Need new tires, any personal suggestions?

[Xeiros]

My front tires are in need of replacement, and I was thinking of getting a decent set of performance tires up front. I'm going to stick with my stock size (205/55/16) since I'm running on my stock rims, and I've been reading around here that messing with the tire width has different effects on your performance. I'm not at the track every weekend, but I'm there at least a dozen times a year, so the last thing I want to do is spend a couple hundred bucks on tires that HURT my times.

I've looked around (did a few searches here too) and have thought about getting the Fuzion ZRi's or the Kumho Ecsta MX. I've had the fuzions before on my old Grand Am, and I was impressed with how much it took sometimes to even cut the tires loose. I don't know anything about the Kumho's, and searching for the MX lead me to other styles for Kumho's.

Anyone have any particular recommendations? I really don't wanna spend more than $100 per tire if I can, but if the tire gets overwhelming support from people here, I might change my mind on that.

 

[WatchItExplode]

As far as bang-for-the-buck (or "grip-for-the-buck") everybody says the Ecsta MX is great. I'll probably get them for my next set of "race" wheels because they come in the size I want and they're affordable. But Illinois sees quite a bit of rain, doesn't it? The MX won't do as well in the rain. It also has a pretty low treadwear, so they won't last as long as most.

If you want something inexpensive and with decent grip that won't hydroplane you off the road, I'd recommend Kumho Ecsta SPT. I've road raced on those tires and they're pretty good considering how inexpensive and daily driver friendly they are. Yokohama ES-100's are also very good, and still cheaper than the Kumho MX.

So basically, if you can afford to pay a little more, sacrifice a little wet traction and treadwear, get the MX. I live in Arizona and don't mind tires that wear fast, so I'd proably pick the MX myself.

 

[jtmcinder]

My guess is that the OP was concerned with longitudinal traction (only) and, while I agree with your two choices (i.e., MXs for dry and SPTs for wet) when it comes to handling, they both have sidewalls that are a bit too stiff for a FWD drag car.

- Jtoby

 

[Xeiros]

Well....I wouldn't really call my car a FWD Drag car. I mean, look at my times.

They'll see some track action, but my cars is my DD. I'm looking for something that kinda lies somewhere in the middle if possible. I'd love to get an extra set of rims and just get some Nitto N1's for my drag's, but I'm poor like most DSM'ers so I have to do what I can with what I've got.

 

[daren_p]

My guess is that the OP was concerned with longitudinal traction (only) and, while I agree with your two choices (i.e., MXs for dry and SPTs for wet) when it comes to handling, they both have sidewalls that are a bit too stiff for a FWD drag car.

- Jtoby

The MX's have a stiffer then ideal sidewall for straightline traction, I've always heard they have a rather soft sidewall compared to other tires out there? I just recently installed my MX's, so don't have alot of experience with them yet but I can say from what I've seen so far they offer amazing grip for a high HP fwd.

 

[DSMSpyder99]

the MXs have one of the softest sidewalls in its class (Azenis RT 615, RE050A, S03 Pole Position, BFG KD, Pilot Sport, VENTUS R-S2 Z212)

 

[jtmcinder]

Yes, fine. MXs are softer than Falkens and all of the $200 ST* tires. But they're still too stiff for a FWD drag car, which was my point.

- Jtoby

 

[pneumo]

I have MX's on my awd car. They stick great when it's hot outside and become slippery in the cold. I guess that's why they're categorized as a max performance summer tire.

 

[Dark DSM]

I got one for ya, Bridgestone tires, slightly onthe higher side of prices. But i wot run anything else on mine, i currently have 225-40-18 Potenza S-03 Pole Position tiress, and damn there awesome especially for wet, and here in Michigan anything can flippin happen. The next one ill save up for and buy are called Bridgestone Potenza RE01-R, especially for traction, good on wet too. So if anyone near the Metro Detroit area, email me i can get a decent deal, [email protected]