Editing Forums/Z31P/z31-performance-upgrade-forums suspension-chassis-and-brakes/Good summer/race tires

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|op_user=300zxturboftw
|op_date=2013-05-01 15:06:02
|post_count=48
|archive_url=/Z31performance_archive/forum/z31-performance-upgrade-forums/suspension-chassis-and-brakes/21404-good-summer-race-tires.html
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'''300zxturboftw:''' <small>(2013-05-01 15:06:02)</small>

Need some suggestions for a nice set of tires. Looking for something to fit 9"/10"…probably 275's on 17" wheels. I have an idea of what I kind of want, but I'm open to suggestions before I make a purchase!

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'''jaqattack02:''' <small>(2013-05-01 15:12:00)</small>

I put 275/40R17s Sumitomo HTR Z III on the back of mine. 9" Cobra wheels. They certainly look good. Haven't had the opportunity to test the traction yet. Well rated for the price on Tire Rack though.

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'''adamvann3:''' <small>(2013-05-01 15:24:13)</small>

I really like my nitto nt05's. I thought about trying out the new Dunlop star specs but opted for the hankook v12 k110 but you will want something with more grip.

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'''300zxturboftw:''' <small>(2013-05-01 15:26:27)</small>

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I was actually thinking of going with ssome Nittos. A local z32 guy pushing upwards of 600 rwhp has these and does a lot of track days. He likes em a lot.

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'''jaqattack02:''' <small>(2013-05-01 15:30:16)</small>

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I saw a lot of good stuff about the Hankooks. I like the Dunlops, but don't like the size availability. Seemed like a very limited selection last time I looked.

Another reasonable priced option may be the old Star Specs. Might be able to find them for cheap since the new ones are out.

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'''Neil86t:''' <small>(2013-05-01 15:35:28)</small>

If money is no object you can't go wrong with Michelin Pilots.

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'''300zxturboftw:''' <small>(2013-05-01 15:54:17)</small>

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I'm willing to spend a decent amount of money on tires being that these are probably the most important part along with brakes for your car, but I don't need something that will break the bank/max performance. $200 a tire or slightly less would be around my budget.

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'''Bremsen:''' <small>(2013-05-01 16:16:20)</small>

Tough to beat the Hankook RS-3 for value, but they don't make a 275/17. The Star Specs V1s were the king of the hill for grip/wear balance, but the V2 isn't getting as good of reviews (and only made up to 265)....especially against the new BFG rival. Don't know how the Rival will wear, but its generating a lot of press and is getting good reviews but again, not available in the 275/17.

IMO, 275 on a 17 is going to really limit your selection and drive the cost up. You'll probably have to go up to 18s or narrow to a 255 if you want the best selection/price. I think 255/40/17s square is probably the best all around setup for track use on the Z31.

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'''300zxturboftw:''' <small>(2013-05-01 17:09:39)</small>

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Going to be putting down too much power for 255's.

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'''ZinnZ32:''' <small>(2013-05-01 17:13:59)</small>

Yeah I vote Dunlop Z1 Star-Specs. Serving me really well as of now. - Too bad they stopped making them.

Had NT-05's before, great tire as well.

Next, I plan on going with Kumho Ecsta XS'

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'''frostvectron:''' <small>(2013-05-01 18:32:38)</small>

Whats the application?

265 Star specs are going to grip better than 275 the sumitomo HTR. Compound type is much more important than small changes in width.

The "top" autocross compounds right now are: Direzza Star Specs, Hankook R-S3, Kumho XS, Advan Neova, Toyo R1R, and supposedly BFG g-Force Rivals… might have forgotten some. They all generally have similar grip characteristics and wear. Which one to choose depends on what kind of racing you're gonna be doing and the climate. For example, RS-3's will handle heat much better than the star specs, but the star specs have much better cold grip than the RS-3's.

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'''300zxturboftw:''' <small>(2013-05-01 19:05:01)</small>

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Yup. It's only for full track road racing. No Autocrossing at all in this car.

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'''TearingRaven:''' <small>(2013-05-01 19:16:13)</small>

I've had great luck with Bridgestone Potenza RE01R and RE11R tires. Not sure what the next series is called.

