Your Recommendation for "Florida Only" Tires

[SkiDaddy]

Title says it, lots of rain, occasional beach driving, & HOT summer days at speed. Looking for good treadwear without needing "ultimate" grip, quiet, and still relatively smooth. 8)

No snow requirements at all. :wink:

[Drift Monkey]

Just like me in Houston. What''s the budget? That'll help determine my recommendation...

[BoxerGT2.5]

BFGoodrich KDW-2's....awesome dry/wet performance tires...love em

[SkiDaddy]

Using Tirerack as a comparison, around $140 (their "base" price.) That's probably $200 out the door real world mounted & balanced.

The KDW-2s get good reviews, except for noise as they wear. After spending the last hour at Tirerack reading reviews, I'm favoring The Pirelli Neros. Any feedback?

Anybody found the best way to immediately ditch the stock tires & recoup some of their price? :P

[BoxerGT2.5]

I have no probs w/ noise on the KDW's...they are amazing.....I hit a puddle and figured I was gonna hydroplane....tire when right through. These tires give you some confidence.

Pirelli's are good...all my buds love them. Toyo's are good too....:)

[Drift Monkey]

Potenza RE050, S03 Pole Position

Toyo T1S

Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3

Michelin Pilot Sport PS2

[Subietonic]

Potenza RE750 - awesome tread wear and way better than stock handling.

SBT

[05LegacyGT330Ci]

Pilot Sports no doubt.

[John M]

I second the vote for Bridgestone RE750s. I've been using them since the 730 series and have never had a better combination of cost, wear, performance, and hydroplane resistance. I've tried a *lot* of tires in the past ~ 15 years. A friend's Stealth has them in the stock size (245/45/17) and runs 11.6 @ 120 (he's also got 476 whp, and that's AWD!)

My brother's Supra (single, FMIC, the works) has S03 Pole Positions in the back but when they're up for replacement he's going to 750s.

[coolbluelb]

My last tire purchase was a set of Kumho ECSTA Supra 712's. My opinion is that they are a remarkable tire for the price, with remarkable wet traction. Also being a FL resident, I can honestly say I never hydroplaned once, even when driving through deep puddles at speed. Tread and noise were similarly not a factor for me.

[Drift Monkey]

750 are decent. My friend had them on his 240sx...

They just don't measure up to the higher end max summer tires is all...but do cost less to make up for it. The RE050s are a much more capable tire...

Teh Michelin Pilot Sport PS2s look intresting as they got the best (dry) results in the latest tirerack comparison. They only come in 225/45/17 so I'm not sure about fitment...

If wet traction is your main priority, check out Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3s....

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/bs_RE050A_rd.jsp
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/bs_RE050A_rd_c.jsp

Another idea I had was RE070s from the STi. Will these fit on a 17x7 wheel?

[kanoswrx]

The Pilot Sport 2's are awesome, drove in my friends M3 who had them, wow they just grip, no complaining at all on a auto-x course. I drove the Goodyear F1's on my WRX for about 1.5 summers, they were great too. I think this time though I will go with T1's or PS2's just to try something different.

[Drift Monkey]

I have no probs w/ noise on the KDW's...they are amazing.....I hit a puddle and figured I was gonna hydroplane....tire when right through. These tires give you some confidence.

Pirelli's are good...all my buds love them. Toyo's are good too....:)
I've heard good thing about these, just have no experience. How do they KDs stack to to to the KDW 2s? Intresting how Tire Rack puts the KDs in the "Max" category and KDWs 2s in the "Ultra High" category even though the KDW 2s rank similar dry performance (lacking .1 away in cornering stability section) and far superior in everything else (wet traction, ride/noise comfort, treadwear) Why would anyone even consider the KDs? :o

[Opie]

Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3
Bridgestone Potenza S03 Pole Position
Bridgestone Potenza RE011
Michelin Pilot Sport PS2

My choices in order of preference.

[rao]

Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3

[EDIT - Oops, if you don't want maximum grip you can pass on these and get something less expensive and longer wearing].

[John M]

Those fancy "max performance" tires also have a 140 treadwear. I'll take the 350 rating on my RE750s along with the $50 per tire savings.

