So im buying tires soon for my ap2 sized rims. I want summer tires for sure but im undecided on the type. I autocross about every 2 weeks so I want something thats grippy, they should be decent in rain since its my daily driver too. I would also prefer that they last a decent amount of time and dont cost too much. But I realize that there probably isnt a tire that combines all of that. I was thinking of getting star specs but some people have told me they arent really necesary, so im not sure. I was also looking at RS3's but they are always out of stock. I wouldent want to spend over 700$ for the set too.

 

Best two options I'm seeing:
Sumitomo HTRZIII (less $$$, more void area for greater hydroplaning resistance)
Star Spec (more $$$, more dry grip, fantastic wet grip as well, but will hydroplane sooner in standing water, particularly when worn)

 

Im looking at the Hankook Ventus V12 evo K110, any feedback on them? Tirerack is having a sale and they are super cheap. When I put them in my cart in tirerack it says 245/40ZR17 XL, any idea what the XL means? Its also strange that when I search for s2000 tires they dont show up but they come in s2000 sizes.

 

Tha Hankook's would be fine, too, but the HTRZIII compared well against it in testing: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=149

XL means that tire is rated for higher loads. Not necessary for S2k, can be heavier, also a bit stiffer vs non-XL tires of same make/model.

For AP2 wheels, check these sizes:
215/45-17, 245/40-17
215/45-17, 255/40-17
224/45-17, 255/40-17

Look at any test reports for tires considered. Also look at customer survey reviews to see how people who have used them rate them.

Tire Rack = fantastic resource for determining what the best tire is for your wants/needs/usage.

 

You'll definitely have to compromise somewhere. What's most important and least important to you?

Don't overlook existing threads:
https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C...=1024&bih=1195

 

I guess hydroplaining resistance and how long it lasts isnt as important. Id rather have a grippy tire that doesent last as long, but id want it to last at least 10k miles. Also wouldent want it to be over 700$ a set and thats like a maximum.

Also road comfort and noise comfort is not really a issue, im looking more at the handling.

 

Star Specs, then.

If you want 10k+ miles, don't run excessive rear toe-in (imo, anything over about 0.4 degrees total). I get ~20k or so miles out of sticky tires like StarSpecs or RS-3s in back, running -2 camber and 0.2degrees total rear toe-in.

 

had HTRZIII on my car before i had the hankook evo 12 and i liked the HTRZIII's more. The hankooks took FOREVER to break in through the mold release compound (1000+ miles)

when they weren't worn they were hard to spin in 1st in the rain. Also, if you are on a straight empty road and you swerve left and right quickly (like a slalom), it feels like they are stiffer/more responsive for quick transitions side to side.

 

I love my HTRZ3s. Have had no issues, handles very well dry and well wet. Have about 4k miles or so on them and are wearing fine. For the money, you really can't beat them and they stack up just above mid pack in the category.

Best overall, daily driving - Max Performance Summer
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...ay.jsp?type=MP

Best handling - Extreme Performance Summer
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...ay.jsp?type=EP

 

I might get an alignment done after buying them then, I bought the car used with its current alignment and im not sure what it is. Did you have both RS-3s amd star specs? If so then do you think its worth spending the extra money on the star specs?