Suitable Tyres

[27AME]

OK well everyone is a price-conscious consumer, like it or not. A lot of people on this site have previously owned high performance cars, most of which would have required greater quality tyres than are needed on the Colt. I say that now, but at the same time, the Yokohama Advan AD07 Neova's that come stock on our car, are a vital part of our cars ability to handle.

What tyres have others used? Either on their colts as replacements or upgrades, or on other high performance cars. I am stuck.

So far I have looked at:

Yokohama
S Drives
A4350's or something like that

Pirelli
P ZERO

Falken
RT615 (semi slick - shit in wet and short life span)

Marangelo (Italian tyres, can get decent prices)

etc etc etc

Any more I should look at?

Am looking at anywhere between $190 - $280 and all of the tyres above are within this range. Fitted and balanced etc etc...

It's harder than I thought because I want a great price, but would never compromise the great grip and handling the AD07's give us.

[Macca]

Kumho Ecsta KU31's

The Ecsta SPT (KU31) is Kumho's Ultra High Performance Summer tire developed for sports cars, coupes and sedans. The Ecsta SPT was designed to offer grip, handling, comfort, wear and good looks in order to provide enthusiastic drivers the ability to "Drive Hard 'Go Big' Look Good." Ecsta SPT tires are not intended to be driven in near-freezing temperatures, through snow or on ice.

On the outside, Ecsta SPT tires feature Kumho's High Dispersion Silica tread compound (that broadens the tread rubber's temperature operating range) molded into a directional tread design that features large, independent shoulder blocks, four straight circumferential grooves and three solid center ribs to combine wet grip, responsive handling and high-speed stability. Rotation Wear Indicators (R.W.I.) are built into the Ecsta SPT to let drivers know the time has come to rotate tires to maintain more even wear and lower noise levels into the later stages of the tire's life. On the inside, Ecsta SPT tires feature twin steel belts reinforced by a spiral-wrapped, jointless nylon cap ply to enhance ride quality while providing high-speed durability.

Can be found for $100 each fitted and balanced in 205/40/17

Had a quote for $160 in 205/45/16 for rcolt standard wheels (could get lower thou)

[DAC]

How about the Goodyear GSD F1? or the replacement for the Bridgestone GIII? These are both high performance tyres & I have found them to be good. Our stock tyres are actually very good but are also expensive :(

[fauxpas]

Interesting the comparable tyre to the KU31 is the AD07...

If I could find these for a hungie per hoop fitted, I'd give them a go... My AD07s are 10k and shredded...

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e293/faux1337/KU31.jpg

[27AME]

That is interesting faux, thanks for posting, will get a quote for those.

[27AME]

All the marketing jargon is great and all, but anyone have real experience with them? Are they any good? for $100 I'd have to consider them, but I need to keep in mind that I felt a massive deviation in performance from the AD07 down to the S. Drives that I had fitted as a replacement. I do not want to compromise performance greatly.

[fauxpas]

I've never been into spending heaps on tyres as I shred them too quick so no matter how grippy they are, they don't last long... So...

AD07 10,000k - $250

I imagine the Kumho & Federal (They other I was looking at for around $100) will have less grip but last much longer...

So that means under half price for a tyre that lasts twice as long means I'm 4 times better off...

[27AME]

Just rang my families tyre store (have been with them for 20 years) and they said the KU31 is DEFINITELY not comparable to the AD07. They consider the KU31 a 'run of the mill" tyre and wouldn't recommend it.

So there you go, weird...

[fauxpas]

Just rang my families tyre store (have been with them for 20 years) and they said the KU31 is DEFINITELY not comparable to the AD07. They consider the KU31 a 'run of the mill" tyre and wouldn't recommend it.

So there you go, weird...

Certainly one wouldn't buy it hoping it matches the AD07 grip... I'd be happy with 80% of the AD07 grip from something like these Federals... These tyres were tested on an evo or wrx or something on an aussie road rally...

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e293/faux1337/595.jpg

[Macca]

im using them, they dont quite have the dry grip of the ad07's but are very very cose on the wet side of things, i would say they are with in 10-15% grip levels of the ad07's

I can still spin 1nt gear a lil up top.
Wet performance is the same as the ad07's

They seem to be a lil quieter than the ad07's

Deff worth looking at esp for the price

[Corosith]

Like Macca I too have the Kumho Ecstas, and I find them just fine. Sure they may get a bit slippery on the track, but for a general performance tyre they seem to grip pretty good - I've yet to hear a squeal of protest from them, in fact they have barely worn since having them. :)

[fauxpas]

When I had my ford, I got cheap 235 tyres on purpose just to get it sliding around at lower speeds... Much more fun and cheaper to boot...

