Chevy Dealers WON'T FIX My Z06! So I Went To Ferrari!

I cannot find a single Chevrolet dealership in Southern California that will work on my C8 Z06...
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[@SpeedPhenom]

Major thanks to the exotic car team w/ the Ferrari dealer for trying to help me out! It is unreal I cannot find a single Chevrolet Dealership that will change tires for my Z06. Chevy made an awesome car, but the dealers need to step up and accept supercar liability. Also, why do you think we have such a hard time mounting these runflat Cup 2Rs? Any tips? P.S. At the end of the video, my voice sounds different because I was feeling under the weather that day.

[@universerover1]

What about a Michelin dealer?

[@msshelby8843]

​@@universerover1 they don't care at all

[@johnross6314]

Great news from the powerful woman CEO “Karen” Mara at GM. She does great job working their dealer network to support their mutual customers. 🤦🏼‍♂️💩💩💩👎🏻 I WAS at the Corvette museum when your Z06 was sitting in the back with others getting ready for customer deliver. Yours was the first Z06 in the room. Now, all that good will now gone thanks to the Fabulous Mrs. Mazel Mara and her crap team.

[@floydj.907]

A rope and a metal bar..tie the rope around the middle of the tire. Put the metal bar thru it and start cranking while adding air..it compresses the middle of the tire while forcing the sides out.. always worked for me.. good luck...

[@boywonderrr71]

GM definitely failed the test with rims & the points BS!

[@amiller2121]

This is an absolute embarrassment for GM. The dealers should've been straightened out long ago.

[@caribbeanseas]

Let’s be honest, this car was badly thought out and badly engineered.

[@eliteghost0001]

@@caribbeanseas come on now. HARDLY true. This car punches way above what it should. It a fantastic car outside of this weird shortcoming and mishandling of a specific wheel. Stop being a hater. Your car would get dusted by the zo6 no questions asked

[@caribbeanseas]

@ EliteGhost Typical response from an overall under average individual. First off I didn’t say it wasn’t a good performing car numbers wise but it was badly thought out and this is wayyyy more than a shortcoming when the manufacturer hasn’t even thought out how to service their own vehicle! This would never happen with McLaren , Ferrari, Porsche etc..and how exactly do you know anything about my cars?? Some of us actually have the $$ to drive the cars we actually want. This is obviously not your case but don’t project on other people, thanks anyways Elite Clown 🤡

[@Luke-cb3ly]

@@caribbeanseas 🥱

[@caribbeanseas]

@ Luke Awwww you know how to use emojis…maybe you get some credit

[@slowvega]

You should ask Chevrolet if you can send the tires and wheels back to the factory to have them mounted for free since they seriously dropped the ball on this deal.

[@ikomusic1]

Good luck with that lol

[@SpeedPhenom]

I do believe sending a set of wheels and tires mounted would be an awesome solution to get me on the road again given this situation. However, I'm still stuck with the problem of servicing this car for tire changes based on how I use the vehicle...

[@socalsaunalifestyle]

@@SpeedPhenom So does Chevy expect you to get their flagship sports car and just display it in your living room?

[@markcassidy7442]

Need to buy a set of Non carbon if you own a vet

[@arkhsm]

That's what I was going to suggest too !!

[@MikeTarlton]

Somebody from the Corvette team at Chevrolet needs to get this straight.

[@Wayne_Nero]

What a disappointment GM - a car with no tires is useless. Wow!! Dude abandon ship on those rims!!

[@theranter]

@@Wayne_Nero not an easy task… the steering is different in Z06s with carbon wheels… going non-carbon wheel would make the car handle all wrong.

[@vannrollins9464]

A tough lesson learned- put this on every utube channel possible - U now have a paperweight

[@Wayne_Nero]

@@theranter it cant be all wrong, the carbon is an option. Slap on the “basic” wheels and go get some track content. So he doesn’t have lighter rotating mass, big deal most ppl can’t tell the diff. The Kid can drive… he will have fun 🤩

[@Wayne_Nero]

@@vannrollins9464 I blame the tire manufacturer more than GM. The Spec is all wrong. Pick something the dealers can work with. Also don’t drive your new Vette in the rain!!

[@KentPhillips]

The people in the comments saying just buy non runflats don't seem to understand that no tire manufacture makes a non runflat tire for the 345/25R21 on the C8 Z07. That size doesn't come on any other car in the world as far as I know. They don't even make non runflat Sport Cup 2Rs for the front 275/30R20 tires that come on the Z07. Chevy should have had this ready before the Z06 was even released.

[@SpeedPhenom]

You are correct that there are no alternatives available in this size. Thank you for pointing this out.

[@steven-fury]

You can decide to get any tire size you want, Yes the bigger performance tires are harder to come by and find, but you can change the size, except for the wheel diameter, A simple search and i found numerous tires in that exact size.

[@somenygaard]

What tires came on the carbon fiber wheel cars?

[@KentPhillips]

275/30ZR20 XL front and 345/25ZR21 XL rear Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R ZP. The other alternative would be Pilot Sport 4S ZP but those are a runflat also so just as stiff a sidewall.

