Dunlop Direzza - When Winter is Summer

DJ911 · 05-07-2012, 11:57 PM

About to commit to new rubber for my 1970 911T with a 3.0.

Car is used as a daily driver, some spirited weekend driving and very occasional track day. I like a firm setup, so it has front and rear sway bars and I am about to upgrade the torsion bars and go with Koni sport shocks.

I am basically sold on the Dunlop Direzza Z1 Star Spec based on reviews I have read, however I have one niggling concern. These are marketed as 'Summer' tires. Now I happen to live (and drive) in the driest state of the driest continent. However it does still rain here in South Australia, actually quite a bit at times, but it certainly wouldn't be called cold by North American standards (California and southern states excluded).

Mean minimum temperature (Celsius) and rainfall (mm):

Car is a daily driver and is driven in the rain. Would never be on the road at freezing temperatures (essentially doesn't happen here - or if it ever did would be in the middle of the night and I would be in a car with better heating

)

So would the Dunlop Direzza 'Summer' tire be suitable all year round?

Cheers

DaveE · 05-08-2012, 01:32 AM

I've not had any problems with the Star Spec Direzza in the rain, even heavy rain. Only in near-freezing light slush. THEN I had a problem!

DJ911 · 05-08-2012, 03:30 AM

Thanks Dave.

Anybody else have experience with Direzza Star Specs in less than perfect weather?

Cheers

wildcat077 · wildcat077's Garage

I've driven them on the track in monsoon rain and i was totally surprised at the amount of grip and confidence they inspired ... matter of fact i just ordered another set to use as rain tires !

Cheers !
Phil

McLaren-TAG · McLaren-TAG's Garage

We had a very mild winter here in the US and I drove my car most weekends when it was dry. Basically no snow to speak of, but with temps in the 40f 4~5 C I had no problems, but I did let the them warm up a bit before I started pushing the car. They're also a good rain tire.

ruwoodbury · ruwoodbury's Garage

Both my son and I had sets of the Direzza tire. Great tire and very good in the rain. I had mine on a S2000 which was my three season DD--no problem in rain. In addition I auto crossed them in rain that turned to a deluge with good results.

Canada Kev · 05-08-2012, 04:44 AM

Great in the rain but not so much in cold temps - below 10C, be a little bit careful. Otherwise, fantastic grip.

dentist90 · dentist90's Garage

My experience with mine is to be very careful on water when they have become worn. My rears are close to the treadwear bars and on water the best way to describe the handling is treacherous. The manufacturer recommends against using them in near freezing temps as well. I have found that on a light frost in the autumn they are like slicks on grass: dangerous. But on dry roads... YAHOO!
Judging by your environment you will be quite happy with them.

KingSalmon911SC · 05-08-2012, 08:36 AM

+1 on what all the others have said. I have them on my 1980SC and will buy another set this summer. Great Tire!

Richard

mikehinton · mikehinton's Garage

I'll be putting my second set on my '87 Carrera soon. As others have said, they're great in the rain until they get close to the end of their life. I've even driven through some light snow with no problems, but in those conditions, you must be careful with throttle and steering inputs.

spuggy · 05-08-2012, 04:07 PM

All summer tires get more treacherous as they harden, I think. I had a set of Kumho Ecsta MXs that were fine with rain or frost on the windshield the first season - but just got scarier and scarier with each successive fall season until I figured they were done. They remained just fine in warm, dry weather...

I had to brake hard in heavy rain on the freeway driving to the track, cool weather; new Z1's with only a few 100 miles on them - they just stopped, no drama.

midnight911 · midnight911's Garage

starspec is in fact one of the least expensive performance tires...AND it is one of the best performing tires.
I live in 'sunny' Oregon and the tire does really well all year around.

another datapoint... most lemon and chump car racers wear starspecs. the races require DOT tires (means no R-compound) and they choose the brand. the race is held rain or shine. they use starspec all the way through.

Canada Kev · 05-08-2012, 08:37 PM

One possibly negative thing I found is that with the stiff sidewalls, they ride a bit harsh. Not a huge deal, but worth mentioning, I think.

DJ911 · 05-10-2012, 06:02 PM

Thanks all. I appreciate the feedback. Direzzas it is then.

chadloose · chadloose's Garage

Adding my recommendation. Had them on two different cars now, and just as pleased with them on the 911. Great in the Seattle rain.

bluetick · bluetick's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJ911

Thanks all. I appreciate the feedback. Direzzas it is then.

You've made a good choice. I've had a set of Direzzas on my car since November (not sure how many miles offhand). They were fine over the winter here - even in dry weather at or just below freezing. They've also been very good in the rain. I've put them through several autocross events as well as a couple of track weekends, and they have worn nicely and have plenty of life left in them. I will definitely consider purchasing them again when these wear out.