[27AME]

Couple of Quotes for you guys. Keep in mind these are for 205/40/17.

Toyo R888: $475 a corner :P
Pirelli P Zero Nero: $265 a corner (seriously considering)
Yokohama A Series (forgot the code): $220 a corner
Yokohama S Drives: $280 a corner (I paid $235 I think for 205/45/16)
Falken RT615: $195 a corner (Approved Semi-slick - will be shit in the wet and won't last)

There were a few more these are the main performers I have found though.

The Yokohama A Series Tyre is a Daily Driver tyre with performance characteristics. Apparently they will *almost* match the S. Drives so for $60 less they could be a great alternative.

[Spaceboy]

i cant believe some people would mod for more power and fit mod suspension, yet stinge on tyres?

[27AME]

Who is being stinge here?

I can't get AD07's in 17 inch and I'm looking for something to match them. I wouldn't consider any of the tyres I've mentioned as "cheap" and when I was looking for replacements for my worn AD07's, the 16 inch S. Drives were $10 more expensive than the AD07's, but there were none in Australia.

This thread was meant to discuss potential tyre replacements / upgrades, no one has mentioned otherwise and you haven't added any valuable information, so maybe minimise your "input" in this thread from here on in?

[fauxpas]

I've only had my colt since Easter and the tyres are shredded... I don't do burnouts at the lights, that's from ripping corners... $1000 minimum for replacement AD07s every 4 months is ridiculous... I bought the rcolt for low total cost of ownership, if $2-3000 is added for rubber, I'd have been better off with another car...

[lovecolt]

But with the way on how you drive your car, the tyre bills will only be high, Tony ;) If you want grip, there's no such thing as cheapo. Same as performance.

[fauxpas]

If you want grip, there's no such thing as cheapo. Same as performance.

I'm not that interested in grip... Even stock pre-TMR and with expensive AD07s, the car spins up round corners on the old pac... For me, slightly less grip will be fun... But that's just me...

[Macca]

im on a different sized tyres (smaller side wall and diameter) and the closeness between the ad07 and ku31 is close, imo the extra 150 per tyre isnt worth the everyday drive.

im thinking of putting slicks on ma old rims for track days, just cant find any 2nd hand ones

[trevski]

What about

Toyo Proxies R1R http://www.toyo.com.au/Proxes%20R1R.htm

or

Bridgestone Adrenalin Potenza RE001 http://www.bridgestone.com.au/tyres/treads/Adrenalin.aspx

[fauxpas]

This is what the old pac does to tyres...

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e293/faux1337/Tyre04.jpg
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e293/faux1337/Tyre02.jpg

[bunnybash]

lol that is insane faux

there was a guy on here who owns a tyre shop, and he was suggesting some tyres that cost around $135 each... he knows his crap and the tyres he suggested were tested and rated as better than the AD07s... i would search that thread...

[alba]

lol that is insane faux

there was a guy on here who owns a tyre shop, and he was suggesting some tyres that cost around $135 each... he knows his crap and the tyres he suggested were tested and rated as better than the AD07s... i would search that thread...

husky said it didnt he?

one of his suggestions was that italian brand... marangoli or something. sounded like a brand of pasta or something lol

[Corosith]

I don't compromise on tyres, I just keep my Advans for serious cruise stuff, and the ecstas are more for everyday travelling to and from work & weekend touring. Even after nearly 20000kms my ecstas are still in excellent nick, and my Advans also have 3/4 tread left - just being wise on my tyre usage!

Rather than waste money buying another set of track grade rubber for your new wheels, get something a bit more practical (but not crap), otherwise you might as well be pouring your money down the drain. Best save the track work for Yokos on the stock rims - if you still have the rims that is!

Mind you, this goes out the window for those who can afford to run race grade tyres / semi-slicks for day to day usage, just remember that these tyres are also usually crap in the wet as well!:)

[hendo]

i have RE001 they are great ad not a bad price

[edge]

i have RE001 they are great ad not a bad price

how much for a set of 4 RE001 205/45/R16?

[Trickster]

I suggest the Sumitomo HTR Z II. These are a Japanese tyre with excellent write ups & (without ringing a tyre retailer) should be approx $130 each.

