Got my replacement tires....

[AZhitman]

Well, after much debate, I have selected my *free* replacement tires.

The 2 final candidates were the Yoko ES100 in the 245/50VR16 size (96W), and the Falken Ziex in the 255/50ZR16 size (99W). The Firestones were out (Discount doesn't carry) as were the Michelins (too much $$$ @ $175/tire).

I considered several variables and took into account all the input from my NICO buddies. The ES100's had a SUPER stiff sidewall and a cool tread pattern, but the Falkens had a higher load rating and that extra 10mm width / 5mm sidewall height. I figured that might come in handy, since I had just dropped the Q 1" with the Eibachs.

So I got the Falkens. They look great, REALLY beefy. Initial impressions are always good with new tires, so I'll reserve judgement until they're broken in good. But I can say they're not as harsh as the Yoko's were, and they seem to be far stickier (320 vs 420 treadwear). The look reminds me of the early 90's 7-series, with the fat Michelin rubber... Here's hoping I made a good choice.

[elwesso]

Post a picture!!

[szh]

Hi, AZhitman.

These were on 7" wide rims, right?

Z

[nuQ]

sounds good hitman!!!!! good luck with the falkens!!! since i got my es100's about the same time as your falkens, we can compare over the coming years. don't want to sound like the "idiot who cried wolf", but pics are coming very, very soon, promise!!!LOL jeff

[AZhitman]

Hi, AZhitman.

These were on 7" wide rims, right?

Z

Correct - 1999 Q45 20-slot alloys.

I think they're 7"... Pretty positive.

[szh]

Hi, AZhitman.

How are those Falken Ziex tires working out? I am about to make a purchase and was looking for some feedback as to what your experiences were with the Ziex.

Have you heard of the Falken Azenis? Is the Ziex similar? Better? Worse?

Thanks!

Z

[AZhitman]

Well, I've got about 1K miles on them so far. Initial impressions:

LOOKS: Much better. Less "boyracer" more "big fat executive with an attitude". Directional tread pattern looks sharp. Not as "squared off" on the treadblocks, but the extra 10mm of width is just striking. Looks like a steamroller from the back.

DRY HANDLING: A tad "squirmier" than the yoko's. Probably due to the 255 width on the 7" rim width and the taller sidewall (5mm). Softer compound, so "at limit" handling is MUCH improved. I haven't been able to break them loose, even at 75 on my favorite 25mph cloverleaf. Had one emergency braking situation (with a lane change) that felt really good - Very confident, even with the nose of the car on the bumpstops.

SOUND: Not necessarily quieter, but just a different sound. Hard to explain...Less like my Civic and more like Dad's GrandMarquis. The pitch of the sound over expansion joints is a lower frequency - Not as high-pitched. Sound really cool on hot asphalt when you turn sharply - no squeal, more like Velcro being pulled apart.

WET GRIP: Huge improvement. Softer compound and directional grooves make for nice lateral stability in the wet. Harder to sling the arse out when accelerating and turning. How do I know? Well, no rain here since March, but there was a water main busted on Madison St. yesterday and I got to play on a mile-long stretch with a inch or so of standing water....

WEAR - I think they'll wear nice. While people think a harder tire will hold up longer, something occurred to me as I was driving, and i think Dennis or someone else can confirm (or tell me I'm wrong): A harder tire is more prone to spinning/sliding, thereby scrubbing off rubber whenever excessive force (laterally or acceerating) is applied. A softer tire will grip rather than spinning/sliding, reducing the damage done to the tire, even though it's softer and less durable...

Anyhow, I'm happy thus far. Now i wish my rims were a half-inch wider, but there's not much i can do about that...

[airman]

Pictures in studio!

[SmithSR]

Sounds like your man at Discount did a proper job for you. Any strange shake/shimmy/vibrations at various speeds?

[AZhitman]

No - These feel rock-solid.

Less "immediately" responsive, but I'm sure that has to do with the extra 5mm of height. Not as twitchy at 135mph, as i found out Saturday on the blast from Anthem to North Phoenix.

[1qckser]

AZ after much thought I decided that seeing how my car is the same color as yours, and that even though the factory 2002 Q wheels are nice im gonna hafta go with the same ones you have on your car, the look is one of class with a lil muscle built in, I think the combo is awesome I just cant find the rims, please keep me posted if you come across another set, once again the car looks great cant wait to see pics with the larger size tires.

[nuQ]

i have the same rims as hitman on a charcoal grey 90Q with brand new es100's. that combo TOTALLY changed the look of my Q. soooo much better!!!!!! i know i've been putting this off(going through a third party) but will have pics of the Q up very shortly. got my rims on ebay, i also waited for a while until i saw them, but it was well worth it. jeff

[AZhitman]

I'll keep an eye out for you, 1qck. Thanks for all the nice words.

BTW, are you (or anyone from your department) going to the APPA (American Probation and Parole Association) conference in Cleveland?

[1qckser]

We have a few captains that have said they would be attending if the state comes thru with the money, are budget is busted right now, we have added a 600 bed facility to the current 984 level 4 prison I am working in and cant fill it to capacity becuase of no money, if you wanna trade patches or hats and or T shirts let me know, cant wait to see the new pics.

[AZhitman]

We're in the same boat.

Out of 4,000 officers and over 800 managers/supervisors/administrators, only 3 of us are going.

Be glad we're not in CA... They're in worse shape than both of our states.

Any officer safety issues with the budget concerns? We just armed the entire state, and are in the process of doing defensive tactics and firearms certification.... My arse has been BUSY.

[1qckser]

Yeah, not enough officers to do inmate movement, and just the facility being ran on a ton of overtime, the inmates since this and have been a little rowdy but nothing big thank goodness, we did just ahve one assault on staff however, my facility is the country club, its a level four where all of the states famous muderers end up, for instance I just spoke with Michael Skakel, thats the guy that supposedly murdered Martha Moxely, the state gives these guys everything so that they wont act up for fear of getting transfered, but all in all probably a lot of the same issues you guys have, we will have to talk, email your # and I will give you a call, we can exchange wars stories.