[BoxerGT2.5]

I have no probs w/ noise on the KDW's...they are amazing.....I hit a puddle and figured I was gonna hydroplane....tire when right through. These tires give you some confidence.

Pirelli's are good...all my buds love them. Toyo's are good too....:)
I've heard good thing about these, just have no experience. How do they KDs stack to to to the KDW 2s? Intresting how Tire Rack puts the KDs in the "Max" category and KDWs 2s in the "Ultra High" category even though the KDW 2s rank similar dry performance (lacking .1 away in cornering stability section) and far superior in everything else (wet traction, ride/noise comfort, treadwear) Why would anyone even consider the KDs? :o

Tire rack puts the KD's in the Max catagory because it represents a true high performance tire..which based on their logic means it sucks anything other than dry pavement. KDW's is a more realistic tire for people who do get some rain. And the grip is awesome.

[racerdave]

What about the new (Bridgestone) Fuzion tires?

(reviews)
http://www.tirerack.com/survey/SurveyComments.jsp?additionalComments=y&tireMake=F uzion&tireModel=ZRi&commentStatus=P

They're $80 in our stock GT size!

http://www.tirerack.com/images/tires/fuzion/fuzion_zri_ci2_l.jpg

[BoxerGT2.5]

Crap!...nough said

[Drift Monkey]

Those fancy "max performance" tires also have a 140 treadwear. I'll take the 350 rating on my RE750s along with the $50 per tire savings.
Contrary, the Eagle F1 GS-D3 have excellent tread life rated at 8.1, .3 behind the RE750s, but leading everywhere else (including noise/ride comfort). That is more than accpeptable for me since I know max perf. tires don't last as long, but these look promising! As for price, you get for what you pay for, and the F1s are that much better. Oh BTW, 215/45-17 Potenza RE750 - $139, 215/45-17 Eagle F1 GS-D3 - $145, that's nowhere near "$50" a tire. At a mere $6 difference, cost is negligable, even for savings of $24 for a set of 4! Easy decsion really...

Eagle F1 GS-D3:
Dry Traction - 9.2
Wet Traction - 9.1
Hydro Resistance - 9.1
Snow Traction - N/A
Cornering Stability - 8.9
Steering Response - 8.8
Ride Comfort - 8.6
Noise Comfort - 8.6
Tread Wear 8.1

Potenza RE750:
Dry Traction - 9
Wet Traction - 8.6
Hydro Resistance - 8.5
Snow Traction - N/A
Cornering Stability - 8.6
Steering Response - 8.7
Ride Comfort - 8.3
Noise Comfort - 8
Tread Wear 8.4

[ikonomore]

DON'T buy the 750's. I have them on my Saab and after 8,000 miles they start to howl. I have plenty of tread left, problably 20 k miles, and it's like a banshee. I hate these tires. Great in the rain though.

J

[SkiDaddy]

Thanks for the replies everyone. 8) 8) 8) As for the Fuzions, they are too new and seem too good to be true at that price. Maybe after they've been around a while.... :|

As to the rest, I think an Ultra High Performance Summer tire would be best, as they seem to wear a little better. I drive almost 20,000 miles per year. If a set of tires goes 40k that would last 2 years, so that's my target. I know there are tires that will last that long & be heads & shoulders better than stock.

Wet traction must be good, but doesn't have to be "The Best".

Reviews on the Bridgestone RE750 look pretty good, with most reviews with 10,000 + miles saying noise is OK, a few complaining they are noisy. One review attributed the noise to cupping. Perhaps the ones who complained of noise didn't rotate properly? Or didn't keep pressure correct?

Can the tires on the LGT be rotated diagonally, front to back, or what?

Another possible reasons for the noise complaints were road surfaces? I'm lucky enough to have pretty smooth roads so that may make the potential noise problem a non-issue.

Other suggestions with these targets in mind? :?

[IwannaSportSedan]

Those fancy "max performance" tires also have a 140 treadwear. I'll take the 350 rating on my RE750s along with the $50 per tire savings.