[@ryanyoshimura4652]

I guess you just have to go all the way back to bowling green. They seem to have a way to get it done. Too bad they don’t share the process with the public.

[@SpeedPhenom]

Bowling green does have a way to get it done! I wish the process was known fully for dealers to understand and utilize.

[@markleavesseur3324]

Tell GM they need to have a truck come pick up the rims and tires and send them back to Bowling Green…they mounted them once, they can do it again and then pay to have them returned to you.

[@SpeedPhenom]

I think it is important to tackle this service problem head on because if it doesn't start to change for the better now, then, I'll just have to face it again. Dealers need to be able to get this service done.

[@wincar311]

Embarrassing situation for Chevrolet, really unbelievable. Keep up the good reporting Speed Phenom - this is a good PSA for any potential Z06 buyers. I expect Chevrolet is aware of you and this developing situation; this is gonna make a great case study for management level failure (infrastructure, customer experience).

[@Rickyboy707]

I have a simple question: how does the factory mount the tires, and NO ONE else can?

[@Coyote9smilespergallon]

I’m betting they have an oven or heating process and a separate type assembly line only for those

[@griffielliott279]

That was my question

[@traderinthetrees1785]

Secret black magic cult ritual.

[@srmurc6zo6]

Gm likely receives the wheels as assemblies already mounted.

[@scottsullivan8185]

Austin, did Ferrari remove the valve stems when trying to seat the bead? Trick I learned mounting tires. The valve stem slows air flow. You want to ram that air in there at full pressure to push the bead over that lip. 60psi is normally enough, I would not be surprised if these tires need 80 or 100psi slam force to get the bead to jump into the seat.

[@SpeedPhenom]

I think it is important to have the flange tool ready to go as some locations I have visited they do not have this tool ready on hand.

[@robertholland852]

Has anyone used a Heatgun around the bead? The option might release the stiffness enough to allow seating. Can the contact the factory as to the exact method used to mount the tire? Make a round heat transfer the size of the tire bead to use 1 or 2 heat guns to transfer heat to the bead .. just ideas

[@jeffbutler6100]

I had a similar situation happen to me, when I bought a new 64 Corvette with the Fuel Injection engine.. I bought it from a local dealer, waited two months for it, and when it came in, I took delivery of it Driving around town for the first couple of hours, I noticed the engine was running rough and seemed to have a miss. So I took it back to the service department at the dealer I bought it from, and told them, it wasn't running right and I would like to have it fixed The service manager told me, their mechanics didn't have any training on the Rochester Fuel Injection, so they couldn't fix it. So here I paid almost $6000 (that was a LOT of money then) for a loaded Sting Ray, and they couldn't fix it. Finally they referred me to a local tuner about 10 miles away so I went there. He told me the unit hadn't been calibrated, and about 20 minutes later it was fixed and running like it should. I might add that Rochester Fuel Injection, had been available on the Corvette, since 1957, so they had 7 years to get their mechanics skilled in working on those units. Now there may have been a Corvette dealer in Southern California. who had a service department that was experienced on working on the FI units, but I didn't know who they were and where they were located.

[@1scooterpilot1]

This begs the question: What else will Chevy NOT REPAIR on the Z06?

[@Poopster4U]

I bet the new engine fails.

[@SpeedPhenom]

From my understanding they will repair and service Z06s generally, but the problem arises from our specific case of having carbon fiber wheels in such a size with runflat (ZP) Cup 2Rs

[@jamesdiiorio4702]

You can add C7 Z06’s that overheat! I speak from experience. Chevy wouldn’t lift a finger to help me. Ended up dumping the car for a major loss out of total frustration. I’m not at all surprised what Austin is going through. Chevy has a long history of not standing behind their products

[@goodbyecalifornia3567]

I’m having a similar problem with my Camaro, unfortunately Chevy filled the transmission from the factory with the wrong fluid and now it’s slipping and shuddering at 15k miles. I left the only Chevy dealer on Hawaii island 5 messages with no return call. I finally brought the car to a transmission only shop to have the transmission flushed and filled with the correct fluid.

[@IDv8I]

GM has to be embarrassed that they modeled their Z06 after a Ferrari and now need Ferrari to mount their tires, and they can't even do it. Should have looked at more than engine engineering while trying to create the car, I guess.

[@pro5.019]

Who mounts the tires for GM, is it in house at Bowling Green or does Carbon Revolution do it. I'm surprised that with your relationship with GM that they aren't stepping up to get this resolved. It's simple ship the wheels and tires to the facility that mounts them originally. Those tires don't last long and you can't be going through this BS every third track session. Buy a different set of wheels and put the CF wheels on for car shows and cruising only.

[@glennanderson5141]

That'd be it for me and Chevrolet. If they can't work on it They shouldn't sell it, and what else are they gonna refuse to work on? I know wheels and tires aren't covered by warranty. What happens if you have something that is and they refuse to work on it? What do you do then? Chevrolet should stand by their products since they're overcharging everybody for it.

[@SpeedPhenom]

The secret needs to be revealed haha!

