Choosing between a few tire brands.
I've had the Sumi Z3s and they were great for me as a DD and a weekend track/autox tires. Not sure about how one determines that the Sumis are junk and that BS is top notch quality. Sumi lasted me a good while too. Never had a problem with them. The S04.... never try them but I wouldn't be surprised if they're better than Sumis in terms of performance since it's a new tire. The Z3s been out for a while now.
If you flip the tires, the noise will change, can't say if it will be better or worse. Noisy tires never get quiet though, so reversing them or remounting them backwards isn't going to be a fix for that. It will enable you to squeeze more life out of them but that's about it.
As far as the alignment, I'll take some pics of the specs screen on my machine when I go back Wednesday, that way you can compare that to the Nissan specs and see if they are the same.
If you bring a printout with the specs to the store with you, there's no reason you can't have them adjust it to that spec. I've done custom alignments and set up cars with aftermarket caster/camber plates for friends and people that track their cars. Most alignment racks are the same, it comes down to the person doing the work. You need to get lucky and find a tech that is a car guy and understands, and will take the extra time to do it right.
You might want to talk with the tech and take care of him directly to ensure you get the right treatment, as a tech we get paid 1.2 hours for an alignment, which for most guys is less than $20. To spend a long time and be super careful doing your car instead of just getting it close enough and moving on ends up costing us money. I pride myself on doing a good job but sadly most in the business do not care or just flat out simply don't know. They know how to adjust until it turns green, but don't know why you set total toe to certain values, what changes in driving dynamics caster can make, how you can improve tire life on a car by going outside the specified values in some categories if aggressive handling isn't the concern.
As far as the alignment, I'll take some pics of the specs screen on my machine when I go back Wednesday, that way you can compare that to the Nissan specs and see if they are the same.
If you bring a printout with the specs to the store with you, there's no reason you can't have them adjust it to that spec. I've done custom alignments and set up cars with aftermarket caster/camber plates for friends and people that track their cars. Most alignment racks are the same, it comes down to the person doing the work. You need to get lucky and find a tech that is a car guy and understands, and will take the extra time to do it right.
You might want to talk with the tech and take care of him directly to ensure you get the right treatment, as a tech we get paid 1.2 hours for an alignment, which for most guys is less than $20. To spend a long time and be super careful doing your car instead of just getting it close enough and moving on ends up costing us money. I pride myself on doing a good job but sadly most in the business do not care or just flat out simply don't know. They know how to adjust until it turns green, but don't know why you set total toe to certain values, what changes in driving dynamics caster can make, how you can improve tire life on a car by going outside the specified values in some categories if aggressive handling isn't the concern.
Last edited by Italianjoe1; Dec 16, 2013 at 04:52 PM.
If you flip the tires, the noise will change, can't say if it will be better or worse. Noisy tires never get quiet though, so reversing them or remounting them backwards isn't going to be a fix for that. It will enable you to squeeze more life out of them but that's about it.
These Goodyear Eagle's have oh I don't know.. 30-35% life on them I'd guess.. They were replaced sometime between purchase and 15k miles.. The guy I bought the car from said he bought it 3 years ago with these Goodyears on it.. He put 11,000 miles on it himself (He has 3 other cars).
As far as the alignment, I'll take some pics of the specs screen on my machine when I go back Wednesday, that way you can compare that to the Nissan specs and see if they are the same.
Firestone
205-238-6327
Store # 12335
Store Manager: Kathy Phelps
4619 Highway 280
Birmingham, AL 35242-5029
The specs are really quite simple for the Total Toe-in (Nissan mentions nothing about caster/camber .. maybe you have that.)
Total Toe-In Nissan Specs:
Minimum = 0mm (0 in) (0 Degrees)
Nominal = 1mm (0.04in) (0.1 Degrees)
Maximum (Preferred Setting) = 2mm (0.08 in) (0.2 Degrees)
Obvoiusly, I suppose seting it to, Toe-In = 2mm (0.08) (0.2 Degree(s) is what we/I want done here,.. as It is "preferred".
If you bring a printout with the specs to the store with you, there's no reason you can't have them adjust it to that spec. I've done custom alignments and set up cars with aftermarket caster/camber plates for friends and people that track their cars. Most alignment racks are the same, it comes down to the person doing the work. You need to get lucky and find a tech that is a car guy and understands, and will take the extra time to do it right.
