I have a set of ASA AR1's in 18x8 and 18x9. I'm running 225/265 Fuzion ZRi's right now, but would like to move up to some max performance tires soon. From what I've heard, the Goodyear Eagle F1's are pretty good, and are affordably priced. They are also somwhat lighter compared to other tires, like the S-03's which are HEAAVVYY!!! Because my wheels are 2.4lbs heavier than the real BBS RS-GT's in 18x9 (22.7 vs 20.3lb), I'm trying to cut down some on tire weight.

My main goals for this tire is something that combines the best of the following:
Excellent Rain and Dry Traction
Affordable Pricing
Lighter in weight (29lbs or below)

 

If you read the tirerack's "max performance tire" thread, you will find the goodyears dont rate very high. SO-3's do give great wet and dry traction. I think the extra weight will be offset by the better grip.

 

Oh! you mean the goodyear GS-D3 they rate it at the top for wet traction. the B.S. REO-50's look good too.

 

I like to know if there is max performance tire with these attributes too, specially the second criteria: affordable price.

 

bridgestone re-50's are crap. My friend had them OEM on his mazdapseed protege. they handle o.k., but then again he wrapped his car around a tree going the speed limit. they get noisy as hell as they wear down.

 

You may get a lighter tire but I don't think you are going to find a better wet traction tire over the life of the tire. The Michelin PS2 is very good wet and dry but will not be cheap.
To get a better [price you are going to have to go a little lower in performance. Take a look at the Bridgestone RE750.
If I can help let me know.

 

I'm very pleased with Sumitomo HTR Z I'll be ordering a set for my wife's 3 series soon, I already have a spare set for the S2000 that just need to be remounted.

 

RE-050's are original equipment on the AP2 S2000.

They're better in every way over the S-02, which was my previous favourite tire.

 

re050's w/ a treadlife of 140?!?!?! lol something over 200 would be nice. so... anyone that has experience w/ the eagle f1 gs-d3's? it also has another advantage... 280 treadwear while having excellent traction

 

Treadwear and traction go hand in hand. The harder the tire the longer it lasts and therefore the less it grips. A 140 TW tire will most certainly offer more traction than a 200 or 280. Anything 200+ on the S2000 will suck and you'll regret buying them. Even 180+ will suck but if you are bone stock and never drive over the speed limit then you might not notice the different between 140 and 180.

You will hate anything over 180 I guaranty it. Even a 200 TW tire will require you to turn corners at half the speed you're used to.

No better way to turn your sportscar handling into economy sub-compact performance than to be cheap with tires. They are the only part of the car that actually touches the pavement "where the rubber meets the road".