According to the write ups should be just as good as the stock Yokohama's.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Sumitomo&tireModel=HTR+Z+II

Cheers

[aby82]

yup it was husky.. pm him to find out if he doesn't reply here..

[Jusnippinout]

I have never bought any of these so-called 'budget performance' tyres. My son fitted some, can't remember the brand, to his highly-worked Datto 1600, and the bloody things wore unevenly, causing handling dramas. He had to throw them away when they were buggered down one side, yet with loads of tread left on the other side. he checked the alignment and found no probs, and some Goodyear tyres he fitted subsequently had no such problem. I'm guessing the tyre's carcass was dodgy?

[27AME]

I have never bought any of these so-called 'budget performance' tyres. My son fitted some, can't remember the brand, to his highly-worked Datto 1600, and the bloody things wore unevenly, causing handling dramas. He had to throw them away when they were buggered down one side, yet with loads of tread left on the other side. he checked the alignment and found no probs, and some Goodyear tyres he fitted subsequently had no such problem. I'm guessing the tyre's carcass was dodgy?

Would be good if you could name the so-called budget tyres, mate :)

[DAC]

I am also thinking of using the Bridgestone RE-001 or Eagle F1 GSD3 when my AD07s wear out.
I used to have Bridgestone RE-711 (GIII) on my DC-2R & found them to be good but not as good are the stock RE-010 but better on the wallet. I think the RE-001 replaced the RE-711.
My sis had the Eagle F1 GSD3 on her golf & these were also very good but cost a little more than the RE-711 & slightly more noisy.
On my parents & mates car it had Bridgestone RE-050A which were also great but these cost like approx $400 a corner!
Some friends have suggested BF Goodrich but I've not tried em...

[Ayu452]

tyres are here
http://rcolt.com/showthread.php?t=2058

and for the ad07....i plan to clock 40,000km, with couple track days
and rippin it to work all the time...and bashin it 1-2times a week
so dunno how ppl r gettin such low km?road surface?burnout?

[Macca]

tyres are here
http://rcolt.com/showthread.php?t=2058

and for the ad07....i plan to clock 40,000km, with couple track days
and rippin it to work all the time...and bashin it 1-2times a week
so dunno how ppl r gettin such low km?road surface?burnout?

plan?, or have you already got?

[Jusnippinout]

Would be good if you could name the so-called budget tyres, mate :)

Like I said, I can't remember. All I can say is they were NOT a mainstream brand (i.e. Michelin, Bridgestone, Goodyear, Yoko, etc, etc). Maybe Toyo or Kumho or summat. I think they were Korean or Taiwanese? There was a lot of them around at the time.

They felt quite soft when subjected to the 'thumbnail test', yet offered poor grip and wore unevenly.

BTW, my RColt has racked up around 25,000 mostly easy kms so far and the tyres are (approx.) 75-80% worn.

[Ayu452]

i have dun 33000km, got about 2-3mm of tread....got a track day in a couple of weeks, the wear indicators are gettin closer :D, i estimate another 2000km
gonna hold out as long as i can so i can get money and rims....but me holding out means it gonna be really bald....not me holding back on thrashing
plan is to get a quote on the goodyear ones in that list...or hunt around for kumho, or advans
and go by tiretrack reviews

[27AME]

Mate I have been lucky to get 20,000km out of the Neova AD07's. They aren't designed to make 35,000 - 40,000km because they are essentially a semi-slick tyre. Yokohama make a very soft-compound tyre, no matter which type you go for and this makes them wear quicker as well.

I got quoted $175 a corner for the Toyo Proxes-4, but have no experience with Toyo and unsure on whether I should give them a go or not. I want a set of R888's :p

[Trickster]

Last weekend I got 17 inch rims for my RColt and Sumitomo HTR Z II tyres (215/40ZR17).

Have to say very impressed. They handle just as well as the standard Yokohama's, ride better (don't know why as the Sumitomo are a 40 profile as opposed to a 45 profile), have pretty much corrected the speedo error (the speedo now it shows 100km/h when actually doing 98-99km/h according to my GPS, was 5km/h out before) and are quieter too.

Cost would have been approx $165 per tyre - cannot tell you the exact price as they were packaged with the 17 inch rims. A 205/45 16 tyre would be cheaper again. Win win is all I can say :)

BTW I can now also boot it in 1st gear without axle tramp and silly wheelspin, just a controlled amount of wheelspin and acceleration.

