Choosing the tire I want to put on my new wheels is turning out to be more difficult than choosing the kind of wheels I want Anyways, I got it narrowed down to

Kumho Ecsta MX-$129 each

BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW-$169 each

Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3-$206 each

Believe me, I realize that the GS-D3's are the best tire on there, and that with tires you usually get what you pay for. However, for a street driven vehicle, is there really that much of a difference between those tires? Obviously I want good dry traction, but a main concern of mine is traction in the rain. Not that I race or anything in the rain, but I absolutely HATE hydroplaning or sliding all over in the rain, plus its kinda dangerous. Are the GS-D3's much better than those other two in the rain? Im tempted with the Kumho's because I would be saving $280 getting them over the GS-D3's and $120 over the KDW's. The KDW's in my mind right now, look kind of like a good compromise tire. Better traction and rain performance than the Kumho but not as good as the Goodyears, but not as expensive as the Goodyears either.

Choosing tires SUCKS

 

My last set of tires were BFG KDW's and I had no problems in the rain. I only got 24,000 miles out of them with normal driving so I won't be buying those again. I know the Kumho's are cheaper, but the treadwear rating is also lower so you won't get that many miles out of them. If you aren't concerned with treadwear though, I think you'll be happy with the BFG's.

 

I went cheap with the Kumho 712's. For my uses, it's a great tire. I don't race, hardly drive it in the rain, and holds when driving "spirited". When I have been caught in the rain, the tires stay to the road and I don't feel the puddles in the road at 65 mph. I am overall impressed with the Kumhos. If you were drag racing though, you might want to look elsewhere.

EDIT: I just noticed that you are still on stock wheels. For the money you want to spend you could get a lot better tire than the Kumho Ecsta Supra 712's. My 275/35/18 has a vastly diffrent price range than yours. Just disregard the above.

 

i personally have the good years....its only a sunday driver....so as far as the tread wear, i realy couldnt tell ya....handling wise..... oh yeah! and i dont drive in the rain.....but last last year i did get caught in a thunderstorm on the interstate......and these puppies stick...no hydroplaning...no white nuckle driving........and they look agressive as hell! i have no experience with the other 2 tires you mentioned, so if you can swing the $200 plus pricetag...you will NOT be sorry!

 

Yeah, I really want the Goodyears, but the 200 a piece is definetely on the high end of what i am willing to spend. Decisions, decisons, decisions....

 

Alright, how bout I throw a wrench into the mix....Firestone Firehawk Wide Oval's? Anybody got em and how do you like em if you do? I can go with the 17"/18" Z06 combo and get the 295 rears and it would still be much cheaper to go with than going with the GS-D3's in 275's all around.