Another Tire Thread

[cody]

The tires on my Rotas have bald inner shoulders due to a bad alignment I had years ago so I guess I should probably replace them. I run even more neg. camber now, but no toe so all my tires wear even. So I've got snows on my stock wheels and RE01R's with 40% left on my Enkei's but I like to run my Rotas in the summer between AutoX's.

I figure some good all seasons should be a safe bet in case I ever get caught in inclement weather but I'm also open to summer tires as long as they're a good value.

Here are two options I'm considering. If I get the Dunlops, I'd get the $75 Amazon card, I think and Alex said Mr. Hubcap will mount tires for $50 if I mention Alex, the Rally Driver.

[van]

I had those last year, good street tire/bad autox tire.
Nick had them too. Check ebay, I got mine for <300 shipped from discount tire on there.

[cody]

The 512's? Hmm, I'll have to check ebay.

[van]

Yeah, I should of mentioned which tires I was referring too.
These were 16" too so a little cheaper than 17" tires

[sperry]

I'm planning on a set of 512's for 3-season tires on my GF's Saab. If they're anything like the ST-115's (the model they apparently replaced) that I've had on my SVX for the last 3 years or so, they're great, quiet street tires.

[Dean]

Based on your other tires, I would skip the all seasons and go cheap 3 season performance... Fuzion ZRi

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....nSpeedRating=V

They are just a tad better in the TR tests than the SPTs I have which are pretty darn good.

And you should be able to get them mounted for less than $50. Walmart I know is less than that.

[sybir]

512's, IMO, are junk, compared to the 912's that replaced them - I've run both.
America's Tire asked Falken to keep making the 512 as a budget tire, it's old technology.

912's wear better, are quieter, and have more grip.

[A1337STI]

Mr Hubcap actually told me $10 a tire (mount and balance) if you bring them in (IE no install on your car) I think they would do it either way but that's what he told me. Anyone the reno SCCA / or Seccs, or anyone who just says they know me

Ask for Devin.



Go with the BF Goodrich Traction T/A's H or V. i have the H on my rally car. and OMFG those tires rock. at my last rallyX i had to use my streets, as i was planning on using 2 rally tires i bought at the event. (one of them was not mounted) leaving my options 2 or 3 rally tires, or 4 streets. i went on 4 streets. I got 4th over all Beating out numerous WRXs and STIs on Mud and Snow rated tires. i even beat out my big R2 competitor , who was on Rally tires.

they also have good dry and wet street traction. and amazing dirt traction, good snow traction too. i'm thinking of getting some for my STI when i wear out my goodyear GTs (not so good in the dirt)

No gift card though.

[zpeed]

I always use Costco to mount and balance all my tires. Somebody said that they won't except outside tires but I've been lucky.

[cody]

Originally Posted by Dean

Based on your other tires, I would skip the all seasons and go cheap 3 season performance... Fuzion ZRi

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....nSpeedRating=V

They are just a tad better in the TR tests than the SPTs I have which are pretty darn good.

And you should be able to get them mounted for less than $50. Walmart I know is less than that.

How do you think those would compare to the Sumitomo HTRZ3 that Khail was recommending in the wing thread?

Since I do long trips, I wouldn't mind a more comfortable tire but it's hard to say I'd choose comfort over grip and price is really important too. I'm definitely going to be checking ebay.

[sperry]

I learned from Ludacris that only the run-flat Sumitomo's are worth buying.

[Dean]

No way to know for sure since TR tests are on different months/days so you can't directly compare numbers and I have no personal experience with either. What you can see by looking at the test is that they are both pretty damn good. I like the wet performance on the Fuzions (slalom and braking). In our thunderstorm and variable weather area, I might weight that factor a decider if prices are comparable. Fuzon actually looks to be $5/tire cheaper and might last longer UTOG 320 vs. 300... Either is probably a good choice for a cheap 3 season tire.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...ay.jsp?ttid=97
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...ay.jsp?ttid=93

[cody]

Interesting looking at the tests. I wonder if the Fuzions would be more comfortable for road trips? My only remaining apprehension is that these wouldn't last as long and be as comfortable as some good A/S's.

[khail19]

FWIW, the tires I was running all winter were Goodyear Eagle F1 A/S, in the same 225/45 size. The HTRZ3 is much quieter and smoother riding than the all season Goodyear. To me it's the most comfortable tire I've used along with the Falken ST115.