I'll post some pix shortly

[27AME]

Last weekend I got 17 inch rims for my RColt and Sumitomo HTR Z II tyres (215/40ZR17).

Have to say very impressed. They handle just as well as the standard Yokohama's, ride better (don't know why as the Sumitomo are a 40 profile as opposed to a 45 profile), have pretty much corrected the speedo error (the speedo now it shows 100km/h when actually doing 98-99km/h according to my GPS, was 5km/h out before) and are quieter too.

Cost would have been approx $165 per tyre - cannot tell you the exact price as they were packaged with the 17 inch rims. A 205/45 16 tyre would be cheaper again. Win win is all I can say :)

BTW I can now also boot it in 1st gear without axle tramp and silly wheelspin, just a controlled amount of wheelspin and acceleration.

I'll post some pix shortly

I was thinking about 215's but weren't sure whether it would put my speedo out by too much (I'm not sure what my speedo is out by atm). I was originally going to get Sumitomo HTRZII's, but in 205/40/R17, the load rating is only 80W (Standard RColt is 83W). The 215/40/R17's in the Sumitomo are fine, they are a 83W tyre, matching the stock RColt's load rating. Still unsure whether I want to risk putting my speedo out though.

[Morph]

I was thinking about 215's but weren't sure whether it would put my speedo out by too much (I'm not sure what my speedo is out by atm). I was originally going to get Sumitomo HTRZII's, but in 205/40/R17, the load rating is only 80W (Standard RColt is 83W). The 215/40/R17's in the Sumitomo are fine, they are a 83W tyre, matching the stock RColt's load rating. Still unsure whether I want to risk putting my speedo out though.

I have a feeling an RColt on standard wheels is 5km/h(ish) out. Been through a couple of speed detector things that hang over the highway, it always says my speed is 5km/h slower than whats reading on the speedo.

Anyway 27ame, the width of the tyre wouldn't matter would it? I thought the tyre profile would throw the speedo out before the width did :confused:

[27AME]

they're both factors in the speedo readings I'm afraid :(

Go to google and type in tyre size calculator, then click on the miata link. You tell it what size your stockies are and then what you want to upgrade it to, and it tells you how much the rolling diameter will change and also how much your speedo will change.

The bigger the rolling diameter change, the more the speedo will be reading slower than what you're travelling.

[Jacky]

just wanna add some input to this thread.. none of the tyre above could compare to rcolt's stock ad07. When AD07 first came out in jap, they are meant to be having a compound closest to semi-slick but with street pattern. so tyre wearing are supposed to be at around 10000-15000km (max). And we are lil bit unlucky in aus as most of the good jap tyre are not for sale in here. like RE-01R and such .. which is true competitor to AD07.

have been driving on a few set of RT615 (mind u all.. this is not a semi-slick, its street compound with a "sort of" semi tread pattern), KU31, V70A, RE55S, R888, T1R ..etc.

If i am going to do some trashing on the colt, here would be my seletion

1. RT615 (Dry Grip is good, better then semi in wet. and CHEAP!!)
2. Toyo T1R (Dry Grip is a little less then AD07, same Wet performance, missus use it on the MR2 before she got the Rcolt, and never can slide the car out even with the MR layout. (she could get the RE040 and Goodyear F1GSD3 tail out easy))
3. Bridgestone RE001 (Again, cheaper alternative. Grip is not up to T1R or AD07's level, Wet grip is good, have it on my 350z at the moment... it cant cope with my driving (or the power of the zed). But overall not a bad tyre)

Having got much exprience with other street tyres as I run semi's for street use when i have my rexy. If u dont mind to spend a lil bit more, got Advan A048. I find it not as grippy as RE55s (which is my love), but life span is a lot longer, i finish a set of RE55s with around 5000km, but A048 could last for around 10-12kkm.

Just my 2c.

[Trickster]

The overall diameter of a 205/45 16 tyre is 58.5cm. The 215/40 17 is 59.75cm, a difference of 1.25cm. Legally you can go up 2.5cm (1 inch) from standard - well in VIC anyway.

Width wise the 205/45 16 is 17.25cm vs 18cm on the 215/40 17, .75cm difference.

As mentioned my speedo is more accure now - speedo shows 100km/h and the GPS reads 98-99km/h. It was 4-5km/h out before. So legally and functionally the 215/40 17 are fine.

BTW the overall diameter of a 205/40 17 tyre is 58.75cm, only .25cm more than standard.

