Tire profile question

[heelsfan007]

Just got some new rims for the Z (FR 18x8.5, R 18x9.5), and trying to decide on some tires. I want to go with a 245/40/18 in the front and a 275/40/18 in the rear. I was looking at the BFG KDW2's, but the only 275 they make to fit an 18 inch wheel has an aspect ratio of 35. I don't really want to go with the 35 aspect ratio, because I don't want to risk bending a rim. Is this reasonable? I do keep an open mind though. Does anyone else have(or has had) xxx/35/xx? Was there a big difference in ride quality? Any bent/broken rims? Any advice would be appreciated. Also, while we're at it, does anyone else have any other tire recommendations? My priorities are 1) Grip-dry AND wet 2) Treadwear 3) Price. Not too worried about noise, and ride quality isn't really an issue, but I also don't want to feel it if I run over anything thicker than a gum-wrapper either. Thanks in advance.

[Exar-Kun]

the sidewall height of a 275-35 and a 245-40 are so close you could call them the same.

Read the FAQ concerning aspect ratio's to understand why.

I'd stick to a 275-40-18, that will keep your gearing and ABS functioning correctly. BFG does make the KDW, but not the KWD2 in that size, unfortunately.

WHat kind of driving will the car see, and what's the budget?

-Chet

[heelsfan007]

That's what I figured. I was just seeing if anyone could prove me wrong. Thanks for the advice. To answer your question, the car sees occasional mountain runs, and spirited driving every day. For the sideways stuff and autocross I will just use the OEM rims and different tires, so those aren't a factor. As far as budget goes, I can get anything from tire rack at wholesale, so that helps. I don't really want to spend too much, but I want a good tire also. I have toyed with the idea of the Goodyear Eagle F1 Gs-D3's, but I think that they will be a little more than I really want to spend. I am open to tires not offered at tirerack if there is one that is a better balance of performance/price than those offered, but obviously, I've got a good deal through my friend and will probably go that route.

[Exar-Kun]

Well,

The GS-D3 is a heck of a tire, it's got some tread squirm and the like..but for it's price, I think the tire would performe very solid for you.

If you can shell out the extra money, the PS2's would work wonders on a Z. I have KD's, but I would advise against them for heavy rain and noise issues. In all honesty, I liked my PS2's I had on my S13 better overall than the KD's.

THe Kuhmo Ecsta MX would be a nice choice, and it will provide good dry grip, but it's not as..uhm..quality driven as the brand syou've mentioned.

-Chet

[heelsfan007]

Thanks, I'll take all of this into consideration. I appreciate the input.

[heelsfan007]

Actually, I have one more question. A friend of mine has a set of the Sumitomo HTR ZII's, and says that they actually outperform many of the other tires he has had. Have you heard anything about them? The best part is that they are CHEAP!! I could get a set of them for around $366. That would leave money for other go-fast goodies. Any opinions? Again, thanks in advance.

[Exar-Kun]

"they actually outperform many of the other tires he has had"

apparently, he's had crap tires.

Those are good for the money, but won't hold a candle to a PS2, GS-D3 or KDW. Period. They're cheap performance tires..

think about it, those 4 tires are the only thing keeping your car in controll...you really wanna cheap out NOW?

-Chet

[Cojoroh]

Quote »think about it, those 4 tires are the only thing keeping your car in controll...you really wanna cheap out NOW?

-Chet[/quote]this has got to be the most erroneous statement i've seen. i like to think that I'M the one keeping my car in control. if you enter a turn too hot and lose control of your car, are you going to blame your tires?...i hope not.

i have the sumitomo htrz-II's as well...and i have to say, i'm quite impressed with them. after driving 15k miles on pirilli p-zeros and 10k miles on the sumitomos, the negligible performance difference make these tires seem like a really good deal. each to his own i guess.
Modified by Cojoroh at 8:02 PM 11/17/2005