You might want to talk with the tech and take care of him directly to ensure you get the right treatment, as a tech we get paid 1.2 hours for an alignment, which for most guys is less than $20. To spend a long time and be super careful doing your car instead of just getting it close enough and moving on ends up costing us money. I pride myself on doing a good job but sadly most in the business do not care or just flat out simply don't know. They know how to adjust until it turns green, but don't know why you set total toe to certain values, what changes in driving dynamics caster can make, how you can improve tire life on a car by going outside the specified values in some categories if aggressive handling isn't the concern.
They have 4-5 Bays at least.. I'm not exactly going to know who is working on my car, and likely it will sit parked for a while until they get to it.
Wish you could send my manager or store a heads up on how to treat the alignment/car.
Whatever you can do,.. and whatever you can come up with I'll bring with me.. and maybe this can get done right! I don't have any doubt they will put the tires on right.. and Balancing is fairly an exact art now with the machines they have.. so no worries there. It's mainly the alignment that caused this issue to start with,.. and you are right,.. they are there to get the job done,.. and they will use the Hunter Rack until it hits Green or whatever says "ok".. and that's that.
People have been telling me that with Hunter Equip it will be aligned like it's supposed to be -- So maybe even with a tech who isn't being extra careful the good "Hunter" Rack will pick up the slack on the alignment? All I can hope for, unless you somehow can pass the word on to that store how this alignment is a little more "finicky" and may need the best alignment guy the shop has to do it due to the existing issue?
I appreciate any help you can give.. This is coming from a Firestone employee -- I confirmed they have Hunter Equipment,.. and it's going to Firestone that I listed -- Can't get anymore simple than that as far as store/procedure(s).
The tires, again,.. shipped to Firestone are $660. The Mount/Balance and Alignment is $197.95 quoted. So essentially $860 (if that quote was with tax).. out the door. Not so bad for a new set of rubber on the Z.
Thanks you guys!
Last edited by Chromatic; Dec 16, 2013 at 06:57 PM.
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Also keep in mind, all the rubber bushings in the car deflect somewhat with dynamic loads on them while actually moving. The alignment settings are for a static car, once you have road force pushing back on the tires, it's possible for your "perfect" 0 degree total toe to move into a very slight negative number, where each tire is pointing out just a tad, like this - \ / - which makes the car very keen to follow grooves in the road (tramlining) or even just follow the road crown. You want a little bit of total toe on a street car.
You don't want dead perfect 0.00 toe settings, the car will feel twitchy compared to stock and has a greater tendancy to follow road imperfections. Very slight toe-in preloads the front suspension and adds a little weight to the steering, makes the car much more stable. What they are talking about (.08 degrees) is nothing at all when it comes to tire wear, but you will feel a difference in the real world.
Also keep in mind, all the rubber bushings in the car deflect somewhat with dynamic loads on them while actually moving. The alignment settings are for a static car, once you have road force pushing back on the tires, it's possible for your "perfect" 0 degree total toe to move into a very slight negative number, where each tire is pointing out just a tad, like this - \ / - which makes the car very keen to follow grooves in the road (tramlining) or even just follow the road crown. You want a little bit of total toe on a street car.
Also keep in mind, all the rubber bushings in the car deflect somewhat with dynamic loads on them while actually moving. The alignment settings are for a static car, once you have road force pushing back on the tires, it's possible for your "perfect" 0 degree total toe to move into a very slight negative number, where each tire is pointing out just a tad, like this - \ / - which makes the car very keen to follow grooves in the road (tramlining) or even just follow the road crown. You want a little bit of total toe on a street car.
--Essentially, stick with Nissan specs then.. 2mm Toe-in. Why mess with what the Engineers at Nissan figured out was the best setting to stop the issue of feathering?
In my mind whats going on with MY car right *now*.. is going down the road at 40-50-60mph the tires are like this | | -- fairly even.. feels fine, sounds fine.
When I slow down under 15mph.. the tires shift to / \ angle which rides them on that inner edge and produces the noise. (Obviously this is exaggerated).
The Sumitomo HTR Z III is hands down the best bang for your buck tires, period. Throughout the years they've tested better than tires more than double their price. It's not my opinion, it's fact.
They've tested better and outperformed tires throughout the years like the:
But you'll always hear how "they're junk" and in the same breath they'll mention a tire that's tested lower than the HTR Z III. They say things like "Sumitomo is a no name company. Go with a bigger name" not realizing is one of the biggest names in not just tires, but one of the biggest corporations in the world. Sumitomo Rubber is the second largest Japanese tiremaker after Bridgestone. You probably own something that has some connection with Sumitomo. They do business in practically everything.