Cheers

[27AME]

I believe you have the legalities wrong. You can increase RIM size by no more than 2 inches, but overall rolling diameter must not change by any more than 16mm

[Jacky]

wait... one of u is talking about width and one is talking about overall diameter...

Legal info is overall diameter cannot varie more then + or - 3%.

and width of the rim cannot be more then 2 inch. (apply to car less then 1500kg).

[Payload]

I've never been into spending heaps on tyres as I shred them too quick so no matter how grippy they are, they don't last long... So...

AD07 10,000k - $250

I imagine the Kumho & Federal (They other I was looking at for around $100) will have less grip but last much longer...

So that means under half price for a tyre that lasts twice as long means I'm 4 times better off...

that makes it easy... was looking for a price for the stock tyres... i was actually expecting them to be more with the amount of grip that they give. 10,000K would be fine for me with the low K's i do... would probably last 10-12 months, although i can see how soft they are, a few hard corners and the sides start to show it. I can imagine how quickly they would dissapear on the track.

[27AME]

Yep the Yokies have a very soft compound, I remember someone said they got 40,000km out of them - I'd hate to see their opinion on what is a useable tyre and what is not :p

BTW man, your car is a 2006 RColt, 2008 Complianced. Just thought I'd point that out :)

[Ayu452]

yep that is me, 33,xxx on em now....prob max i get is 35,000
but as long as i can just see the wear indicators it is fine :)
i have just hit the wear indicator on the front tyres, so i gonna rotate em, get a few more km out of them
side idicators are still there.....if u have excessive wear, are your pressure correct, wheel aligned/balanced? might wanna chk that, or are u runnin a camber angle? toe in/out?
i will do my best to take photo

[27AME]

Stock Rcolt, no toe in/out or +/- camber. I don't have excessive wear, I have what is normal for a tyre of that compound.

[Macca]

to clear any misconeption for the NSW guys check this on the current laws on bigger rims and tyres

http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/registration/ ... 9_rev4.pdf
Link to RTA laws on wheels PDF

[thagee_76]

Good thread guys - I hadn't realised the Advans were $250 a corner. I was however aware they would melt like butter. Prior to purchasing my MY07 rcolt I test drove a 6.5 that had done almsot 7,000 km's and a quick glance at the rubber then revealed they didn't last long - the tyres were almost at the marker at 7,000km's.

I must admit I used to use GIII Bridgestones on my S15 - which was a 180kw/rw beast and I really didn't mind the way those tyres performed and handled. If the price is reasonable I will probably have a crack at putting these on when the Advans finally go - hopefully I get 10,000km's out of the factory jobs on my newly acquired rcolt.

Previous experience with A series Yokohama's were poor - not to great for grip, not when compared with the GII's

[stylo]

What's everyone doing for rotation ?

Every 5,000 at the dealers when you do your minor/major services ?

[fauxpas]

What's everyone doing for rotation ?

Every 5,000 at the dealers when you do your minor/major services ?

Only when there's little tread on the front and more on the back... Then I'll front/back swap... And wait till there's no tread at all...

[trevski]

Only when there's little tread on the front and more on the back... Then I'll front/back swap... And wait till there's no tread at all...

Faux I've seen your tyres... reckon you need to swap out the slicks now!

[aby82]

bridgestone replacement for the GIII's would be the Adrenlin RE001's which are still just over $200 each..

personally i'm gonna try some ZII Sumitomo's very soon.. will see how they go! ;)


re: tyre rotation
- i was told recently by my local bridgestone that 5000k's for city driving & 10000k's for mixed driving - so personally i'll be rotating every 10000kms from now on

[fauxpas]

I'll be getting the federal ss595 tyres this weekend. They're only a little more than the cheapest tyre available yet touted as "Ultra High Performance"... lol...

Federal will tell you they're in the same league as ad07s but they're far from it. That's why online reviews vary heaps. It all depends on what tyre you compare it to... Compared to a $250-300 it'll fall very short...

http://www.federaltyres.com.au/images/ss595.jpg
http://www.federaltyres.com.au/images/ss595h.gif

[aby82]

i dunno if they'll fall very short.. but u get what u pay for aye ;) we've got ASC to look after us if things get out of hand.. heh heh

should be alright tho.. what do the federal's set u back?? the tread looks very similar to the zII sumitomo's i'm getting..

[27AME]

Looks like a very similair tread design to the Goodyear Eagle GSD-3.

I have decided to try the Toyo Proxes-4, the tyre is designed for compact cars and is considered an ultra high performance tyre, but I'm still so unsure. I'm past worrying, want to get them on before this weekend's QLD metup so just decided to run with it.

