Well, after logging 300 miles after the Falken Ziex 512s were mounted here is my initial reviews….

Going wider and taller (245/45/17) is a great move for anyone looking to improve the overall ride of the 3G TL. Like I have mentioned before, I also have CompTech springs. The spring and tire combo is a perfect match. The ride is as close to my old 2001 BMW 530i with the performance package. The wider tires helped with the absorption of all the road abnormalities including railroad tracks. Road noise is pretty much not a factor since these tires are very quiet. As far as grip is concerned, these do a much better job than the HPT Bridgestone RE 030’s that came with my car. I encountered a pretty good combination of dry and very wet weather. We had some major torrential downpours the past week and the tires help give me a better road feel. It helped improve driver confidence while driving through some major puddles which could easily cause hydroplaning. NJ is also known for its numerous exits. With these exits, come a bunch of nice jug handle turns. I was able to handle these turns with such ease which left a HUGE smile on my face. One strange thing that I noticed is the better gas mileage that I got after the new tires were mounted. I consider it strange since a few people mentioned that the weight and drag it causes will produce a dip in gas mileage.

The only drawback that I have experienced is the shimmy that I get at around 70-75 MPH. I am sure this is not caused by the tires or the springs. I will just have to bring it back to the shop for better balancing work done.

For the money, this is definitely well worth the upgrade. I recommend going for the bigger size tires.

Within the next few weeks, I am expecting to get my 18” wheels which will have 245/40’s.
I am keeping my fingers crossed that they fit when they get delivered. Stay tuned…..

 

I couldn't agree more. I have 245/40/18s and the ride is so much better than OEM. Plus alot of the rattles I had are gone as well???

I don't have the shimmy @ 70-75 thank god.

 

3PUTT, Thanks for the review. The 245 width seems the way to go.

You noted that the 512's had better grip than the HPT's. Thats pretty impresive as the HPT's do have good grip. A couple of handling related questions. Do you think the 512's are as "reponsive" as the HPT's? Also do they squeal at high cornering forces?
Thanks in advance

Lakeman

 

what rims and offset? do you have any pics?

 

i believe that the Falken 512s are very responsive. the grip is much better so the take offs have improved. i have not noticed any tire squel during hard turns.

this review was done on stock wheels. if you pull a search on 3PUTT, i'm sure you can see my car pics.

 

Thanks for the review. I've had my Falkens for almost 7000 miles now. They are just as sticky as new, but are more noisy. No biggus. Mine are in stock size (235/45/17).

 

1700 miles on the Falkens now. Superior handling, cornering, and wet traction compared to the original Bullshitstones. No noise difference. Mine are original stock 235/45/17's.
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I have 245/35ZR19 and I agree 245's are a good footprint for the TL. I can tell it is more grippy.

Pics posted here... http://www.acura-tl.com/forums/showthread.php?t=90101

2004, Acura TL, in Anthracite
Quartz Interior
5 Speed w/Navi
19" Falken Torque 5 Wheels
Nitro NT555 Tires 245/35ZR19
Underbody Spoiler Kit
Rear Wing Spoiler
Drei Window Tint by Huperoptic

 

I've had the Falken Ziex 512's (235/45/17) for about 700 miles now. What's the shimmy you're talking about? When I first got the tires, I didn't think they were any noisier than the original EL42's I had, but after 700 miles I do believe they're a bit noisier. They grip much better though and don't squeal when I take offramps at higher speeds (on offramps that curve). The EL42's were turning into mush and would always chirp on hard acceleration. The Ziex's stick like crazy so far.

 

the shimmy is probably not related to the tires/wheels (hope so). i will take it for another round of balancing and maybe rotate them as well. i also have 800 miles on the tires now and still love them. i had the HPT tires originally which were ok at best. going bigger is definitely better.