What are some "good" tire choices for stock 3.2 Fuch wheels?

KFC911 · 04-25-2002, 11:04 AM

Hello everyone! I'm new around here having recently purchased an '88 coupe...and couldn't be happier! I'm looking for feedback on 'good' tire choices for my original wheels (which are painted the same color as the car since she's a "Commemorative Edition" and I want to keep 'em). So...what are some options for the fronts, 195/65 R15(s), and for 215/60 R15(s) on the rear? Although I'll never track/DE the car, I do want something with relatively 'high performance'. Thanks again for this board, and everyone's input...I've learned a LOT since I've been here...Keith

steve911 · steve911's Garage

Keith--
I like my Kumho Ecsta 712's a lot - best bang for the buck out there, IMO.
check the archives - there have been several threads on this recently.

Jack Olsen · 04-25-2002, 11:59 AM

The Bridgestone RE730's are also a good value. Pole Position S-03's if you want the best street tire and don't mind paying for it. The Kumho's are also very good, although I haven't driven on them.

Beyond that, there's the Yoko A032R, which is an R-compound tire that's 'de-tuned' for street use. It won't last as long as a good street tire, though, and won't behave very much like a track tire until you get it really hot, which is hard (and unsafe) to do on public roads.

Jgordon · 04-25-2002, 02:02 PM

I've heard great things about the Bridgestone Potenza SO2s and SO3s. I'm running old, hard, dry-rotted Yokohamas right now (P.O.'s choice) and I can't wait to make the change, but being prodigal, I am using what tread is left on my tires.

I'd be interested to know what you eventually go with, and what the results are.

Ilan · Ilan's Garage

I've got the Kuhmo Ecsta 712's, and they're great. So far, I've got about 6500 miles on them, and they still look new. I'm strictly into aggressive street driving along the Utah mountain twisties, and have the speeding tickets to prove it.

My mechanic thinks anything except Michelin Pilots is "trash" (he tends to exagerate for effect). I haven't heard too much on this board about the Michelins, and am wondering if anyone here has any experience with them. I know they're more expensive, but I've heard they last longer. Just ordered the Michelins for my wife's Jaguar XK8, which ate its first set of Continentals in about 10,000 miles. Any thoughts?

old_skul · 04-25-2002, 03:07 PM

I've personally used the Yokohama AVS Sports, which are amazing tires in the wet or dry, but they run more than $150 each for 6 and 7 inch sizes.

I have also seen cars do quite well with AVS Intermediates, about half the price and probably 90% of the performance. Not sure about their cold-weather or wet performance.

dean · 04-25-2002, 05:19 PM

Dunlop SP 8000
Dean

KFC911 · 04-25-2002, 06:28 PM

Thanks everyone for your replies! If you would, could you let me know which specific sizes you're running front/back for some of these brands (and where you purchased them)? I had already read many of the threads here & on Rennlist, but after checking sizes on tirerack.com, I've been unable to find 'her' sizes in just about all of the ones that have been recommended (including a phone call to a tirerack rep.) The tire I was specifically inquiring about was the Bridgestone S-03, and upon enquiring about alternate sizes, was told there 'could' be potential clearance problems w/ the stock 3.2. Thanks...Keith

Jack Olsen · 04-25-2002, 07:12 PM

225/205 should be fine. What wheels are you running?

masraum · 04-25-2002, 11:46 PM

I think the problem might be that he's got 15" rims so all of the tires being mentioned may not exist in his appropriate sizes.

ChrisL · 04-26-2002, 01:20 AM

Indeed, the problem is that the only tires that come up in a tirerack.com search for that original size are Pirelli P6000s. I have 15 inch wheels on my 1986 coupe (7s and 8s) and these tires. I put them on the car over a year ago and have been very happy with them. My criteria, however, are more based on noise and ride than ultimate cornering. If you want more choices you will probably have to go to 16 inch wheels. I bought them from tirerack and had them mounted locally - the whole process worked great.

Chris.

KFC911 · 04-26-2002, 04:31 AM

Yes indeed, 15" rims seems to be the limiting factor in all of my searches...Unless I find a 'better' alternative, I'm probably going to go with the Pirelli P6000's. Thanks everyone!