TIRE ADVICE FOR 205/50/16 SUMMER
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 863
Likes: 0
From: UNCC area of Charlotte, NC
Interesting update on my S03s. They were shipped as promised to the local installer, who, at 7pm tonight managed to BREAK the head off his tire mounting machine (don't know the real name if there is one), and b/c it was too late get a replacement, my MINI is sitting in their garage till morning!
Not disparaging anybody, just the wacky stuff that happens, and it's actually testimony that these sidewalls are STIFF! (They didn't want to use a metal head b/c it can gouge the wheels, and apparently the black plastic heads are more durable than the red.)
So...if you're getting your tires mounted, tell 'em to use the black head! ;-)
Track day is Sat/Sun, next update after that. (I hope!)
Not disparaging anybody, just the wacky stuff that happens, and it's actually testimony that these sidewalls are STIFF! (They didn't want to use a metal head b/c it can gouge the wheels, and apparently the black plastic heads are more durable than the red.)
So...if you're getting your tires mounted, tell 'em to use the black head! ;-)
Track day is Sat/Sun, next update after that. (I hope!)
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 265
Likes: 0
From: Pope AFB
Interesting update on my S03s. They were shipped as promised to the local installer, who, at 7pm tonight managed to BREAK the head off his tire mounting machine (don't know the real name if there is one), and b/c it was too late get a replacement, my MINI is sitting in their garage till morning!
Not disparaging anybody, just the wacky stuff that happens, and it's actually testimony that these sidewalls are STIFF! (They didn't want to use a metal head b/c it can gouge the wheels, and apparently the black plastic heads are more durable than the red.)
So...if you're getting your tires mounted, tell 'em to use the black head! ;-)
Track day is Sat/Sun, next update after that. (I hope!)
Not disparaging anybody, just the wacky stuff that happens, and it's actually testimony that these sidewalls are STIFF! (They didn't want to use a metal head b/c it can gouge the wheels, and apparently the black plastic heads are more durable than the red.)
So...if you're getting your tires mounted, tell 'em to use the black head! ;-)
Track day is Sat/Sun, next update after that. (I hope!)
You'll enjoy them, they are one awesome tire
4th Gear
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 461
Likes: 1
From: Magnolia, Texas
I'm a bit late to this thread, but I agree with 90STX's recommendation of the Avon M500. I originally bought Toyo T1-S to go on my Volk wheels purely for light weight and grip. Unfortunately, the Toyos went from noisy when new to unbearably noisy near the end of their life. I swapped the Toyos out even before they got to the wear bars for a set of 205/50-16 Avon M500s which were chosen for their grip and quietness combination.
The Avons have become my favorite tire, and I put them on my wife's Mazda 3 a few months ago. When the Yokohama ES-100s are due for replacement on my Miata, I'll also change them out for the Avon M500s.
John
The Avons have become my favorite tire, and I put them on my wife's Mazda 3 a few months ago. When the Yokohama ES-100s are due for replacement on my Miata, I'll also change them out for the Avon M500s.
John
I polished off a set of Avon M500 in that size last year. They were used for street driving (90 mile round trip commute) and the occasional autocross (when it was too cold or too wet to use R compounds).
I was impressed with the tires. Before switching to a class that allowed R compounds I went through 6 sets of R215 Azenis on the same car. The Avons were a notch back in dry grip, but surprisingly close. They worked well in the rain, and were nice and quite (unlike the Azenis!). I had not intended to autocross them, but they did well for street tires and had good break-away characteristics.
I've also used S-03s but not on this car. I suspect the grip of the Avons is very similar to the Bridgestones. On that prior car, when I switched from 225/50-16 SO-3s to 215/45-16 R215 Azenis on the same 7.5" wheels the Falkens had slightly better lateral grip, despite being narrower.
Scott
90SM
I was impressed with the tires. Before switching to a class that allowed R compounds I went through 6 sets of R215 Azenis on the same car. The Avons were a notch back in dry grip, but surprisingly close. They worked well in the rain, and were nice and quite (unlike the Azenis!). I had not intended to autocross them, but they did well for street tires and had good break-away characteristics.
I've also used S-03s but not on this car. I suspect the grip of the Avons is very similar to the Bridgestones. On that prior car, when I switched from 225/50-16 SO-3s to 215/45-16 R215 Azenis on the same 7.5" wheels the Falkens had slightly better lateral grip, despite being narrower.
Scott
90SM
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 863
Likes: 0
From: UNCC area of Charlotte, NC
Final post
They are FANTASTIC! I just spent two days at Carolina Motorsports Park hustling around the track with 'vettes, 'stangs and Cobras and these tires grip like glue.
They've also dramatically improved the ride quality over the run flats, (I have a RSB and no suspension mods, and the run flats made it ride like a truck.)
As for Alex and Tire Rack, this is my first "big" Internet purchase, (I've never used eBay, not phobic, just old school ;-) ). Everything went great, shipped on time, accurate product, friendly installer, CHEAP prices for tires and install. I'm sold and you should be too! (No kick backs from Alex, just like to give credit where it's due--remember, I'm old school.)
They are FANTASTIC! I just spent two days at Carolina Motorsports Park hustling around the track with 'vettes, 'stangs and Cobras and these tires grip like glue.
