Can any size other than the stock size fit on the GP wheels? I need tires and I only see three tires on tire rack. I'm pretty sure you guys aren't only using three different tires....

 

215/40x18 is a good fit, slightly wider than stock, no clearance problems. Lots of good tire choices in that size, too. Suggest you not go to 215/35x18 unless you like a bone-jarring, filling-loosening ride that will lower the car.

 

Thanks for the info and the quick response!

 

^^That is prolly the best size!^^

 

Thats what I'm running! Get the Kuhmo V12 Evo! They're great tires!

 

I also would suggest 215/40-18.
I am currently using the Hankook V12s.
I have previously used the Toyo T1R but that has been replaced by the T1 Sport which I wanted to try last time I got tires but it was on back-order.

 

Kuhmo makes a V12 Evo??

I run Hankook's Ventus V12 Evo's on my full JCW cabriolet. (215/40-18's) I drive it hard and fast and they perform great and don't rub. Car and Driver tested them and some other popular tires a while back and the Hankooks took 2nd place. 1st place were the Dunlop Dirrazos (sp?). but the Dunlops didn't come in the sizes I needed.

 

You know what I mean. I mixed up two Korean tires...hahahah. Just like the Goodyear Pilot Sport Cups...

 

Hey everyone,
I have been wanting to comment on this post for about two months now. I requested membership in mid April, and got approved about a week ago.

Anyways a few things. I went for the Hanook 215/40-18 's that I got for $120 a piece. Run flats were two expensive and wore too quickly. I was also hoping something with more of a sidewall would be stickier on the corners.

The install went great and there is absolutely no rubbing. I had the run flats since 2009, with worn tread for a few years as well, and was itching for something new. I appreciated the run flats as it truly did stick the car to the road during high speed maneuvers, but was a liability for high speed cornering.

However, I find the 40's to be a bit spongy. Right after I got them, super spongy, and now I am used to them, but I defintely will be trying 35's next time.

NC_Trackrat who mentioned that 35's would be bone-jarring is funny. I mean common, even if you have switched since, you must have gotten the GP with run flats on them in the first place. Now that's bone jarring. I destroyed a steering column here in California when they were resurfacing the highways (leaving the cement bridges a bit higher than the replaced tar). Luckily the warranty took care of it!

 

I found the Hankook's to be very greasy when new. That might be the spongy feeling not really sidewall flex. It was about 500 miles and an Auto-X before the tires felt normal.
I have had two sets of Hankooks and both sets were very weird (spongy) feeling when new.

 

It's too bad direzza star specs don't come in out size. I'm also running Hankooks because they came with the GP. But my star specs on my old R53 handled like a dream. I think they spoiled me on how summer performance tires should feel.

 

My guess would be that the Michelin Pilot Super Sport would be the stickiest tire and prolly stiffest sidewall in the 215/40-18 size as well.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....omCompare1=yes

 

$$$$

 

donjumpsuit, I'm sorry that you're not happy with your V12's. The majority of users really like them. I plan on installing a set on my 993 C2S. A word of caution on the 35's: Yes, they'll be stiffer but you'll feel every pothole and manhole cover, you'll dread speedbumps and low driveways...but you'll look cool!

 

Thanks for the responses.
I don't think I am too unhappy with the Hanooks. Let's just say I appreciate the feedback in this forum that helped make my decision in moving away from the runflats. I love the feel of the runflats, but I really think I blew through the tread in about 3-5k miles, which is unacceptable.
That being said (about the Pilot Sports), if I wanted to pay $1200 in tires, I would have gone back to the run flats. $525 for everything for the Hanooks really was a nice price.
Lastly, I agree with quikmni in that they were spongy at first, and since have hardened up. I will continue to monitor the feel, but I am not afraid of a hard ride!~ I still slow down entering and exiting areas, even though the Hanooks give me quite a bit more lift over the worn runflats.

 

Just weighing in, I have run both 215-35R-18 and 215-40R-18, and I don't find the 35's to be that much bumpier. They are a bit twitchy at times, and surprised me once. Lots of grab. Bridgestone Potenza 35's is what I currently have. I like them, but I feel like I'm wearing them out fast.

 

I just installed a set of Michelin Pilot Super Sports in the OEM size and can't say enough about how good they are. Very good balance of grip, steering response, comfort, and quiet ride. Great summer street tire.

 

On a very timely note, just received the August 2012 Car and Driver this evening, which includes an 8 page comparison on summer performance tires.

 

I don't want to create a new thread and I figure it'd be a quick answer. Can anyone tell me how the finish on a GP wheel is suppose to be? My thought is that it is flat black with a machine finished aluminum face and ring. But I googled and read that certain people call the ring chrome? I'm asking because the clear coat is starting to come off on the GP wheels and I'd like to get them redone.

 

The lip is machine finished aluminum with clear coat.
I am also having problems with the clear coat chipping off on the lip. In my case the clear coat gets damaged (crushed) during tire removal/installs then starts to flake off.