Another complaint is "oh, i've owned the HTR Z II and they were crap". Cool story, but they aren't even the same tire. Previous versions of the HTR Z's (HTR Z and HTR Z II) weren't exactly a favorite, but the HTR Z III has been leaps and bounds ahead and has been one of the best kept secrets for years.
I'm on my second pair of HTR Z III's and if they are still available in a couple years, I wouldn't hesitate to buy my third set.
They've tested better and outperformed tires throughout the years like the:
- Bridgestone Potenza RE050A Pole Position
- Continental ContiSportContact 3
- Yokohama ADVAN Sport
- Hankook Ventus V12 evo K110
- Kumho Ecsta LE Sport
But you'll always hear how "they're junk" and in the same breath they'll mention a tire that's tested lower than the HTR Z III. They say things like "Sumitomo is a no name company. Go with a bigger name" not realizing is one of the biggest names in not just tires, but one of the biggest corporations in the world. Sumitomo Rubber is the second largest Japanese tiremaker after Bridgestone. You probably own something that has some connection with Sumitomo. They do business in practically everything.
- Falken is a subsidiary of Sumitomo.
- Sumitomo and Goodyear own Dunlop in Europe and North America.
- Sumitomo owns and manufactures Dunlop tires for the entire Asian market and Africa under the Dunlop name.
- Goodyear was the second-largest shareholder in Sumitomo Rubber (now 9th)
- Sumitomo Rubber is a shareholder in Goodyear tires.
- Goodyear and Sumitomo have manufactured tires under the others name for each others markets.
Another complaint is "oh, i've owned the HTR Z II and they were crap". Cool story, but they aren't even the same tire. Previous versions of the HTR Z's (HTR Z and HTR Z II) weren't exactly a favorite, but the HTR Z III has been leaps and bounds ahead and has been one of the best kept secrets for years.
I'm on my second pair of HTR Z III's and if they are still available in a couple years, I wouldn't hesitate to buy my third set.
Bender,
When you say a test, i'm assuming you mean a tire-rack type comparison of new model tires? I know a lot of the ringer tires show high marks, but they don't maintain well in my experience. I feel any tire can show well for the first 5K miles, but if it's crappy from there on out, I would have rather spent a little more and bought a quality bridgestone or michelin tire that will give me better service all around and for longer. Sumitomo/Falken, Dunlop and Goodyear performance tires all are average at best. Most dunlop tires review very well but performance degrades greatly with age and time. Same with goodyears in my experience.
I've never been impressed with a high-performance tire (including the RE050A) that gets slippery and hard as it ages with normal street abuse, no tracking. Only tire I've personally used that has continued to perform right up until replacement was the KDW2 BF-G's, and they have thier share of drawbacks but are a great performing tire and phenomenal in the rain, absolutely best wet weather tire i've ever driven. Ran two sets for 45K miles on my last car and loved them, but they are a dated design and quite noisy.
I'm happy with my RE-11 for a daily tire, it outperforms the RE050 in every way/shape/form except for the fact that they flat spot when cold, pretty badly. This is the reason you won't see them on an OEM car, but in every other respect (even looks) it's just a superior tire.
When you say a test, i'm assuming you mean a tire-rack type comparison of new model tires? I know a lot of the ringer tires show high marks, but they don't maintain well in my experience. I feel any tire can show well for the first 5K miles, but if it's crappy from there on out, I would have rather spent a little more and bought a quality bridgestone or michelin tire that will give me better service all around and for longer. Sumitomo/Falken, Dunlop and Goodyear performance tires all are average at best. Most dunlop tires review very well but performance degrades greatly with age and time. Same with goodyears in my experience.
I've never been impressed with a high-performance tire (including the RE050A) that gets slippery and hard as it ages with normal street abuse, no tracking. Only tire I've personally used that has continued to perform right up until replacement was the KDW2 BF-G's, and they have thier share of drawbacks but are a great performing tire and phenomenal in the rain, absolutely best wet weather tire i've ever driven. Ran two sets for 45K miles on my last car and loved them, but they are a dated design and quite noisy.
I'm happy with my RE-11 for a daily tire, it outperforms the RE050 in every way/shape/form except for the fact that they flat spot when cold, pretty badly. This is the reason you won't see them on an OEM car, but in every other respect (even looks) it's just a superior tire.
