires. My tires seem to wear and feel better at that poundage for me. I like them a little firm. Not only that but have found the fronts don't dive as much on curbs when pulling into a store, gym, etc. and that helps with front valance not rubbing. ( Tire sizes are in my signature.)

 

Thank you for the reply! I guess on our trip I will experiment a little. I think that I will adjust at every fuel stop. I think that this will be a learning experience for me and my car. Thank's again. Randy

 

Now I'll admit I'm probally more **** than most but playing with tire pressures, you can find the perfect setting that balances ride quality and handling for you. Start off with the recommended settings and go from there.

Around town I usually run 36psi front/34psi rear. If I know I'm going to be on the highway for a road trip, I usually up my normal pressure 2-4psi depending on the outside temp for a bias towards handling. Never more than the sidewall max though.

Never know, you may end up like me and know that 38psi front/37psi rear on a 70 degree day gives me the same ride and handling quality as does 35psi/32psi on a 90 degree day, lol.