hello all

just wondering how those of you out there running the new Falken Ziex 912's are finding them, especially compared to the previous 512's. I am very interested in a set of these for my '03 MCS, based on my great experience with the 512's on my previous cars. I found the 512's to be very good (but not exceptional) in the wet, and excellent in the snow, basically a great all-around tire at a great price.

So here's the real question: what (non run-flat) tire size should I choose? I am currently running some (balding) 195/55/16 Dunlop run-flats (on R84 6.5" x 16" X-Lite Alloys), and I do not find the ride unduly harsh, although I do find the traction wanting. I have read about 15 pages of discussions on this forum regarding switching from run-flats to regular tires and I am still slightly confused as to what size to choose; it seems to be dependent on what tire is in question. I'd rather not lose any handling prowess (due to the softer non run-flat sidewall), nor do I want the ride to become any harsher, so do I switch to a 215/50/16? Or step up to 215/45/17's? I'd rather keep the rims I have now, but I will go to 17's if I need to.

any relevant advice much appreciated!

greg v.

 

Greg,

If you like the 512 then I would recommend the 912. The ride will not be as soft as the 512 because they have stiffen the side wall much more, therefore increasing the weight a bit on the tire. They have also changed the compund of the actual rubber improving on wet/dry/snow traction. If I am not mistaken, it also has been rated #1 by Consumer Reports this month, http://www.chathamjournal.com/weekly...es-71116.shtml. I hope this helps a bit, but let me know if there is anything else I may be able to assist you with.

Leo Barrios
leo@edgeracing.com
800-489-5353 x211
http://www.edgeracing.com

 

Leo

thank-you, that helps very much. As I mentioned previously, one of the reasons I liked the 512's so much is there good performance in wet & snow, so if the 912's are as good or better I would be well pleased.

Any guess as to how the handling would differ between the run-flats and the 912's, based on sidewall stiffness? Again, I am concerned that going to a softer sidewall tire will negatively effect handling as compared to a run-flat, but there sure seem to be a lot of people on this forum that run regular tires so it can't be that much of a difference.

thanks again

greg v.

 

the 912's are stiff. I'm quite happy so far.....I came off uber-stiff RE01R's for summer, so, it's nice to not lose a ton of steering response. I'm using the 205/45/17 size by the way.

 

Hi,

I just finished an 1800 mile drive with my 205/50/16 912s which I purchased with wheels from Edge Racing.

Excellent tire and the ride is night and day versus the run-flats. If you have the rim width, go with 195 or 205. If you want the best overall ride, you might stay with the 195/55 size, it depends on how you want your wheel/tires to look.

I really like the 205/50 with my wheels. If you want to see how they look, go scan some of my pictures in my picasa gallery.

Good tires, so far excellent performance.

 

Greg,

The guys after me have said it best. I would not be worried about the sidewall stiffness of the 912's. They have definately gotten stiffer than the 512's.

Leo Barrios
leo@edgeracing.com
800-489-5353 x211
http://www.edgeracing.com

 

hey guys

thanks for all the answers, this is helping greatly.

Don S., that wheel & tire package looks great! Just so that I understand correctly, the ride did not get any stiffer, nor did the handling degrade any with the 912's? That you are still happy after 1800 miles says a lot in its own, though.

Looking at the Falken tire chart, a 215/50/16 seems to be the best size match to the 195/55/16, with an o.d. of 24.6 (for the 215/50) vs 24.5 (for the 195/55); the 205/50/16's come out at 24.1, so a little shorter. Approved rim sizes for the 215/50/16 is 6" to 7.5", so OK there.

I know that the 215 is offered by Mini on the 17" rims, so I don't think that I'd have any rub issues, and because the o.d. is so close to the stock size the speedo etc. would remain fairly accurate. Is there any reason not to go to the 215 size? Will the sidewall be too flexible at that height? Would the 205/50's be a better overall choice? Am I splitting hairs here?

thanks again

greg v.