My bone stock AP2 is still riding on the stock RE050's and AP2 rims and has 19K miles on them. The rears are pretty much down to the wear bar the fronts still have about 1/8" of tread left. I think I can get away for most of the summer on the current fronts but the rears definitely need to be swapped out.

Here's my question.... Can I run a 255/40/17 Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 on the rears? How would this effect my current handling? I like how the car handles right now and would like to keep the balance/feel. Should I just go and get the RE050A Pole Positions in the stock 245/40/17? Would a 255/40/17 fit in the stock wheel well? How would that effect handling?

Sorry for the multiple questions. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Tenk

 

Might want to check the wheels and tires forum, but I'll try to help a bit. Most of my knowledge is on AP1's though.

Personally, I'm not a big fan of mixing and matching tires. Too many variables for me. One set may have better grip in the dry, or one set may have better grip in the wet. One set might wear faster than the other, or the "good" compound might come in later in the treadlife.

If you're happy with the RE050's, I'd recommend just getting some rears now, and buying RE050 fronts when you need them.

If you want to explore your options, there are some good tires out there. From what I hear, the F1's are an all around good tire (my buddy has them on his RX8). Good in the dray and the wet. But I think there are better options out there. If you got a good deal on the F1's, I'd say go for it - but I believe they are slightly more expensive than some of your other options. Not sure on AP2 sizes, but I would look at the Bridgestone RE01R's, Hankook RS2's, Falken Azenis 615, and Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1. I have first hand experience with the RE01R's and the RS2's and I think they are the best performing street tires available. I've heard some very good reviews of the other 2. These are high performance tires that can get loud, can wear fast, and may not be great in the wet. That being said, if you're looking for ultimate grip and balance, I don't think you can go wrong with these.

 

255/40/17 will fit just fine on the AP2s and stock suspension. I have the 215/255 combo for my AP2 V1s on my AP1 and it is fine. As patinum mentioned, there are alot of options for tires. I chose the route of getting the Kumho SPTs because it seem like the best bang for the buck out there. Go on tirerack and do some comparing on specs of the tires you like. You will see what I mean as you compare especially the price for these tires can't be beat. Another tire I'm hearing that is pretty good and cheap are the Sumitomo III. I don't have any experience with those but I can tell you my SPTs are alot better than I expected. Good luck on your search.

 

Thanks for replies. I've been on Tirerack for about a week and reading the tire forums for about the same amount of time lol.

I have no experience with hankook or kumhos but I saw reviews on the Sumitomo III's saying the sidewalls were soft and gave away too easily on turns.

I do like the RE050's and the GD F1's(have a set on my turbo prelude). I guess I will go with a 255/40/17 but still on the fence on which to go with.

I'll post up later when I come to a decision (not that anyone would care) and give a review on the tires

 

I have Bridgeston R01-R's 225/255 combo on stock suspension with no rubbing issues on the road or track.

 

Is this who I think it is??

 

yup, it's yo mama

BTW Ahad, tirerack has a special on the RE050 255/40/17 for $155 right now.

 

Thanks!! I buy now! You buying them? Will they work on price if we buy 4?

 

no, I don't think there is a discount, I think the only thing we'd be saving would be on shipping if $10-$15? I'm going to have them drop ship the tires to NTB by me.

 

Just an update

Just ordered my tires