Andrew where can you get the bridgestones for $200 a tyre? I think that's pretty cheap. I was quoted $215 for Falken FK452's and $236 for Toyo T1-R's.

Walked past an S15 at uni today that had Toyo R1-R's fitted to the TE37's it donned, they look like one aggressive tyre.

[Spaceboy]

we rotated our tyres at 10,000..

[aby82]

nick, the bridgestone GIII's were avail at my local bridgestone for $200 each (cause they had em in stock) and the RE001's were like $225 or there abouts each - in the stock size too dont forget :)

[27AME]

Ohhhh stock size - of course... that changes the whole ball game :p

[27AME]

I need to just stop looking at tyres and make up my fucking mind. There's too much out there and NO WAY to compare them all. Every single tyre review has people who absolutely love them, then people who absolutely hate them. I have spent atleast 10 hours sifting through reviews, manufacturer websites, calling local stores and they all share different opinions, haven't seen a stand out tyre mentioned more than twice by two different sources.

Doing. My. Head. In.

[husky510]

I need to just stop looking at tyres and make up my fucking mind. There's too much out there and NO WAY to compare them all. Every single tyre review has people who absolutely love them, then people who absolutely hate them. I have spent atleast 10 hours sifting through reviews, manufacturer websites, calling local stores and they all share different opinions, haven't seen a stand out tyre mentioned more than twice by two different sources.

Doing. My. Head. In.


It won't be a problem if you just remember one thing...!

It's a Colt... not a Lamborghini!

[fauxpas]

Every single tyre review has people who absolutely love them, then people who absolutely hate them.

Doing. My. Head. In.

Yep... The ss595 have people saying great in the wet, and others saying ordinary...

I see them as a middle of the range tyre for low range money...

$125 each is OK for me...

[27AME]

It won't be a problem if you just remember one thing...!

It's a Colt... not a Lamborghini!

obviously I know that.. But you would also know that the stock AD07's are great and one of the reasons the Colt handles so well. I don't want to compromise that, no matter what car I own.

[fauxpas]

obviously I know that.. But you would also know that the stock AD07's are great and one of the reasons the Colt handles so well. I don't want to compromise that, no matter what car I own.

I wouldn't worry too much... The advans aren't the sole reason it handles well... I'm confident the car is good enough to handle well even with crud tyres...

I was thinking this the other day that a good car shouldn't rely on tyres and by chance I was watching a BMI touge vid and the street tuner rules actually pointed this out and it said no semi slicks, street tyres only as a car shouldn't rely on tyres to handle well... Vindicated I was...

[Spaceboy]

the advans are awesome, and the handling and suspension are tuned to work with them.

if you cant afford to replace the tyres, you should have probably bought an es or vrx :p

nah but $125 is a good price and you'll get better life out of a lower performance tyre, just dont push the car's limits and you'll be right.

[Adam]

I wouldn't worry too much... The advans aren't the sole reason it handles well... I'm confident the car is good enough to handle well even with crud tyres...

I was thinking this the other day that a good car shouldn't rely on tyres and by chance I was watching a BMI touge vid and the street tuner rules actually pointed this out and it said no semi slicks, street tyres only as a car shouldn't rely on tyres to handle well... Vindicated I was...

Yep you don't need to have good parts for the bit of the car that keeps you attached to the road :p sorry bro just had to say it

BTW have a check of what are cheap tyres in Japan

[fauxpas]

Yep you don't need to have good parts for the bit of the car that keeps you attached to the road :p sorry bro just had to say it

Yes, and I'd expect that from an idiot... What they're saying is you can put the most expensive tyres on a shit car, and it won't all of a sudden become a good car...

A good car will rely on tyres less than a shit car... Same car v car with good and crap tyres obviously the better shod car will be better...

I'll be burning the ss595s in this weekend if anyone wants to show me how 'bad' they are compared to the advans...

[Adam]

I was teasing bro, sorry if I offended you.

[fauxpas]

I was teasing bro, sorry if I offended you.

Cheers bro, not offended, shoulda picked up you were teasing...

[aby82]

notice the :p symbol.. that usually means someones teasin... - calling other forum members names for any reason is unacceptable, so take it easy faux.

[lovecolt]

Just a reminder for all: Tyres are not only there for cornering, its also a life saving thing for all cars. Its a direct factor of how quick your car stops.