Contrary, the Eagle F1 GS-D3 have excellent tread life rated at 8.1, .3 behind the RE750s, but leading everywhere else

Oh BTW, 215/45-17 Potenza RE750 - $139, 215/45-17 Eagle F1 GS-D3 - $145, that's nowhere near "$50" a tire. At a mere $6 difference, cost is negligable, even for savings of $24 for a set of 4! Easy decsion really...


I think that John M was talking about the price difference between the RE050 vs the RE750, rather than the goodyear to bridgestone comparison.

The Comparison between the Goodyear F1 GS-D3 and the 750 is an interesting one.

a couple short years ago, my mom's Lebaron GTC turbo had horrible luck with very poor tire wear characteristics (uneven wear and cupping) on goodyears, a predecessor to the F1 GS-D3, shortly after breaking in the tires. rotation, alignment and constant checking of the tire pressures didn't prevent it or help afterward. Kinda soured me on Goodyears, but maybe I'll check them out again.

I was almost positively set on the RE750s for my wife's Miata summer shoes. I have heard a couple of reviews about noise, but 9-10 reviews are glowing for the 750s, with much longer wear characteristics than the S03s or RE050s, for less money. I may have to check out the Goodyears, though.

My truck is getting Bridgestone Dueller AT REVOs next month, though. I can't find any major complaints, and no other light truck tire that can compare, that I have seen.

If bridgestone's Potenzas are as good as their Duellers are, then I think I will be happy with bridgestones, but I guess we'll see. There are always exceptions, like the RE92s.

[Subietonic]

DON'T buy the 750's. I have them on my Saab and after 8,000 miles they start to howl. I have plenty of tread left, problably 20 k miles, and it's like a banshee. I hate these tires. Great in the rain though.

J

Must be an individual tire problem. Tire rack's user rating on the RE750s sold me, particularly how quiet they are after several thousand miles. I've got 26K on one set and another with 18K on the tires and both sets look almost brand new and no road/tire noise. Setting the tire pressures up just two PSI made a ton of difference in how these tires handle, particularly in the rain/wet, and wear. I found that the stock 32/30 settings were causing inordinate wear in the rear tires and the cars just weren't handling the way I thought they would/should. Typical spirited driving and they ride quiet, handle exceptionally well (not R070 handling but great for street driving) and look like they'll last for at least 60K miles if not more. That's pretty good value in my book.

SBT

[IwannaSportSedan]

Did you go up two pounds front AND rear? I run two-three pounds up in both front and rear, depending on the season, on the miata, and it does seem to help. Even wear on the Dunlop Sp9000s that are on it at the moment.

It does tramline like crazy, though, on 205/45-zr16s.

I too have heard that the RE750s are quiet, and long-wearing. I have heard that after a couple days of sitting, the tires "flat-spot", but come right back to round after just a few minutes of tire-warmup. I hear they have excellent traction throughout their useful life.

So far, that is what are going onto the miata in the spring.

[Subietonic]

I try to always maintain the front/rear bias what ever it is. On my Legacys it's 32/30 so I bump it to 34/32. On the Forester it's 29/28 so I bump it to 34/33 (exception being when I'm towing with the Forester then I bump it from 34/33 to 34/39). The OBS's pressure is 30/29 so I run that at 35/34 (again the exception is when I'm carrying a heavy load in the back and I bump up the rear to 37). On the rear bump ups, as soon as the load is off and the tires are cold, I drop the rears back to their previous bias setting. Like I mentioned before, increasing the tire pressure slightly f/r while maintaining the bias, has improved what was already great wet weather handling.

FWIW - I've had only one incidence of tramlining and it was more my fault than the tires, I just got too close to the edge of a deep road/tarmac groove while I had one hand off of the wheel. I believe had I been at my 10-to-two normal position, it wouldn't have happened. Also, no problems with flat spots, these tires sit for several days without being driven and roll right off as good as new. Probably a function of the inflation as much as it is tire construction.

SBT

[Drift Monkey]

Those fancy "max performance" tires also have a 140 treadwear. I'll take the 350 rating on my RE750s along with the $50 per tire savings.

Contrary, the Eagle F1 GS-D3 have excellent tread life rated at 8.1, .3 behind the RE750s, but leading everywhere else

Oh BTW, 215/45-17 Potenza RE750 - $139, 215/45-17 Eagle F1 GS-D3 - $145, that's nowhere near "$50" a tire. At a mere $6 difference, cost is negligable, even for savings of $24 for a set of 4! Easy decsion really...


