Need oppinions on what tires to buy.

[Tiki]

So i guess i better start thinking about new tires for the summer as my Falken Azenis are running fairly low on tread. Firstly im wondering what size i should run. I have 18x8 superleggera's and am currently running 225 40 r18, im thinking i want a little stretch but not sure if 215 40 r18's would be worth the loss of traction.
Secondly is the brand/type. I want something aggressive but i don't want them to wear as fast as the Azenis did. Any recommendations?

[R_Ethug]

Re: Need oppinions on what tires to buy.

check tirerack reviews silly

[R-Audi]

Re: Need oppinions on what tires to buy.

In all honesty... unless you plan on tracking, or drive like a nutcase daily.. just get any tire with a good tread rating that is decently priced..

TR usually has good sales.. got my Conti SC3's for 125 each 2 years ago....
I spent countless hours researching.. and it was a waste of time. Get a good known brand... and get a good deal.

Im no expert on stretch.. but with a 8" wide wheel.. is it even worth it? You would need spacers to make them poke to even notice the stretch. I would think you stick with the proper size.. and go from there.

[Tuna]

Re: Need oppinions on what tires to buy.

As far as stretch goes, I had 205 45 r16's on a 8" wide wheel and it was barely noticeable, my current wheels are 195's which is more noticeable. Granted it's not totally an apples to apples but I think a 215 won't give you quite the look you are after.

[mDmVR6]

Re: Need oppinions on what tires to buy.

Tirebob is the man to talk to about this stuff, he knows what he is doing and he has got sweet deals right now

[Deuce]

Re: Need oppinions on what tires to buy.

In all honesty... unless you plan on tracking, or drive like a nutcase daily.. just get any tire with a good tread rating that is decently priced..

Word.

I'm on my second set of Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3's. Love 'em. Great balance of handling, comfort, treadwear, price, looks, etc. If I had to change, I think I'd go with the Falken FK-452's.

Remember, tire choice is as much about marketing and hype as it is about actual form and function. Some cheap tires will surprise you with how good they are while other expensive tires will disappoint. My process: Set your budget first; identify a handful (say 5) different tires that you like in that range; read dozens if not hundreds of reviews (ie. tirerack) on what other people say about them; and finally, buy some new rubber!

Yes... tires are important... however, putting a set of $1,500 Michelin PS2's on a vehicle that won't use them to the limit... is just a big ole waste of money IMO.

[Compton]

Re: Need oppinions on what tires to buy.

Word.

I'm on my second set of Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3's. Love 'em. Great balance of handling, comfort, treadwear, price, looks, etc. If I had to change, I think I'd go with the Falken FK-452's.

Remember, tire choice is as much about marketing and hype as it is about actual form and function. Some cheap tires will surprise you with how good they are while other expensive tires will disappoint. My process: Set your budget first; identify a handful (say 5) different tires that you like in that range; read dozens if not hundreds of reviews (ie. tirerack) on what other people say about them; and finally, buy some new rubber!

Yes... tires are important... however, putting a set of $1,500 Michelin PS2's on a vehicle that won't use them to the limit... is just a big ole waste of money IMO.

I got my Falken Fk 452s 2 years ago and they are doing pretty well for me. I dont track the car or do any aggressive driving that would warent me to spend $200+ per tire. So Tiki this would be my choice. The sidewall is soft so you dont feel every bump and they are not as sticky as the Eagle F1s so they last longer.

I will say, that the 452s and the Eagle F1s cant even be compared. The transition was huge. The thicker sidewall, better traction, better performance that the Eagle F1s offered was quite superior compared to the 452s.

If you want stretch i say go with the Falken 512s as they stretch pretty decent and are quite cheap.

Discounttiredirect.com is the only place that sells Falken tires, ive used them in the past(obviously) and they were great.

[nismodrifter]

Re: Need oppinions on what tires to buy.

If you are not rubbing and don't plan on going lower then stick with 225's. If you ARE rubbing and/or plan on going lower...switch to a smaller size.

My fronts are 18x8 et25 and I fit 235's without many issues....now running 225's and they are perfecto.

[Deuce]

Re: Need oppinions on what tires to buy.

I got my Falken Fk 452s 2 years ago and they are doing pretty well for me. I dont track the car or do any aggressive driving that would warent me to spend $200+ per tire. So Tiki this would be my choice. The sidewall is soft so you dont feel every bump and they are not as sticky as the Eagle F1s so they last longer.

I will say, that the 452s and the Eagle F1s cant even be compared. The transition was huge. The thicker sidewall, better traction, better performance that the Eagle F1s offered was quite superior compared to the 452s.

If I may summarize:

If you're an amateur "street racer" 75% of the time and an otherwise "civilized" driver the other 25% of the time... get the Goodyears.

On the other hand, if you're a "civilized" driver like me 75% of the time and an amateur "street racer" the other 25% of the time... get the Falkens.

P.S. Either way, you can't go wrong with looks IMO. They're both bada$$ looking tires.

[popp]

Re: Need oppinions on what tires to buy.

go with Nitto's!

I can hook you up with Falkens as well or anything else you decide Ryan

[Kor]

Re: Need oppinions on what tires to buy.

I would look for a sale on a well respected brand-name tire. If you ever want to sell your wheels and/or your car, no offense to anyone, but nobody is going to really be super keen on having your used Chinese knockoff tires. Plus, cheap tires suck and IMO its a safety item, would you buy cheap seatbelts or brakes?

[RobG]

Re: Need oppinions on what tires to buy.

I have found with inexpensive Pirelli/Falken and Kumho tires (all 225/40R18) that the ride quality is not as good as with the F1 GS-D3's.

Just my thoughts.

[Deuce]

Re: Need oppinions on what tires to buy.

I've heard good things about the Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2's. They might be more to your liking.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....omCompare1=yes

[96vwVR6]

Re: Need oppinions on what tires to buy.

quick note to everyone on here, Chad(blue mark4 jetta with 19" axis wheels) will be moving to calgary as of Feb 1st as the manager of the Kaltire in the N.E. corner of 28th and 32nd(Horizon Auto Center). Kaltire can get Falken and Nitto tires also. Im running NT555's on my gti and absolutly love them. Usually they come better priced than the falkens too(as Kaltire at least).

[popp]

Re: Need oppinions on what tires to buy.

Chad will be moving to calgary as of Feb 1st

There goes the city!

Good N You?