Bender,
When you say a test, i'm assuming you mean a tire-rack type comparison of new model tires? I know a lot of the ringer tires show high marks, but they don't maintain well in my experience. I feel any tire can show well for the first 5K miles, but if it's crappy from there on out, I would have rather spent a little more and bought a quality bridgestone or michelin tire that will give me better service all around and for longer. Sumitomo/Falken, Dunlop and Goodyear performance tires all are average at best. Most dunlop tires review very well but performance degrades greatly with age and time. Same with goodyears in my experience.
I've never been impressed with a high-performance tire (including the RE050A) that gets slippery and hard as it ages with normal street abuse, no tracking. .
When you say a test, i'm assuming you mean a tire-rack type comparison of new model tires? I know a lot of the ringer tires show high marks, but they don't maintain well in my experience. I feel any tire can show well for the first 5K miles, but if it's crappy from there on out, I would have rather spent a little more and bought a quality bridgestone or michelin tire that will give me better service all around and for longer. Sumitomo/Falken, Dunlop and Goodyear performance tires all are average at best. Most dunlop tires review very well but performance degrades greatly with age and time. Same with goodyears in my experience.
I've never been impressed with a high-performance tire (including the RE050A) that gets slippery and hard as it ages with normal street abuse, no tracking. .
However, I believe Bender in his report of his tire.
That said -- ItalianJoe is a Tire expert/mechanical expert who's job it is to know Tires, know alignments, know balance, know mechanics.. it's his career. From the back and forth PM's I've had with Joe, and in this thread --- I believe what he says as well.
He pointed out that he likes the quality of a good Michelin or Bridgestone tire -- specifically over the LONG TERM 100% tread to the last 10 percent. Which is an interesting perspective I've never really considered. I just assumed with proper alignment/balance and pressure a tire performed fairly the same from 100% tread to oh about 20% tread. But, apparently on many, if not most tires sold out there that just isn't true.
And, according to Joe, who actually is a bonafide "expert" on the subject,.. quality Michelins and Bridgestones tend to hold their performance over the life of the tire moreso than many other brands.
This is partially why I went with the Bridgestone Potenza S-04's that I'll be getting installed tomorrow on my Z. I ALMOST went with the Hankooks (again I may be spelling that wrong).. but at the last moment I went with the Bridgestones.. and for $860 installed AND 4 wheel alignment I think that's a very good price for these fat large performance tires our Z's require, that also need Mounting, Balance, New Valve Stems, and in my case.. A 4 wheel alignment,.. and in particular an exacting front end alignment to correct the uneven wear issue I am having with these Goodyear Eagle F1's.
I can say from what I hear from the BACK tires of these Goodyear F1's... (with 30% tread or so left) .. they are louder than Michelins and Bridgestones as I've been in other 350z's with both types of tires on them. It may be just what Joe said,.. that even the Goodyear (which is a respectable brand) as it wears down on tread it becomes louder,.. and it's characteristics begin to fade a bit.
Now,.. I'm realistic. This is a sportscar.. true sportscar -- and with the Z's suspension it's not going to ride like a Lexus Luxury Sedan.. But, I do anticipate after I get the new Bridgestones installed, and the balance and alignment done the car should be markedly more quiet even at high speeds, and the low speed roar from the front gone.
*fingers crossed*
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I will 2nd that I have owned a few sets of excellent Sumitomo's over the years.
Nothing for a while though.
Also had really good luck with Toyo tires. Used to run them on my MR2Turbo, and now have a set on my E63 AMG. Excellent bang for the buck tires.
Nothing for a while though.
Also had really good luck with Toyo tires. Used to run them on my MR2Turbo, and now have a set on my E63 AMG. Excellent bang for the buck tires.
Welp...
I was really hoping Italianjoe would get me those specs from work at Firestone,.. but we are all busy. So I had to bring the car in today and leave it at Firestone.
It's sitting there,.. all night, and they will get to it tomorrow.
I brought in the TSB,.. and pointed out the specs that minimal Toe-in was 0mm, Nominal was 1mm, and "Preferred" was 2mm. Actually gave them the whole TSB printed out,.. but had it paper clipped to just the page with the Front alignment Toe settings.
I told them, since they are using Hunter Alignment Racks,.. that the software should match what the service manual and the TSB has for front end.. but giving this spec to them anyway.
The guy said,.. I'll do it to whatever you want, but I can't guarantee anything if I do it to your specs and don't do it to the "green" on the machine. I'm like, great.... You can only operate based on a green light? Come on.. you guys are certified .. not just average guys walking in off the street.
Anyhow.. I wouldn't have let Firestone align it if they didn't confirm they had Hunter Equipment for their Alignment Racks at the store I am using. Everyone has said Hunter is the best,.. and will get it done right.
