Hi guys. I’m looking for a new set of summer tires. My use is street aggressive with occasional drag strip use. I use the car pretty hard when I drive it and I like to wheel spin more often than not. I’ve been looking into the Toyo T1R because they seem pretty affordable. I also like the BF Goodrich KDW 2 and Toyo RA1. But the RA1 seem softy and if wheels spin is induced are going to degrade quickly. I’m not interested in a high tread wear, I want a good tire on the budget.

I started a new thread on this since I wanted to know the reviews on 350z demographic. All the reviews I've read are form different cars which obviously behave differently. Any recommendations?

 

I just got a set of the Toyo T1Rs a month ago and I love them! They offer much more grip and are much quieter than the Continental ContiSports I had before. I was trying to decide on these and the KDW 2s, but they didn't have any KDWs in the area, and I couldn't wait too much longer since I was running pretty low on tread. I can't compare between the 2 (T1R and KDW), but so far, I don't regret getting the T1Rs at all.

 

My next tire I'm looking at getting is a set of Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3's. I had them on my 2k Celica and loved them! Quiet, smooth, and cornering was great! Would like to get the run flats (EMT) but @ $400+ each, I'll pass.

 

For recommendations check Consumer Reports.

 

My summer is Cooper Zeon 2XS. MUCH better than the Bridgestone Potenza RE040's that came O.E. Lasts a bit longer too.

 

I onlt run the BFG KDW tires. Just ordered two new rears Tuesday. Discount Tire Direct for $171/ tire for 245/45-18

 

Mr. Vogel, you are famous for your dry humor and we all respect you. However, I know you know I asked for the 350z demographical segment.

Maybe you can help by telling me how you feel about your D3? Anyways, they are too expensive for my budget.

 

I have NeoGens,
they are made by Michelin, kind of a knockoff brand...
They are AWESOME TIRES and Cheap.
I would say look into them, I have them on my Spec-V, and a few other cars I have had
They are GREAT all around tires....

 

I like my Nitto NT555s.

 

I really don't like my Toyos. They ride a lot better than the stock RE040s but the handling is too sloppy for my taste. I think this is mainly due to the softer sidewall construction and the harder compound. I'm probably going to look into some Yokohamas, PS2s or BFGs next time around. I guess for price they are not too bad but this is a case of you get what you paid for.

 

Has anybody tried the RA1?

 

I'm guessing by sloppy you mean unsticky and slippery on dry pavement, right? What psi are you using on them?

 

My main beef with the Toyos is the sidewalls. The construction is nowhere as stiff as the OEM RE040s. With the 285s (shorter sidewall and wider contact patch you would think it handles better) I run in the rear I can feel the back end "wiggle" when cornering. I don't have the confidence I had with the OEMs. I've also ran AVSs, PS2s and Falkens before on the Z and various other cars and I can push the tires. Also, there were several times from a dig that the Toyos would not hook up. I guess this is expected when running tires rated at 280 treadwear vs. ones below 200. BTW I run 35-36 psi +/- depending on the temperature.

 

I am very pleased with Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3. They are definitely good for 2.0 second 60 foot times at the drag strip. For HPDE, I run them as is. For autocross, I just add 5 PSI. So I am using the tires for the street and racing. I push these tires to the limits. My next tires will be Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3.

 

Not to be out of line in any way....but I think when you run 30's in the rear vs 35's on the front...the ride is not going to be that smooth! Just MHO.

 

I have and here’s my opinion.

The RA1 are a waste on the street. These are R-compound tires. They are at their when heated to 160-180F. You will never see these temperatures on the street as it easily takes 60-120 seconds of totally committed, aggressive driving on a race track to get them there. There are just about no streets where you will be able to push as hard as on a race track.

Also, super sticky tires on the street will pickup all the dirt and debris you run over. A dirty tire doesn’t stick very well. Not at their best.

That being said, they will out perform pretty much any street tire. Forget about wheel spin with these guys thought. Your clutch will suffer greatly if you try to beat on them! Hehe.

I would recommend a nice set of Falken Azenis RT-615 (www.vulcantire.com). One of the best street tire for dry performance, reasonably sticky on the wet and cheap! So you can buy many sets as you wear the rears out (expect a little more life than the OEM re040). I used to run them in 235/40R18 and 255/40R18.

 

Wow, great insight. Thanks Kolia and Dave.

 

Oh man, I looked up the Azenis RT-615 and these tires look HOT. Definately on my top list for my purchase. The tread design looks insane. Is the wide grooved part the inside or the outside of the tire?

This thread is coming up nicely! Keep up the good info.

 

Smoothness is one thing, and I am not complaining about ride quality, even at low speeds the Toyos seem to lack something. If I run 35s all around my rear would be taller with more sidewall to flex and give. I have a feeling it's not going to be too different. One member here in town is running 285/35/19s and he's getting the same feedback on his tires. Everybody's opinion and taste is different. I know some who hate the way the PS2s handle and feel. All I am saying is IMO the Toyos are popular like Nittos because they are relatively cheap and available from most vendors but the performance is not up to par with many other brands.

 

Yeah, the tires you suggested in the original post are not in the same performance category. Tirerack does a great job defining the categories and showing you what tires go where. The only problem with them is they don't sell Falken tires, probably the best bang for buck tire on the market.
If you go to tirerack and search for the review on Avon Tech M500, you will notice they have pretty good ratings. Something to consider if budgeting.
From my limited personal experience, the Eagle F1 GS-D3 tires are easy to predict. Slip is gradual and audible. The louder the sound, the closer you are to grip limit. Always corner with the tires slightly screeching.
The sidewall stiffness seems ok. I've won 2 auto-X events with these tires, B Stock class. On a larger track, Buttonwillow, they take a while to heat up and perform well under hard braking/cornering. Once they get passed that optimal temperature, you will have to take it easy for the next few corners to dissipate the heat and get them back down into their performance temp range. A tough tire that gives predictable grip. Better and more comfortable than stock.