I'm looking to buy some replacement tires for my stock wheels (VERY SOON! going bald)

I'm looking at the

BFGR T/A KDW (205/55ZR-16), Falkin Azenis Sport (205/55R-16), Kumho Ecsta Supra 712 (205/55R-16), Kumho
Ecsta MX (205/55-16), Bridgestone Potenza S-03 (205/55-16)

I'm looking for something that has a good tread wear rating and will last long. I'll be using them for drag, solo II, daily driving etc.

Any suggestions of tires would be great!

Thanks

Jon

 

I've had the Kumho 712's on my car for the last year, and they're great. Equally good traction in wet and dry conditions. Used them for the occasional autocross and 1/4 mile run. The only complaint I had with them is that they tend to squeal well before they actually lose traction, which can be a good thing at the track but not so good when you take a spirited turn out in town and the cops hear your tires squeal

I plan on getting the Falken Azenis for my next set of tires, they appear to be the best choice for dry traction, not so good in the wet. They also have a stiffer sidewall than the 712's which should help in cornering. Several of the guys on here have the Azenis so they should be able to give you a better review of them.

-Chad.

 

and was going to go for the S-03s, but am leaning toward the Michelin Pilot Sports. The S-03s have a flexier sidewall, are a little stickier, and a little heavier (2 pounds per tire in a 16"). I like the S-03s, but don't want the additional rotational weight, and would prefer the stiffer sidewall.

San

 

I haven't tried any of the tires that you list, but I've had very favorable experiences with the Bridgestone RE730. 300 treadwear, so it'll last pretty long, bites good in the dry and very stable in very heavy rain. I don't know how it is now, but don't most autoXers race on another set of tires. I know when I first started autoXing, I really chunked up my tires after a few events. I understand that the tire of choice when I was doing it (Yokohama A008R) is no longer made, what's the competitive tire now? I know that when I get my dream Scooby, I'll have to learn how an AWD car handles, and the autoX is the best as well as safest place to do it.

 

Thanks for the input... Wet traction is VERY IMPORTANT though since I live in Hawaii. Damn rain can just creep up you know!

Jon

Need to get something soon before tirerack.com is out of stock!

 

FYI tread wear rating is not a universal standard and manufacturers have their own way of numbering their tires. So a tread wear rating of 240 from Falken is different from the tread wear rating of Bridgestone and their claim of 300. For all we know it could last the same amount of time...

 

From my experience with my GSX, Falken Azenis wear too fast since I was a daily driver. They were really expensive tires also. If you're short on cash, I'd go with the MX or Escta Supra 712's. Try check out Sumitomo HTR+ II's also. I've been hearing good things from them regarding dry grip and wet grip since they're all season performance tires I believe.

 

All this talk of Azenis in the wet has me a bit confused... I have NO PROBLEMS in the wet with these tires. (When I have them set at stock pressure) I've driven through some pretty wicked rainstorms since I got them, and although I was driving as conservatively as I usually do in the rain, I noticed NO slippage, squeal, sliding, or hydroplaning.

Maybe there are better tires for the wet, but unless you are FLYING, the Azenis are just fine. As for treadwear... Haven't had them long enough to notice if they're burning quicker than other tires. My car is my daily driver, too.
-Greg

 

I'm with Greg on this one. While I don't have Falkens, ( I got Kumho 712's ) I don't see why people put so much emphasis on wet performance. I don't plan on any autocross style driving in the wet. As long as a tire is "safe" in the wet that should be enough....My 2cents

Steve

 

true true... I'm just looking for safety... I've heard that these tires grip (falken azenis) grip like a muthaphukr on dry surfaces...

Jon

 

An update, I just got back from a drive in some pretty nice rain up and down the Pali toward Kailua and back into Pearl City on H-3 and I felt completely safe the whole time. This included some "tuning time" for the AVC-R so there was a little speed involved.

 

Wooooooooooooo

sounds fun.. damn Greg... I think you've got me sold on these

anyone have any objections?

Jon

- where can i get them for a good price and not have to pay a **** load of money for shipping... everywhere i've seen them for $217 for 2nd day air

 

You mentioned the KDW's in your first post.

I don't feel like my opinion is probably as worthwhile as some others. I've only had these and the 92's.

I got the 225/50/16's and I think they are most reliable. While I wasn't taking the car to the ragged edge last solo2, I never once felt like I was near out of control (that's probably why I was so bad ). When I had the suspension set up to where I was able to drift very easily, all that I'd have to do to stop drifting was give a little gas and I was back in control. Never once have I came anywhere near hydroplaning while it was wet out, neither.

Take it for what it's worth.

 

I assume you are talking about the Azenis? Where did you find them online, I looked at TireRack and dont see em there. What size are you ordering for your stock wheels? Not sure if you can go any wider than the 205/55-16...

 

Yes I know about the KDW but they are so expensive. $127 or something from tirerack. hmmm...I really do want to get these or the S-03's but they are so expensive you know?

I'd like to get them at a cheaper cost if you know what I mean

Jon