[@mikelewis2456]

Chevrolet headquarters needs to contact you and solve this issue. It’s disgraceful your in this situation. Austin feel bad for you.

[@SpeedPhenom]

Chevrolet wants the best for this car. Thank you for your support Mike. Please stay tuned as I hope have important updates next week.

[@LearningFast]

I don’t know how to fix the issue but I really appreciate you making videos like this. All I have to offer you is hitting the like button. Hopefully, enough people will see this video and Chevy will resolve it for you.

[@SpeedPhenom]

You are welcome! Thank you very much for your support. We are helping to fix a situation for all.

[@billg1374]

If it were me, I would ditch the run flats and just go with a regular tire of your choice and get the Ferrari dealer to mount them and call it a day.

[@SpeedPhenom]

Unfortunately I cannot ditch the ZP tires because there are no alternatives available in the sizing the Z06 uses... You mush use these OEMs.

[@RickHolland1968]

@@SpeedPhenom Better to ditch the wheels, the tiny performance enhancement can't be worth the hassle.

[@stanglvr6781]

TIP: In the future remember the headache Chevy caused you over their top of the line vehicle, And the way they were trying to take a promised reward of points for your commitment to ownership over a requirement that is not discussed before or during delivery. They hype up customers with this bonus, To then inform them that they are ineligible. Personally, I'd steer clear of a brand that takes your 6 figure payment, Lies, Then won't even do a tire change. In the future I hope to see you invest in a brand we with much better service, And loyal to their customers.

[@SpeedPhenom]

The point situation was caused by a misunderstanding on the product rewards system. From my understanding, Chevrolet wants the best for this car. The problems we are facing I believe are simply due to being an early adopter. I appreciate the brand, the car is great, the infrastructure needs some work to ensure the mission reaches all branches.

[@arkhsm]

@@SpeedPhenom Your Mustangs gave you far less hassle !!

[@jamesdiiorio4702]

Use aftermarket wheels and keep your wheels in storage till this issue gets sorted out. Keep harping on them in your videos. Eventually you’ll get their attention and a solution.

[@SpeedPhenom]

This would be an interesting idea, as we could venture in the pursuit of a different sizing combination to commit to focused track tires like Hoosiers and not risk damage to the carbon fiber oem finish. The purpose of these videos are to help everyone and help the situation get better or get understood better.

[@arkhsm]

@@SpeedPhenom What are other owners going to experience when their tyre change time comes ?!

[@jeffray8599]

The proof that despite everyone's claims the Z06 is "Just a Chevy"

[@js8270]

Once your tires wear out the vehicle will need to be replaced, did they happen to mention that when they sold the car to you? We used a binding strap around the circumference of the tire the squeeze pushed the bead out toward the rim then took the valve out so more air could be sent in faster and that usually worked. If someone suggests starting fluid and a flame run the other direction.

[@pjcornell9691]

You get what You pay for . I do own a C8 but my Scottsdale Ferrari dealer takes care of me. No questions asked!

[@gt3forme]

As a fellow Z06 owner with RF Cup2R on CF wheels, I really appreciate you doing this series. Man GM really dropped the ball on this.

[@mikes1292]

Crazy.Imagine how them tires got on the wheels in the first place 😮 someone knows something.

[@Manny4.6]

Time to get aftermarket lightweight wheels

[@SpeedPhenom]

I think a lot of people are saying this! It would make tracking easier ! Thanks Allen

[@Manny4.6]

@@SpeedPhenom yes and unfortunately what you have lost in youtube money with the car on jack stands would have paid for a set of wheels(or close too). Get away from the run flats too. They will mount up easier and the tires will weigh less too.

[@everjeff]

What a major pain in the ass. So, if your not tracking the car, don't get z07 (cup 2 rs), check! And don't get the carbon fiber wheels, check!

[@epi2045]

As an owner of both Ferrari and Corvette… I truly love how Ferrari is at the dealership; professional and easy-going.

[@SpeedPhenom]

Thanks Doan. I agree with how non-stressful it is taking even my McLaren to the McLaren service department.

[@epi2045]

@@SpeedPhenom Your channel is an inspiration to me and your driving skills is tremendous. I tracked in a Porsche before I had kids… keep up the great work young master.

[@lawrenceh.7011]

Austin, you need to purchase your own Flange Tool to bring to a shop that is trained to and regularly works on Carbon Revolution Wheels each time you need to mount new tires. You're going to have to go to a 3rd party installer unless you want to turn your Z06 into a static display. You could always call the assembly plant in Bowling Green to learn how they mounted the original tires on the CF wheels. I'll bet it's a 3rd party installer.

[@1BadVan]

Seems ridiculous Chevy won’t work on their own product, that’s insane

[@cbruno12180]

It’s not ridiculous the car just came out to production and not every z06 has carbon wheels so it’s up to the dealer to buy the proper tire mounting machine and get trained on it hunter is usually the company that comes and trains the techs on properly mounting the new products !! I remember when roadforce balancing became into play hunter is the one that came and trained all the techs on it was very cool to see how to roadforce balance a tire on to a wheel

[@1BadVan]

@@cbruno12180 13 different dealers he’s called and not a single one will touch it. A dealer should not be allowed to sell the Z06 if they can’t actually service the car. A car on jack stands now for nearly a month just to get tires mounted is not ok at all.