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'''frostvectron:''' <small>(2013-05-01 20:02:07)</small>

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In this case, I'd recommend the Kumho XS or Hankook RS3 since those both deal well with heat and are probably the cheapest from that list, but maybe the road racing guys have some other suggestions.

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'''Bremsen:''' <small>(2013-05-01 21:00:33)</small>

The Kumho XS is available in a 275/40/17 and looks like its probably your best bang/buck if you're dead set on that size. RS-3, Spec ZII and Rivals are not available in anything wider than 255 in a 17" wheel.

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'''300zxturboftw:''' <small>(2013-05-01 21:20:16)</small>

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I'm set on this size because I'm going to go with a way bigger rear wheel next summer. Probably 11 or 11.5". Probably will have to step up to 300's anyhow when I do that. Stretched is cool, but more contact is better.

Going to spend this winter coming up with a solution for rear camber fix like the E36 guys do.

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'''300zxturboftw:''' <small>(2013-05-02 04:06:18)</small>

Think im going to go with Nitto NT05's 275/40/17…Found cheapest at $625 shipped. Not bad at all. I have some time though, so if anyone comes across a sweet deal let me know.

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'''NissanEgg:''' <small>(2013-05-02 22:29:15)</small>

I run the Dunlop DZ101 in 265/35R18. Grips really well. The DZ101 is one of Dunlops top line tires below the Star Spec range.

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'''300zxturboftw:''' <small>(2013-05-03 14:40:46)</small>

If anyone has any hookups with a tire company and wants to help a brother out, I'm looking for the nittos nt05 275/40/17…found at performancetread.com for $590 but shipping is a killer at $75. Still the best deal I found other than tirebuy.com, but since they have a warehouse in state they have to charge me out the ass for tax & fee's.

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'''jaqattack02:''' <small>(2013-05-03 21:51:49)</small>

That may be the best you're gonna get. DTD is $168 each shipped, or $672 for 4. [http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direct/tires/nitto/product/submitProductSize.do?pc=40517&tmn=NT05&typ=Passenger/Performance http://www.discounttiredirect.com/di…%2FPerformance]

Are you putting 275s on all 4 corners?

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'''adamvann3:''' <small>(2013-05-04 01:13:18)</small>

I find unless you have a tire sponsor, you arent really going to get the hook up anyplace. Best most can do is a few bucks off a tire.

I order all my tires from DTD. Most of the time they are the cheapest or damn close to it.

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'''frostvectron:''' <small>(2013-05-04 01:59:37)</small>

Back in october I got a set of Hankook Ventus V12's from DTD. They had a $100 back on 4 tires and then I combo'd that with a $80 manufacturer rebate from hankook. It was sweet.

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'''adamvann3:''' <small>(2013-05-04 02:08:56)</small>

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Youre not the only one [archived image: wink.png] ~235 for a set of 4 tires is hard to beat

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'''300zxturboftw:''' <small>(2013-05-04 13:42:53)</small>

performancetread sells them for $590 for all 4 275's…shipping is $75 though. kill shipping and I will order them today haha

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'''adamvann3:''' <small>(2013-05-04 16:05:02)</small>

275s are no joke to fit in the fronts with coils. Mike was able to do so but remember he had much more adjustablility than you. 255/40 would be much easier and good on 9 wide

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'''300zxturboftw:''' <small>(2013-05-05 04:20:13)</small>

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Right now they are running a 80 hankook rebate and a $50 prepaid visa card with a purchase of 4 tires. I need new tires for the subaru, so I might do this. I'm going to find if you can combine the two, then I'll pull the trigger. Do you guys buy their extended warranty for each tire? Probably cheaper and less hassle to just buy another tire @ $96 if anything happens anyhow. I will only be using them for a few months then back to winter tires, which I need to replace the front two. Currently the metal wires are exposed…not good!

As for the Z, 255's might work for now. Unfortunately that means no rotating (unmount and rebalance I suppose). Shit starts getting expensive when getting into performance tires!

