Official Tire Review Thread
 

can the mods sticky this? every other car forum on the net has a tire review thread stickied in the tire/wheel section so it would be nice if this site had one too.

Rules: only post reviews on tires that YOU personally have used on your crossfire.

Brand:
Model:
Size:
Treadwear:
Brief Review of Handling, road noise, durability (based on the miles you've put on them), wet weather handling, etc.
Any other info you might want to provide in terms of cost and overall value for your money.
Finally, give a good indication of whether you'd buy them again or if you'd gladly give them away if you could afford to throw money away on new tires whenever you want.



CHEAP TIRES:

www.discounttiredirect.com (FREE SHIPPING)
www.tirerack.com
www.tiresavings.com
www.ebay.com

Re: Official Tire Review Thread
 

BRAND: vredestein

MODEL: ultrac sessanta

SIZE: 275/35/19

Treadwear 280

super quiet
great in the rain
great in the dry
pull 1.77 60' times at dragstrip
did fantastic on the roadcourse

great tires, cheap and would be hard to beat at any price.



http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data...ijrichting.jpg

Re: Official Tire Review Thread
 

Brand: MICKEY THOMPSON
Model: ET STREETS RADIALS
Size: 255/50/16

Very sticky, requires very little burnout (bigger burnouts just waste the tire).
Able to pull a best of 1.70 60' and average low 1.7x's at the track
experience swaying (soft sidewall, drag radial so expected) on the streets
not too shabby in the rain for a drag radial.

http://speed-eng.com/store/images/Mi...eet-Radial.jpg

Re: Official Tire Review Thread
 

Brand: NITTO
Model: NEO GEN ZR
Size: 225/40/18
Treadwear: 280

Great cheap all season performance radial. very quiet, handles good for performance all season and does pretty darn good in light snow. These do not get hard in the cold weather and so far with around 2,000 miles on them they are wearing great. The grip level is very good on these, i was surprised.

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/pr...nithz6.ang.jpg

Re: Official Tire Review Thread
 

http://www.coopertires.com/FI_Upload...n_AS_Tread.jpg

Cooper ZEON A/S SPORT
225/40/18 92 W utog 400

I drive like a lunatic...

Wears like iron....put on the fronts at 17,000 miles...now have 38,000 miles....suggests 5,250 miles per 32nd....as there is 6 /32nds left...original 10/32nds....= potential 42,000 mile total life till 2/32nds left.

No complaints with handling or noise.

Unfortunately they don't make these in a 19 for the rear.

UPDATE....between odometer 38000 & 41000 (tires at 24000) noise/vibration.....minor cupping.....replaced with Achilles ATR AS......noise - vibration gone....would not buy Coopers again......they did still have 4-5 32nds left....just couldn't live with noise!!!

Re: Official Tire Review Thread
 

Re: Official Tire Review Thread
 

Brand: Michelin
Mode:l Pilot Sport Cup
Size: 265/35/19
Treadware: 80
Great traction in the moist. Driving through puddles = Death wish. Tremendous cornering and braking traction once at the recommended hot temperature and correct PSI. Poor acceleration traction, especially when cold. Quiet ride, 2500 combined track and street miles. Perhaps 2 track days left (wearing perfectly with -2º camber front and rear). Everything you run over sticks to the tires. So far have lasted longer than the PS'2s! Expensive. Hard to read the traction limit when cold. They have more traction than I have nerve when warmed up. I will be buying them again.

Les

Re: Official Tire Review Thread
 

:o Tire: Toyo Proxes T-1R 225/40zr 18 92y fronts
275/35zr 19100y rear

Treadwear 260

A solid all around tire great in cold! wet! (go ahead and drive thru those puddles @ 70mph) and super sticky in the dry!

I love these tires for their feedback! (very comunicative at the limit!) and versatility! However they are starting to get a little noisy @ 5,000 miles. (I do have a roadster) and seem to wear quickly. (My wife says I should stop burning out and driving fast) I do both! Infact I test all multiple corners as often as I can to see what my highest speed could be. safely of course!