[@cbruno12180]

@@1BadVan I’m not disagreeing with that but I can understand the dilemma what should of happened is gm should of sent him the wheels with tires already mounted in this case after destroying them to begin with that’s how I would of handled it being a service manager!! They fucked him from the jump kid just spent 170k on a car and they destroyed his wheels being a somewhat famous youtuber that he is I would of rolled the carpet for him but that’s me and my customers love me because my number 1 priority is taking care of the customer always without you guys there’s no me!! Bottom line the gm of that dealership should of stepped in a long time ago!! ESPECIALLY with this z06 being the flagship of the gm brand rt now!! This makes absolutely no sense how they treated him!!

[@scottschneider5866]

I own a 2018 z06 with carbon ceramic brakes, I took the cup2 r run flats off at 2000 miles, I live in Illinois and unless it was at least 80 degrees out they sucked, I put Toyo 888r’s on it and couldn’t be happier, WAY better traction 👍🏼

[@AskGriff1]

I’d bet money that the factory farmed the mounting and balancing of those wheels and tires out to a 3rd party. Possibly not even done at the factory.

[@weekendwarrior556]

Great videos Austin. Channel has been great to watch grow

[@SpeedPhenom]

Thank you so much for your kind words

[@frontline343]

One of the nicest guys ever. If you are ever in NC lets take our raptors through my local area with 62k acres of jumps and open fields!!

[@SpeedPhenom]

Thank you for your kind words. The Raptors are too much fun! Must be awesome to put it to use on so much land!!

[@chriscandia9870]

Moral of story don’t option for carbon fiber wheels from Chevy. Got it (can’t afford either way haha)

[@bryansimmons4020]

Appreciate you bringing this to light! Horrible situation for you but you are going to help others and that will come back to you in spades! Hang tuff bro!

[@SpeedPhenom]

You are welcome. My mission is to help others. Thank you Bryan.

[@DemoEvolvedGaming]

I think a lot of people could have predicted the problems Chevy would have with selling carbon fiber wheels, but they went ahead and did it. Now they have to make it right. And while it is not a nice amount of money for Chevy to lose on this one car, their reputation of being able to make a "supercar for everyone" is taking a drubbing. This is quite unfortunately lawsuit territory to force Chevy to make it right. We are looking at 1) The cost of a set of alloy wheels 2) new tires to fit the wheels 3) labor to mount the tires and wheels onto the car 4) Penalty for causing misery and time lost of use for the car 5) Depreciation on the car for no longer being able to resell the car as originally specced (if you can't mount the tires, you cant sell the car as specced). The car is not a lemon, but Chevy misrepresented the useability of the car with a $20,000 option upsell. Also, the carbon wheels should be immediately removed from the Corvette configurator. Speed Phenom was a megafan for the c8 and defended Chevy against rumors of bad engine builds, but he's likely to develop a completely different attitude towards Chevy going forwards and you better believe he has enough followers for evey potential c8 buyer to hear about it from Jalopnik, youtube and other car blogs. Chevy, if you are listening, spend some real money to get back on his good side, its worth it.

[@TheOfficial_AW]

I think this is the same issue that Toyota had with the Supra. Only BMW certified technicians could work on the new Supra at Toyota dealerships. Those were far and few between. Dealerships don’t want the hassle or headache of doing something wrong, so they just don’t do it. (7 years of service experience)

[@SpeedPhenom]

Really? I was aware of this occurring with the Supra. Thank you for letting me know.

[@SpeedPhenom]

Was *not aware*

[@pkincy]

It is no secret that no Chevy dealer will even attempt to mount Z06 tires. That has been true since 2015. Huge tires with very thin stiff sidewalls. The dealers just don't do enough of them to have their folks trained or experienced on mounting this type of tire. My solution was to find a tire shop that specialized on 'Dubs" and larger wheels/tires with even less sidewall than ours. They were able to mount them like it was simply no problem. Interestingly enough they were able to do it with a standard Hunter machine. Just experience I suppose.

[@MrG-wk6jw]

As a former crew chief for a world championship race team, I understand issues that can arise. You are in a very tough place when it comes to repairing your car. One option might be to contact Michelin and ask them what they might suggest. The second option might be to simply install non runflat tires. Either way, this isn't ideal for a person who spent a lot of money on a product that needs work to be done professionally by the manufacturer. Run flat tires were the hardest tires I have ever tried to put on. All the tools that were used at the Ferrari dealer were the correct tools needed for that job. Good luck and I hope you get to enjoy your car soon.

[@Kmh0277]

I think you really want runflat tires with carbon wheels. If your tire fails, you're going to shred the carbon wheel and destroy your carbon-ceramic brake disc.

[@GrabberBlue5.2]

@@Kmh0277 my GT500 CF wheels came standard with cup 2s (non run flat). my 350R had CF wheels also with cup 2s and no run flats. i'd say austin should just ditch the run flats.

