Perhaps I am just missing it but is there a good place to start on researching tires for my stock 07? I bought it with Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1's. I live in SC so snow is not an issue. I will drive it less when it is cold but I am happy with the top down and a woolie down to the low 40's. Much colder than that and it sits in the garage.

I was expecting to see a sticky but don't. Any suggestions for how to start unpacking a huge topic?

Thanks

 

Are you going to track it? Only street miles? There are hundreds of topics on the matter. It's not a one size fits all answer and people have their preferences. I only drive my S in dry weather so I have advan ad08r's on it. The dunlop z2 and hankook rs3's are also popular street/track tire. Pilot super sports are a step down but a great street tire.

 

Very unlikely to track other than perhaps a time or two to learn more of the handling characteristics. Mainly just a weekender to go explore BBQ shacks with my son.

 

Interesting comments about the Super Sports being a step down. Looking at the Tire Rack comparison tool, the Michelin SS are rated much higher in traction and ride than all the tires you mentioned. That is part of what makes this so confusing.

 

You have to look at where they are being rated. The other tires I mentioned are basically DOT legal track tires (They are one step below Rcomps). They will be lower in the "ride" rating as they tend to be louder and stiffer side wall making the ride harsher. As for traction again it depends greatly on conditions. The advans will out grip the Pilots but the pilots will be better for purely street driving and not bad at the track. You will also notice the advans have a wider tread width than the Pilots. Take those ratings with a grain of salt and look for official tests within the tire category you are looking at. When you compare a Max summer to an extreme summer the ratings won't be accurate as they are rated against other tires in that category not ones above or below it. To me it sounds like the Max summer category is probably what will work best for you. They will last longer than the extremes while still providing enough grip for spirited drives and the occasional track day. Just don't buy the Hankook Evo V12's as they are pretty crappy. The pilots are probably better or the Bridgestones are good as well.

 

Thanks. So much great info on this site.

 

I'd suggest Michelin Super Streets.
I'm running those on my street wheel setup. Excellent tire... it's quiet, will last long, good dry grip, good in rain...

 

Since the wonderful Bridgestone RE-11A tires on my car have been discontinued I'll probably put RE-71R tires on the car next summer. Summer car but she's driven in 40°F weather at the beginning and end of the season.

-- Chuck