I need to replace my Parada Spec2s. I need tires for summer only. I really like the Paradas, but I'm not too keen on the wear and the noise. I have rotated these tires every 3K miles and they are pretty noisy. Also, I got about 15K miles on them. I'd like some tires that hold up well to spirited driving in dry weather. Wet is not such a big consideration. I'm basically looking for according to Tire Rack a "ultra high performance summer tiire", not max performance. I'd like to stay under $100 each. Size = 205/45-17

I'm looking at the following(in no particular order):
1) Dunlop Direzza DZ101
2) Kuhmo ECSTA SPT
3) Kuhmo EXSTA Supra 712
4) Kuhmo MX
5) Toyo Proxes 4
6)Avon Tech M550 A/S

The Avon Tech is all season, but I have heard good things..

All these tires come in right at the $100 price point. I really like the grip of the Parada Spec2s, but these tires got really loud with about 7000 miles on them.

Ideally, I'd like to get ~15K miles out of the new tires.

These are going on an '03 MCS with H-sport Springs and rear sway and mounted on Kosei Racing K1 Wheels.

Anything else I should consider. What do you experts recommend.

I've read through many of the posts and done searches on this forum, so I know many of the pros and cons, but I'd like one more go at hearing your recommendations before I make my final selection.

--Brian

 

i am going with toyo T1R's, a bit expensive but they will only be for summer use... the are costing me $150 each mounted and installed

 

I looked at all of those tires, narrowed it all down in my own way and declared the goodyear f1 gs d3 the winner. But that wasn't even on your list, so this post serves you no purpose. I apologize.

mb

 

The Yokohama ES 100's in 205/45-17's are a great tire and cost around $89 to $96 each. I use the 215/45-17's and payed $108 each in July.

Try The Tire Rack because they will drop ship to your local tire store to be mounted, that's what I do.

 

I only live ~120 miles from Tire Rack, so I get to go there and let them put them on for me and I don't pay shipping (but I do pay tax, so it's a wash). Also, my in-laws live about 15 miles from Tire Rack, so it's an excuse to visit.

I was thinking of the ES-100s, too. Thanks for the help.

 

I too will be going w/ toyo T1Rs.

 

From those tires, i'd go with either the Kumho MX's or the Avon NON ALL SEASON. Not sure if the Avon comes in the right size in the non all seasons though. The Kumho's have plenty of grip, but will tend to be a little louder. I replaced some Pilot Sports with the MX's and couldn't really notice much of a difference in performance. As far as the Avon's go, i can't give you first hand experience with them, but from everything I have read, you get a lot for your money.

What about Bridgestone S0-3's? They are a little quieter than something like a Pilot Sport, have a slight price advantage and offer a considerable amount of grip.

Also, if you live near tirerack, is it the Indiana place? They surely get a lot of snow around there, I hope you have some snows for the winter!!!

 

i have the SPt right now, i have about 50km of mileage on them but so far dry grip is good, wet grip is really good...

the only other tire i have full comparability is the RE750, which also does very very well... but just a tad more expensive.... for it's price i'd pay a bit more for GSD3s

 

These are more than I want to spend. I hear these are great!

 

Thanks for the info. I have heard the MX's can get a bit loud and that wear is in the 10-15k mile range.

I haven't looked at the S0-3's, I'll have to look them up.

And yes, I live in Michigan, relatively close to the South Bend, IN Tire Rack, and yes I have winter wheels. Just some 15" steelies with WinterSports.

 

I had a similar experience. Loved Spec IIs but only got 9k out of them. I am running Avon M500s now. they are not as grippy as spec IIs but they last longer. Highly recommended.

 

Just for your info...
I was quoted 127/tire, mounted and balanced from a local vendor.
Coming from 200+ a tire for my 330i, they seem fairly priced.
But if you are looking to stay under 100/tire, then that's where ya gotta be.
Sorry I can't be of any help.

 

I've heard so much good about these tires recently, that I may just decide to spring the extra $150 and get these. The debate continues. Thanks again for all the help folks.

 

I'd only consider the Kumho MX from that list. Maybe the Avon.

 

The T1-R seems to have the same tread pattern as the Proxe 4.