So I just have to hope that the reference specs in the Hunter software match up with Nissans specs they released 10 years ago.. surely they do.
All I wanted to be clear on was Toe-in.. I told him I don't want any negative toe.. the rest is up to the Hunter specs for that car. That's the best I can do .. I tried my best to get stuff online, any help with specifications to bring them.. but about all I could reliably come up with was the Nissan minimum 0 toe, and Preferred 2mm toe for the front alignment.
The front Caster/Camber can't be adjusted anyway,.. but the rear can. So the Hunter Alignment racks should do the job (as long as they are calibrated properly of course).
I also made it clear to the guy I talked to 3 times now (2 on phone,.. and today in person) -- that it makes a roaring/wheel/tire noise from the front from speeds 30mph and lower. So he put that into the "work order" or whatever it's called.. so I guess they'll test drive it before and after they put on the tires? Or more likely probably just bring it in the bay tomorrow .. do the work.. then test drive it.
I guess.. since it's in their hands now.
I only have one question for anyone who comes across this thread:
When I go back to pay for the Tire mount, balance, and alignment -- Should I go ahead and pay the extra 80$ on top of what I will pay for a "Lifetime alignment" ?
Which will enable me to bring it in anytime to have it checked and realigned, for , well.. life.
Alignment is $80 -- Lifetime is $180 I think.. But was told they give it to you for $160. So essentially, I'd be buying two alignments for a Lifetime alignment for that car.
My thinking is.. I could spend the extra money .. and just keep bringing the car back every 6months-year to have it re-adjusted on the alignment to keep the new tires from wearing/feathering and getting ruined.
The other thought is.. well.. I could just pay the $80 for the single alignment.. and the total is $200 installed, balanced, mounted, TPMS done, disposal, and 4 wheel alignment. Or.. I'd be paying $260 for all that plus lifetime alignment.
Thoughts? What would you do?
Thanks,
I was really hoping Italianjoe would get me those specs from work at Firestone,.. but we are all busy. So I had to bring the car in today and leave it at Firestone.
It's sitting there,.. all night, and they will get to it tomorrow.
I brought in the TSB,.. and pointed out the specs that minimal Toe-in was 0mm, Nominal was 1mm, and "Preferred" was 2mm. Actually gave them the whole TSB printed out,.. but had it paper clipped to just the page with the Front alignment Toe settings.
I told them, since they are using Hunter Alignment Racks,.. that the software should match what the service manual and the TSB has for front end.. but giving this spec to them anyway.
The guy said,.. I'll do it to whatever you want, but I can't guarantee anything if I do it to your specs and don't do it to the "green" on the machine. I'm like, great.... You can only operate based on a green light? Come on.. you guys are certified .. not just average guys walking in off the street.
Anyhow.. I wouldn't have let Firestone align it if they didn't confirm they had Hunter Equipment for their Alignment Racks at the store I am using. Everyone has said Hunter is the best,.. and will get it done right.
So I just have to hope that the reference specs in the Hunter software match up with Nissans specs they released 10 years ago.. surely they do.
All I wanted to be clear on was Toe-in.. I told him I don't want any negative toe.. the rest is up to the Hunter specs for that car. That's the best I can do .. I tried my best to get stuff online, any help with specifications to bring them.. but about all I could reliably come up with was the Nissan minimum 0 toe, and Preferred 2mm toe for the front alignment.
The front Caster/Camber can't be adjusted anyway,.. but the rear can. So the Hunter Alignment racks should do the job (as long as they are calibrated properly of course).
I also made it clear to the guy I talked to 3 times now (2 on phone,.. and today in person) -- that it makes a roaring/wheel/tire noise from the front from speeds 30mph and lower. So he put that into the "work order" or whatever it's called.. so I guess they'll test drive it before and after they put on the tires? Or more likely probably just bring it in the bay tomorrow .. do the work.. then test drive it.
I guess.. since it's in their hands now.
I only have one question for anyone who comes across this thread:
When I go back to pay for the Tire mount, balance, and alignment -- Should I go ahead and pay the extra 80$ on top of what I will pay for a "Lifetime alignment" ?
Which will enable me to bring it in anytime to have it checked and realigned, for , well.. life.
Alignment is $80 -- Lifetime is $180 I think.. But was told they give it to you for $160. So essentially, I'd be buying two alignments for a Lifetime alignment for that car.
My thinking is.. I could spend the extra money .. and just keep bringing the car back every 6months-year to have it re-adjusted on the alignment to keep the new tires from wearing/feathering and getting ruined.
