Hey guys, I just picked up my Volks with these tires (255/35/19 & 285/35/19).

Has anyone else noticed the steering response feels a little bit less sensitive?

Overall the handling is very good and the grip is INSANE... I lugged the engine 2-3 times on the way home where the stock rims would have broken free of the pavement. I'm not complaining about grip at all. But it feels like the steering feel is a little bit less "crisp" than it was with the stock touring 18's. (I am thinking it's because the sidewalls feel a little less stiff).

Is this normal? At first I pushed on the sidewalls with my thumb. They felt a bit softer than the stock 18's. Then I thought maybe the tire pressure is low. But I checked, and it was about 39-40psi all around (hot).

I also got the Hotchkis springs and sways. I wonder if the springs could be the culprit (with regards to the looser steering.) I know the *rears* are softer in the Hotchkis setup, but the front is supposed to be stiffer than stock... so I doubt that would negatively affect steering.

Not to mention that the tires are fairly wide... the 255 and 285 widths both give me plenty of rubber around the metal. They aren't so wide that they're bulging though. They seem to have the perfect width IMO.

The last thing I think it could be is the alignment. My alignment is definitely off after installing everything. So I'll see how everything feels after the alignment (maybe 1-2 weeks).

 

I have absolutely no complaints about these tires on my stock setup. When my tires are 'hot' the indash tire pressure usually shows them at 37psi all around. For the price they are really good. ps aren't you supposed to get an alignment right away after installing the tires?

 

The alignment should be done about a week after the new springs have settled in. If it was only tires...then yes I'd get it right away...

In relation to the sidewalls feeling softer. I wouldn't be surprised if this was the case with the new tires, since the stock Bridgestones are known to have stiff sidewalls...actually generally speaking Bridgestones tend to have stiff sidewalls..

 

i have 255's on the front & the steering will feel different. It'll grow on you.

 

Give the tires 1,000 miles before passing judgment. BTW need some photos.

 

I think your imagining things. Theres no way the sidewall of the RE040 is stiffer than the KDW-2. Thats one of its shining points.

 

Well, what are some other factors that influence steering response?

I am thinking it might have something to do with the springs. Maybe I should've spent more money and gotten Tein Flex or something.

 

Camber & alignment most likely.

 

I lost the cord that goes from the digital camera to USB. Moving sucks, you always lose stuff. (Just landed in a new apartment)

 

I have the exact same tires and sizes on my Volks, I absolutely love these tires. The sidewalls arent as stiff as S03's but arent as soft as the Goodyear Eagle F1's, these tires fit right in between, and are cheaper. The straight line grip is also very impressive. I have the stock rims on the Z now with some Falken tires, first time out VDC saved me from losing it, you dont know how much grip you have till you drive on stock wheels again, its amazing. BTW I didnt experience any steering numbness, if anything the 255's up front seem to react quicker to my inputs.