Just the excuse I needed...

[Bowtie2Sierra]

Well the Winter Storm Warning issued for us this morning was the perfect excuse to give my wife that I "needed" new tires for the truck. We are traveling about 150 miles early tomorrow morning so we need to be safe, right? :naughty:

Anyway, I planned on putting some Cooper Zeon LTZ's on the truck when the time came. So I called my local tire shop and they happened to have a set of LTZ's with my name on them so I just picked up a set of Cooper Zeon LTZ 275/55 R20 a few hours ago. I really like the way they look on the truck. I have only driven a few miles with them on the interstate but I'm impressed with the ride and low noise so far. It's raining outside so no pics yet. I'll try to snap a few at some point.

I'm looking forward to some deep snow to try these babies out! :thumbs:

[BuckFeverZ]

Nice.

[Zembonez]

I need a full report! Ride? Noise? MPG? I need it all man!

I've been looking at replacing my Pirellis with these exact tires.

WOO HOO! I'll stand by.

OH... and WE NEED PICTURES! :jester:

[Darkanion]

:thumbs: :cheers:

[Bowtie2Sierra]

Stand by for a full report boys. I'll be driving it to my in-laws tonight in the rain and then hopefully snow tomorrow morning for about 300 miles to my parents. I should get a good sampling of varying conditions and speeds. OH...and I will definitely get some pics...stay tuned. :D

[Zembonez]

COOL! :thumbs:

[Bigredmariner]

Cool.:thumbs:

[daddy]

:willy:

Pics? :D

[PenguinLTZ]

Those sure would look good wrapped around some Centerlines :uhoh:

[daddy]

Those sure would look good wrapped around some Centerlines :uhoh:

YES.

[BlackStallion29]

Alright then. New shoes. :thumbs:

[DV2000NJ]

Alright then. New shoes. :thumbs:

But no pictures. :lame:

:(

[daddy]

Alright then. New shoes. :thumbs:

But no pictures. :lame:

:(

Agreed.

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x245/tobeuss/60Lame.png

[PenguinLTZ]

:rollin:

[Bowtie2Sierra]

Well the 8in of snow we were supposed to get Christmas Eve into Christmas morning turned out to be 1-2in...:lame:

Traction:
Initial impressions of the tires are good. I didn't get to plow through some deep snow with the tires yesterday morning like I had hoped. The tires got really good traction in the rain before it changed to snow. I did a few heavy acceleration tests and hard braking in the rain and snow. I experienced good grip in each test. The Zeon's performed as good if not better than the LS2's in the rain. I never had any complaints with the LS2's in the rain but my initial thoughts are the Zeon's are better which is impressive for an AT tire.

I was very impressed in the snow and this was my main reason for the purchase. We drove through about a 100 miles of snow covered interstate and the tires had excellent grip. There wasn't much traffic on the interstate Christmas morning so I was able to play in the snow a little bit before my wife became irritated and made me quit. Traction and grip was excellent. I had to work at spinning the tires. I drove the entire way home in 2wd and it was perfectly stable. Granted, there wasn't much snow but the roads were snow packed nonetheless. During the last 50 miles of the 150 mile trip home yesterday, the roads became a combination of snow, slush, and salt. The tires did great in that mess also.

Ride/Handling:
Dry handling hasn't been tested yet. It will probably be next week before the roads dry out. The ride is very good and an improvement over the LS2's. The lack of road noise is very impressive. There is a very slight increase in noise over the LS2's but the radio needs to be off to hear it. It does not become noticeable until around 60mph or faster.

Comparing the LS2 (street tires) to the LTZ (AT) probably isn't a fair comparison since each tire is meant for different uses. However, I'm extremely pleased with the purchase so far. I read a lot of good things about the LTZ so it had a lot of hype to live up and so far, they have not left me dissappointed. Driving characteristics aside, I love the look of the tire. I think it makes the truck look more aggressive and more of the look I'm going after. The Zeon LTZ compliments the factory 20's nicely IMO. I have a RC kit at the house but I'm still up in the air if I will put it on. If I do, it will be 1.5in max because I still want a little bit of rake.

I paid $923.02 out the door. I might have been able to get them cheaper online but I enjoy dealing with the guys at the local tire shop so if I paid a little more than I should have, so be it. It was worth it to me.