Seems I can get the Nittos & V12's for around $1,050 with no warranty on them and $180 in prepaid cards, so $870 total for 2 sets of good tires for both cars. I have a feeling I should get the warranty on the Nittos because they will last me 3 years on the Z considering I don't drive it much.

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'''frostvectron:''' <small>(2013-05-05 04:45:35)</small>

Yup it should stack.

The $50 is from DTD while the $80 is from Hankook.

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'''300zxturboftw:''' <small>(2013-05-05 13:34:05)</small>

Dopeeee…did you guys do the warranty for replacement? I don't care about the V12s, just the nittos considering they won't last very long. Although, people say about 7-8 track events and about 10k miles on street/some autox and maybe 1 or 2 track. I doubt my Z hits 3000 miles a year…it will probably hit 2k this summer only because I need 1k miles to break everything in.

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'''adamvann3:''' <small>(2013-05-05 16:13:55)</small>

If you went with the 9" and 10" stagger I would do 255/40 fronts and 275/40 in the rear. I never rotate the tires on my Z with the 17/18 stagger, thats just how it is. If you camber wear then you may need to flip and rebalanced, but such is life.

Like frost said you can stack rebates. I have never bought the warranty replacement. I have never had any issues with any tires; Z, truck, old DD ect… been purchasing tires from DTD for a long time. I am sure there is always that rare chance, but replacing a tire is that big of a deal. And im pretty sure track will void any warranty that covers.

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'''G-E:''' <small>(2013-05-06 01:40:20)</small>

I wish I could get tires up here for even $150… even dz101's are 205+tax installed, go up from there :

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'''300zxturboftw:''' <small>(2013-05-06 20:55:22)</small>

I actually called my local discount tire, usually some pretty friendly/helpful guys there. The guy was going to match whatever was lower, discounttiredirect + mount balance costs or him ordering them from the store, adding tax from purchasing locally, install & mount and balance for everything. Still get the mail in rebates too, which is a pretty sweet deal.

Think it came to $1188 for everything mount and balanced and the 4 tires installed on my ru (not like that is a problem for me to do). This way I get free tire rotation and I think rebalancing services, which is going to be great for both sets (not really the tire rotation as I'd rather just do that in my garage). I have to calculate what it would be online, but I think it would be slightly cheaper still haha.

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'''88Turbozx:''' <small>(2013-05-06 21:02:09)</small>

Michilin pilot sport ps2s, they are the most grippy street tire I've experienced

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'''adamvann3:''' <small>(2013-09-17 18:19:12)</small>

Well instead of starting a new thread might as jump on this one.

The Hankook Ventus V12 Evo K110's have failed me. I had a decent amount of luck with them in the past when running 17"+ wheel but 225/50/16s blow. The sidewall is way to soft and causes the car to bounce. The wheels are 16x9 and I really like them with 225/50 tires but with the additional sidewall the coilovers hate them. Does anyone know of a good stiff sidewall tire good for street use?

Probably looking like I am going to have to sack up for some Azenis 615k because I know those will fit the bill, but seem a bit extreme for some general street use. I just expect my tires to last a summer, 5k miles with about 1000 of them being hard miles.

Any recommendations? (Brian I read your link, good info but a lot of it is dated).

Falken 452s?

BFGoodrich g-Force Sport COMP-2?

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'''300zxturboftw:''' <small>(2013-09-17 18:20:07)</small>

Check what i linked to you on jdm

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'''300zxturboftw:''' <small>(2013-09-17 18:23:57)</small>

I have only heard good things about star specs z2 from multiple people who run very fast cars at autocross…their times show too. the z1's are sitll amazing too.

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'''adamvann3:''' <small>(2013-09-17 18:37:17)</small>

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Yup, but I also heard the Z1s were better and the hankook RS-3s are even better.

My issue is I want to run a 225/50/16 and need something with very stiff sidewall in order to make the suspension function. Im having the inner debates on stepping up to 17" wheel and could eliminate a lot of the problems..... but I would rather overcome this challenge. I have also looked at some 225/45/16s as well, but those seem a bit small and very limited in options. 245/45/16 will be too wide are require fender work I really dont want to mess with yet at my offsets.

I figure miata people do this all day, so there has to be something out there.

