Is there an advantage or disadvantage to running runflats on a F430? I understand ofcourse the purpose of runflats, but is there any disadvantage in running them over the standard tires on the F430?
Would they be more resistant to road shocks, pot-holes etc. than the standard tires? Unfortunately they also don't fit on the F430 CS style rims, which I would like to have on my next F430.
Don't do it. They have very stiff side walls, which rob "feel" from the tire. Also ,most are a notch below other performance tires in the handling department. Every person I know that has gotten rid of the runflats ,said they would not run them again. Darrell.
They are also heavier than standard tires. Yes they do give you more utility, but that's not the point with a Ferrari. I would say you should avoid them, unless you have a big fear of being left stranded in a very bad area. Knowing that you could drive home could make it worth it. Of course, one would wonder why you were in a bad area with a Ferrari.... IMHO: avoid run flats. best regards, Jerry
50% of our streets are bad areas. I just damaged a tire on my current F430 driving into a pothole which I would usually overlook driving any other car. It is a problem we have with all low profile tires here in Cairo. I found a bubble on the side wall of one of my front tires and I need to replace the tire. The reason I am asking, I am receiving a second F430 next Feb. and was thinking of ordering it with the runflats to avoid these problems if they were avoidable with the runflat tires. There is no fear of being stranded with the standard tires as my current F430 has the spare wheel in the front trunk so I can always mount that.
I have Goodyear runflats on my F430 and they are terrific. I have used them on the track as well. Granted they aren't going to be as good on the track as some of the others but I like the security of knowing I can get back from anywhere. Contrary to the "unless you're in a bad area" comment from the previous poster, some of us don't live in a city. I live in a rural area and can get to very rural areas within 20-30 minutes (which have amazing scenery and driving roads, BTW)...it would be a major pain in the a$$ to be stuck out there waiting for help.
I got them. They are fine. The ride is smoother than any Ferrari I've ever been in, so if they do give a "harsher ride," as a previous poster mentions, it's definitely not noticeable. Handling is also great. Finally, knowing several people who have hit a pothole breaking their tire and, as a consequence, breaking their rim, the run flats are IMO a must have option, unless you don't care about having to buy knew wheels. It's basically insurance against that. If you're the kind of person who doesn't buy insurance, forget about it, I guess.
Thanks for the encouragment Steve...zjpj. But what about the Challenge type rims which I want . You can't fit runflats on them for some reason which I don't know. Terrible and difficult decision.
I have them on my F430 and would get them again. Real world experience/opinion - not speculation - Here is a link to a prior thread about just this topic: http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=115387&highlight=goodyear
I have them on my F430 and would get them again. Real world experience/opinion - not speculation - Here is a link to a prior thread about just this topic: http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=115387&highlight=goodyear
The challenge wheels (which are also incompatible with the tire-pressure monitoring option as well) are different dimensions than the standard wheels and the run-flat tires simply do not exist in these dimensions. If I lived in Cairo (or any area with bad roads) I would order the run-flats in a heartbeat and just "live" with the standard wheels....
What size are the challenge wheels and what size are the standard wheels? Also, what is the size of the run-flat tire fitted on the F430, both for the front and rear?
Word. Notice how everyone knocking them begins their post "I heard...[xyz]" They protect against broken rims and the ride is just fine. If you are that concerned about weight, I don't know why you would get an F430 in the first place. It's a huge car with tons of luxury appointments. As for having them on Challenge Rims, I do not know. I have the stock rims.
I am not concerned about weight. My main concern is to protect my wheels and tires from damage due to inferior road conditions. I already have an F430 with standard tires and rims and yesterday I damaged a tire driving over a pothole. Got a bubble in the sidewall. I am receiving my second F430 next Feb. and was contemplating the idea, runflats or no due to this reason only, but I wanted the CS rims which unfortunately don't go with the runflats (I which I knew why). Therefore, now after reading your posts, I have decided to go with runflats and sacrifice the CS rims. Better safe than sorry. I remember with my 2005 SL55 AMG, I went through three tires in the first 1000 miles. It was very frustrating. The tire profile on the F430 is even lower than those on my SL55.
I think that's the right idea. They are tough. Besides the run-flat stuff, I have hit potholes and speed and the tire has remained intact. Since I didn't have the regular tires on, I don't know what would have happened or how the sturdiness differs. But I do know that I was very surprised that the tire did not burst and the rim wasn't damaged. I've been very happy with their performance and especially if you are worried about more rim damage, it makes sense to get them.
You can always order the Challenge wheels, put run-flats on your car now and then trade the wheels (including tires) with your current 430 before you send it this way. I like the Challenge wheels also. Just joking. Good luck with the run-flats, I think that is the best call.
Thanks, I am going for runflats. But, just out of curiosity. Can someone tell me why they don't fit on Challenge rims. I thought everything nowadays was universal.
Steve, I would say that you could say this is a "bad" area from the standpoint that you don't want to get stranded out there- for whatever the reason- the locals are unfriendly or its just remote or whatever. Tarek, I think you are making the right call. In thinking about your situation, I am thinking the advice you got early on and from me is good general advice, but to your specific situation, I think if I were in your place I would do the same thing. One note of caution about heavier tires and wheels in general- they put greater stress on the suspension so if you hit anything very hard, like a pot hole, the threshold for damage to those parts and their mounting areas is lower. Just a note of caution, as its common sense to do our best to avoid road hazards such as potholes anyway. best regards, Jerry
I chose this option very carefully. I'm happy I did because of peace of mind. Do you give much up in performance, I don't think so, unless you are going to drive at 10/10s they will serve you well on the track too, at least for my level of experience and desire (that is to take the car home). I, from a practical point of view, don't think that many here are at 10/10s, though I know some! Yeah!, the run flats are a little firmer, but if you are really astute (and you have to be to 10/10s fast) then it is a non-issue because with eyes up, you will avoid the pot holes.
Im just gun shy on the run flats because I have experience with them on BMWs (my Z8 and several testers) and the difference in terms of comfort and driving pleasure when I changed to normal tires was very noticeable. Tire tech continues to improve, but I refuse to believe in a "free lunch". There are always tradeoffs. I actually think its common sense to discuss 10/10ths but from a friend who tracked his Z8 with the run flats and then "regular" tires he told me the run flats actually started to perform better when they got really hot and that in his opinion the run flats were better track tires than many would give them credit for based upon street experience. It may be more like the run flats make sense for some based upon their situation but for those of us who want maximum 7-8/10ths driving pleasure and are willing to take the risk of a flat, the normal tires may still be the best choice. best regards, Jerry
Cost of the run-flat option? I appreciate the feed-back of owners who have them. The only experience I've had with them is with the Corvette first generation and the sidewalls were very stiff but provided a great piece of mind. I felt that the feedback from the tires in cornering was limited.
Thank you Jerry for the advice. Yesterday I altered my order with Ferrari to runflat tires. Ofcourse we all try to avoid hitting potholes, even when running with runflats. I just need the additional security to avoid damaging standard tires, which happened to me last week. Our streets in Cairo are definitely in a worse condition than yours.