[@MrG-wk6jw]

@@Kmh0277 Runflat tires were a great idea years ago. Today we have tire sensors that let us know when our tire is getting low. Back in the day, I saw runflat tires shred apart because the people didn't know they were flat and kept driving on them. With the hassle he is having I think just putting race tires with the tire monitors would be more beneficial.

[@SpeedPhenom]

Thank you very much for your feedback! I have ran carbon fiber wheels on regular Cup 2 tires. Also, even exotic wheels can oftentimes cost the same. I understand zero pressure tires for a regular road car. The concerns for a racecar don't wrap around runflats. I've even ran hoosiers before on the McLaren. The problem is you cannot just choose to not use the runflats for this car as the engineered sizing presents absolutely zero alternatives. It makes sense from a financial standpoint for Chevy to do this, as you cannot put on Hoosiers or Goodyears. You must buy the oem tires.

[@arkhsm]

@@SpeedPhenom And there's the point....you must run TYRES !!

[@DaveJordan310]

Have you approached Michelin? Get different (30 or even 35 profile or non run flats) tires for the carbon wheels & use them for car shows/show & shine, and get better track wheels & tires for your track days, so that you can freely experiment with different tire brands and compounds like we all discussed months ago.

[@SpeedPhenom]

Unfortunately there are no alternatives available in the sizing of 345/25/21 and 275/30/20s for the Z06. I would love to try Hoosiers but can't...

[@MrSfdude]

My suggestion? Get some aftermarket wheels and non run flat tires. Keep the new carbon wheels in the boxes to provide to the new owner when you sell it.

[@SpeedPhenom]

Using an alternative set up would relieve some stress for sure Chad!!

[@socalsaunalifestyle]

Funny, I was just at Paradise so they could install the Park Assist Retrofit last week after having my truck that I purchased at another dealer over a year ago. Chevy sure wanted all the money for the truck at time of purchase, but for 1 year and I drive quite a bit and after 27k miles I didn't have a complete vehicle. There have been a few cars I've looked at over the years for weekend toys, like Alfa Romeo for example, but they just don't have the dealer support. I had a 2013 Corvette Grand Sport with only 11k miles on it and it was a good car, but things started to fall apart, with random interior rattles. It had electrical issues and needed to be on a trickle charger every day or in 3 days I'd have a dead battery. Little things like the heated seats stopped working. It was a 6 speed manual and even with an aftermarket short shifter the transmission wasn't all that smooth or nice as my friends Hellcat. I wanted performance and didn't mind paying for it as long as I felt like I had dealer support with customer service that you deserve at that price point. So, I went to a car I've wanted since I was a kid and I'm 53 now and got a Porsche Carrera S, then traded it in last year for a Turbo S. All I can say is, all my expectations are met and I'm happy. I wish you the best of luck! Almost sounds like for all your troubles, put an aftermarket set of wheels on the Z06 and sell it for any another brand that will treat you much better at that price point. I'm sure your experience like this can leave a bad taste in your mouth with the brand like the dealer you visited in San Diego. I'll be watching to see how you resolve this.

[@RobFRC]

Getting rid of the run flats for non-run flat tires has been the #1 first recommended mod for the past several corvette generations.

[@ScottO84]

Time for either some really nice forged monoblock wheels, non-run flats, or both. Either would help and if aluminum monoblocks get blemished, at least they can be easily refinished.

[@SpeedPhenom]

Magnesium wheels could also be a cool alternative. Thank you for some of the nice ideas!

[@envywhyenvy]

Truthfully even Ford has specialty techs for the Ford GT, not surprised true exotic makers can work on high level vehicles. Glad you got it figured out, and I cannot wait to see more content. Chevy made a great car but dropped the ball with substandard service after the sale.

[@alandab]

You didn't watch the video. He has NOT got it figured out yet, dude.

[@MrAnemonehost]

What a joke, everyone with the same issue should get together on your show, and expose all the hidden wheel stories. 😮

[@kirkadams9245]

Austin, try wrapping the tires in heating blankets to soften them. Then, use high air pressure (80-100 psi) to seat them.

[@MrBlack_761]

SP realizing he's gunna have to do this every time his tires wear out from two days of tracking..." Why I sold my ZO6... :( " I mean you sold your GT500 CFTP for much lesser of a reason than this.

[@michaelmoore9286]

Austin you should try calling Michlien and see if they can tell how to get the tire to bead its worth a try!

[@michaelmoore9286]

You might want to see if GM will exchange those rims for another set of rims . Those might be defective meaning they may be milliliters to big.

[@craigstika2212]

@@michaelmoore9286 BOOOOM !!!! BOOOM! the limits of carbon fiber and Cold vs Hot. Pre Preg and doing everything in house. GM vs Carbon Revolution. Time to move on. HRE does not make a true racing wheel. Sparco OZ does racing F1 wheels, and the F1 wheel is Alloy not CC Carbon Ceramic. Looks nice but wrong material choice for the environmental constraints. the Space Shuttle failed for a reason so this is all Aerospace Aeronautical Rocket Science Engineering with Design Failure Analysis or computational disaster. a shit show.

