Tire choices...again! AVS ES100/Tech M500

[jwill911]

It's time for new tires for my `87 Carrera. I currently have Yoko AVS Intermediates 205/55 16 (f) on 7s and 245/45 16 (r) on 9s. I was pretty much decided on Yoko AVS ES100 in the same size until I got carried away reading the feedback on TireRack. I already experienced what sounds like wheel bearing noise after 8-10K miles of wear with the AVS Sports a couple of years ago, some of the user reviews indicate the same problem exists with the ES100. Now I leaning towards the Avon Tech M500. In the comparison they look like a great tire for the money, which is a concern for me. I will drive these nearly 100% on the street. Any of yous guys have anything to say +/- about either choice.

Here's the Tirerack comparison chart:

[Brother]

I had both. I like the Avon's much better for both street and autocross. They wear much better than the Yokohamas did too.

[Bearded Viking]

Sounds like what I'm about to go through. Soon, I will be running 7x16s up front\9x16s in the back, and I have been trying to decide on which 245\45\16 brand I'm going to go with (not like there are a ton of choices out there).

I was looking at the Hankook, ES100s, Falkens...

Not ready to pull the trigger yet, but researching like crazy right now. Street driving only....for now.

[Halm]

Same thing here, 245/45X16. Initially went with the Avon's based on price, chart data and Tire Rack recommendation. I had them about 3 weeks and was never really happy. They never "felt right." I used TR's 30 Day Test Drive option and sent them back for Bridgestone RE750's. I am now much happier with them.

[Bearded Viking]

jwill911, have you looked into the Bridgestone RE750's? I realize they are a little more coin.

Are the Bridgestone RE750's replacing the S03's?

[IROC]

I have a set of the ES100s on my car now. They're actually great street tires for the money. I've had AVS Intermediates in the past and I'd say that the ES100s are just as good, really. The only place I've been disappointed with the ES100s is on the track, but they're not track tires...

Mike

[Rick V]

I run the es100's and the biggest gripe I have against them is the way they (don't ) handle uneven paving surfaces. Where I live it can be an issue.
I like them enough to be a repeat buyer.

[450knotOffice]

I've got AVS ES 100's on my 996 and S03's on my "84. I'm a big fan of the SO3's but they are super expensive. The ES 100's are only OK in my opinion. My biggest gripe so far is that they are LOUD on the highway. When these wear out I'll probably look for another tire.

[Oh Haha]

I have the Fuzions and they are a great tire. Good dry traction and if you get caught in the rain, good wet traction. Can't beat the price.

[jwill911]

Bearded Viking,

The Bridgestone RE750 is the other tire the TireRack Rep recommended as one step up from the Avon. And the Fuzion ZRi second to the Avon. He said the ES100s are gettting to be old technology for tires. I'm still undecided at this point, $520 for the Bridgestone compared to $350 for the Avon for close specs. The Bridgestone should wear better "340" compared to "280.

Decisions, decisions:

[rs6er]

Originally posted by jwill911
Bearded Viking,
The Bridgestone should wear better "340" compared to "280.

It is my understanding that the wear rating is only to be considered as a rating of one manufacturer's tire line— not to compare different manufacturer's tires.
By the way, I have the Avons and like them but haven't tried the others, so I can't compare them.

[SLO-BOB]

I've used the ES100s on two 911s. I have been happy with both applications. I like them quite a bit more than the AVS ints I've had which wear very fast. The ES 100s are quiet, grip well in wet and dry, and are comfortable. A solid choice. I've also used them at the track. Not ideal, but not an embarrassment either.

The Avons sound nice. I wouldn't mind trying them too.

[bmgmd]

Just as an FYI, the rears in size 245/45 have steel sidewall inserts (I'm assuming that this in addition to whatever is on the other sizes). Not all the ES100s have this. It helps with the rear stiffness. Another argument for the ES100s.

Not sure about the other tires.

http://www.yokohamatire.com/pdf/avses100.pdf

Brian

[Bearded Viking]

How about Toyo Proxes T1r's - 245\45\16?

Going for $116 at edgeracing.

Can anyone chime in with feedback on these please?

[Tim Hancock]

I have the Avons on my SC (205/55-15 frt, 225/50-16 rear). They grip well in both wet and dry condiditions. I like the way they look as they are more block tread looking than some of the newer spiral looking tires (what can I say, I am "old school"). My only issue after about 10,000 miles is that the rears are showing significant wear in the centers due probably to my higher pressure that I have been running back there.

[chuckr]

I also have the Toyo's T1-R's
I was wondering why no one else ran these tires. I like 'um
I ran the ES100's before, liked 'um, but was concerned about
the wear. Decided to try the Toyo's....I'm happy with them.
I do not drive in the rain and no autocrossing but I have
a lowered car and do some very spirited country road
driving.
Chuck

[anthony]

For a garage queen 911 I say go all out on tires and get the best you can get. You are probably only buying tires every 5 years anyway so you might as well get the best super sticky tires you can find. For an extra $300 over 3-5 years it's worth the money to me.

If it's a daily driver and you are racking up the miles or you need snow performance then maybe a cheaper tire or an all-season tire makes sense.

Personally I'd reject the Avon just because the tread looks like an all season tread. I know that is probably a dumb reason but I like an agressive looking tread on my 911. I think I'd go for the Toyo T1R or the Bridgestone 750.

It's surprising how few 245-45-16 sized tires there seems to be. There is a huge selection in the stock size of 225-50-16. Is 245-45 an odd ball size now?

[rs6er]

anthony-
I disagree. If you have a garage queen that you only drive in good weather, why spend a lot on tires that will only flat spot and dry out. Get cheap sticky tires and drive the h*ll out of them for a few years and then replace them with whatever technology has replaced them.
PS I like the look of the Avon 500 tread. Seems more in keeping with a classic than an F1 rain tire.

[subdewd]

not to complicate things but Iput hankook on my sc and think they're great. Previous had yoki avs, not happy with them, Prior had michelin xvgt? handled great but I felt every pebble on the road also poor in wet weather good luck

[wholberg]

I have the Yoko's on my 87 TurboLook Carrera. My impressions:

My previous set of tires were Dunlops and were bald in 10K miles. The ES100's have 8K miles on them and have worn about 30% in the rear and less than that in the front.

On those rare occasions where I drive spiritedly enough to break the tires loose, the ES100's are very predictable and fun to slide around corners. I am not saying they break loose easily, just that the Dunlops were stickier and not as predictable.

The ES100's are quieter than the Dunlops aned give a smoother ride.

I put 15-20K / year of street only driving on my car and the ES100's have been pleasant to ride on and trouble-free. I will buy another set of Yoko's when these wear out, but if I get into DE's or track driving, I will probably buy a second set of tires and wheels for the track.