As far as comparing the Sumitomo and the Fuzion, remember that the Sumi is in the Max Performance Summer category and the Fuzion is in the Ultra High Performance group. So you can't really compare test results fairly against each other. One advantage I prefer to the HTRZ3 is that you can rotate them side to side and front to back. The Fuzion ZRi is directional so you can't do side to side. I think either tire will have more than enough grip for the street, so that's not an issue for me.

[cody]

Thanks Khail.

These would only be $78/tire after factoring the $50 visa gift card.

The scored really high in comfort and treadware too. Actually they scored high in everything and they're even M+S rated. Thoughts?

[khail19]

I've always wondered about those, there are so many good reviews on Tire Rack. I'm tempted to try a set on my wife's Mazda 3 when she needs tires.

[sperry]

Originally Posted by khail19

I've always wondered about those, there are so many good reviews on Tire Rack. I'm tempted to try a set on my wife's Mazda 3 when she needs tires.

I'm tempted to throw a set of GT-UHP's in 225/45/17 on my GF's Saab, but for just $20 more, I can get a set of Falken 912's from Discount Tire Direct. I'm having a real hard time going with General Tire when I've had such a great experience with three different Falken's over the years (215's, 615's, and 115's).

Falken's have never disappointed me in bang-for-the-buck. I just wish Tire Rack friggen sold them.

[cody]

Me and your GF can share a set? I'll use them in the Summer and she can use them in the Winter.

[Dewey]

The best deal I have seen on tires is for the tires that I have on my car right now. The Kuhmo Ecsta AST. Although the tires aren't exactly good for anything other than a DD, the price cant be beaten. $54 each. Making the total $231.93 (.225/40/18.)

[cody]

Nice, I'm thinking that something like that is more in my price range.

Also, how bad is it to wait until tires "cord" before replacing them? The contact patch still hasn't met the wear bars, but the inside shoulder is nearly bald. Just looking for opinions...won't hold anyone acountable obviously.

[Dewey]

Originally Posted by cody

Nice, I'm thinking that something like that is more in my price range.

Also, how bad is it to wait until tires "cord" before replacing them? The contact patch still hasn't met the wear bars, but the inside shoulder is nearly bald. Just looking for opinions...won't hold anyone acountable obviously.

For the Kuhmos? I have had some good luck with them, and I don't drive with much respect to keep my tires for long, and my alignment has never been perfect, so without adding in all the factors that can be avoided, I would give them a 6.5/10 for wear rating.
For performance I would give them a 6/10, since I shouldn't expect to get anything other than DD out of them. But, for price.. 11/10, haha. Cody, send me a PM if you want me to see what I can do about getting you a set.

-Chris

[Dean]

Originally Posted by cody

Nice, I'm thinking that something like that is more in my price range.

Also, how bad is it to wait until tires "cord" before replacing them? The contact patch still hasn't met the wear bars, but the inside shoulder is nearly bald. Just looking for opinions...won't hold anyone acountable obviously.

It is coming up on summer. Move the worn ones to the corner that wears that edge the least and run them 'til they cord or fall arrives. If still above the wear bars, may make it until you put the snows back on.

Check them at least weekly if not every time you get in the car.

Carry a FS spare!

[cody]

Yah, I'm thinking they'll last the summer. Actually when I drove over the pass Friday night, it was snowing over the summit and they stuck just fine to the wet road. I've started carrying a full size spare when leaving town with these tires. I need to check if the stock size snows or 225/45/17 RT615's are closer in OD to the 215/45/17 AVS ES100's that are on there. I'll probably just use string for this.

They're directional so I can't swap sides but the passenger side tires are more worn, probably from my first day at RFR and of course I've got the best from each side on the front.

[Dean]

Directional mostly applies to wet driving and water expulsion.

At that level, I'd run them backwards in the summer if that makes sense from a wear perspective. Both worst wear shoulder in the rear probably.

I have even run Asymetricals inside out after they were worn down.

[cody]

Well, one of them basically corded. It looks like I wore through a layer of rubber and exposed a new layer beneath and the tire is like a 20 sided polygon instead of round. I'd say I've got my money's worth out of the anyway.

For replacements I'm thinking of getting Fuzion HRi in 225/45/17 ($78.00 each) or maybe these Hankook Ventus S1 Evo in the same size. They're on closeout for $77. Thoughts?