Will buy these tires again ( drove my son's focus today as my crossfire was getting the 45,000 mile checkup and his 16" Kumho solus were noisier in his focus coup)



:cool:

Re: Official Tire Review Thread
 

yokahama Advan S4 horrible in the snow, in all fairness, second winter with about 1/2 their life. Not bad in the summer, I never could get them to screech on the on and off ramps. Better than the org. Cont. for cornering traction ..See pics in gallery...She got stuck in the snow on the crossing.
Now running Mich PS2 for summer, not bad so far, better than the Yokohama's. We'll be running a mixed set of Blizzaks for the winter. . LM-25's in the rear for better forward/reverse traction in the snow being the drive wheels, and LM-60's in the front, for more of a staighter track through the snow figuring I didn't really need to worry about loading up the tread going reverse with the fronts, just steer, better going forward preferably. So I think we just received the 19"tires?? . Meineke just called and said 3/4's of our order came in. 4 rim's and 2 tires. Going to see them tomorrow.

Re: Official Tire Review Thread
 

http://www.tirerack.com/images/tires...ridgestone.gif Potenza RE050A Pole Position(Max Performance Summer)

http://www.tirerack.com/images/tires...pole_ci2_l.jpg



Brand: BRIDGESTONE
Model: RE050A POLE POSITION
Size: 235/40/18 AND 285/35/19
Treadwear: 280
Brief Review:

Handling: So far these are the best tires I have ever used. I like these much better than the pilot sports, the handling feels very balanced on these tires. On the ps2's the rear end of the car always felt light, like it was going to break away. With these tires the car feels very neutral, balanced.
Road noise: no road noise, VERY quiet!
Durability: I have around 2,000 miles so far and holding up great. 1 track day so far.
Wet: Very good, I haven't had any slips or surprises yet.
Dry: Amazing, they grip so well it is scary.
Overall: I love these tires, a significant upgrade over the Vredestein tires. I just wish these were a little cheaper. Overall these tires are absolutely amazing.

Re: Official Tire Review Thread
 

Could I ask that anyone that provides a tire review also states (like Mr. Photoman) the model of Crossfire that the tire was tested on. I am very interested in a tire for the SRT6 that will help keep the rear end where it is supposed to be.
Thanks in advance.

Re: Official Tire Review Thread
 

You would be happy with the pole position tires. i know what you mean about the car feeling unbalanced and the rear end feeling like it is light/wants to swing out. These tires made a MAJOR difference in the handling of the car, very confidence inspiring.

Re: Official Tire Review Thread
 

Appreciate your info on this as I have had several occasions where tha rear end has gone out on me on well worn asphalt that appears to have a bit of a sheen to it. The PS2's will not grip at all and actually grip better in wet conditions than on this type of pavement when dry.
Tires have less than 10,000 miles on them with lots of tread but they suck.
Very interested in the Pole Positions.
Thanks again.

Re: Official Tire Review Thread
 

i wasn't happy with the ps2's, to me the car handled strange with them on. a lot of people love them though but i did not.

Re: Official Tire Review Thread
 

Now that I think about it, you're right. The rear always felt like it was >< this close to stepping out on more than one occasion.

Re: Official Tire Review Thread
 

yeah, the car felt "nervous" with the ps2's in my opinion. I live in the mountains and have driven in the curves all my life and i just did not feel very confident in the car with those tires. the pole position tires feel great on the other hand.

Re: Official Tire Review Thread
 

I had a severe problem that when they were cold, they'd just spin under hard acceleration from a stop. Driving down the highway in the rain, the backend felt like it wanted to skate back and forth, light rain, above 65 was down right scary.

I ran alot of negative camber, so once they got up to temp in the mountains they felt decent but it took alot to get them to the point of feeling right, 32-34psi cold. Hard hard runs to get them hot, if I went up in the mountains on cold tires hey would just spin/step out.

I remember I was heading up a local mountain run spot to meet some friends. I use the 2 lane uphill switchbacks to warm up tires and on the way up, 3rd gear, light throttle, the car would either push on exit, or snap oversteer.

