Tire advice
10-07-2008, 09:11 PM
#1
Tire advice
Hey guys,
I wasn't able to find anything recent on this through the search and as tire tech changes regularly, I thought I'd ask for some fresh opinions.
I'm looking to replace my tires after the winter. It's my daily driver and I'll track it at least 3 times next year (I'd like them to last at least a year).
I'm running stock AP1 wheels. Are the stock SO2 sizes the best way to go?
I'm not Ayrton Senna and I'm not looking for the ultimate lap time (yet) so good value and F/R stagger that provides balanced handling characteristics are what I'm looking for.
Your opinions are very much appreciated!
I wasn't able to find anything recent on this through the search and as tire tech changes regularly, I thought I'd ask for some fresh opinions.
I'm looking to replace my tires after the winter. It's my daily driver and I'll track it at least 3 times next year (I'd like them to last at least a year).
I'm running stock AP1 wheels. Are the stock SO2 sizes the best way to go?
I'm not Ayrton Senna and I'm not looking for the ultimate lap time (yet) so good value and F/R stagger that provides balanced handling characteristics are what I'm looking for.
Your opinions are very much appreciated!
10-07-2008, 11:41 PM
#2
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In stock sizes, I'd go with the RE-01R or the Dunlop Direzza Z1 Star Spec. I heard that the RE-01R's don't last very long though, so it may be more economical to pick up another set of cheap AP1 wheels (I've seen some for as low as $125).
Another option is the new Kumho XS tire, with which you could run 225/50-16 front and 265/45-16 rear, but I'm not sure if the 7.5" width rear wheel will be sufficiently wide for the 265 width.
Other options are 205 width front and 245 width rear, and you could go with Sumitomo HTR-Z or Hankook RS-2. I have heard that as far as ultimate grip goes, the 205 front/225 rear RE-01R/Z1 will provide more grip.
My vote goes for the Dunlop Direzza Z1 Star Spec or the Kumho XS (if they fit). One of those two will be my next set of tires.
~Nam
Another option is the new Kumho XS tire, with which you could run 225/50-16 front and 265/45-16 rear, but I'm not sure if the 7.5" width rear wheel will be sufficiently wide for the 265 width.
Other options are 205 width front and 245 width rear, and you could go with Sumitomo HTR-Z or Hankook RS-2. I have heard that as far as ultimate grip goes, the 205 front/225 rear RE-01R/Z1 will provide more grip.
My vote goes for the Dunlop Direzza Z1 Star Spec or the Kumho XS (if they fit). One of those two will be my next set of tires.
~Nam
10-08-2008, 09:26 AM
#5
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I ran RE01-Rs on my ep when i had it and they were AWESOME!! I run Felkin RT-615s on my ap2 and love them also. I have 2 friends wo runf the dunlop star spec Z1... one and a evo 9 and other on a 08 WRX. We all autocross and they like their dunlops, but when they get hot they get slick, and for the price i dont think you can beat that.
10-08-2008, 09:40 AM
#6
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RE050's really aren't that bad at the track, but man they're expensive, RE01R price, I got RE01R's for my car and I'm in the same boat you are, I'd prefer them over the Z1's. How long they last is directly effected by how you drive it. My fronts last two lifetimes of my rears, My rears on the OEM AP1 rims lasted all summer with 7/8 autox's with -2F -2.7R camber and -.2 toe in the rear, a local guy with a 86 GTS corolla has been using RE01R's for three seasons and they still have plenty of tread.
10-08-2008, 11:43 AM
#7
Thanks for your opinions guys! I know tires are a very subjective issue...
It sounds like the RE01-R and the Direzza are popular so far. My brother actually ran Falken 615's at the track this summer (integra) and was very happy as well.
Just want to narrow down tire sizes. (VitaRenovatio thanks for suggestions) I know the S02 225 width is closer to a 245, should I be looking at 245's for the rear with the tires you all are suggesting? Are 205 width still fine for the fronts?
Long term plans are to upgrade to a much more aggresive wheel and tire package...but for now I'm stuck with the stock AP1 wheels.
I probably won't do any Auto-X, just trackdays and I don't drive very hard on the street.
Thanks again.
It sounds like the RE01-R and the Direzza are popular so far. My brother actually ran Falken 615's at the track this summer (integra) and was very happy as well.
Just want to narrow down tire sizes. (VitaRenovatio thanks for suggestions) I know the S02 225 width is closer to a 245, should I be looking at 245's for the rear with the tires you all are suggesting? Are 205 width still fine for the fronts?
Long term plans are to upgrade to a much more aggresive wheel and tire package...but for now I'm stuck with the stock AP1 wheels.
I probably won't do any Auto-X, just trackdays and I don't drive very hard on the street.
Thanks again.
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10-08-2008, 06:37 PM
#8
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Dunlop or Bridgestone, I prefer the Dunlop, but they are both good tires.
Stick with 205/55 front and 225/50 rear if you have a stock suspension. The extra grip that these tires have over the S02 more than makes up for the slight width difference, if there even is one. The 225 in both of these tires is wide.
If you've never driven a car with either of these new very sticky street tires, you're in for a surprise. Your car can (and will!) do things that you did not know it could do. For what it's worth, I think these tires are good enough to explore and maybe expose the limits of the stock suspension.
I don't think you'll go wrong with either one of them.
I am interested in the Kuhmo XS, but I'm not interested in being the guinea pig.
Stick with 205/55 front and 225/50 rear if you have a stock suspension. The extra grip that these tires have over the S02 more than makes up for the slight width difference, if there even is one. The 225 in both of these tires is wide.
If you've never driven a car with either of these new very sticky street tires, you're in for a surprise. Your car can (and will!) do things that you did not know it could do. For what it's worth, I think these tires are good enough to explore and maybe expose the limits of the stock suspension.
I don't think you'll go wrong with either one of them.
I am interested in the Kuhmo XS, but I'm not interested in being the guinea pig.
10-08-2008, 07:33 PM
#9
My suspension isn't stock but it's nothing super aggressive. I'm running koni yellows (stock valving), tein s-techs and as close to stock alignment as possible.
A friend got me a super deal on some Falken 452's and they're terrible ... a BIG downgrade from the S02. I can't wait...
Is anyone running the bridgestone or dunlop on their daily drivers? Nobody else on 615's? Just wondering how they last?
Sorry for all the questions, just don't want to make anymore stupid purchases!
A friend got me a super deal on some Falken 452's and they're terrible ... a BIG downgrade from the S02. I can't wait...
Is anyone running the bridgestone or dunlop on their daily drivers? Nobody else on 615's? Just wondering how they last?
Sorry for all the questions, just don't want to make anymore stupid purchases!
