New Tire Time, need an opinion

[rick2443]

Got a deal on a set of General AS-03 tires, does anyone have an opinion on these? For my '70 911E, please let me know what you think or any suggestions. thanks, Rick.

[rgoodrich]

Cheap tires perform cheaply. You get the performance you pay for. It never ceases to amaze me that some on this forum flagellate about which brake fluid or type of steering wheel, spending hours and hours wrenching and thousands of dollars on performance mods , then put 2nd or third rate tires on their vehicle. Sell the Generals and go to TireRack. You won't be sorry.

[Quicksilver]

The one single most important item to determine the performance of a sports car is the tires. Period.
Suspension? That feeds the tires.
Brakes? That slows via the tires.
Engine? That accelerates via the tires.

If you don't care about sportiness then a cheap tire will work. (But a Yugo would work in that instance too...) If you do care about the handling then don't settle for anything except the grippiest tire you can find.

[DRACO A5OG]

+1, it depends on intended use. I assume yours is a economy commute only or weekend driver with no canyon carving then your choice is fine.

[grizzfan]

As someone suggested above, I went to TireRack and found not too many recommendations for our older Porsches (mine's a '73T) with smaller wheel dimensions. I settled on a set of Kumhos as they looked fairly aggressive and fit my budget. I don't do track or race my car but these tires seem to grip pretty well on limited fast cornering that I do and they perform well on the highway.

Tom

[rick2443]

OK, what would you think about Kuhmo ECSTA 4X (these are similar to what I am replacing and I thought they were pretty good IMO) or Dunlop Direzza DZ102.

[widgeon13]

[jdbunda]

I am in something of the same boat with my '72, looking for replacement tires right now - the ones that came on my car look new, but Yoko discontinued the tire 8 years ago, so I will likely replace them.

widgeon13, I have been running the Conti DWs on my '86 with 16s, and agree they are great especially for the price. Doing it over again, I might spring for the Bridgestone RE11s, but it is hard to beat the DW bang-for-buck.

The OP doesn't mention if he needs 15s or 16s, or the wheel width(s) or tire size he is looking for. When I searched Tire Rack recently for 15s for my '72, neither the Contis nor the Bridgestone RE11 were available in a compatable size. I did find RE11s in 205/55-15 on another site, which I think would be a good choice for a high performance summer tire for an early car with 15x7s. The Dunlop Star Specs have a good rep also.

If one is looking for OEM size (i.e. 195/70-15 or whatever tall-and-narrow they used back then, the choices in a modern high performance tread/compound are nearly nonexistent.

[rick2443]

I'm replacing 225-50-16 rear and 205-55-16 front,

[rick2443]

Do you think these DWs are better than the Dunlops?

[brianlay]

I just bought a set of Bridgestone RE-11s in those sizes from Tirerack.
Just fine for a street tire

[grizzfan]

Rick2443 asks:

OK, what would you think about Kuhmo ECSTA 4X (these are similar to what I am replacing and I thought they were pretty good IMO) or Dunlop Direzza DZ102.

I'm not near my Porsche but the ECSTA rings a bell and I've had good luck with them. I cannot offer an opinion on any other brand.

Best,

Tom

[irobertson]

Another vote for RE-11s. I'm super impressed with mine.

[spidklr]

Maybe irrelevant but I have those Conti DWs on another car that is both a daily driver and occasional track day car, and I'm very, very happy with them. Great grip but also long wearing.

[spidklr]

My 911 has the Kumho Ecsta LX Platinum, because there were only two available choices in R15's - that or Pirellis that were outside my budget

[Dubbin']

Originally Posted by rick2443

I'm replacing 225-50-16 rear and 205-55-16 front,

Go with the Conti DW's hands down. RE-11 are great tires but I figure you are somewhat on a budget are are not looking for the most aggressive tire with good wear. You will get all of that with the DW's. RE-11's are just a slight bit more aggressive, more expensive and wear quicker. Both awesome tires and ages better than the generals you were considering...

Mark

[rick2443]

Just ordered the Conti DWs, 730.00 all in. Thanks for all of your thoughtful advise. I will let you know how they are, thanks, Rick.