I'd like to know everyone's opinions as to which street tires (maybe list 3 to 5 in order of better to worse performance) have better dry handling capabilities than the Eagle GS-D3's. If size of tire is important then assume 215/40 or 45/17's. Otherwise, just want to hear general opinions about brands and models.

Thanks

 

RE92 - worst of the worst in wet or dry...but used often as OE tires for its durability.

can't beat the RE92's in worstness.... minihune, comments?

 

better dry grip than Eagle GS-D3's? theres not a lot. I'd say:

Yes:

-Yokohama Advan Neova
-Falken Azenis RT 615
-Bridgestone RE-01R
-R-compounds

Maybe:
-Hankook z212 RS2
-Khumo Ecsta MX

 

If I were to buy tires today, I would get the Bridgestone RE-01-R in 205/45-17.

 

I've heard the Falken 615's are better in dry.

-Cody

 

i also hear Falken are all crap.

 

Just go to tirerack and look at the ratings ... all the info is there from a large sample size

 

I'm leaning that way as well

maybe, but some of us actually drive in the rain too

 

NOT Kumho Ecsta Supra SPT's or 712's!

Love my GS D3's!

_Dave_

 

Huh...I wonder why the Bridgestones RE01R's never popped up on my searches at Tirerack...those might have been better suited to my needs...

But, Im glad there are GS-D3 fans out there

 

Anyone know about Nitto INVO's? I saw them on a Mini today.

 

Invo's are supposed to be nice. I've had GS-D3's on a few cars and Ecsta SPT. I'd like to try something new

 

It's settled then! You have been nominated to be the official Mini INVO tester.

 

I've got the Goodyear Eagle F1's on my baby - they are super awesome for wet or dry (I'm talking rails regardless). However, I made the "mistake" of using them during winter in Chicago - not smart...made it out alive, but they're basically asking for an accident in snow.

My friend just got all season F1's for his WRX...he loves them in the wet and dry. If they're awesome during the snow too, chances are that's what I'll change to...if not, blizzaks and summer F1's all the way!!

 

awesome! PM me for the paypal address for donations and I'll buy as soon as I have at least half the cost

 

If we all kick in (?) a small amount you shouldn't have to pay at all! What will a set run you?

 

I will contribute $1! Check or cash?

 

If you're actually serious, why do you say that???


If you serious about dry grip, not noise or durability or ride comfort, then look at what the national level autocrossers are using in STS/STX/STU/STS2 since the rules for those classes require real street tires (defined by treadwear of at least 140) and dry grip is all they (we) care about. No Goodyears, but lots of Azenis. The Bridgestone RE-01R is also looking very good on initial tests. Some folks are using the Hankooks or Khumo MX, but they are generally shaved to work well. Yok Neova is also up there for larger diameter wheels.

Scott
90SM

 

That might work, anyone else?

 

Yokohama Advan Neovas are used on the Lotus Elise. So you know they have to be very, very sticky. I wonder what a new Cooper S would be like with a set?

 

So are Yokohama A048s. On a MINI, they are fantastic on the street and pretty decent autocrossing. The only real drawback is they won't last long and they aren't cheap. I didn't count these as street tires, even though I did put about 3000 street miles on a set last year. The grip levels of the A048s are way above any of the tires listed above.

Scott
90SM

 

3k miles is the life expectancy of A048's? I was looking at those as well.

 

Eagle F1 GS-D3s are awfully good.

Any tires that are going to be better for dry handling might be-
Not as long lasting.
Cost more.
Give up some comfort.
Generate a bit more road noise
Not available in MINI friendly sizes
Not available at tirerack.com

Some possibles (you'll have to check sizes for your needs)-

Extreme Performance Summer tires (some very good choices)
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...ay.jsp?type=EP
Bridgestone Potenza RE-01R
Yokohama Advan Neova AD07
Kumho Ecsta MX
BF Goodrich g-Force T/A KD

Max Performance Summer tires
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...ay.jsp?type=MP
Bridgestone Potenza RE050A Pole Position
Michelin Pilot Sport PS2
Yokohama ADVAN Sport
Falken Azenis ST-615
Hankook Z212

Ultra High Performance Summer tires
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...y.jsp?type=UHP
BF Goodrich g-Force T/A KDW2

Competition tires (used on the street)
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...lay.jsp?type=C
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup
Kumho Victoracers
Toyo Ra1
BF Goodrich g-Force R1
Yokohama A048
Pirelli PZero Corsa/ Corsa System (18" only)

The exception to the rule is in
Ultra High Performance All Season tires-
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...jsp?type=UHPAS
Not saying that these are the ultimate in grip but they are darn good- depends on your needs.
Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS
Yokohama ADVAN S.4.

 

I've run a set of Falken RT-615s for 15k miles, paid around 500.00 for the 4 mounted, balanced, etc. Have a track day and a few long drives on them... couldnt be happier... great performance tire, great price, and decent wear considering the hard miles.

I'll be getting a new set as soon as they arrive at my local tire shop.

 

No, that's just about how many street miles I put on my set. I primarily autocrossed on them. They should last longer on the street, but will never be high-mileage tires. They are too soft for that.

Scott
90SM