I am ordering the GY F1 today. GY is offering a $75 gas card so I calculated a set to be $457 (after the gas card arrives) plus shipping. That brings it into the range of the Kumho MX. Call Alex for more details.

 

Brian,

Sounds like you ruled out Max performance tires due to cost issues.
If you consider 215/40-17 tires in the Ultra High Performance Summer category from tirerack.com then the Avon Tech M500 makes sense considering your lowered suspension and budget. At $95 each it's a bargain .
http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=EZ3&url=/tires/Sizes.jsp&make=Avon&model=Tech+M500

The customer comments mention slightly heavier tire- 22 pounds in this size, and some noise (not always), & irregular wear on some tires.

If you wish to stay with stock 205/45-17 tires then the Avon Tech M550 gets good reviews for a reasonable price. You get longer tread wear as well.

--------------------

For those that shop for Toyo tires the T1R and Proxes 4 are different and prices reflect that.

Proxes 4 (All season Ultra High Performance tire)

Tread design features:
* (For appearance)
- Aggressive unidirectional tread design
- Unique "W-shape" tread pattern
- Unique "4" logo on tread elements
* (For wet and dry handling)
- Unidirectional tread design High angle tread grooves to evacuate water
- Paired shoulder blocks to increase cornering grip
- Curving center rib to enhance directional stability
(For all season traction)
- Unidirectional all-season tread design
- "Multi-Wave Sipes" in shoulder blocks
(For smooth quiet ride)
- "Multi-Wave Sipe" for reduced heel and toe wear
- Variable-pitch block tread pattern
300 tread wear Traction AA
In 205/45-17 Z speed rated and 21 pounds each

T1R which replaces the T1S (Ultra High Perf tire)

Tread design features:
(For appearance)
- Refined unidirectional tread pattern
- Optimized, low-profile design
(For dry performance)
- Rigid shoulder rib-bands that improve cornering
(For wet performance)
- New "Generation S" silica-reinforced tread compound with higher wet-u
- Refined V-shaped main grooves for improved resistance to aquaplaning
(For steering response)
- Rigid shoulder rib-bands that improve response
(For quiet smoother ride)
- Rigid shoulder rib-bands that reduce irregular wear
280 tread wear AA traction
In 205/45-17 Z speed rated and 20 pounds each

 

I've gone through 2 sets of Yoko ES100's now on my car... both only lasted 12k miles and they were on the wear bars. Besides that, they get loud as they wear. They stick great, though.

However, I don't believe that I'll be going that route again this time, especially not since my track tire budget has doubled (moved from RT-615 Azenis to r-compounds). I'd like to find something with good grip that lasts longer than 12k miles!

 

Jeff, can you provide some of your reasoning? I'm also considering the Kumho SPTs and the Toyo T1Rs....

_Dave_

 

All,

Thanks so much for all the comments and ideas.

I'm still in the internal debate stage, and I need to give Alex a call. Seems like I may be leaning to go a bit in price and look at the Toyo T1R and maybe I need to look at the GY F1 if they are throwing in a $75 gas card, I guess that about 2 fills at current gas prices .

 

Found something interesting to ask Alex about when you call him-
Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 come in two possible prices in 215/40-17 size.
One is on special at $99 each (in stock) and is Y speed rated and the other costs $144 each and is Z rated. Otherwise the 215/45-17 size is $133 each and might rub a little with a lowered MINI.
See
http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=EZ3&url=/tires/Sizes.jsp&make=Goodyear&model=Eagle+F1+GS-D3
The GS-D3 doesn't come in a 205/45-17 size.
The $75 gas card applies to any set of 4 GY tires.

 

Any set of F1 GS D3 and the Eagle HP Ultra Plus are eligible for $75.00 but other passenger tires are $50 or $25.

I ordered a set today. Tirerack will send a voucher in a week and then I need to fill it out and send to GY. Alex told me it's like a debit card.

And it's about 2 fillups..

 

You are correct about the MX wear. My tires have about 15k on them and they are loud! They sound like bad wheel bearings. I am sure it's the tires because I put on my former runflats and the car was silent. I am sure going to enjoy my new set after hearing all of that noise for so many miles.

 

Got my 75$ gas card voucher in the mail today for my GS-D3s!

mb