Here are a few crappy pics from an old camera laying around at my parents. I'll get the truck cleaned up later this weekend and get some better pics then.

http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo305/bowtie2sierra/2008%20Sierra/Sierra%20Mods/Christmas2009016.jpg

http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo305/bowtie2sierra/2008%20Sierra/Sierra%20Mods/Christmas2009015.jpg

http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo305/bowtie2sierra/2008%20Sierra/Sierra%20Mods/Christmas2009012.jpg

http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo305/bowtie2sierra/2008%20Sierra/Sierra%20Mods/Christmas2009014.jpg

http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo305/bowtie2sierra/2008%20Sierra/Sierra%20Mods/Christmas2009013.jpg

I'll post some more pics later and let you know any other impressions of the tires on our drive home tomorrow. Let me know what you think. :cheers:

[DV2000NJ]

That is a damn good looking tire. :thumbs:

[Bigredmariner]

They look nice Matt. :thumbs:

[Bowtie2Sierra]

Thanks guys. :cheers:

I'm very pleased with them so far. They seem to be a nice compromise between a street tire and some of the more aggressive AT tires.

[BlackStallion29]

That is a damn good looking tire. :thumbs:

:withstupid: But what's that nasty shit all over your truck?:D

[daddy]

Those look great but they'd look even better on a set of Centerlines. :thumbs:

[BuckFeverZ]

Nice :thumbs:

[66nova]

That is a damn good looking tire. :thumbs:

+1
I love those tires! If I had four wheel drive or lived where I was surounded by more grass then concrete I would own a set

[dietz4ibanez]

That seems like a lot of money for those tires? What king of mileage are they rated for? 60k?

I am just curious cause I paid less than $800 mounted and balanced. I know there will be a price difference since my tires are 16s but my tires are load range E. :dunno:

Tires look great though!

[Zembonez]

That seems like a lot of money for those tires? What king of mileage are they rated for? 60k?

I am just curious cause I paid less than $800 mounted and balanced. I know there will be a price difference since my tires are 16s but my tires are load range E. :dunno:

Tires look great though!

16s are WAY cheaper than 20s. Go price the BFGs you bought in a 20 inch size. You'll be shocked.

[CJ Hungus]

Looks good! Im still sporting my stock craptacular tires on my truck. I should have gotten some winter tires. ah well.

[Bowtie2Sierra]

Here are some updated pics. The weather has been too crappy to get any good pics outside so I was limited to the garage last night. I'm still loving the tires after running them almost a week. They definitely do have a little road noise compared to the Goodyears but that was to be expected.

http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo305/bowtie2sierra/2008%20Sierra/Sierra%20Mods/DSC_0004-1.jpg

http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo305/bowtie2sierra/2008%20Sierra/Sierra%20Mods/DSC_0006-3.jpg

http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo305/bowtie2sierra/2008%20Sierra/Sierra%20Mods/DSC_0010-1.jpg

http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo305/bowtie2sierra/2008%20Sierra/Sierra%20Mods/DSC_0013-1.jpg

http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo305/bowtie2sierra/2008%20Sierra/Sierra%20Mods/DSC_0016-1.jpg

http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo305/bowtie2sierra/2008%20Sierra/Sierra%20Mods/DSC_0009-2.jpg

http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo305/bowtie2sierra/2008%20Sierra/Sierra%20Mods/DSC_0009-1.jpg

http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo305/bowtie2sierra/2008%20Sierra/Sierra%20Mods/DSC_0003.jpg

http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo305/bowtie2sierra/2008%20Sierra/Sierra%20Mods/DSC_0005-2.jpg

http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo305/bowtie2sierra/2008%20Sierra/Sierra%20Mods/DSC_0006-2.jpg

http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo305/bowtie2sierra/2008%20Sierra/Sierra%20Mods/DSC_0011-1.jpg

http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo305/bowtie2sierra/2008%20Sierra/Sierra%20Mods/DSC_0015-1.jpg

[PenguinLTZ]

VERY NICE! :thumbs:

[Zembonez]

Those are great looking tires!

[Bowtie2Sierra]

Thank you sir. :cheers:

[Zembonez]

They transform the look of the truck! COOL!

[Bowtie2Sierra]

I was debating between going up a size or sticking with stock. I'm pleased with the result.

[Zembonez]

Yeah. The aggressive tread makes them look bigger anyway. Any change in MPG or is it too soon to tell?

[Bigredmariner]

They look great.:thumbs:

[Bowtie2Sierra]

I think it's too soon to tell. MPG has dropped since I got them (according to the DIC) but I'm not blaming that on the tires just yet. The weather has been really cold since I got them so I've been using the remote start almost daily. I've also had a lot more stop & go driving due to the slick roads the last few days combined with short shopping trips over the holiday. The tires are heavy though so I expect to loose about .5-1mpg or so. I'll be surprised if I don't.

[PenguinLTZ]

Wheels that are half the weight of those will make a difference.

I know :D

[daddy]

Those look great! :thumbs:

Jim, too aggressive for your truck though, IMO.

[Bowtie2Sierra]

According to the DIC, I got about 17.3mpg on all interstate driving on the way back home from my parents last weekend. I was driving aroudn 75-80mph...no noticeable wind and temp was below 20. I think I would normally get around 18.5-19mpg on my old tires but that was driving at around 70mph. Who knows...I'll have to pay closer attention in the next few weeks.