[@hoophil]

Welcome to the world of Corvette! I learned early on about Corvette and run flat tires. I have a C4, it took 3 technicians at a Goodyear dealer to install run flat tires on my aluminum wheels. Then after 10 years I couldn't get run flat tires anymore, Goodyear (the only supplier for C4 run flat tires) quit making them. So between TPM sensors that are discontinued and Run flat tires no longer available after 10 years.... you shrug your shoulders and put on standard tires and take out the Low Tire pressure warning light bulb. May as well give up now. LOL

[@bryanrackard9268]

I appreciate your honesty and telling it like it is ! I hope chevy does also!! I will not buy a Corvette with Carbon Fiber wheels until they get this fixed!

[@stevendagg6609]

I’m sorry you’re going through this! There are lots of tricks to do this! But you’re never going to find a dealer that will have the right equipment to do this! Your mistake is thinking a independent high end tire you don’t trust! But that’s were you will get the job done wright ! Trust me they work way more expensive aftermarket wheels and tires

[@vling4312]

Not sure why you are stuck on having a Chevy dealership do your tires. Dealership service centers are not experts on tires/wheels simply because they don't handle much volume. The tire shops are the experts that have the most training, experience, and capital invested in the proper equipment.

[@pedromercado6363]

I mounted Z06 wheels for clients tire size 335/25R20 RF did struggle a little bit but got it done and takes a special technique to make bead !!!!

[@brianmcgauley2664]

An FYI…I believe “Run Flat”, although a commonly used term, is some sort of copyrighted name by Goodyear (?). The Michelin term is “ZP” for “Zero Pressure”. Same thing, in that it is the stiffer sidewall that performes the function. At the Ron Fellows school, I also learned that - at least for the narrower Stingray tires - it is only the inner sidewall that is stiffer.

[@scarringtonzr1]

I think it would be wise for Chevrolet to pay to have the carbon fiber wheels and your tires shipped to bowling Green and have them mounted there like they they were originally till they get their service infrastructure up to snuff. Not that many customers pony up the extra cash for those wheels. GM needs to do the right thing for now.

[@ruxoneto6560]

When i did my corvette tour the tires were mounted of site & trucked to Bowlin green Kentucky!!

[@thegooddoctor6719]

Great Content - My one question - is the carbon wheels really worth it for you ? Just for a couple of seconds savings on track times - sell the wheels and pocket the money.....

[@frontline343]

For what he is doing absolutely. Those are the best track wheels for what he’s doing. Lightweight and can hold like a mf

[@llproductions343]

​@@frontline343 but really...its a hobby...so they are not paying for themselves. I could see if he was racing professionally

[@goodlife777]

Guess that makes my decision easy. No CF wheels for my order which is coming up. BTW I am not surprised at all, at the way GM operates. Have had similar issues w them before. Hope it all works out for you. 👍

[@SHELBY13GT500]

That was great information on this issue that you are actually helping Chevrolet figure this out. Maybe try buggati they have a crazy process for mounting their tires. Good luck! Maybe go to the Chevrolet factory to have them mounted. They did it there!

[@SpeedPhenom]

Haha the Bugatti suggestion was perfect!

[@Natural_Vision]

So sad to see you going through this Austin. You deserve a lot better than this and honestly unacceptable from a supercar buying perspective.

[@SpeedPhenom]

Thank you Luke. The supercar is unbelievable, but the ownership experience with regards to servicing has not been great. I hope this improves to live up to the driving experience and product quality delivered from Bowling Green.

[@alexpocs8649]

Use the truck tire technique....starting fluid and a match.

[@OG-fo5ec]

Done that before light the tire bead on fire. Use that technique on some run-flat tires.

[@triumphtr6551]

I own a 2018 C7 Grand Sport since new when I bought it in 2017. I still worry about the wheels cracking, they were known for that. I do have extended warranty and wheel coverage for the next 5 years. The carbon fiber wheels on your C8 Z06 surpasses my future wheel crack problems 10 fold. Hope you fine someone to get them mounted properly, especially a Chevrolet dealership! That’s just crazy what you’re having to find out on getting those wheels mounted.

[@melv1n_official]

Good thing this issue has been raised. Viewers with no experience owning something like a Z06 have an overview of possible frustrations with servicing the vehicle. It’s a high time for Chevy and its authorized retailers to do extensive training to the people working in the service department and invest in specialized equipment. Any Chevy dealer wanting to sell a Z06 must also be able to service the vehicle.

[@ronaldsmith4479]

How about contacting Michelin for advice?

[@frontline343]

have you tried taking it to a Ford dealer, they mount their wheels for their track pack

[@SpeedPhenom]

I have looked into this route as well...

