i went with the g-force t/a KDs on my 17" volks. i would have stuck with s-02s if at all possible, but as we know they aren't available in the correct size, and the compound would probably be different anyway.

i had switched from s-02s to s-03s on my other car, and was a little disappointed in the dry traction.

i am really, really impressed with the t/a KDs. they are quieter than the stock tires. the ride is not significantly bumpier even with less rubber, which is a bit confusing. they definitely tramline a bit more.

i am most pleased that these tires are significantly more progressive than the stock tires. they start to shriek audibly, softly and first and then building as you near (and pass) the point at which the stock tires would suddenly snap out on you. the car feels more neutral to me, and i don't think overall grip is reduced in any way; in fact i would guess it is slightly increased, especially at speed.

i haven't taken them to the track yet, so this is an unscientific opinion. but i have been spending a lot of time on my favorite twisties, roads i know very well, and there are a several turns which used to be second gear turns in my S, (40-60mph) that i now feel comfortable taking in 3rd, from 60-70 or even higher. i don't think this is because the tires are grippier, but simply because they are more predictable and i probably wasn't pushing the -02s to the edge for fear of ending up off the road.

anyway, two big thumbs up for me on these. no idea about tread life yet, but i would suspect it sucks. i'm going to put -03s on my stock rims for use in the winter if we get a lot of rain.

btw, the sizes are 225/45/17 and 245/40/17. based on measurements of the two sets of tires, mounted, i believe these to be a pretty good match for the stock contact patches front and back, and i think it's very important to match diameters, esp when plus sizing. the significantly lighter tire and wheel combo has made the car a bit peppier around town.

 

I've been wondering about these... nice write-up!

 

Excellent writeup. If they were a lil cheaper I'd consider them. I'm currently running Toyo Proxes on my Volks.

Jimmy

 

you have a chance to drive in wet condition with them?

 

I am very interested in any other reviews of this tire, particularly by those that have used them on the track.

Thank you.

 

no, and i won't... they are summer tires. going to put some more all seasonish tires on my stock rims for the rainy months, if i'm driving anywhere in the rainy months.

 

so they are worse than stock S02 on wet? (i guess )

 

I love KDs. On my E30 M3 they can do 1.05 gs steady and 1.21 gs transient. Near race rubber. Surprisingly civilized. Good stuff!!

Stan

 

What do you mean by a tramline ????? Something straight?

And thanks for the right-up. I'm think about changing my wheels and will probably end up with 17s.

 

tramlining == following ruts or grooves in the road.

I find that tire pressure makes a huge difference in tramlining. Adding a pound or two of pressure to the front tires will drastically reduce it, at least on my S2000 with stock and Toyo RA-1 tires.

Ted