I think that John M was talking about the price difference between the RE050 vs the RE750, rather than the goodyear to bridgestone comparison.

The Comparison between the Goodyear F1 GS-D3 and the 750 is an interesting one.

a couple short years ago, my mom's Lebaron GTC turbo had horrible luck with very poor tire wear characteristics (uneven wear and cupping) on goodyears, a predecessor to the F1 GS-D3, shortly after breaking in the tires. rotation, alignment and constant checking of the tire pressures didn't prevent it or help afterward. Kinda soured me on Goodyears, but maybe I'll check them out again.

I was almost positively set on the RE750s for my wife's Miata summer shoes. I have heard a couple of reviews about noise, but 9-10 reviews are glowing for the 750s, with much longer wear characteristics than the S03s or RE050s, for less money. I may have to check out the Goodyears, though.

My truck is getting Bridgestone Dueller AT REVOs next month, though. I can't find any major complaints, and no other light truck tire that can compare, that I have seen.

If bridgestone's Potenzas are as good as their Duellers are, then I think I will be happy with bridgestones, but I guess we'll see. There are always exceptions, like the RE92s.
I was under the assumtion that he was comparing them to "those fancy max summer tires" which were unspecified, so I gave my shining example of what $6 more a tire can get you. :P I highly recommend the Goodyears, a much better tire than RE750s for not much more....good treadwear for Max Perf. Summers as well...

As for the Dueler AT REVOs..they're great! I have a set on my mother's 4Runner...

[IwannaSportSedan]

Thanks for the tip on the goodyears DM, and Subietonic for the info about the Bridgestones.

The miata tramlines all over the place, whenever the road has wheel ruts in the asphalt. in the midwest, on secondary paved roads, mostly. Wheel ruts, and steep crowning throw the car for loops.

Two hands on the wheel, and concentration are required but luckily it only happens on relatively bad roads. It also tends to follow cut grooves in concrete pavement.

Light weight car, tight steering, and high-grip tires tend to do that, but I am hoping that some other tires will do somewhat better.

[Drift Monkey]

Thanks for the tip on the goodyears DM, and Subietonic for the info about the Bridgestones.

The miata tramlines all over the place, whenever the road has wheel ruts in the asphalt. in the midwest, on secondary paved roads, mostly. Wheel ruts, and steep crowning throw the car for loops.

Two hands on the wheel, and concentration are required but luckily it only happens on relatively bad roads. It also tends to follow cut grooves in concrete pavement.

Light weight car, tight steering, and high-grip tires tend to do that, but I am hoping that some other tires will do somewhat better.
These Goodyears have an intresting tread design and shouldn't tramline at all due to the design. Check it out:
http://www.tirerack.com/images/tires/goodyear/gy_eagle_f1_gsd3_ci2_l.jpg

[Subietonic]

Thanks for the tip on the goodyears DM, and Subietonic for the info about the Bridgestones.

The miata tramlines all over the place, whenever the road has wheel ruts in the asphalt. in the midwest, on secondary paved roads, mostly. Wheel ruts, and steep crowning throw the car for loops.

Two hands on the wheel, and concentration are required but luckily it only happens on relatively bad roads. It also tends to follow cut grooves in concrete pavement.

Light weight car, tight steering, and high-grip tires tend to do that, but I am hoping that some other tires will do somewhat better.

Tramlining is typically a function of short sidewall performance tires, alignment (particularly toe in/out) and wheel offset (large +/- change from OEM). Increasing the tire pressure, on a low profile tire, tends to increase the stiffness of sidewall and this can also lead to tramlining. You may need to experiment with your tire pressures a little bit more on your Miata, especially given how lightweight it is and how quickly it reacts steering-wise (all else being equal, e.g., tight suspension, proper wheel offset and alignment). Leave it to Tire Rack to say it so very well http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/general/tramlining.jsp

SBT

[outahere]

These Goodyears have an intresting tread design and shouldn't tramline at all due to the design. Check it out:
http://www.tirerack.com/images/tires/goodyear/gy_eagle_f1_gsd3_ci2_l.jpg

This tire looks like it should throw up an impressive rooster tail in the rain!

