I have a 97 z28 w\ 16X8 wheels. I had the brigstone potenzA(SP?) RE910'S 245/50-16 on the car and they were a pretty good tire and were really responsive but did not grip that well when they got some wear on them.

So i ordered a set of 255/50-16 tires from discount tire and had them put on last Thursday. They are horrible. The main complaint is the handling is horrific. The sidewalls flex a good 2 inches with me pushing on the car with my hands. They are unstable at any turn. I can fell the car wobbling side to side in hard turns. TIRE RACK had great reviews on them.

I’m taking the tires back Monday what tire would everyone recommends I wont the best handling tire. Handling is the #1 goal for the tires.

Are the KDW'S Any better?

 

More info on the car. Its got control arms, panhard bar, all new urathane busings(ex front control arms they are stk. rubber ), new shocks, sway bars.

 

The fact that they are 255s on an 8" wide wheel isn't helping... But that in itself shouldn't be creating too much of that. If they move 2" just pushing on the side of the car, that's a lot.

 

I just called BFG and the spec on the tire is for a 7-9 inch rim and that they have never heard of thoes tires doing that. its almost like they left a ply out of the sidewall? there that bad. I can see how they can have more flex but dang its only .3 inches taller.


How are the Yokohama AVS ES100 they have mixed reviews.

Im kinda leaning on the BFG KDW in a 245

 

es100s do pretty good for me in the corners, but straight line they suck

but i also have 275's and 35 series sidewalls

 

Wierd. I just put 275/40/17's on my '02 WS6 wheels.....and could not be happier!

DTD gave me a great price, and these are a VERY nice tire

 

There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with putting a 255/50-16 on an 8" wide wheel. As noted above, BFG recommends a wheel width of 7.0-9.0" on that tire, and actually derives it measurements for the tire with it mounted on an 8.0" wide wheel. There is no way that is contributing to the problem.

How much pressure are you running?

Did you check the lugs to make sure they are tight?

 

Anyone else see the irony of this guy looking at the lower end tires mentioned in correlation with this statement, "I wont the best handling tire. Handling is the #1 goal for the tires."????

I agree w/ Injuneer, what PSI are you running? You did go to a slightly taller sidewall so expect a little more play.

 

I'm running that same tire and havn't had any issues with it. Like said above, check tire pressure and bolts. Also, did you read the part in the paper work that says to drive the tires conservatively for the first 500 miles?!?!? They tell you to do this because you aren't going to get the maximum grip right off the get-go.

 

I had 255s before on my salad shooters, I know it can be done. Wider tires on smaller wheels do tend to be less stable when they aren't 'squared up'. I didn't come up with that on my own, lots of tire guys will say that.

 

don't want to sound like like an **** there buddy, but it's a 50 series sidewall..

A friend has the BFG KD's in a 40 series and he had no complaints on them.

Mabie because it is a soft tire?

The uhh.....dang it ....oh, yeah... I had Toyo Proxes 4 on before my big change and I think they are fine. I was kinda spongy in the corner but no 2" flex... that is kinda insayne.

 

I am on my second set of G-Force T/A KDWs. I think the BFGs may give up a little bit of "handling" to be a better all-around tire but for my use, I think they're excellent and I won't hesitate to buy another set.

 

Run some lower end tires and you'll learn how stiff the BFG sidewalls are. I went from the KDWS to Hankook H105 for a softer ride for my wife's car. It gave the softer ride but corners aren't enywhere near as controlled or fun.

 

i just got 275/40/17 gforce-sports and i think they are great, stick very well and take corners even better

 

Lots of tire guys may not be too smart....

What you're saying then is that the tire guys you talk to are smarter than the BFG tire designers. OK... if that's what you want to believe.