[fauxpas]

The good thing about the 205/45 16 is that its not a family car sized tyre, meaning the absolute cheapest tyre in this size is at least not a dangerous tyre... Not as grippy as the top tyres, but damned far from dangerous...

Even the nankang things sold at tempe seem like a solid tyre, albeit budget... There's also Bluesteel, Clear and Marshall (by Kumho) that are budget but solid...

With family car tyres you could still buy really crap tyres...

[Morph]

The good thing about the 205/45 16 is that its not a family car sized tyre, meaning the absolute cheapest tyre in this size is at least not a dangerous tyre... Not as grippy as the top tyres, but damned far from dangerous...

Even the nankang things sold at tempe seem like a solid tyre, albeit budget... There's also Bluesteel, Clear and Marshall (by Kumho) that are budget but solid...

With family car tyres you could still buy really crap tyres...

nankangs are horrible, horrible tyres IMO - i was running a set on my old CE and the road noise was insanely loud and they didn't grip well at all.

[fauxpas]

nankangs are horrible, horrible tyres IMO - i was running a set on my old CE and the road noise was insanely loud and they didn't grip well at all.

I've spotted a lot of advans on rcolts that look like they've been driven by grandmothers to the catholic club... Those rcolt owners would have no issues with nankangs...

They're the cheap tyre of choice too for those buying mag wheel packages as far as I'm aware to make the whole deal cheaper. Most who buy aftermarket mags do so for show anyway and don't worry about 'on-the-limit' driving...

[markimak]

nankang NS2 which ur talking about are a decent cheap tyre. nice soft compound lasted long on my GTR my mates got them now and 2 years still going i guess.

the federal RS 595 whatever theyre are called are a road legal street semi tyre. indeed BMI want street tyres as its meant to appeal to the general public. u cant run a semi unless a legal one.. on the streets.

my brother was running 225/45R17 Pirellis RRP 200 or something. on his Rcolt and was complaining bout excessive understeering. so the advan neovas make a difference.

[fauxpas]

The Federals I am trying are the lower of 3 in their motorsport "Ultra High Performance" tyres and only $125 AUD each... I expect them to be heaps better than nankangs but obviously not as good as Advans...

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e293/faux1337/ss595-1.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e293/faux1337/595evo.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e293/faux1337/595rs.jpg

[27AME]

Car is booked in for Friday to have the Toyo Proxes-4 fitted. They went up $10 a tyre from $165 to $175.. Total package is costing $755, including tyres, fitment, balance, alignment etc etc... Not too bad, I just hope they're fine..

All I know is I won't be pushing it too hard on Sunday's meet until I get the feel for them... Also, I don't think my exhaust will be here on time, RPW hasn't got back to me :(

[27AME]

Just noticed that Toyo's new R1R tyre is available in 205/45/16. Looks the goods and would be a good replacement tyre for the stock rims. Not sure how much they cost though.

[lovecolt]

Just noticed that Toyo's new R1R tyre is available in 205/45/16. Looks the goods and would be a good replacement tyre for the stock rims. Not sure how much they cost though.

YR-Advance's using the R1R and they said its grip up ;) Would be interested to know how much they are too.

[thagee_76]

I don't know if I'm telling people to suck eggs here - but one thing you should ALWAYS do with a new car - is take it for a wheel alignment shortly after you purchase it. It's well know that factory cars are often out of alignment, meaning that the day you drive it out of the showroom, you start wearing your tyres unevenly, which reduces your mileage of the those stock tyres even faster.

As faux has said - with the closer to street tyres, like the Potenza's or the other more budget sports tyres, the difference in handling is only going to be 15-20% at very worst. many people have purchased a colt to get a bit of sports performance whilst keeping food on the table - so switching to a 'lesser' tyres isn't really going to matter, espesh if they aren't doing motorkhana's, track days, modern regularities etc...

That's just my 2 cents worth.

[27AME]

I totally understand where you're coming from, but I wouldn't mind having tyres that can see a few good times posted at track days, quick sprints through the mountains etc etc...

I'm happy with my choice for the time being and although the performance will lack slightly compared to the AD07's, the Toyo's will give me some good mileage I reckon. I think my next set of tyres will be some R1-R's or something, so this gives me a bit of time to save for them :p

[Macca]

I still stand by my kumhos

I would love a set of semis on the stock rims thou for track stuff.

[27AME]

You got the KU31 ECSTA SPT's yeah?

They look decent, but I was told they're garbage and to stay away from them. They're pretty cheap too.