[Drift Monkey]

These Goodyears have an intresting tread design and shouldn't tramline at all due to the design. Check it out:
http://www.tirerack.com/images/tires/goodyear/gy_eagle_f1_gsd3_ci2_l.jpg

This tire looks like it should throw up an impressive rooster tail in the rain!
:) The design obviously works though since this tire has the best wet traction/hydro resistance in it's class!

[GTCanada]

I have the F1s on my GT wagon replacing heavily worn Kuhmo MXs that were on my WRX wagon (on Rota Subzeros). The F1s are excellent rain tires. Two days after I had them installed I was driving well above legal speeds in heavy rain with no issues.

The Kuhmos provided superior dry cornering stick and stability but I partially attribute that to the fact that there was not much tread left on them. The Kuhmos are a very good value for a performance tire. Of course, they don't have the snob appeal.

Tom

[BoxerGT2.5]

These Goodyears have an intresting tread design and shouldn't tramline at all due to the design. Check it out:
http://www.tirerack.com/images/tires/goodyear/gy_eagle_f1_gsd3_ci2_l.jpg

This tire looks like it should throw up an impressive rooster tail in the rain!
:) The design obviously works though since this tire has the best wet traction/hydro resistance in it's class!


Kinda looks like the TS-1 tread. But I bet Toyo would be more expensive. Nice lookin tire though!

[Drift Monkey]

These Goodyears have an intresting tread design and shouldn't tramline at all due to the design. Check it out:
http://www.tirerack.com/images/tires/goodyear/gy_eagle_f1_gsd3_ci2_l.jpg

This tire looks like it should throw up an impressive rooster tail in the rain!
:) The design obviously works though since this tire has the best wet traction/hydro resistance in it's class!


Kinda looks like the TS-1 tread. But I bet Toyo would be more expensive. Nice lookin tire though!
The Toyos cost less. $129/tire @ edgeracing.com. 8) Cheaper than RE750s to boot....and have a nearly identical wear yet still superior in every category (1010tires.com) :P

For comparison sake:
http://www.1010tires.com/images/tires/toyo_proxes_T1_S_large.jpg

[BoxerGT2.5]

These Goodyears have an intresting tread design and shouldn't tramline at all due to the design. Check it out:
http://www.tirerack.com/images/tires/goodyear/gy_eagle_f1_gsd3_ci2_l.jpg

This tire looks like it should throw up an impressive rooster tail in the rain!
:) The design obviously works though since this tire has the best wet traction/hydro resistance in it's class!


Kinda looks like the TS-1 tread. But I bet Toyo would be more expensive. Nice lookin tire though!
The Toyos cost less. $129/tire @ edgeracing.com. 8) Cheaper than RE750s to boot....:P

For comparison sake:
http://www.edgeracing.com/images/tire/toyo_proxes_t1s_front_zoom.jpg

No sh!t.....1010tires has em for like $159.

[Drift Monkey]

These Goodyears have an intresting tread design and shouldn't tramline at all due to the design. Check it out:
http://www.tirerack.com/images/tires/goodyear/gy_eagle_f1_gsd3_ci2_l.jpg

This tire looks like it should throw up an impressive rooster tail in the rain!
:) The design obviously works though since this tire has the best wet traction/hydro resistance in it's class!


Kinda looks like the TS-1 tread. But I bet Toyo would be more expensive. Nice lookin tire though!
The Toyos cost less. $129/tire @ edgeracing.com. 8) Cheaper than RE750s to boot....:P

For comparison sake:
http://www.edgeracing.com/images/tire/toyo_proxes_t1s_front_zoom.jpg

No sh!t.....1010tires has em for like $159.
Shipping rates are good there too, from what I can see.

[BoxerGT2.5]

These Goodyears have an intresting tread design and shouldn't tramline at all due to the design. Check it out:
http://www.tirerack.com/images/tires/goodyear/gy_eagle_f1_gsd3_ci2_l.jpg

This tire looks like it should throw up an impressive rooster tail in the rain!
:) The design obviously works though since this tire has the best wet traction/hydro resistance in it's class!