Now I've got Bridgestone re050a's at all 4 corners and the car feels much more planted and stable, at least for the types of driving I do. I'll continue to experiment with tires to see what feels right, since currently I'm going through a set every 3-4k miles or less

Re: Official Tire Review Thread
 

BRAND: Kumho

MODEL: Ecsta SPT

SIZE: 255/35/19

Treadwear 320

seemed like a good tire but i was hoping to get more then 30K miles. at 30K miles, i'm showing belts. i don't race this car so from now on i'm looking for longlife. these tires are too expensive to change every 1.5-2 years.

Re: Official Tire Review Thread
 

any "performance" tire is not going to be a long life tire.

You're in the land of sports cars and low profile tires. 30k is pretty much the limit for any tire thats going on a car like ours.

Want long life tires? buy an SUV or a minivan

Re: Official Tire Review Thread
 

i average 8k to 10k out of a set of tires which is about average if you drive a sports car like a sports car.

Re: Official Tire Review Thread
 

I got that on the stock conti's
Havent seen mileage that high out of any tire Ive run after, but I drive it like I stole it and the cops are chasing me.

Re: Official Tire Review Thread
 

When I bought my '04, it had BFG g-Force T/A KDW2 tires, and the rears need replacing. I put a new set of the same tires on the rear. They lasted 8K, and were so noisy, as in really loud, on the highway that I was glad to be rid of them. The traction was very good, even in the rain, but the treadwear was lousy, and you would not believe how noisy they were. In an attempt to get some tread life out of my tires, I put on a set of Continental Touring Contact CT95, which came with a 65K warranty. The Conti's were quiet, had reasonable traction, and lasted 48K. I have now put on a set of Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus tires, and we'll see how they work out.

Re: Official Tire Review Thread
 

Since I am in Nebraska and can only drive my '04 Coupe about 6 months out of the year, I run my car ragged! It had Michelin Pilot Sport 2's on it when I bought it. Just bought two more today as a matter of fact. They're not cheap, but they hug the road sweetly when I'm driving like Danica Patrick on I-80! Plus, they're not nearly as gruff and noisy as my husband's XF tires (Japanese maker, name unknown Nagasaki or something like that).

Re: Official Tire Review Thread
 

BRAND: FALKEN

NAME: 452 SUMMER TIRES

SPEED RATING: Y

WEAR: 10,000 MILES

CAR: 2004 COUPE

These tires have been great for me so far. They have great traction and is hard to break loose. Great traction in wet conditions. Have drivin in a straight downpour on expressway at about 80 mph and the tires handled like a champ. Pretty cheap as well. about 110 dollars per tire. I would recommend for a mid range summer tire for anyone who drives expressway and does a little bit of autocrossing on a budget.

Re: Official Tire Review Thread
 

I really like my Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus tires on my Crossfire. They're pretty grippy for all seasons, and quiet too. I've put 12K miles on the car since December and still have a ton of tread left.

I've also got a set of Hancook Nexus V12 tires that the car came on but obviously weren't suitable for winter driving up here. I'm going to mount them on a spare set of wheels soon hopefully.

Re: Official Tire Review Thread
 

Right now Im on Bridgestone RE050a's

Decent tire, good traction, absolutely sucks in the rain (could be due to how much negative camber Im running) I've put about 3500 on them, and all 4 are on the wear bars.
I did encounter loads of sidewall flex, I've had to run 42psi front and 40psi rear just to get the sidewall back where it belongs

Re: Official Tire Review Thread
 

Hankook Ventus V12 EVO K110 Well replaced the Michelin PS2 after seven years and 25500 miles tread left on the fronts but rears were just into the bars and they were starting to crack...First thing I noticed was the quiet ride did't realize the PS2 was that noisy, next the ride is a little softer lose a little on hard corners but not noticable in everyday driving.. Left the shop and got caught in an afternoon Florida thunder shower (read 1-2 inches an hour) Two lane 55 mph stayed planted very well. Took lunch cruise 250 miles to Sarasota. Two lane curvy handled very well long groved pavement on Interstate I could feel a little seat of the pants switch but noting anoying. Stable at 100 plus too. Overall very pleased with the tires not PS2 but not the price either. Replaced the steering stabilizer at the same time Mercedes part $63 list. Chrysler dealer I checked sit down $647.71 Do love this site very informative and helpful always..

