LaserDad91
15+ Year Contributor
- 491
- 7
- Apr 30, 2004
-
Huntsville,
Ohio
Just thought I would share some tire info (ok a lot of info). I have posted several times in other threads about these tires but did not get much response. I did search and see one other thread on them. I tend to think maybe they just kind of a sleeper and not considered very seriously. However, I think the data here (towards the end of post) is impressive.
I purchased BF Goodrich Traction TAs 205-55-HR16s (stock size for my Stock 91 Laser, 2.0 NA-FWD) in May of this year. I did quite a bit of research before I got them. I used Tire Rack ratings and customer reviews for most of my research. I wanted an all purpose High Performance tire for around $400-$450, INSTALLED with lifetime balancing, etc. and at least a 50K mile warranty. That is kind of tough to find.
One thing I had notice about customer reviews on the Tire Rack was most tires had a 70-30 to 50-50 split (good vs. bad review). That just did not give me any confidence on the tire, no matter what the name was, and I tried to emphasize reviews concerning cars in the same class as the Laser. When I reviewed this tire, I noticed it probably had little to no bad reviews! Only other tire came close to that was the Goodyear GTHR. At the time of purchase, these were rated one and two in the survey, now the GTHR is 5th. The BFG Traction T/A tire was and still is rated number one in its class of High Performance All Season. I have to say, it defiantly lives up to its reputation, and cost less than the Goodyear.
Reference the current survey results for yourself:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/surveyresults/surveydisplay.jsp?type=HPAS
I purchased them at Sears for about $460 installed, plus I got the road hazard and alignment, total cost was around $530 or so. I have pushed them in the corners and never heard them complain. Steering is predictable and smooth. I have quite a few twisties by my home where that I driven for well over 25 years, and know my limits well in these corners with cars like my '70 Cuda, VW Rabbits, etc. Anyway I can hit these limits no problem, no complaints with the Laser on the BFGs.
Once on a left handed turn at a T intersection I could feel them drift a little at exit,
but all was controllable, with no sudden lose of grip. This was on a 40 degree day, right after leaving work, so maybe that mattered some. Not sure how fast I was going but this particular T is fun in 2nd, accelerating hard out of. This is where I will lose any tail gaters from work! Lol.
The tire is rated at 60K. Max air pressure is 44psi. I run 35-36psi all the way around. I do very little 3 4k launches, (2.0 NA FWD all stock remember!) but when I have, they spin a little then take off. No need to trash em everyday, a launch is a launch with this car. I know setup will change when at a track. I like the twisties and do push em there. I dont lose on my corners
. 
Road noise is not bad at all.
Wet traction is superb, almost as good as dry. I can pull from a start, get a little slip, but once they grab, they go. I get a little spin at second, but once again, they grab and go. I am not redlining in the wet, but no one is keeping up either!
I love getting a Honda in the wet, with their High Performance tires and lowered suspension, so funny, they hate me!! Braking is also good wet or dry. Standing water on the road is not a problem, no sudden hydroplaning, but you have to use some common sense here too. This is the first car/tire setup that I actual love to drive in the rain. Sorry no snow review yet.
Anyway, down to the data! I missed my 6K rotation by about 6K miles, so I was a little concerned how the wear would be after 12K miles, especially on the front. I went to Sears yesterday for a rotation, balance and had them check the alignment while it under warranty. Alignment was good. What surprised me was the wear. Tread depth on all tires was at 9/32nds across the tire! New tread depth is 10/32s. For 12K miles, I have only used 1/32nd of tread! Using the 2/32nd rule for replacing tires, these tires should last the 60K+!! I am sure they will wear a little faster than that, but I am impressed with my choice and setup so far.
I know there are tires with better grip and all that, but they just dont last!! Most daily drives, well drivers period, will never reach the limits of those tires, so why pay the extra? I mean, I can prove that everyday on my twisties. Lol. If you are racing, or tire money no concern to you and you dont need an all season tire, then by all means go for it!! Guess what I am saying, dont just buy a tire for the name or rep, research and try to prove it.