Kinda looks like the TS-1 tread. But I bet Toyo would be more expensive. Nice lookin tire though!
The Toyos cost less. $129/tire @ edgeracing.com. 8) Cheaper than RE750s to boot....:P

For comparison sake:
http://www.edgeracing.com/images/tire/toyo_proxes_t1s_front_zoom.jpg

No sh!t.....1010tires has em for like $159.
Shipping rates are good there too, from what I can see.


Oh well...I already got the Proxes 4's commin. :|

[Drift Monkey]

Those should serve you well (though, they aren't full on summer tires), and supposedly use the same material as the T1s (not confirmed).

[BoxerGT2.5]

Those should serve you well (though, they aren't full on summer tires), and supposedly use the same material as the T1s (not confirmed).


Thats what I'm hopin...... :?

[SkiDaddy]

I dunno, 340 vs. 280 treadwear seems like a pretty big difference (18%).

Anybody here try these two back to back on a AWD vehicle?

[Drift Monkey]

I dunno, 340 vs. 280 treadwear seems like a pretty big difference (18%).

Anybody here try these two back to back on a AWD vehicle?
What two are you comparing?

[SkiDaddy]

Toyo TS-1 vs. Bridgestone Re750.

[racerdave]

Can't compare treadwear ratings between mfgs... there's no true industry-wide standard.

Stick within the mfg (Bridgestone to Bridgestone, Toyo to Toyo) and you're fine.

[Drift Monkey]

Can't compare treadwear ratings between mfgs... there's no true industry-wide standard.

Stick within the mfg (Bridgestone to Bridgestone, Toyo to Toyo) and you're fine.
Exactly. Back onto your question...I'd go T1-S over the RE750s....

[SkiDaddy]

Anybody currently running T1-S or RE750 tires on a GT?

[Subietonic]

If by "GT" you mean 2005 LGT, no. I do run RE750s on both my 98 NA GTs (1-16" and 1-17"), my 01 Forester and my enhanced 99 Legacy L Wagon. Cannot say enough good things about these tires. I'm fairly certain they will be the replacement tire for the RE92s on my new LGT L Wagon when I finally get it.

SBT

[SkiDaddy]

Ah, an endorsement from a Subie driver! That says a lot.

Now, anyone rumming the Toyos?

[Subietonic]

Just came back from a BlueGrass festival up in the mountains 70 miles east of SD. Took the BD-A this trip because it hadn't been out on an extended run in a while. On the way out my youngest daughter, who went with me, was getting tired of the stop and go traffic so we took an ~8 mile detour baclk into the hills around the traffic. Lots of twisty, 15-20 mph curves (remember the 15 or 20 mph sign is a "recommended" speed in CA) and the RE750s hung in there with no squall, spot on response and no drama whatsoever. My daughter commented about how well the car handled while we were "shooting and scooting" through the turns. Absolutely amazing tire.

Given the kinds of roads that I've driven on in Florida, (dirt, gravel, tarmac and concrete and lots of rain - the length and breadth of Florida) I'd unreservedly recommend this tire. You couldn't go wrong with it, and if you routinely check/set your tire pressures and alignment you'll see at least 40,000 (probably 50,000) quiet miles out of these tires.

SBT

[SkiDaddy]

Wow, great testamonial Subietonic!

Anyone on the Toyo (band) wagon?

[racerdave]

Seriously? That kind of tread life?

[Subietonic]

Seriously? That kind of tread life?

Well, I've got 28K on one set already and they look and handle like new. It took 8-10K miles before the little nibs were finally worn off on the edge. That typically takes me 1 spirited drive and those things are gone. Guess it's just how stiff the sidewalls are on these things that they don't roll over.

SBT

[racerdave]

Wow... that's impressive treadlife for that type of tire.

Veddy interesting...

[BoxerGT2.5]

Do you really need tires right now??? I mean what you do need is a friggin outboard motor hangin from your trunk or maybe some propulsion. Good god you guys are gettin hammered. Hope all is safe.

[SkiDaddy]

No problemo, I just hook up the jet ski trailer, tie a long string from the throttle to the rear view mirror of the car, start the Jet Ski engine & I'm good to go! Instant "outboard motor" effect!

