frankidee

For the last 12,000 miles I have been tolerating the extremely loud low frequency whirring sound coming from my stock Potenzas on my '08 350 Enthusiast. I finally decided that enough was enough, and took to plunge to get rid of them. I settled on Sumitomo HTR Z IIIs all around, keeping the same size as stock. Since NTB had a buy 2 get 2 free (also have to get their alignment) deal going this past weekend, I figured that this was a good opportunity to buy at a reasonalble price. Out the door price: $630.47. I probably could've saved a few more bucks by buying online, but then I would not have had the alignment (two rear and left front was found to be seriously out of alignment), and I would've had to deal with the install, and pay for that too.

The difference in noise, grip and comfort has been nothing short of amazing. I can now actually hear the sound of my engine, keep the stereo system at 25% versus 40%, and not get my eye teeth loosened when hitting small bumps on the freeway.

Mayber there are better and cheaper tires out there, but for me the Sumitomos are worth every cent I paid.

rotchcrocket04

iTrader: (12)

Hmm.. interesting. I may have to check these out considering I'll need front's by Spring anyway. Do they seem pretty solid at higher speeds? I know some tires have a softer feel at higher speeds and seem relatively unsafe.

rotchcrocket04

iTrader: (12)

Checked Tirerack and they have them for approximately $600 shipped for factory size. Not bad and they seem to have a pretty good rating on there as well. For around $600 they seem to match up with your review... just the price point I was looking for as well

DemitriHKS

iTrader: (4)

I agree 100%, I just switched out those potenza's as well. I went with Hankook 105's. They are so much more quieter and softer its amazing. Not only that but they make the car feel more secure in the corners as well. The factory potenza's are garbage IMO

Motormouth

iTrader: (44)

I've posted before about them. High speed they are great, handling they are great, wear they are meh to acceptable and noise they are fine with. But unlike you guys, I went from another high performance tire, the Goodyear GSD3, so my comparison is more apples to apples and I think they hold up.

Also they absorb bumps better because they have a softer sidewall. some people like a very stiff sidewall, and if you do, you will probably not like the feeling these tires have. I like a slightly softer sidewall as I feel they communicate better. it also depends the fitment you go for.

but for the price they can't be beat. I think I got my 4 for around 500 bucks. 255/18, 275/18.

frankidee

I've only had them since yesterday (Sunday), so haven't had a chance to really get on them. But from the 100 or so miles I've put on them I am pleased. Very responsive, excellent cornering, and of course, so much quieter than the Potenzas. Lastly, maybe my imagination, but I seem to get better steering feedback. I'm anxious to try them out under wet conditions. The Potenzas kept things a little too interesting when it rained. Once, I hydroplaned across 3 lanes, until I got to the rumble strip. Found out exactly where my heart was located on that one.

Motormouth

iTrader: (44)

the HTR ZIIIs were excellent in the rain. if you are going from stock, it'll be a revelation.

GalvatronType_R

iTrader: (5)

I don't have a problem with the stock RE050As (the RE040As on the other hand were terrible). Dry and wet grip are excellent, tires wear fast (not a surprise considering the 140 rating), and I'm not experiencing a lot of tire noise.

When the stock Potenzas are done, I'm switching out to the Hankook Ventus V12 Evo.

prj3ctm4yh3m

iTrader: (1)

just put on those hankooks. they ride nice, but they make the car feel like a boat. im going back to the sumitomos. far far far better performance tire in my opinion. have nothing bad to say about them. the hankooks however....
...best left the the g35 coupe dudebros

rotchcrocket04

iTrader: (12)

Wow - I completely forgot I even posted in this thread. About 3 months ago I needed new tires and (ironically) the shop recommended this same tire (big group of drift and race guys).

I can honestly say they are a world of difference compared to the factory Bridgestones. Just as the OP said too - every aspect of the driving/handling have been improved. The noise is so much less, better grip, a noticeable point of right when they're at their max, etc. I'd imagine in a year or so I'll end up buying these again - definitely a great performing tire for the price range. (I believe I paid right around $600 out the door).

solidsnake

iTrader: (14)

I got the same tires, they are amazing but not nearly as good as the Nitto Invo. The Invos are by far the quietest i have owned. But for the price, the sumis are amazing

TJGILROY

iTrader: (6)

^^^HAHA...lovin' the name...just beat MGS4

GodSendsDeath

iTrader: (1)

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

I was just about to post a thread, and ask the users here if any of them has ever tried these tires. I just got the same deal as you did my total with a wheel aligment was $623.25 not bad. I hope the tires are as good as you say, and I hope they last a little longer than these stock ones did.

AdvanZ33

iTrader: (105)

This might of had something to do with the poor "Potenza" performance and if you're back in spec now I'm sure the ride is substantially better with or without new tires.

Indyzed

Going to Tire Rack this Saturday to get the Sumi's installed. Good tire for the money.

Indyzed

Put my Sumitomo's on over the weekend and I've driven 50 miles so far. Great tire. If your Z is more daily driver than weekend racer I recommend this tire. The tire noise is greatly reduced and the ride is very nice for a firm tire.

NismoKid

I got my Sumis installed a couple weeks back. $80 installed at Tire Kingdom and $497 for the tires from Tirerack. I was very surprised at how quiet they are compared to the RE040s I had. My driving is not very aggressive and I only go on the street so I was able to get 29,500 miles out of the RE040s (nail in the left rear made me get all fours replaced). Hopefully I can get another 30k out of these ones.

No driving in the rain yet and I don't push the car hard enough to test traction...feels nice, though.

Bret86944

iTrader: (4)

I almost bought these. I went with Yokahama S drives but the ratings on tire rack had these two paired up practically even.