I need your guys' help choosing my new tires. I've done searches here and elsewhere plus I've read up on ratings at tirerrack.com and discounttire. I've narrowed my choices down to these and would like to hear your experiences with them:

1.) Firehawk SZ50
2.)Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3
3.)Falken Ziex ZE502 or GRB FK 451
4.)G-Force KD

Keep in mind, tread wear is huge to me, moreso than hooking up on the street. I don't think the KD's have great tread wear compared to the first two. I'm hesitant on the first two listed because I'm uncertain of the looks. The Firehawks appear to have a large sidewall and the F1's tread pattern isn't as appealing as the KD's or the Falkens. I know very little about the Falken tires, how is the tread wear on those.

TIA,
daniel

 

Thanks for the pics FlyBono, what size are your tires?

One other question I have is, I have 275/40/17's, will going to a 285 tire look a little wider?

 

The falkins weigh 5 lbs.each more than the Firehawks.Hope this helps.

 

That does help but I must say that I like the look of the Falkens more than the others and would like to find out any info on the tread wear for those.

It's looking like I'll prolly be going with the Eagle F1's. I'm surprised more of you haven't put in about the Firehawks.

Will going with a 285 size tire over a 275 look much wider or can I go with a 295 on a 17x9.5 rim???

 

My Buddy has Falkens on his stock Formula and has trouble getting them to hook up. I myself have Dayton ZRs, they're made by firestone and i can cut 1.9 60ft times with them. There damn good tires and only cost me about $105 each

 

I hear from a bunch of people, that the Firestones are very good tires, they have good wear and traction.
What I would suggest is Toyo Proxes T1-S. They are simply awesome!!! I had Eagle F1's and it's like day and night. The wear was horrible on the F1's, but what's more important foe me, they had absolutely no grip compared to the Toyos.
Get the Toyos if you can!!!!!

 

If treadwear is a major concern like you said, plus you want great traction, I'd go with the Firehawk SZ50. They're the highest rated tire on Tirerack in that price range.

 

The Firehawk SZ50 now has a tread wear rating of 340,they are also great in the rain.

They have a rim guard on the tire,and they look great.

I had them on my 88GTA(245/50/16) and have used other tires since,I wish I would have spent my money on Firehawks as they are a great all around tire.

I have them on my car now (275/40/17)and like them a lot, both in looks and handling.

 

Thanks for all of the good replies. I am glad I waited to see what others think before I went out and bought the tires. The poll appears to have become really tight. Again, I think it is gonna come down to the Firehawks or the F1's as both are rated equally high in all categories (at least on tirerack.com). I'll be making my choice be the weekend.

One last time, should I get 285's for the rears for looks or will it basically look just like a 275??

Peace

 

I recommend the 285's. I got them and love the looks. I bought the bfgoodrich KDW from Walmart of all places and paid 162 each and road hazzard was only 9 each. It was a good deal. They have a v pattern like the KD, but have a higher treadwear rating then them.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by 95THNDR
[B]I recommend the 285's. I got them and love the looks.


So what are the numbers for that size on a 17x9.5? Is it 285/40/17 or something different and do I have to have anything readjusted to make up for the change in size?

 

I forgot to mention,that the firehawks won't follow the grooves in the road like my old goodyears did,having to correct my steering all the time on these calif. roads.Be sure to get the szEP's.They have a new compound that grips harder,the more the tire wears down.Hope this helps someone.

 

Yes, the size is 285/40zr17. The total diameter is 26", compared to 25.7" on the stock 245/50r16. I didn't even worry about the change. So far, I haven't been able to prove that the Speedo is off. I know that it is, but not by much. If you get a LT1 edit, you can change it anyways.