[@cbruno12180]

And the ford gt as well has carbon wheels

[@frontline343]

@@SpeedPhenom I assume it’s the same answer. Aren’t some dealers certified GT dealers. They might be able to

[@TheyLoveTyranny]

I had the same problem with my C7- R with Z07 package with michlin pilot cups and I found a place finally after many unsuccessful attempts in Fairfield Connecticut DeSantes Tire, the owners son is a expert that gets it done in no time just like it was a regular standard tire on wifey's mini van without damaging you wheels. I've used their service 3 times at this point and I would highly recommend this company for their professional experienced caring and appreciative small family business of your business 👍 ✌️❤️

[@joelpierce3940]

So heard you leave your tires in the sun to soften them up which helps. C7 ZO6 with run flats is also a PIA. You know changing a riding mower rear tire is very difficult. You use a vacuum bucket on the back of the tire and high pressure air, and the beads pop on. It works.

[@roberthedrick1397]

It is interesting that someone put those original tires on without damaging the wheels. Would be informative to your viewers if you could track them down through Chevy/Michelin or the wheel manufacturer. Poor you!

[@Poopster4U]

I so called this! I told the GM rep and she thought I was crazy and tried calling people to get my mind right.

[@GGinSRQ]

I had the same problem with my C7 Z06 in FL, but fortunately my dealer came through. After holing 5 of the gumball tires and having my car stuck on a lift for a week, they figured out a way and managed just fine after that. It is also the very same reason I did NOT get the exposed carbon fiber wheels on my C8 Z06 that I just took delivery on.

[@blowngoat]

As a Chevy tech I've seated many cup 2 tires (no R's yet or carbon wheels) You have to pry the tire upward with the tire pry bar. What the GM video doesn't show is you must have a shop rag on the tire for traction. Works everytime on the standard cup 2. For what it's worth... Anyhow I'll try to post a video next time I do some at work or on my c6z. Good luck in the meantime

[@d1agram4]

Had a flat with my C8. ONSTAR set up appointment at dealership. Went there and they didn’t have the lift to get the standard c8 off the ground. Happened two more times.. finally found one that could work on it and had trained staff. Its nuts they even had them show up in ONSTAR if they can’t work on it. That’s on Chevy.

[@norwegianblue2017]

Fun fact about San Diego, if you're coming here for the weather, avoid May and June. Probably the only two months of the year where you probably have better weather where you're coming from. We call it May Gray and June Gloom.

[@nv8176]

I think new tires would probably seal better when inflating which should always be done when dealing with such expensive rims, rims and tires are probably one time use on these cars. You may have to go with none run flats if you don't want to spring for the factory run flats. They're flexible enough to bead. It will probably work with blasting compressed air through bead with a blaster if they haven't tried that, God Speed.

[@anthonye3680]

We used a high power heat gun looks like a blow dryer to heat tires from the inside.. we made a round lid that would cover the tire with a small hole in the middle to stick the blower tip inside.. we would run it untill it started to smell like hot rubber then we would stick on the wheels.. this was not on those tires or carbon wheels but we did this to tires with super stiff side walls during the winter and it made a huge difference, also those high powerd are cannons used by the stretched wheels crowd helps.

[@E.T.GARAGE]

It's amazing how much drama can happen over a tire change not just carbon wheels but just plain stock one's.

[@edsmith736]

I would assume that you have resolved this issue by now , I have a great tip for getting tires like that to seat the beads. Find a heavy duty innertube that will fit in the tire& air it up so it opens the sidewalls. let it sit in the sun for a few hours & then remove the tube & mount the tire. This has worked for me in the past.

[@TC_OFF]

Yea I’m experiencing the same thing with my stingray. There is a problem with my transmission (excessive clutch slipping on upshifts on track), but it doesn’t throw codes until the transmission fails to shift anymore because of the problem causing jammed shift mechanisms. The dealership basically said they won’t try to diagnose or repair and made me take the car back. People at GM itself told me explicitly that they are at the will and lack of mercy of the dealerships…pretty messed up.

[@johnk7609]

I totally expected this when I learned that Chevrolet was going to be selling $20,000 wheels! We'll sell them, however, we won't service them! As far as mounting the tires, I have seen a few KZbin videos on this process. Mount the tires, then spay some ether (C4 H10 O), stand back, and light it up with a match! :-0 Instant Bead!!

[@petercolomvakos1976]

I think you only have one option left. Ditch the run flats. I just put non run flat Pilot PS4s in 325/25/21 on my C8 with no issues at all. After seeing your vids I will NOT be ordered my Z06 with the Carbon Fiber wheels. Thanks for helping a future owner avoid this issue. All the best.

[@redwhiteGT500]

Here is how ive mounted hard to seal tires..install the tire on the rim.put a innertube on the top of the rim,between the tire and rim,to take up the space.put some air in the tube,just enough to seal the area. Put air in the tire, a d it should seal. After it seal in tbe bead,break the top seal,remove the tube,and then with the bottom still sealed,pull up on the top and fill with air

[@pqvyper340]

One of the issues my mechanics found is the TPMS doesn’t allow air in enough or fast enough when trying to mount regardless of blast methods. Need to have some sort of sealing ring or goop to prevent air escaping on the stiff sidewalls of the tiny profile and stiffness.

[@davidtyra1441]

The new standard supplied independent floating bead presser is recommended to operate on Run-Flat and UHP tires. Particularly efficient on reverse rims thanks to the height of the tool, which can be easily reduced.