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'''frostvectron:''' <small>(2013-09-17 18:57:30)</small>

If you do track days or if it's hot where you are, Hankook RS3's and Kumho XS are good at taking heat and still giving grip (and cheap as hell in 16" sizes). Probably comparable if not better than Falken 615K and much cheaper. Falken has really been behind on the tire game since the days of the Azenis 215. There was a store on ebay selling 225/50/16 Kumho XS for $100/tire shipped not too long ago.

Direzza ZII's are good. Higher grip peak than Z1's, but not as broad as a grip peak. BFG Rivals are getting a lot of attention as Direzza killers this season.

Not too much data on the ZII's wear yet, but I heard the Z1's last a very long time for how grippy they are.

EDIT: Not sure about sidewall stiffnesses of all these tires in the 225/50/16 size. Forgot that was the main point (as opposed to tire grip).

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'''adamvann3:''' <small>(2013-09-17 19:04:25)</small>

This may see 1 or 2 track days in a season. What it does see is a lot of back road aggressive driving. I do a lot driving during the summer going to different places, seeing peoples and events. I normally back roads and highways compared to interstate and like to beat on the car. Grip is important but more so is the tire feel and response.

After this weekends 450mi road trip, I felt like a civic bouncing around on cheap ebay coilovers. I couldnt really do anything with the car other than drive straight, which was a challenge on grooved interstate.

I like what I read on BFG Rivals and g-force sport comp 2's.

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'''aceman85turbo:''' <small>(2013-09-17 19:30:31)</small>

some of you may remember 1sikz31, he parted out his z and now has a 700rwhp turbo ls1 miata. He runs a 225 wide nitto nt-05 and his car dead hooks. It is the best street/autocross tire. The dunlop star spec and the falken rt615k aren't far behind however.

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'''frostvectron:''' <small>(2013-09-17 19:34:35)</small>

NT-05's only in 17 and up. Also, NT-05 are good tires, but definitely not the best autox compound…

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'''300zxturboftw:''' <small>(2013-09-17 20:25:11)</small>

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Agreed.

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'''adamvann3:''' <small>(2013-09-17 21:08:28)</small>

Also I notice with the hankooks that I get some front tire vibration through the steering wheel. Now I thought maybe I may need the wheels rebalanced but its not all the time, and at highway speeds. I think they may be going out of round/not holding true at some speeds (depending on temp, who knows). Just another annoying fact.

I really like what I am reading about these BFG Rivals, and the only size they come in a 225/50 in 16". Just by build they look like they have a better sidewall (and by literature with g-control). This is what I am leaning towards.

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'''adamvann3:''' <small>(2013-09-18 22:33:48)</small>

Ordered 225/50/16 BFG Rivals. Fucks not given, need to get things sorted out and having some solid tires will be a good start.

Longer shorter term will probably need a spring rate change.

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'''frostvectron:''' <small>(2013-09-18 22:41:43)</small>

Let me know how you like them! I have heard so much about them this season and am so curious… They will blow the Hankook V12's out of the water for sure.

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'''Pace:''' <small>(2013-09-18 23:47:26)</small>

Yeah.... The Hankooks are not ideal. /my bad

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'''adamvann3:''' <small>(2013-09-19 01:50:31)</small>

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These were my 3 set of K110 V12s. This is the first instance where they have failed me. Live and learn.

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'''adamvann3:''' <small>(2013-10-01 02:54:48)</small>

Finally got the Rivals on the car tonight and took them out for a run to scrub all the sticker glue off.

Wow do these things grip extremely well. After getting a little heat into them they really stick to the road well. Easily put more confidence into tight corners.

Plus the over all goal of having a stiffer sidewall and bring able to run them at 32psi make a world of difference compared to the Hankook I had at 50psi. Ill have to wait until the weekend to go give them a real test, but I have to say I am excited to drive the car again.

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'''300zxturboftw:''' <small>(2013-10-01 05:20:07)</small>

I am happy for you, I am sad for me. I want to drive a z =( . Maybe I'll try those next year with the subaru for some auto x/street action. Did a starved rock run and the ru was drifting corners rally style.