Re: Official Tire Review Thread
 

2008 Red Limited. Houston, Texas.

Daily driver 150-200 miles per day typically with some days well over 300. Uneven concrete roads with plenty of pot-holes. The surface streets are even worse.

The OEM Conti's wore inside rears. Rode like bricks. Never liked them. Replaced at 19.8k.

Goodyear GS D3's, lovely tire, predictable limits, softer ride, rear liked to break loose (always seemed that the rear was too narrow for the rim) and drift at low speed while excellerating. Wet weather driving was never an issue. Started cupping the inside fronts around 10k. Replaced them at 36-38k.
Overall the GS D3's where too expensive. Noise started around 10k on the set and by 16k the noise was terrible. Overall very comfortable tire albeit not perfect.

I'm at 52k now using Yokahama Advan S4 for the last 12-14k. Stiffer ride than the GS D3's but softer than the OEM Conti's. Less expensive than the GS D3's. NOISEY! Rear tires constantly drone, fronts seem quiet but are slow to turn-in. The rear does not break free or drift like the GS D3's. No cupping, no uneven wear. Looks like I'll get over 20k off this set.
Overall the best of the three sets I've used to date if you can stand the drone.

Re: Official Tire Review Thread
 

Brand: Goodyear
Model: F1-GSD3
Size: 225/40ZR18 and 255/35ZR19
Treadwear: 280

I've been fairly happy with these tires, and have mounted 2 sets
over the last few years. My 05 SRT-6 came with the Continental
ASP performance tires, and though they were more sticky than the
F1-GSD3s, refusing to break loose where the GSD3s do, I've found
the GSD3s to be excellent in the rain, never loosing their footing
while blasting through standing water of I-75 at 80+ MPH during heavy rain.

The GSD3s seem to last a little longer than the Contis, and with the
price of tires for this car, I was looking to get away from having to
change sets every year. However, I'm not getting that much more
life, but an additional 6 months sure does help.

Unfortunately, the last time I bought a set, I was told these were
being discontinued and would not be available in the future. So, a
quick thank you to the rest of you folks who have been putting up
tire reviews, as I'll have to find another tire that meets my need.

I don't "race", but as another member stated, I drive the car like
I stole it and the cops are close behind. And I tend to wear out the
outside edge of the front tires well before the tread wear bars rise
to the top of the tire.

I would buy these tires again, if I can find them, but think I'll go a
little wider in the back, as these seem a bit more skinny than did
the same size with the Conti ASPs.

Coyote

Re: Official Tire Review Thread
 

I also bought these due to recommendations. Have 10000 miles on them, they are great tires.

Re: Official Tire Review Thread
 

never have gotten more than 26K out of tires.....original Michelins...cheapo Hankooks..whatever, 26K and they're done. Just put on a new set of General Exclaims, we'll see!

Re: Official Tire Review Thread
 

At odo 23K I put a set of Exclaim UHPs (275/30/19) on the rear. At odo 28K had a puncture (& total destruction) of one of them at 80+ mph. ...replaced that one. Now at odo 47K the tire with a total of 24K miles is below the wear bars. Trying to holdout till odo reaches 50K to install the $105 Blizzacks (265/35/19) ....

Quite happy with the Achilles ($66) ATR Sports (225/40/18) that I put on the front at odo 41K.

Re: Official Tire Review Thread
 

I went 275 in the back...great drag tire when heated up. They are discontinued...so be careful with the build date when buying another set....

Re: Official Tire Review Thread
 

I was thinking of going with a 285 on the back, and have been looking at
tire reviews (here and on the web) for a little while now. GS-D3s are out,
none to be found in the right sizes (even stock). So, I'm looking at two
tires makes/models now, and trying to decide which I would prefer. The
Bridgeston Pole Position on the Hankook Ventus V12.