[@C5Ron7]

That Sux! Good Luck Austin,🍀Hope you find someone that'll mount your tires on those wheels.

[@stephanouellet3673]

Just saw your title,last time i see you,your on my black list 🎉

[@cassiespencer6134]

LOL @ "Extreme lubrication"

[@alexkin3265]

Info is awesome!! Thanx man. I guess the combo of huge tires with tiny side wall and RF on top of it?! What was GM thinking?! just get the regular tires, not run flats...and probably just store them. Sounds like a real pain in the rear to go thru the tire changes...lol

[@bens3641]

Maybe tire warmers would be useful for pre-heating these tires for mounting?

[@ravenstylea2]

This is cringy and embarrassing for Chevy, but likely they have no shame.

[@carvesnow]

A short squirt of engine starter fluid (ether) and a bic lighter always seats the bead. Had the same pain in the ass issue with the C7 Z06. After 2 weeks( they repainted the wheels twice due to mounting attempts) at the tire shop with no success I implemented the farm skill learned as a youth to seat enormous heavy equipment tires in the field. Of course use a much, much shorter spray time for this low air volume tire.

[@AskGriff1]

I told folks in my video 9 months ago that this car would be challenging to get properly serviced. How many dealerships are going to have a C8 Z06 specialist 🤷🏽‍♂️. Ask Griff

[@BIGGELATO]

-You can always use a ratchet strap and crank the tires from the middle until contact and begin inflation.- NVM... I would store the carbon wheels and get a lightweight forged replacement set you can use without worrying about scuffing or breaking compared to a carbon wheel. Also, down the line years from now, those wheels might go up in value.

[@ericcindycrowder7482]

Don’t go to any “dealer” for wheels and tires. If it’s an enthusiast car with expensive wheels, especially carbon, go to a tire store that specializes in luxury and exotics. Here in the Atlanta area Butler tire is such an example.

[@armandob5571]

Throw your wheels and tires in a truck and drive down to Arizona and try the Ferrari dealer in Scottsdale. 100+ degrees out there might help more than the 85 degrees in San Diego.

[@chriscrowell6678]

You know what your problem is, you have said it over and over " RUN FLATS " this has always been an issue.( I worked in the trade for 35 years ) If it was my car I would be doing the same thing I have done with my C6 and my C7, stayed with the exact same Michelin tire but in a " NON RUN FLAT "version , not only because of the issue you are now experiencing with the mounting of the tires , but the NON RF are a better tire performance wise. BTW HUNTER is an amazing company , my shop used their tire mounting machine, road force wheel balancer and their alignment machine. You are learning something here... the old " I will get better service at the dealer because..." just is NOT true, it is a misconception fuelled by marketing and media, a shop / technician is either qualified professional ethical and trustworthy or they are not, it doesnt make them any better because of the sign out front. Also many Dealerships owners own several manufactures dealerships. There is an area here with a major intersection that has a Nissan, Honda, Chev, Volvo, BMW, and a Mercedes Dealership all of them have the same owner. GM / Chevrolet IS the GM Service Centers " CUSTOMER " and they are their biggest / best customer, while your vehicle is under warranty Chev is the CUSTOMER of the vehicle when the vehicle is no longer under warranty " YOU " are the CUSTOMER of that vehicle , when you realize this you will understand it alot better ( It was explained to me like this years ago when I worked at a Chev / Cadillac /GM dealer by the dealership ). As for the liability... "shop Insurance" any registered shop must have it, and they would be crazy not to, the minute you touch a customers vehicle you were the last one to lay hands, put tools on that vehicle and you will be held responsible should anything happen afterwards until the next time its serviced. The laws / courts will decide if you are or are not liable, In regards to outsourcing to 3rd parties ... dealers do it all the time Alignments, Emission Testing some shops dont have room for all the equipment and there are places who specialize in one specific area that are very good at what they do. Trim s another area thats outsourced just due to the nature of that work. Sorry for the book but hoping it may help you in deciding your next move and shed some light on the behind the scenes.

[@MrStlvette]

Thank you Austin for bringing this MAJOR issue on the Z06 to everyone’s attention. With all your subscribers hopefully you can find an attorney to start a class action suit on GM. They totally deserve it, this should have all been vetted out (no pun intended) 2 plus years ago. They are totally negligent, this is NEXT LEVEL B.S. for Chevrolet. Just so everyone knows I own a C8, I’m not a Chevy hater. I absolutely love my car, if I didn’t I would have sold it & got a 911S. Good luck!

[@08TLTypeS]

I hate what you're having to go through. I want to see more of you and this car on track. Maybe try the Bowling Green Assembly Plant.

[@christybresnahan5496]

Hate the situation that you are in. We have the same wheels ordered for our Zo6. Makes us want to change the order. Great content and hope you can get a solution soon.

[@SpeedPhenom]

I'm sorry hear it is impacting your thoughts on your order. I can only share what I am experiencing. I hope the situation gets better Christy. Thank you for commenting

[@3.2Carrera]

I hope these cars hold up in the long term along with the base C8. A lot of people have borrowed the farm to own one of these cars and GM quality has really been in the shitter.