The other thought is.. well.. I could just pay the $80 for the single alignment.. and the total is $200 installed, balanced, mounted, TPMS done, disposal, and 4 wheel alignment. Or.. I'd be paying $260 for all that plus lifetime alignment.
Thoughts? What would you do?
Thanks,
Whenever I see someone recommend or suggest the beloved Hankook V12s I cringe and have to say something....
These tires belong on the Toyota Camry. If you enjoy a very soft ride then by all means buy them but if you like spirited driving I'd stay away. They provide very little feedback and feel uncomfortable at speed. I bought a set after hearing all the great reviews on here and got rid of them within 2 months. When reading reviews on Tirerack be mindful of what the person mounts the tires on, I remember people with Porsches and such giving horrible reviews for these.
I now have S04 pole positions and absolutely love them.
Can't believe the prices you guys pay for tires in US, my rear S04s alone were $700 (taxes in/mounted) in Canada, and that's after shopping around.
These tires belong on the Toyota Camry. If you enjoy a very soft ride then by all means buy them but if you like spirited driving I'd stay away. They provide very little feedback and feel uncomfortable at speed. I bought a set after hearing all the great reviews on here and got rid of them within 2 months. When reading reviews on Tirerack be mindful of what the person mounts the tires on, I remember people with Porsches and such giving horrible reviews for these.
I now have S04 pole positions and absolutely love them.
Can't believe the prices you guys pay for tires in US, my rear S04s alone were $700 (taxes in/mounted) in Canada, and that's after shopping around.
So these Bridgestone Potenza S-04 Pole Positions you like huh? They brought me out to the shop to verify the tires and have a look and feel of them. They felt soft.... so I'm a little curious on expected life of the tires? We talking like 15-20k miles? Or more like 25-35k miles out of them?
** I drive normally.. don't race, don't go on tracks.. do mostly city driving, with occasional highway. **
Thanks for the report on your S04's.. makes me feel better about the purchase.
Oh, and as for prices -- I managed to get the front 225/45/18's and rear 245/45/18's (set of 4) for $660 shipped. Mounted it would run me about $760,.. but I'm getting an alignment as well so It will run closer to $850.
But, imho,.. for 18 inch,.. 225/45 and 245/45 tires (which aren't exactly considered small) performance tires on a sportscar for well under a $1000 mounted, balanced, TPM sensors done, and 4 wheel alignment is good. Walking out the door at $850 with new set of good tires, and it should be about as perfect as you can get with the 350z being brand new tires, and everything just recalibrated in terms of balance, alignment et al.. Is fine with me.
I remember spending $1500+ on a set of tires on my 300ZX I had many years ago,.. but at that time I was just buying tires retail in the store,.. which has a huge markup. Buying from tirerack online,.. and having them drop shipped at an installer saved me an easy $300-$500 over retail.
Whenever I see someone recommend or suggest the beloved Hankook V12s I cringe and have to say something....
These tires belong on the Toyota Camry. If you enjoy a very soft ride then by all means buy them but if you like spirited driving I'd stay away. They provide very little feedback and feel uncomfortable at speed. I bought a set after hearing all the great reviews on here and got rid of them within 2 months. When reading reviews on Tirerack be mindful of what the person mounts the tires on, I remember people with Porsches and such giving horrible reviews for these.
I now have S04 pole positions and absolutely love them.
Can't believe the prices you guys pay for tires in US, my rear S04s alone were $700 (taxes in/mounted) in Canada, and that's after shopping around.
These tires belong on the Toyota Camry. If you enjoy a very soft ride then by all means buy them but if you like spirited driving I'd stay away. They provide very little feedback and feel uncomfortable at speed. I bought a set after hearing all the great reviews on here and got rid of them within 2 months. When reading reviews on Tirerack be mindful of what the person mounts the tires on, I remember people with Porsches and such giving horrible reviews for these.
I now have S04 pole positions and absolutely love them.
Can't believe the prices you guys pay for tires in US, my rear S04s alone were $700 (taxes in/mounted) in Canada, and that's after shopping around.
Last edited by BigBlue; Dec 19, 2013 at 09:35 PM.
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Glad to hear a good review on the tires I just bought and my car is at Firestone and will be getting worked on Mounted, Balanced, Aligned, etc tomorrow. I just dropped it off this afternoon late because I know it being there ready to go will give them a head start to get to it, and it will def. be done tomorrow having all day to do it.
