I posted this in a general forum (didn't know about this forum), so I'm reposting hoping to get more responses.

My '02ChiliMINI is not a daily driver. I drive it a couple of days during the week, on spirited weekend rides/club rides, and ocassional track days-hoping to get more of these in! The new tire size will be 215/45-17 (PS2's do not come in that size). The car's engine, suspension, and brakes are all well modified. I live/drive in Northern Calif, so snow is not an issue, but some rainy weather is inevitable. Performance is more important to me than comfort or tread-wear.

Currently, the little beast is wearing Michelin Pilot PS2 tires and I'm considering three new alternatives.

Goodyear F1 GS-D3's
Yokohama Advan A048's
Falken Azenis RT-615's
Do any of you have experience with any of these tires?

Any feedback is welcome! Thanks!

 

The Goodyears are great in dry and wet conditions. Definitely only a 3-season tire though.

_Dave_

 

For 215/45-17
Check out Max Performance Summer tires.
Goodyear F1 GS-D3's (very highly rated tire) $132 each 280 tread Y speed rated 22 lbs
see
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...ireSearch=true
See also Dunlop SP Sport Maxx $132 each 240 tread Y speed 22 lbs
Yokohama Advan A048's $237 each Competition tire Med or Hard cmpd
60 treadwear W speed 23 or 24 lbs, will wear out quickly on roads
See also Toyo Ra1 below in 235/40-17

Falken Azenis RT-615's about $110 each 200 tread, W speed, 22.2 lbs
and add
Hankook Ventus Rs2 Z212 $95 each 200 tread Y speed, 22 lbs
Toyo Proxes T1r $123 each 280 tread W speed 20.1 lbs

Why not consider 215/40-17?
Hankook Z212 $94 20.5 lbs
Falken ST615 $101 20.3 lbs
Toyo Proxes T1r $120 19.6 lbs

or
235/40-17 fits rims 8-9.5" wide 24.4" tire diam, will fit a 17x7.5 rim
Includes
Toyo Proxes Ra1 $172 100 tread 24 lbs Competition tire
Hankook Z212 $101
Falken ST615 $119
Toyo Proxes T1r $129

Of safety note-
If it rains then competition tires are not a good choice, they hydroplane and get slick. Be careful if you choose any competition tire.
Hankook Z212 and Falken ST615 will work in dry and in wet. Not that comfortable but good on value.
Best overall tire is the Goodyear GS-D3

 

A vote for the GS-D3s from me. Tenacious traction, great in the rain, very quiet ride that does not get loud as the tires wear. Dont even think about snow driving with those tires though. Seem to do pretty well in cold weather though.

I am contemplating going to Bridgestone RE960AS Pole Positions for my non-summer tires, I have these on another car and they are fantastic in all weather conditions, and are rated as Max Performance tires good for any kind of driving. Like the GS-D3s, they are directional tread, but with lots of siping for wet traction and good snow traction.

 

Thanks for all your replies.
I'm still doing a litlle more research, but right now I'm leaning towards the GS-D3's myself.

 

+1 on the Goodyears.

 

I just bought the Goodyears. I've got the RE960s on another car and find them to be the best all seasons I've ever encountered (for three seasons . . . I haven't had them in winter yet). I do believe in having dedicated winter tires since in the winter the other drivers with their cell phones are driving near the edge of traction, unlike in summer where their inattention can be mitigated when they notice the situation around them and have the traction to apply the brakes. So despite the sweetness of the 960s I wasn't looking for all season tires. The Goodyears met my needs for a tire which can handle going from dry to wet roads competently.