[alba]

somebody who has had kuhmo ecsta spt has recommended them to me also

i still like the look of the federal ss595 in the lower price ranges and toyo in the $200 a corner bracket (cant remember which ones, they are on my bookmarks at home :p )

[fauxpas]

After all my reading up on tyres I'm still going to get the ss595's this weekend... We really should start a comparo of tyres in stock 205/45 16 guise. Too many variables when comparing across rim sizes...

[ColtVerR]

anyone want to comment on Hankook Ventus Rs2? Heard its good...and there are 215/45/R16 ones lying around...

[Morph]

bump for an old thread.

Due for tyres, and after being quoted a smidge over $350 for an ADO7 (in 205/45/16 size too!) have decided to shop around. Considering the Kumho Ecsta KU31s or Toyo Proxy 4s - both seem to get good reviews by people i've spoken with, so will probably go with one of them soon.

Note - i don't expect either of them to be on par with the ADO7s, but will be interesting to see how they fare :)

[stylo]

bro, aren't these two fiddy a pop ??!

[Morph]

that's what i thought - i rang up one of the 'specialist' shops here and they quoted me something ridiculous! i said 'u sure it's the 16" and not the 17"??!!' and he goes 'yeah'. i just shook my head lol :)

[stylo]

Call someone else ! Maybe they're slapping am extra $100 as a specialists charge ..

from my renault forum ..


SECOND UPDATES EDIT!

got them (AD07's) fitted and balanced for $230 a tyre. getting them done on saturday :P

This is June 2008 - in Sydney

[27AME]

hey Morph,

I go to the same tyre store for all of my tyre needs and my parents have been going there for years.

They are an official supplier of Kumho. I asked them for a quote on the KU31's and they told me not to bother because the performance won't be anywhere near as good as AD07 and they don't believe they're such a great tyre. I then asked for a price on the Toyo (which they had to order in, they aren't an official supplier of this tyre) and they gave me a price and said they've heard good things.

I got the Toyo Proxes-4 for $195 a corner in 215/40/R17, so I imagine that a 205/45/16 would be around $170?

So far I have honestly not noticed ANY difference between them and the AD07's and that includes after hard spirited drives. Don't dismiss them as soon as they go on like I did, once they wore in the performance was every bit as good as the AD07's.

To wrap it up, go the Toyo's over the KU31's under the recommendation of a company that sponsors and enters cars in the Australian Brute Ute's and from a man who's been in the business a looooong time.

[Morph]

cheers mate - that's the kind of feedback i'm after about the Toyos. Whats the road noise like from them?

[putty_sydney]

I'm putting the Kumho V70A on the Colt next week. $360 a corner fitted. Same tyres a lot of the Lotus Elise guys use.

FYI I rotate every 5000km's and wheel align every 10,000kms (sometimes more if I've accidentally hit a bad pothole). I got an alignment done as soon as I bought it. Alignment was out, so was the camber. Fixed camber as best we could without a camber kit.

The AD07 have 35000kms on them and I would get another 5-10k out of them. Only replacing as two tyres have a slow leak and I'm going to Wakefield soon. I do a Gorge/Maralya run every month and it's used as a daily driver.

Tyre maintenance is really important.

http://www.fsport.com.au/fsport_siteroot/popups/kumho/v70a.html

[Macca]

the ad07's were also the OEM tyre for the lotus's too

[Jacky]

try to ask for the new Toyo R1R, they are the same grade as AD07 and BS RE11 in japan!

[Jacky]

the ad07's were also the OEM tyre for the lotus's too

no.. not ad07..

the use RE040 on street trim and A048 111r.

[pAuL]

i spotted this at the sydney moter show

http://img75.imageshack.us/img75/1980/dscf2084rc9.jpg

[27AME]

cheers mate - that's the kind of feedback i'm after about the Toyos. Whats the road noise like from them?

You will definitely notice a lot more road noise than the AD07's WHEN YOU FIRST GET THEM. I don't know if the noise is gone now they're worn in, or if I just don't notice it anymore, but I don't hear it any more.

AND this noise was only under cornering, they're as quiet or quieter than the AD07's on the highway or on straight roads.

[Spaceboy]

guys dont get your semi-slicks mixed up with your super sports tyres.

semi-slicks require warming up! which is not good for regular street use, that and their tread patterns may not be as good in terms of noise or water dispersion.

[ColtVerR]

I am ordering Hankook RS2 215/45/R16 profile sometime soon...:p