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 TA’s 205-55-HR16’s (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 BFG’s.

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 don’t 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 10/32’s. 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 don’t 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 don’t need an all season tire, then by all means go for it!! Guess what I am saying, don’t 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've had these tires for about 6 mo and have seen them mentioned here a couple times lately. They really aren't all that impressive.....

tpi_roc said:

I've had these tires for about 6 mo and have seen them mentioned here a couple times lately. They really aren't all that impressive.....

Click to expand...

What size are your BFG's?

What have you been impresssed with in the past, and how much did you pay?

Also, how long did they last?

205 55 16

I loved my Firehawk SZ50 EPs, although tread wore quick. I paid tireracks price, whatever it was at the time.

They're still lasting, there's virtually no sign of wear anywhere except the outside edges. I was running 44psi in attempts to wear the middle, 0 toe front and rear, stock front and rear camber, welded active toe. I now am running -1.5° camber up front hopefully to help out a bit. Tread wear is good, dry/wet/snow you hardly notice a difference, however they are no miracle tire, deffinatly an all season.

tpi_roc said:

205 55 16

I loved my Firehawk SZ50 EPs, although tread wore quick. I paid tireracks price, whatever it was at the time.

They're still lasting, there's virtually no sign of wear anywhere except the outside edges. I was running 44psi in attempts to wear the middle, 0 toe front and rear, stock front and rear camber, welded active toe. I now am running -1.5° camber up front hopefully to help out a bit. Tread wear is good, dry/wet/snow you hardly notice a difference, however they are no miracle tire, deffinatly an all season.

Click to expand...

No intention of saying mirical tire, but good all around tire, been real happy with them.

How did they feel at 44 psi?

Maybe try the 35-36, since I seem to be getting even wear.

I had nothing to compare them to when I got them, except the junk GT4's that came on the car, they suk'd.

I've had them at about every pressure, the more air the better (Untill you blow them up). You can feel the sidwalls firm up alot and I still haven't noticed any wear running down the center of the tire from "Over inflation". I'm hoping my corrected camber and reducing some body roll will help out in the tire wear department.

FYI.. on Tire Rack's site if your enter your vehicle info.. can narrow the reviews by other DSM owners. Unfortunately they consider an Eclipse diff than a Talon but a 1G Eclipse the same as a 2000+ Eclipse :thumbdown

I believe you can enter a review even if you didn't buy tires from them which I'm going to do with the new Kuhmo 712s I'm havign installed tomorrow at NTB