They've also dramatically improved the ride quality over the run flats, (I have a RSB and no suspension mods, and the run flats made it ride like a truck.)
As for Alex and Tire Rack, this is my first "big" Internet purchase, (I've never used eBay, not phobic, just old school ;-) ). Everything went great, shipped on time, accurate product, friendly installer, CHEAP prices for tires and install. I'm sold and you should be too! (No kick backs from Alex, just like to give credit where it's due--remember, I'm old school.)
Well, I've had the new wheels (Rota slipstreams) and tires (Nitto Neo Gens) for a few days now and I must say that they are really a nice combo. The wheels with the tires weigh 35 lbs so I dropped another 5lbs per corner. I'm just getting use the feel of these tires and up until today have taken it pretty easy on them. Today I gave them a little work out and I'm very impressed with the Nitto's. They are a different feel then the 18's because of the tall side wall but they really felt planted to the ground. This wheel and tire combo added to my new sway bar, pulley,intake and exhaust that were just installed after Christmas really brings it all together. I still love my 18's but I'll be wearing the Rota's when I head to AMVIV next week.
5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 644
Likes: 0
From: Herndon, VA
one the reasons the f1 costs more could be the higher tread life...
they do last significantly longer
3rd Gear
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 169
Likes: 0
From: Browns Valley, CA
Updates?
It's been about 8 months since this thread was active. Anyone want to give an update on the tire choice they made?
I just purchased the Nitto Neogen VR 205/50/16 to go on my V spokes. My last two sets were the F1's and I loved them. I got 45,000 on the first set and 30,000 with 6 track days on the second set. I recently got a set of track wheels and tires. 949racing wheel 15x8 with Nitto NT-01's 225/45/15. So the Neogen set will be for daily driving. At half the price of the F1's I can't imagine that I will be disapointed with thier performance since I drive safe and sane on the road. I save the go fast stuff for the track.
I just purchased the Nitto Neogen VR 205/50/16 to go on my V spokes. My last two sets were the F1's and I loved them. I got 45,000 on the first set and 30,000 with 6 track days on the second set. I recently got a set of track wheels and tires. 949racing wheel 15x8 with Nitto NT-01's 225/45/15. So the Neogen set will be for daily driving. At half the price of the F1's I can't imagine that I will be disapointed with thier performance since I drive safe and sane on the road. I save the go fast stuff for the track.
I went with Nitto Neo Gens in a 205/50/16. Love them ! They are very sticky and they were very inexpensive. I would highly recomend them !
It's been about 8 months since this thread was active. Anyone want to give an update on the tire choice they made?
I just purchased the Nitto Neogen VR 205/50/16 to go on my V spokes. My last two sets were the F1's and I loved them. I got 45,000 on the first set and 30,000 with 6 track days on the second set. I recently got a set of track wheels and tires. 949racing wheel 15x8 with Nitto NT-01's 225/45/15. So the Neogen set will be for daily driving. At half the price of the F1's I can't imagine that I will be disapointed with thier performance since I drive safe and sane on the road. I save the go fast stuff for the track.
I just purchased the Nitto Neogen VR 205/50/16 to go on my V spokes. My last two sets were the F1's and I loved them. I got 45,000 on the first set and 30,000 with 6 track days on the second set. I recently got a set of track wheels and tires. 949racing wheel 15x8 with Nitto NT-01's 225/45/15. So the Neogen set will be for daily driving. At half the price of the F1's I can't imagine that I will be disapointed with thier performance since I drive safe and sane on the road. I save the go fast stuff for the track.
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 852
Likes: 0
From: Aurora, IL
I've been running the Nitto NeoGens for the past 6,000 miles, and have been very pleased with them. I used them at a track day at Road America last month, and they were very grippy and confidence inspiring. After 35 laps (4.1 miles per lap), they were showing some wear, but that's to be expected from a long 14 turn high speed road course. They have been good in the rain (no hyrdroplaning), but are a bit slick when it's cold and wet (today it's 40's and raining) when trying to accelerate. I don't notice any tire noise, and they seem to be wearing very gently (aside from the track weekend abuse).
At this point, I have no hesitation in recommending them, and I'd be very likely to purchase another set when the time comes. I will not be using them in the winter, even though they do have a M&S rating. Just looking at the tread and lack of siping tells me that it likely wouldn't do too well in the snow.
At this point, I have no hesitation in recommending them, and I'd be very likely to purchase another set when the time comes. I will not be using them in the winter, even though they do have a M&S rating. Just looking at the tread and lack of siping tells me that it likely wouldn't do too well in the snow.
To be honest, I don't get to put too many miles on them since they're on my second set of wheels that I use for long trips and the twisty's. My daily wheels and tires are 18" Enkie's on Pirelli Pzero's.
One other thing I love about them is that they don't tremmel on the freeway as my Pirelli Pzero Neros do. The PZero's squirm all over the road pushing my car side to side on the grooves of the freeway.
One other thing I love about them is that they don't tremmel on the freeway as my Pirelli Pzero Neros do. The PZero's squirm all over the road pushing my car side to side on the grooves of the freeway.
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