Well, it's about that time to get new tires. My KDW's are pretty worn and the one of them leaks and is driving me nuts since I always have to fill it up. I'm trying to decide whether I should keep my stock wheels and get some really good tires or if I should get some new wheels and get some less expensive tires. If I were to get new wheels I'd be pretty dead set on either Z06's, (17 x 9.5...probably that "argent" color since they don't make them all black and 11 inches wide for the rear ) Or I'd be looking at ZR1's...The tires I'm considering are pretty much GS-D3's, KDW's, Kumho Ecsta MX's and Sumitomo HTR-Z's.

If I were to stick with the stock wheels I was thinking I could afford to get GS-D3's...I was thinking of getting HTR-Z's but I don't want to take any hit in performance and from what I've heard it would probably be pretty significant comming from KDW's...But please let me know otherwise if I'm wrong about that because it would save me alot of $$$...at $68 bucks a piece it could possibly be worth it... The MX's from all I've heard perform very well but as far as I've seen they do not come in any size close to what I would need for my stock wheels...If they did they would probably be my top pick just based upon reviews I've seen of them and the way they are priced.

If I were to go with new wheels and they were 17 x 9.5's all around I think I would be going with MX's as they come in that size and are very nicely priced. The GS-D3's would be out do to cost. The KDW's would probably also be out the running. The HTR-Z's would of course still be in because of their cheap price...If I went with ZR1's and 17 x 11's out back I'd pretty much be locked into getting HTR-Z's at least for the rear and I don't know how I'd feel about mixing tires...

As far as my uses for the car, it's a daily driver. The car is driven through corners hard...I see a corner, I speed up As of right now I have no suspension/chassis mods but I plan on getting SFC's and sway bars in the near future. I'd also like to get into doing some autocross this year if I ever get a chance and a few trips to the drag strip is by no means out of the question. I figure if I stick with stock wheels and get HTR's those SFC's and sway bars would be comming my way alot quicker...In terms of performance what do you guys think would be the best way to go? Anybody have any better suggestions? Are there any other tires I should consider? Thanks alot for the help guys

 

Well, let's start by taking the Kumhos and Sumitomos off your list. You heard correctly: after KDWs, you won't like either of them.

There are two possible all-around upgrades: GS-D3s or Michelin Pilot Sports (I don't know the exact model spec). The Michelins are a little better, but a set will cost you nearly $400 extra over the Goodyears.

I vote Goodyear, or another set of KDWs.

You might consider that new Nitto DOT-legal autocross tire, if you don't mind replacing tires every 10,000-15,000 miles.

 

Anybody else have any input? Any suggestions would be appreciated

 

have you looked to see if firestone Firehawks are available in your size. they are awesome in the rain, and the dry traction is phenominal...similar from what i hear to the goodyears.

i'm planning on either running the goodyears or the bfg gForce KD tires for my rear 315s this summer.

 

I'm thinkin' I'm gonna' go with GS-D3's...I'd really like to get new rims and get them but my parents are paying for the tires as a graduation present and I'd sorta' feel bad if they had to spend like $1,300...How much of a performance difference would I really notice going from 245 50 16's all around to 275 40 17's all around or w/ 315 35 17's out back?

 

OK...New question. How about BFG G-Force Sports? They are $90 a tire from tire rack and they are BFG's so I'd like to believe that they are pretty good. I looked through all the reviews for them on tire rack and didn't really see any negative things about them...Anyone here have any experience with them?

 

Okay at the risk of getting flamed,I suggest you look into General Tire's Ultra High Performance Tire. On tirerack.com they are the highest rated tire in terms of wet and dry traction, cornering, longevity,and some other things. The personal reviews were very good as well, some guys with high Hp cars were writing very favorable reviews. Also they are very cheap which is always a plus.
I bought 245-40-18R for 106 a piece and 275-35-19R for 150 a piece. I am putting them on the Black C6 motorsport rims today so we'll see how they feel (and look).

It's worth giving them a look IMO.

 

I have General Exclaims on my truck 245/45/17's that are H rated. They are a great tire for a good price. The UHP's though only come in limited sizes. I wanted a set for my Camaro but they don't make 275/40/17's. I was set on GForce Sports until I ran across a deal on ebay for some Toyo Proxes T1S tires for $99 each brand new. I've heard Toyos are great tires and have always wanted to try them. I'll see how it goes. As far as going from 16's to 17's, you'll get a lot more wander on the roads with wider tires. The ride will be a bit harsher with 17's. You'll actually hook better with the narrower 16's on a sticky tire because of the taller sidewall for cushion. I run 255/50/16 Mickey Thompson drag radials and they hook awesome. It's really about looks, if you want the bigger wheel and wider tire or not.

 

I just bought some Yokohama ES100 275/40/17 for my 95 Z28 and they handle great. The day after I got them on my car it stormed and I never had any traction problems at all. Good tires and I bought them for 106 a tire from discounttiredirect.com. I called them instead of ordering online and got a better deal.

Just my $.02