Help JT find summer meats!

[JohnnyT]

So, I've come to the realization that I know dick about tires. I've narrowed down my wheels (finally), and looking at tires now it seems a 225/40/18 should be about what I need - and coincidentally one of the cheaper sizes for 18s. So now...what tires?

I know a buddy who works at Discount Tire and I can probably swing a little deal, but not much. I know I want a high performance tire because I already have winter covered. It looks like the Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3s have a $50 mail in rebate right now, and are $200/ea. I've heard some great reviews, but I want to keep my options open. I know I can't expect great tread life, but something around 20,000 miles shouldn't be unreasonable for the way I drive.

So, throw out opinions on the Eagles, and other tires and I'll research a bit more. I am open to other sizes, as long as price is accommodating too.

Spring can't come soon enough!

 

[dmention7]

The F1 GS-D3s are a great tire. I owned them previously on my MSP and loved the way they gripped wet or dry. IIRC, the tread life was surprisingly good also.

 

[ZoomZoom Diva]

The F1 GS-D3s are a great tire. I owned them previously on my MSP and loved the way they gripped wet or dry. IIRC, the tread life was surprisingly good also.

I have them as my summer tires on the 6 and love them too... I would estimate my treadlife at over 45,000 miles with a few track events a year.

How long is the rebate good for?

 

[JohnnyT]

Taken from Discount Tire's website:

Between February 2nd and February 28th, 2009, receive up to a $50 Mail-in Rebate when you purchase select sets of four Goodyear tires.

 

[dmention7]

If those fit your budget, I'd say go for it.

 

[DrWebster]

All I can offer is that Goodyear is dead to me. I'd recommend any of the Michelin Pilot series.

 

[shadyspeed3]

here is your list!

http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/to...rc=MNMINT&cs=225&fclr=&cf=false&fcb=&sw=false

i run a nitto neogen in this size and have had them for a year and should be able to get two more seasons out of them even with a BIR track event day on them. possibally 3 more, but i have also fallen in love with track racing and plan on going two times a year or we'll see.

ive put 25,000 on these tires already and only rotated them once. they still look awesome for tread depth. the neogen really impressed me as far as handling as well very steady and quite. throwing me spd3 in the big turns at 125mph on the track and the tires barely barked at all. wet handling is ok as well. i got my set for $600 even cash from discount tire in coon rapids.

there is my opinion for you from a satisified buyer!

 

[JohnnyT]

^ Those have gotten some dang good reviews too. I can save a decent chunk of change if I go with those as well. Based on some reviews they were on a lot of economy cars such as Accords, Civics, Passats, etc. but you seem to really like them too and you're pushing more power than me.

 

[Z-licious]

Kumho Ecsta SPT offers great bang for your buck:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/testDisplay.jsp?ttid=4

I paid a little over $100 for mine and I have no complaints. I've got almost 20k on mine and they still have some life left.

 

[AJ]

you should srap your wheel plans and buy my old ones for $525.

Of, and rock G Force TA's, mmmm LOVED them!

 

[Picklz]

I have the NeoGen's as well and I have nothing but good things to say about them. They are pretty quiet, and have held on more than once coming through corners quite a bit faster than I would have liked. I have around 25k on mine right now and could get another summer out of them.

 

[JohnnyT]

Noyce! I'm pricing out a few options, but I'm leaning towards the Nitto Invo's right now. I'll fill you guys in when I know more.

 

[JohnnyT]

Well, that was quick. After I heard back from pricing..it's settled:

TSW Nogaro's - 18x8 with a 40 offset (these pics show 19s):

Wrapped in Nitto Invo 225/40s:

And with the $ I'll be saving over the Eagle F1s, I can afford the H&R springs...for this stance (coil overs just weren't in the budget - replaced by the COBB AccessPORT):

WOOT!!

 

[shadyspeed3]

HAHA! i like how every mazda looks good with rx8 wheels except the rx8!

 

[mndsm]

So true.

 

[spek1098]

From my research, the new Dunlops are the best summer tire out there right now if dry traction is your #1 concern