So, for an all around High Performance tire, I would highly recommend these as a very good, cost effective purchase. Just wanted to post this as an FYI for anyone who could benefit. Sorry so long! 
I purchased BF Goodrich Traction TAs 205-55-HR16s (stock size for my Stock 91 Laser, 2.0 NA-FWD) in May of this year. I did quite a bit of research before I got them. I used Tire Rack ratings and customer reviews for most of my research. I wanted an all purpose High Performance tire for around $400-$450, INSTALLED with lifetime balancing, etc. and at least a 50K mile warranty. That is kind of tough to find.
One thing I had notice about customer reviews on the Tire Rack was most tires had a 70-30 to 50-50 split (good vs. bad review). That just did not give me any confidence on the tire, no matter what the name was, and I tried to emphasize reviews concerning cars in the same class as the Laser. When I reviewed this tire, I noticed it probably had little to no bad reviews! Only other tire came close to that was the Goodyear GTHR. At the time of purchase, these were rated one and two in the survey, now the GTHR is 5th. The BFG Traction T/A tire was and still is rated number one in its class of High Performance All Season. I have to say, it defiantly lives up to its reputation, and cost less than the Goodyear.
Reference the current survey results for yourself:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/surveyresults/surveydisplay.jsp?type=HPAS
I purchased them at Sears for about $460 installed, plus I got the road hazard and alignment, total cost was around $530 or so. I have pushed them in the corners and never heard them complain. Steering is predictable and smooth. I have quite a few twisties by my home where that I driven for well over 25 years, and know my limits well in these corners with cars like my '70 Cuda, VW Rabbits, etc. Anyway I can hit these limits no problem, no complaints with the Laser on the BFGs.
Once on a left handed turn at a T intersection I could feel them drift a little at exit,
but all was controllable, with no sudden lose of grip. This was on a 40 degree day, right after leaving work, so maybe that mattered some. Not sure how fast I was going but this particular T is fun in 2nd, accelerating hard out of. This is where I will lose any tail gaters from work! Lol. The tire is rated at 60K. Max air pressure is 44psi. I run 35-36psi all the way around. I do very little 3 4k launches, (2.0 NA FWD all stock remember!) but when I have, they spin a little then take off. No need to trash em everyday, a launch is a launch with this car. I know setup will change when at a track. I like the twisties and do push em there. I dont lose on my corners
. Road noise is not bad at all. Wet traction is superb, almost as good as dry. I can pull from a start, get a little slip, but once they grab, they go. I get a little spin at second, but once again, they grab and go. I am not redlining in the wet, but no one is keeping up either!
I love getting a Honda in the wet, with their High Performance tires and lowered suspension, so funny, they hate me!! Braking is also good wet or dry. Standing water on the road is not a problem, no sudden hydroplaning, but you have to use some common sense here too. This is the first car/tire setup that I actual love to drive in the rain. Sorry no snow review yet.Anyway, down to the data! I missed my 6K rotation by about 6K miles, so I was a little concerned how the wear would be after 12K miles, especially on the front. I went to Sears yesterday for a rotation, balance and had them check the alignment while it under warranty. Alignment was good. What surprised me was the wear. Tread depth on all tires was at 9/32nds across the tire! New tread depth is 10/32s. For 12K miles, I have only used 1/32nd of tread!
Using the 2/32nd rule for replacing tires, these tires should last the 60K+!! I am sure they will wear a little faster than that, but I am impressed with my choice and setup so far. I know there are tires with better grip and all that, but they just dont last!! Most daily drives, well drivers period, will never reach the limits of those tires, so why pay the extra? I mean, I can prove that everyday on my twisties. Lol. If you are racing, or tire money no concern to you and you dont need an all season tire, then by all means go for it!! Guess what I am saying, dont just buy a tire for the name or rep, research and try to prove it.
So, for an all around High Performance tire, I would highly recommend these as a very good, cost effective purchase. Just wanted to post this as an FYI for anyone who could benefit. Sorry so long!