Living in the Atlanta area, during heavy rain the Interstate highways tend to develop quite a few puddles, some of which can be long and fairly deep.
So I need a tire that has very good anti hydroplaning characteristics. The
GS-D3 tires were fantastic in this area, allowing me to blast through these at up to 80mph without a wobble. It seemed they never lifted up on the
water, but stayed down on the road surface.

I've seen a lot that says for hard driving the Ventus has too soft side walls,
so I'm leaning away from that. And I've seen quite a few reviews that say
the Pole Postition tires are very good in the corners, with real good grip in all cases. I've heard both tires are good in the wet, though it would
appear that the Pole Position tires are rated a little higher.

So, though I might be interested in some of the other Bridgeston products as well, bang for buck, it seems like the Pole Position are the best
alternative to what I have been driving on. Unless I read something here
about a better tire before I buy my tires in the next few weeks.

Thanks for all who have contributed their reviews.

Coyote

Re: Official Tire Review Thread
 

Brand: Hankook
Model: Ventus K110 Evo
Size: 235/35/19 Front, 275/35/19 Rear

I just replaced my Kumho Ecsta SPTs that I've had for the past 20k miles or so, and let me tell you, this is quite an upgrade. The feel is much more precise, road noise is essentially negligble and they definitely feel like they have more grip. I just put them on so I haven't had a chance to see how they handle under more intense conditions or in rain, but as soon as I do I'll update my post with my impressions.

Overall I couldn't be more satisfied at this point, though. Not the cheapest tire, but definitely not the most expensive by any means. I feel this is a good compomise between the less expensive but far less quality tires and the far more expensive ultra-performance ones.

And they look soooo good sitting on my new wheels. :D

Re: Official Tire Review Thread
 

Brand: Hankook
Model: Ventus K110 Evo
Size: 225/40/18 Front, 285/30/19 Rear


So, after looking at a lot of reviews, I went ahead and purchased these
tires in the 3rd week of September (2010). After having driving on them
for a month, I am not real pleased with the performance.

Sure, these seem rather good in wet weather, but if you are looking for
a tire that sticks to the road in the corners when driving aggressively, I'd
say find another tire. These just don't seem to have any grip and do break
loose when cornering or with medium acceleration from a stop. I just don't
have the confidence in these tires to drive as hard as I did with the F1
GS-D3 Goodyears.

I sure wish Goodyear would return the GS-D3s to production.

Coyote

Re: Official Tire Review Thread
 

Brand: Pirelli
Model: P-Zero Nero M+S
Size: 235/35/19 Front, 275/30/19 Rear

I've had these only for the past two weeks but so far I'm very happy with them. Great at high speeds with no noise and they grip very well in turns but then again they are brand new. Incredible in wet weather. At 80mph on wet roads it's very stable and even taking quick turns in wet weather the back end does not get away from me like the General Exclaims but that was only recently since the Generals were already pretty worn. The Exclaims were also very sticky in wet weather...

Re: Official Tire Review Thread
 

Forum members, I'm a new Xfire owner, 07 Limited Roadster & need new tires--previous owner had a mish-mash of brands & speed ratings. I'd like to get a set of 4. Discount Tire seems to have good selection-- Hankook Ventus V12, EVO, K110, Continental Extreme Contact DWS, Yokahama ADVAN S4 & Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus.Reviews seem to be all over the place-- car is mostly used as a top-down Sunday afternoon cruiser in Dallas, Tx area. Dont anticipate driving in winter conditions. (That's what my Escape SUV is for.). Anybody have any comments on these tires. We seem to have quite a few Xfires around Dallas. Texfire07

Re: Official Tire Review Thread
 

Depends what kind of tires you want. You want summer or prefer all season tires?

Re: Official Tire Review Thread
 

Brand: Continental
Model: Extreme Contact DWS
Size: 235/40/18 Front

I replaced my General UHP's on the front back in July. The Generals only lasted about 12,000 miles or so (I don't drive straight lines usually). I bought these tires on the recommendation of another member. I have to say that I'm impressed so far (especially for an all-season tire). I had them on the Dragon about month ago and they impressed me with their handling. Time will tell if they will last longer than 12,000 miles.