So these Bridgestone Potenza S-04 Pole Positions you like huh? They brought me out to the shop to verify the tires and have a look and feel of them. They felt soft.... so I'm a little curious on expected life of the tires? We talking like 15-20k miles? Or more like 25-35k miles out of them?
** I drive normally.. don't race, don't go on tracks.. do mostly city driving, with occasional highway. **
Thanks for the report on your S04's.. makes me feel better about the purchase.
Oh, and as for prices -- I managed to get the front 225/45/18's and rear 245/45/18's (set of 4) for $660 shipped. Mounted it would run me about $760,.. but I'm getting an alignment as well so It will run closer to $850.
But, imho,.. for 18 inch,.. 225/45 and 245/45 tires (which aren't exactly considered small) performance tires on a sportscar for well under a $1000 mounted, balanced, TPM sensors done, and 4 wheel alignment is good. Walking out the door at $850 with new set of good tires, and it should be about as perfect as you can get with the 350z being brand new tires, and everything just recalibrated in terms of balance, alignment et al.. Is fine with me.
I remember spending $1500+ on a set of tires on my 300ZX I had many years ago,.. but at that time I was just buying tires retail in the store,.. which has a huge markup. Buying from tirerack online,.. and having them drop shipped at an installer saved me an easy $300-$500 over retail.
So these Bridgestone Potenza S-04 Pole Positions you like huh? They brought me out to the shop to verify the tires and have a look and feel of them. They felt soft.... so I'm a little curious on expected life of the tires? We talking like 15-20k miles? Or more like 25-35k miles out of them?
** I drive normally.. don't race, don't go on tracks.. do mostly city driving, with occasional highway. **
Thanks for the report on your S04's.. makes me feel better about the purchase.
Oh, and as for prices -- I managed to get the front 225/45/18's and rear 245/45/18's (set of 4) for $660 shipped. Mounted it would run me about $760,.. but I'm getting an alignment as well so It will run closer to $850.
But, imho,.. for 18 inch,.. 225/45 and 245/45 tires (which aren't exactly considered small) performance tires on a sportscar for well under a $1000 mounted, balanced, TPM sensors done, and 4 wheel alignment is good. Walking out the door at $850 with new set of good tires, and it should be about as perfect as you can get with the 350z being brand new tires, and everything just recalibrated in terms of balance, alignment et al.. Is fine with me.
I remember spending $1500+ on a set of tires on my 300ZX I had many years ago,.. but at that time I was just buying tires retail in the store,.. which has a huge markup. Buying from tirerack online,.. and having them drop shipped at an installer saved me an easy $300-$500 over retail.
Make sure they have the right sized tires in the correct spot.
I've trained several people and have watched other employees forget to check if vehicles have staggered fitments.
Since mine is staggered, that's the first thing I look for before working on any vehicle.
I know people may look at this post and think, "Well they're professionals, they know what they're doing!".....if only that were true. My mom brought her C230 to Firestone and came back with her rears on the fronts and one of her directionals on the right-side, was facing left.
As for the type of tire you went for, the Bridgestone Potenza S-04, they are quite nice for their price. When balancing them, I hardly have any problems with the tires riding erratically or having to ride-match it (rotate the tire on the wheel for better seating) like I have to do for some Goodyear's, Hankooks, and of course Barums.
The miles you're looking at getting out of them, with the correct care (Rotations/Balancing and air checks), is around 40,000-50,000 miles. If you check the air monthly and R&B every 3,000 miles, you'll get the best out of them.
Ride and sound wise, most of the vehicles I installed Potenza's on rarely have any road noise issues or vibrations unless it was due to bent wheels so you should be fine. The only issue I could see you having is if you get a Manufacturer Defective tire, which happens more often than it should.
I personally was choosing between Continental DWS and the S-04's just for the smooth ride and sound. Anyways, I hope you enjoy your buy!
If you can, just make sure to watch whoever rotates and balances your vehicle and be polite, the nicer you are to us, the more we do for you haha.
Hu
No getting pissed here
I will never forget one time when i was bombing on a flyover that Ive taken many times with car and bike at a high rate of speed. Car always felt firmly planted, absolutely no movement in the rear, but the V12s made the car feel as if it was swaying and would let go at any second. This was not the only time but one that sticks in my mind.. The tires feel very unresponsive unlike most other Max performance tires. Im not saying they dont stick, its just that they feel as if they won't. Im no Johnny Racer by any means, Im just giving my opinion which I see many disagree with.
