Need tires for 16"x7,8 - need your input

[tshort]

I know this question gets asked a lot, so I did a search and found some threads about it and read them. One responder posted up that the question is not so simple to answer unless there is a bit more info provided by the requestor:

How short of a tire life is acceptable?
How will you use the car?
If you are going to seriously lean on the car what percentage of your driving time will come under the heading of, "Flogging it"?
Will you drive it in adverse weather conditions?

Seems like a reasonable ask, so here's my response to those questions:

Car will see an occassional A-X, but that is not what I want to set it up for. I like driving it in the twisties hard (used to be a DE instructor), and getting it to do what a 911 does well - corner!

There will be the occassional roadtrip where we put more than 100 miles on it in one day, but mostly it's day tripping and enjoying the car. So flogging percentage would be around 70-80%, I'd guess.

Adverse weather is avoided - if the sun isn't shining car stays in bed. Fortunately here in NorCal there are lot of sunny days to play with, especially in the summer.

Tire life isn't that important to me since I don't put on more than around 3k per year, if that. Tires will usually end up dying of old age before they're worn out.

Sidewall stiffness is important to me - the 15" set I have on now is great on freeway rides, but terrible in the twisties - too mushy, too much sidewall roll. So definitely looking for something that will handle well.

On the other hand, I don't want something that is so noisy that it is annoying (personally I haven't had an issue with tire noise before, so I'm not sure what that is even like).

I searched Tire Rack and there about 40 combinations in the 225/50, 205/55 sizes at V-rating or better. I've read good things about Direzzas and Xaltos, and many others. Any advice/experiences from this group would be most appreciated, and will be used to help me make my decision.

Thanks!

Tom

[kyle242gt]

Hi Tom -

I really liked the Star Specs on my E36M3; comfortable, quiet, amazing traction, good in the wet, didn't overheat on track days.
I'd also look at the Ventus RS3

I tend to shop by UTQG and find the best bang (lowest treadwear) for the price.

[mclmk8d]

Continental Extreme Contact DW: great tire, handles well, quiet, wet and and dry traction excellent

[rattlsnak]

Toyos RA1s in full depth. 245/225s sounds perfect for your mission..

[tshort]

Toyos sound a little aggressive. Or?

[rattlsnak]

Well, they fit your description perfectly. I have them on mine with basically the exact same use as you describe.

[tshort]

Well, they fit your description perfectly. I have them on mine with basically the exact same use as you describe.

Ok. Altho I'm aiming for 205 and 225 according to tire guy for 7s and 8s.

[djcdmv]

Love my Dunlop Direzza StarSpecs if they are still available. Very sticky.

[nineball]

Originally Posted by tshort

Ok. Altho I'm aiming for 205 and 225 according to tire guy for 7s and 8s.

i'm no tire expert but i run 205/225 on my 6&7s, i would think you could easily fit something bigger on the 8s.

[930chef]

I agree with Rattlesnake. When I got my 75 with rs spec 2.7 with pmo's and full cage it came with RA1s. I replaced them with ventus and the dunlops, and I couldn't wait to get back to toyos.
Absolutely no comparison. I almost went with Federal 595 rs-r.....and I might next time, half the price of RA1s, and I haven't read a poor review yet...BUT the RA1s rock!
Kevin

[rattlsnak]

Originally Posted by tshort

Ok. Altho I'm aiming for 205 and 225 according to tire guy for 7s and 8s.

they say that because they cant find 245s for the rear.. with 7 & 8s, you need 225/245s..

[donporfi]

Agree with Rattlsnak
I am on my fourth set of Toyos RA1 225/50/16 and 245/45/16 according to Toyo specs 7 and 8 wheels are the best recommended size.

[tshort]

Where do you Toyo guys get your tires from? Tirerack doesn't list them.

[rattlsnak]

Hoosier, Toyo, and Hankook Road-Racing Tires From Appalachian Race Tire

and then:

Toyo Road-Race Tires

[donporfi]

Sorry I cannot help, I buy from Toyo in Mexico