[Bowtie2Sierra]

Wheels that are half the weight of those will make a difference.

I know :D

I hear ya. A light wheel is on the top of my list for sure. :thumbs:

Those look great! :thumbs:

Jim, too aggressive for your truck though, IMO.

Thank you. I tend to agree with you on Jim's truck though.

[66nova]

Changes the entire feel of the truck. I like it ahlot!!!:thumbs:


One suggestion...

http://www.repaintsupply.com/prod_images_blowup/8883.jpg

[PenguinLTZ]

Changes the entire feel of the truck. I like it ahlot!!!:thumbs:


One suggestion...

http://www.repaintsupply.com/prod_images_blowup/8883.jpg

I got my quote today on the Arma bedliner, and the guys want $250 to do my inner fenders...damn.

[66nova]

I love my undercoating. It still looks great and its a breaze to freshen up. Just shoot some tire dressing on it and it looks brand new.

Plus in total it cost me less than $20

[daddy]

OUCH.

Do them yourselfs or buy the damn GM liners.

[Zembonez]

Those look great! :thumbs:

Jim, too aggressive for your truck though, IMO.

I have decided to go with either the Michelins (38 pounds!) or the BFGs (43 pounds) Robert bought in a 285-50-20

[daddy]

285/50/20, FTW! :thumbs:

My dad won't buy anything but Michelins. He swears by their sidewall and the ride comfort they provide.

[Zembonez]

I installed a new set of Michelins on the Explorer (245-75-16) recently and it was a really nice change. They are sure pricey though!

[daddy]

I installed a new set of Michelins on the Explorer (245-75-16) recently and it was a really nice change. They are sure pricey though!

These Yoko Parada Spec-X's are a very nice tire as well. Rated #1 on Tirerack.com. You should at least give them a chance.

[66nova]

I installed a new set of Michelins on the Explorer (245-75-16) recently and it was a really nice change. They are sure pricey though!

The main reason I didn't go with them. If the reveiws would have been that much better, then I would have been all over them.

[Bowtie2Sierra]

Changes the entire feel of the truck. I like it ahlot!!!:thumbs:


One suggestion...

http://www.repaintsupply.com/prod_images_blowup/8883.jpg

Thanks! :cheers:

And I agree with you. It's on my list of things to do. I need to go buy a few cans and just do it already. :loser:

[Z71 Kris]

THOSE TIRES LOOK TEETS!!!! I love the look of those! They could be the next set I get on me truck!

[Z71 Kris]

well hows they been?

[Bowtie2Sierra]

These tires rock! We got more snow over the weekend so I took the truck out before the roads were plowed. The tires did very well. I spun a little in 2wd but that is to be expected in 4-5in of wet snow. In 4wd, they gripped like no other. It was actually more fun playing in the snow with the LS2's though b/c they slide a lot more. :lol:

[66nova]

:thumbs:

[Z71 Kris]

great...man I like the look of those!

[SierraRR]

Great lookin tire you got. Just wish they had them in the size I want in an 18"

[CJ Hungus]

These tires rock! We got more snow over the weekend so I took the truck out before the roads were plowed. The tires did very well. I spun a little in 2wd but that is to be expected in 4-5in of wet snow. In 4wd, they gripped like no other. It was actually more fun playing in the snow with the LS2's though b/c they slide a lot more. :lol:
Good to hear! :thumbs:

[Truckguy24]

Those are a nice looking tire man. Def a good choice :cheers:

[Bowtie2Sierra]

Thanks everyone. :cheers:

One drawback is all the extra crap the tires throw up on the side of the truck. Part of the price to pay for ATs though. I'm thinking about having 3M or VentureShield clear paint protectant added on the bottom part of my doors up to the molding to prevent any rock chips. :dunno:

[Z71 Kris]

what about mud-flaps....I have those factory looking GMC ones, do you think those would stop that from happening?

[Bowtie2Sierra]

Yeah mud flaps are definitely the answer and would pretty much eliminate the problem. I'm just not a fan of them on the GMT900's. It's not a huge problem but definitely a difference compared to before.

[Truckguy24]

what about mud-flaps....I have those factory looking GMC ones, do you think those would stop that from happening?

x2 That's what I have. I have to get the Ford molded front ones tho. I'd rather have 'em than have my truck covered in crap.

[Z71 Kris]

http://www.coolmyspacebackgrounds.org/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/mrburns_excellent1.JPG

[Truckguy24]

:lolup:

[Bowtie2Sierra]

:lol:

[Z71 Kris]

how are these holding up nowadays...

[Bowtie2Sierra]

Actually I just rotated the tires this morning when I changed the oil. I have right at 5,000 miles on them and no issues so far. :fingersx:

[DarrenWS6]

Awesome :thumbs: