I am pretty new to this board, have had (and love) my Z for a year now, and want to make my stock 18" touring wheels winter ones. The problem is I am totally overwhelmed by the wheel choices out there.

It seems Volk is a particular favorite (and thank you joust and all posters for a great, recent thread), but there seem many good options. I've noticed eurotech and enkei and plenty of others.

Can a few people narrow the field to 4-5 wheels. here are some prereqs...
* performance is way more important than looks (so weight is an issue)
* not inclined to go all out with absolute top end $ unless it makes a lot of sense
* will go with toyo as tire choice
* am still debating 18" or 19"
* i want to be able to have tire sensors.

thanks a lot. hope this isn't too novice for you guys...

 

have you checked the gallery to see what you like??

 

i checked the DTD f.a.q. page with the photos and the GG games/5Zigen Hyper 5ZR/Privat Farhen (on the blue Z) are my favorites from a looks perspective.

But what about the weight/offset/size issues that affect handling and practical stuff like tire sensors/brake clearance?

 

weight, forged is most performance oriented, they are worth their cost if you want their benefit.

if your leaning strongly to performance, 18" is best. saves weight, cheaper tread, better handling with a bit more sidewall, more resistant to bends.

toyo is a good tire choice, and most all sizes are available, so that wont limit you.

tire sensors are tough, cant give a list of rims that will fit them. throw out a rim, and someone can say if they work. I can say TE37s do.

size. remember tires are a majority of drag on a car. dont go overkill on the width or youll slow yourself down more on the straights than you gain at the limit. offset, decide that last.

 

I have SSR GT3 & I love them. I get many many compliments. I did not go with Volks because too many people have them.

How about SSR GT3 if price is not an issue?

 

Why is it that so many people here like Toyo tires? Is it just that they have been successful with their "lightest tire" marketing? I bought into the Toyo internet hype a few years ago and bought a set of T1-S and then found out they really weren't very good. I would never buy another set. I'm just surprised that so many people want them when there are tons of better alternatives out there.

This is of course, unless you're talking about the RA1 which is a good tire.

Jason

 

i'm interested in any thoughts on other tire options as well.

 

I think it's partly due to the weight, and partly due to the fact that they're a far bit cheaper compared to the other "big" name tire manufacturers (Bridgestone, Michelin, Goodyear). The only thing cheaper with good reviews are the Falken FK-451. Can a true, high performance tire get any cheaper? I've read that the Toyo has a bit more feel before losing adhesion, while the Falken just lets go. Other than that, it's a great tire.

Oh, and you can't discard Toyo's connection to the Speed World Challenge. That probably adds to the bling factor.

 

I have heard only good things about the BF Goodrich KDW2 (New Tread). I will be trying these myself shortly once the snow melts. From what I hear from my suppliers they offer better wear than the T1S, offer better grip than the S03s in wet and dry They do say the overall the T1S is better in both the rain and in weight, but these tires also cost a lot less than the S03 and T1S. I know this does not say alot about them, but it does offer us another choice since our choices are not exactly abundant esp in 19 inch sizes.