Sorry to disagree with you, but I think you are way off on this. What do you mean about them being good (V12's) for a "very soft ride"? I do "spirited" driving quite often (high speed and canyon cruises pushing the car pretty hard) and these are a "Y" speed rated fine tire and don't have any idea what you are talking about. Issues at high speed? No. Maybe you had a bad experience with them; that's fine if you don't like 'em, but they are becoming a very popular tire; I have pushed my car beyond "spirited driving" several times on the V12's; now on my 2nd set because I'm very impressed with them; hard to beat for the $. I admit that I was and still am a big Toyo fan though. Don't get pissed at me, we just have a totally different opinion on this brand/model of tire. * I happen to recommend these for your Z, not Camry.
No getting pissed here
I will never forget one time when i was bombing on a flyover that Ive taken many times with car and bike at a high rate of speed. Car always felt firmly planted, absolutely no movement in the rear, but the V12s made the car feel as if it was swaying and would let go at any second. This was not the only time but one that sticks in my mind.. The tires feel very unresponsive unlike most other Max performance tires. Im not saying they dont stick, its just that they feel as if they won't. Im no Johnny Racer by any means, Im just giving my opinion which I see many disagree with.
Hu
No getting pissed here
I will never forget one time when i was bombing on a flyover that Ive taken many times with car and bike at a high rate of speed. Car always felt firmly planted, absolutely no movement in the rear, but the V12s made the car feel as if it was swaying and would let go at any second. This was not the only time but one that sticks in my mind.. The tires feel very unresponsive unlike most other Max performance tires. Im not saying they dont stick, its just that they feel as if they won't. Im no Johnny Racer by any means, Im just giving my opinion which I see many disagree with.
No getting pissed here
I will never forget one time when i was bombing on a flyover that Ive taken many times with car and bike at a high rate of speed. Car always felt firmly planted, absolutely no movement in the rear, but the V12s made the car feel as if it was swaying and would let go at any second. This was not the only time but one that sticks in my mind.. The tires feel very unresponsive unlike most other Max performance tires. Im not saying they dont stick, its just that they feel as if they won't. Im no Johnny Racer by any means, Im just giving my opinion which I see many disagree with.
I recently posted tire test results here. Hope that it will be helpful.
https://my350z.com/forum/wheels-and-...ml#post3754539
https://my350z.com/forum/wheels-and-...ml#post3754539
Well.. since I made the thread -- And now have the new rubber on the 350z.. I might as well give impressions.
Tires are: Bridgestone Potenza S-04 Pole Position(s) -- Front 225/45/R18, Rear 245/45/R18.
Tires are softer than I had anticipated (I suppose looking at the average treadlife for the tires on the Tire specs from Bridgestone being 30k'ish made me think they would be a harder tire.)
But, they are SOFT. Like feel them with your finger (poking them) and you immediately know they are super soft tires. So I expect more like 15k out of these even with normal driving.
Anyone happen to know what the Real World "Normal Driving" tread life on this tire?
Anyhow,.. They are quieter than the Goodyear Eagle F1's I had on here before, by a large margin. I've driven in the rain/slick,.. and absolutely zero problems. Handling is great, can't really comment on better v. worse the Goodyears due to only having the car a little over a week and not really pushing it through twisties.. (I've been babying it 99.99% of the time.. ) -- I may have gunned it twice for 15 seconds at best since I bought it.
Anyhow.. Back to the tires. These tires were $650'ish shipped.. Definite recommend to buy for a solid High performance tire for street use on the Z for a very reasonable price.
Tires are: Bridgestone Potenza S-04 Pole Position(s) -- Front 225/45/R18, Rear 245/45/R18.
Tires are softer than I had anticipated (I suppose looking at the average treadlife for the tires on the Tire specs from Bridgestone being 30k'ish made me think they would be a harder tire.)
But, they are SOFT. Like feel them with your finger (poking them) and you immediately know they are super soft tires. So I expect more like 15k out of these even with normal driving.
Anyone happen to know what the Real World "Normal Driving" tread life on this tire?
Anyhow,.. They are quieter than the Goodyear Eagle F1's I had on here before, by a large margin. I've driven in the rain/slick,.. and absolutely zero problems. Handling is great, can't really comment on better v. worse the Goodyears due to only having the car a little over a week and not really pushing it through twisties.. (I've been babying it 99.99% of the time.. ) -- I may have gunned it twice for 15 seconds at best since I bought it.
Anyhow.. Back to the tires. These tires were $650'ish shipped.. Definite recommend to buy for a solid High performance tire for street use on the Z for a very reasonable price.