[BoxerGT2.5]

No problemo, I just hook up the jet ski trailer, tie a long string from the throttle to the rear view mirror of the car, start the Jet Ski engine & I'm good to go! Instant "outboard motor" effect!

:lol:

[SkiDaddy]

OK, I'm reviving this thread since many months have gone by and there should be much more experience with the car/tires.

Anyone have any differing opinions? New info?

[Opie]

I still like these as I recomended before...
Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3
Potenza RE050, S03 Pole Position
Michelin Pilot Sport PS2

...I actually went with something different though when I upgraded my wheels and tires. I am running Nitto NeoGen's:
http://www.nittotire.com/img/img_neogen_3.jpg

I must say so far (about 10,000 miles) I am very impressed. Very good wet & dry traction and the tire wear so far has been excellent. They are also quiet for a performance tire...the tread looks a bit funky (for my tastes) but they work well.

[jj808]

For my "Hawaii Only" tires i am going w/ the Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3s. Got Goodyear to match Tire Rack's pricing too.

[SkiDaddy]

I still like these as I recomended before...
Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3
Potenza RE050, S03 Pole Position
Michelin Pilot Sport PS2

...I actually went with something different though when I upgraded my wheels and tires. I am running Nitto NeoGen's:
http://www.nittotire.com/img/img_neogen_3.jpg

I must say so far (about 10,000 miles) I am very impressed. Very good wet & dry traction and the tire wear so far has been excellent. They are also quiet for a performance tire...the tread looks a bit funky (for my tastes) but they work well.

How is the pricing on these? Do they make them in the stock size?

[Opie]

How is the pricing on these? Do they make them in the stock size?

Yes, they do have the 215/45R17 size. $91.00 each from http://www.discounttiredirect.com

[tantal]

Fyi, you guys, the tirerack does not choose the performance category for the tires; the manufacturers do. An excellent example is the dunlop SP9000; a great summer tire, but it's in the Max performance category, but the SP8000, also a great tire, outperforms it in the dry but it's a UHP tire. This is marketing strategy by Dunlop, not Tirerack on drugs.:D

[emlevins]

I have about 2500 miles or so on the Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3s. I noticed an immediate improvement over the RE-92s of course, but was initially a bit disappointed in the cornering feel. They seemed a little soft and I believe that is because, as I learned from DM, that they do not have a particularly stiff sidewall. However....I have come to love the tires. I bumped up psi to 42/39 or so and they do much better now in corners. They are very quiet (as quiet as the RE-92s), have outstanding traction in both the wet and dry, and track very well. They ride so smoothly and gently over bumps, RR tracks, etc even with the bumped up psi, that it is like having a new suspension on the car. That is the most impressive aspect of the tire, imho. They are a joy on both the highway and the twisties, and very confidence inspiring in all conditions, especially in the wet. Braking is much improved on these as you would expect (I still hate the feel of the LGT brakes but there is no question, the car stops quickly on these tires - you FEEL it - and the lack of confidence I had in the LGT braking with the stockers no longer exists). I would suspect that folks who have a strong preference for a tire with a stiff sidewall might prefer something other than these...but you'll miss the soft, gentle smooth ride these tires offer. The more I ride on them, the more I love them.

EDIT: BTW, I also think the tread design is :cool:

[SkiDaddy]

An interesting post. 2 questions arise:

1. At 42/39 do the sidewalls feel softer/as stiff/stiffer than RE-92s? Is initial turn in better?

2. How will tred wear be with this much pressure? Will they wear excessively in the center?

[emlevins]

An interesting post. 2 questions arise:

1. At 42/39 do the sidewalls feel softer/as stiff/stiffer than RE-92s? Is initial turn in better?

2. How will tred wear be with this much pressure? Will they wear excessively in the center?

1. The sidewalls do not feel significantly different than the RE-92s but turn in and cornering is significantly improved.

2. Don't know for sure. I know that max tire pressure is 50 psi. Personally, I'm more concerned with ride comfort and performance capability than tire wear. I was concerned about safety - but DM indicated that as long as you were under max tire pressure listed on the side of the tire, that it would be safe.