Well, I left work today and as I pulled out of the parking lot the computer switched over to the Tire Pressure meter. Left Rear tire had 15 PSI. I pull over and sure enough the tire seems a bit soft. Stop at a Gas station and air up. Travel about 40 miles and loose about 2 PSI. Stop at a Firestone shop to see if they can plug/patch. They don't have the equipmennt for 18's. Go across the street to Sears Auto, and they say no problem, we'll patch from the inside... come back in 1/2 hr. I come back and they tell me I have two nails too close to each other to patch it. While its up on the lift I check the other rear tire b/c I've been loosing 1 PSI every 3 or four days. Sure enough I have two nails in that tire as well. Fronts were OK (no nails) but they're feathering so I figure that Nissan will be replacing them again very shortly.

Now here is my question. I've read quite a few posts about not mixing tires. Is there any real truth in this? Since it looks like I'll be buying new rears I'd like to replace the rears with something that wears a bit better than the RE040's and has more audible feedback. I hate the fact that when the rear breaks loose it doesn't squeal.

As always, any suggestions or opinions would be greatly appreciated.

 

I went with NITTO 555 plus zero (275 40 18). I have S03 225 45 18 in front (same size as OEM 040). After good alignment the car seems to handle better. Easier to control using gas pedal on twisties.

On the down size, the cost of NITTO 555 is bit high.

I would still go with plus zero may be another brand wth lower cost but would look for UTOG ~300. Alignment is a must with tolerances of 350Z.

 

Does anyone else have any suggestions on rear tires and mixing?

Any feedback on the tires below?

Tire Rack throws out the following in OE sizes

Bridgestone Potenza S-03
Michelin Pilot Sports
Pirelli PZero Rosso Assimetrico
Yokohama AVS ES100

What about:
Toyo TS-1
Kumho 712
Falken Azenis ST-115

Thanks again for any suggestions.

 

i've got Kumho 265/40R18's. had no problems with them, but i'm thinking i should have gone up to 275's.

 

what are you looking to get out of your rears? do you like performance or long life? or both.

 

Like anyone I'd like to have both for $100/tire. Fat chance of that happening.

I'd have to say given the price range for tires of this size/profile I'm more interested in getting a bit more life over Ultra Performance. With that being said, I'd also like a bit more audible feedback. IMO the line between traction and slide is very thin. When the hooligan comes out and my right foot gets heavy I'd like to be able to hear it. I've heard suggestions of getting a tire with "higher rubber content". Not sure what brand fits this category. The Bridgestones just seem to melt like butter on a hot skillet.

 

toyos last a while and handle well but are quite expensive.