I have an 07/vert/mn6/z51 with stock sc runflats. I hate these stock tires. I am a very agressive driver, don't go to the track, drive my car everywhere and in all weather except ice/snow, push the car in all gears, and love the curves. Which tire do you all suggest? Please only reply if you have put miles on new tires.

I read spinmonster's thread about Nitto 555dr's. ConsumerReports.org tested All Season Ultra High Perfomance (UHP) tires and rated them as follows. They mentioned the following as best pick (scale 0-100; 9 categories)

Summer UHP

(85) Michelin Pilot Sport PS2
(84) Pirelli P-Zero
(77) RE 505 A Pole Position
(76) Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2
(76) Continental ContiSportContact 3
(73) Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3
(56) Nitto 555dr (not rated a best pick)

All-Season UHP (if driving on ice/snow)

(85) Falken Ziex SE-912
(85) Nitto Neo Gen ZR
(75) Yokohama Advan S4
(72) Continental ContiExtremeContact
(62) Sumitomo HTR +

Sorry for such a long post, but I am really curious if any of you use the above and have any advice.

Thanks,
David

 

love the look, feel and grip of the KDWIIs! in one size larger all around.

 

I have on the Michelin ps-2's in the stock size. They make your car
faster, feel lighter, grip better, handle better, ride better,reduces road noise, reduces weight
24 lbs. Reduces rotating weight takes less power to turn the tires. effect is about 5 times or more of the 24 pounds.

 

PLEASE David - do not let Consumer Reports influence your performance tire purchase !!

Other then individual replies here, the most comprehensive, up-to-date & useful consumer reviews of tires can be found at TireRack.com.

Just keep in mind that each tire's ranking there must be compared to the number of miles that users have had to experience it over the LIFE of the tire. New models will usually jump to the top of the list, then fall back to where they truly belong as experience grows and the tires wear. If a tire has over 10 Million miles of reported driving on them, then you will surely see a consistent pattern of characteristics emerge, and will know a lot about what to expect when you get a set of your own installed.

Based on your driving style, I suggest you concentrate your search in the 'MAX Performance' Street Tire category, which includes the Michelin PS2, Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 and other state-of-the-art street rubber. This group of tires will probably have the best chance of satisfying all of your needs.

 

TireRack.com recommended the Michelin PS2 or Yoko Advan S4.
Should I stick with stock sizes? I am using stock wheels.

 

GY gs-d3's were my first choice
but they do not make a rear size that will work. Ps-2's are a great tire
but are going to wear quicker. Consumer reports needs to stick to wash
machines. Anything with cars, and they Have NO clue. Easy to tell by
reading their worthless reviews.

 

What is a KDWII? One size larger?
Thanks

 

By all means stay with the stock size! Larger is not always better, made that mistake before.

 

Rockin', You kinda have to read the test criteria and notes to get a feel for what CR's tests are about, then research more specific criteria according to your needs. The UHP tire tests were done with safety needs as first priority, but, since the 9 tests included dry/wet handling and braking, and ease of roll, and tread life, I was inclined toward the Mich PS2. Your comments and the recommendation from TireRack have just about convinced me to order up a set.
Thanks
I love this forum

 

The MPS2 is certainly a VERY respected tire, with almost NO weaknesses (except it's expensive and won't last forever). The Yoko will have a tough time in a direct comparison, but I don't have an experience with it, so I can't advise.

If you're considering 'Plus' tire sizes for your stock wheels, then you need to really research the specifications of your preferred tire on the website. You're most concerned with keeping very near to the same DIAMETERS of your stock tires, along with each size's fitment on your wheel widths.

You can certainly go up in width, but - as described above - be realistic. There's a point when it will look funny, cause rubbing issues, or just plain not work on your stock setup. Also keep in mind that wider, stickier tires have an inherently higher rolling resistance, so they can easily reduce your MPG, assuming you care about that...

 

Got rid of the F1 supercar EMTs for Michelin PS2s in stock sizes. I've also had the PS2s on my other cars. They are arguably the best street tires available. The BFG KDW2s are also popular among C6 owners but the PS2s are in a different class -- much better.

 

I love my KDWs!

 

BF Goodrich KDW2 (K-key benefits, D-dry, W-wet, 2 -second generation). One size larger up front = 255/40-18, rear 295/35-19. I am seriously considering these or PS2s which come in exact stock specs or what I'm interested in 255/40-18 and 305/30-19 for rear. The rears in this size is outside Michelin's specs, but I know they'll fit. There is all kinds of the debate which is better, but it's all subjective. The biggest difference that is objective, is you can get a set of KDW2s for about $1000 vs $1600 for the PS2s. There are some finate details that have been covered over & over & I'm aware of them all & I'm still debating which to choose. If you have a specific question send PM.

 

I recently installed Michelin PS2 Tires. The difference is dramatic. I am sure BFG tires would work well also, as Michelin owns BFG.

 

Tire rack usually has the best prices also most of the times. The PS2s are max summer performance tires along with the OEM tires. They are one step above Ultra performance tires. I expect wear to be high whatever tire you buy. Their are always compromises to max perfomance and you can't rotate front to back.

 

I decided to go with the Michelin PS2's. Had them installed yesterday. Haven't had a chance to try them out yet. I was wondering how to heat cycle these after install?

 

For pure street use, they don't really need to be heat-cycled. You don't want to overheat the rubber when it's so fresh, and the compound doesn't need that to work on the street.

However, you do need to be careful driving on them until the mold release (the slimy, shiny surface on the tread) has completely worn off. They won't feel right and could be dangerous if you really sling them around too early.

Also, don't judge the tires until the mold release is gone. Give them AT LEAST 100-150 miles before you gradually start to get more aggressive with them. Then you can report back here about how fun they are !!

 

The two I have personal experience with are the PS2s and the KDW2s.

The PS2s are excellent tires, as MYVetteBy25 says, arguably the best. They certainly offer excellent performance (only one small step under DOT-Rs) under a wide variety of conditions and are stable, predictable, easy to drive and reasonably comfortable.

The one situation they don't do very well in is cold weather. Under 50 F or so you'll need to warm them up a bit before hitting any corners, and under 30 F or so you really want to be careful. Of course this applies to all UHP summer tires, including the OEM GY Supercars. May not be a problem down there in Alabama!

The other major drawback is cost; about twice that of, say, the KDW2s - half up front, and half due to shorter tread life.

The KDWs offer an excellent balance of performance and price, and are easy to live with. I'd probably run those if I was putting a lot more milage on the car than I am - at this point a set of PS2s will last me 2 summers, which is as long as I want to keep a set of tires.

No all-season tire is going to compare to the PS2s or KDWs in terms of performance. Or at least none that I've ever heard of.

 

Based on your driving, the PS2 is a clear winner!

 

The KDW2's are awesome, you cant beat their performance for the price.