Unfortunately, my stock Potenzas are shot already. My fronts are cupped/feathered, and are being replaced by Nissan this week. However, the rears are worn out, and need to be replaced soon at my expense (only 8500 miles). I have been doing alot of research, and I have it narrowed down to these 3 tires:

#1: Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3--better treadwear numbers, great reviews, aggressive tread pattern, good reliability, and priced slightly below the Michelin Pilot Sports

Here is one review of these tires that is pretty good:
http://www.zr1.net/F1G3D3.html

#2: Toyo Proxes T1--good treadwear ratings, and a very well-respected tire from the other people in this forum. The most cost efficient solution for new rubber all around.

#3: Michelin Pilot Sports--good reviews, and well-respected here. Conservative tread wear ratings, and a great history of reliability. One of the more expensive tire replacement scenarios.

I will not be using Potenzas anymore (not Re040s anyway), not on my Z or any other car...they are junk compared to other competitors product offerings. I am disappointed that Nissan used them on the Z, and the Pilots on the G35...

 

i wouldnt count out bridgestones based on your experience with the re040's. i dont think the re040's are indicative of the entire potenza line. take a look at the so3's. there is a lot more technology in those compared to the re040's. regardless, ive heard nothing bad about the goodyears or the toyos that you mention.

 

right...I have read good things about the S03's. Thats why I put in my initial post that I wouldn't be considering Re040's again. I have to admit that I am a little disappointed overall with Bridgestone's service centers--I visited 2 of them, and both places said that my tire wear is related to how I drive my car. I agree partially, but for someone who NEVER bakes their rear tires, I should be able to get more than 8k miles out of them. Others are getting 15k plus, and I don't know why. Bridgestone's response time is light years better than Nissan's though...

 

Thats so wierd you guys only getting 8500 miles or so on your re040s, as much as I hate the tire I must say mine held up pretty good. I have about 21000 miles and that includes some autox events on them. And from my wear it seems I can prolly put a few thousand more miles. My goal is 30k but we will see.

 

I still have the OEM tires with 20,000 miles on them, and only 5/32
wear. Yes they are feathering, I had the TSB done.

 

I would be elated with 30k, but its not going to happen. I would be lucky to get 12k miles out of the set on there now in the rear. I just checked them and one is 5/32 left all the way across and the other is 4/32. I think the state inspection limits are 3/32, so I need to drive light for the next month if I want to pass. I will have to put new rears on in the spring.

I guess having the balance out by 2-3 degrees, has caused my excessive rear tire wear. This is what the techs told me at NTB, after they scratched one of my rims (bastards). My fronts have alot of tread left, at least 8-9/32, but those tires are cupped and feather badly on the insides, and probably will need to be changed by 15k.

I have been told to get ready to buy alot of tires, since this car eats them up. I am doing alot of research now on a new set, and most likely it will be the new Eagle F1 GS-D3. These have slightly better treadlife ratings, and alot of corvette guys are VERY happy with them. I heard the Toyo Proxes are good, but not as good as these...an opinion by someone who has run both types. I hate to be a guinea pig, but I read a couple good posts in here about positive experiences with the Eagle's too...

 

Onecoolee,

Our Z's must be brothers because I've burned through 5 sets in 20K miles. I think the rear wear is due to a toe irregularity and I will be taking it to a race shop to have it properly set up once I get a new set of wheels and tires on in Nov.

 

Driodeka, what are the last 4 digits of your VIN ? I was told my factory tires were never properly balanced from the factory (2-3 degrees off), and initially, my alignment was out of spec. So, between having the alignment off, and having the balance problems, I am cooking my rears...fast. I have never baked the tires either, no peel outs, squeels, or even what I would consider "to the limit" driving--this is why I am pissed.

My dealership is going to setup my alignment differently in an attempt to remedy the feathering issues. I guess I Will be the guinea pig one more time for Nissan...

 

Count me in on the Goodyear's too. Some great reviews out there, and seeing as how I just ordered my Nismo wheels I figured I'd give the F1's a try.

 

I have never driven a car with the Eagle F1 (not where I could get a feel for the tire anyway) or the Toyos. I have driven hard on a set of Pilot Sports. I can tell you that they are awesome. They definitely wear on the fast side though. Even, but fast. Unless you are factoring price heavily, I would guess the Pilots won't disappoint.

 

I must be lucky. I have done one HPD and 15 Autocrosses this year. I have a lot of road noise from 25 to 35 MPH but feathering is minimul. Wear should go at least 15,000. However I would not go Bridgestones again. Am considering Yoko AVS or Toyo TS1.

Good luck with your choice.

 

Don't misunderstand me... my fronts will go for about 8-10k more miles, total of about 15-20k miles, but they are badly feathered, and will eventually start to see the min on the inside edges...but my car sounds like a freight train. I have had a couple people in the car and they ask me why its so loud, and I feel its a little embarrassing. My bigger problem is that my rears are just plain gone ! I really want to know why, and I have been told its how I drive the car, but I know what I do and how I drive, and nothing I do in my daily drive could cause excessive wear on the rear treads.

 

Just curious,

If you are concerned about cost, and don't seem to be pushing your car frequently, why go with the expensive tires?

You could go with Falken, Kumho, Hankook, etc for much less than the other tires you mentioned.

They may not have quite the same performance, but if you aren't racing in your street tires anyway, maybe it would be a better situation.

That's what I'm doing an I'm going through the tires about 1 set/year. I can't imagine buying Mischelins every year.

Also, I got race tires for Track use, so that's why I'm not as concerned about the street tire performance.

Right now I have Yokohama AVS ES100 if front and Hankook Ventus K104 in back. I think the Hankooks make a slight howling at about 50 MPH, but I can't tell for sure. Otherwise, both sets seem to be pretty nice.

Anyhow, just another option.

As far as your choices go, I think I like the Goodyears from a performance standpoint, and the T1-S from a value standpoint.

-D'oh!