ttribe

Okay, I live in Phoenix and can run summer tires year 'round. I've been running Goodyear Eagle F-1 GS-D3's on my 17 inch stock wheels for almost 2 years now and I LOVE these tires. They have fantastic grip, both wet and dry, and they have a very aggressive and visually appealing tread pattern.

However, I am upgrading to A-Spec wheels and need an 18 inch tire. My plan was to simply get the same tires in the 18 inch size; no luck. Goodyear just discontinued the tire in 235/40/18. I can buy a set now, but if anything ever happens to one, I won't be able to replace it.

So, I am looking for wisdom from A-Zine for a similar performance summer tire. I really want something very close to what I already had in all respects. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Turbonut

iTrader: (1)

245/40-18 would be a more appropriate size, and depending on your budget, look at the Michelin Pilot PS2. This tire is fantastic, but it comes at a cost, but you’ll find it superior to the GY GS-D3.

ttribe

Thanks. I am looking at the Pilot PS2. The really isn't an issue. Regarding the size, the factory recommendation is the 235, but I know plenty of people have switched to the 245. Can you elaborate on why you would prefer the 245?

Westy6

I'm in the same boat as you, I've been shopping summer tires for a few weeks now for my 18" A-Spec Rims.

235/245 is the width of the tire, the section that contacts the road. 245 gives you more contact patch, or physical width, with the road. This potentially gives you more grip, increasing hard acceleration, braking, etc.

As far as factory recommendations, you're correct 235 is the recommended width, however an up-size to 245 is no problem. Some AZiner's here have even gone 255 on stock 17" rims with no reported issues.

A lot of tire manufacturers make 245/40/18's. Btw stay with the 40 ratio, if you go 35 or 45 you'll screw up the speedo.

As far as which tire? All reviews I've read point to the Michelin PS2 as being the best in the world. OEM for BMW M's, Porsche, ZR1 corvette, CTS-V, etc. However the PS2 is VERY expensive and has been around awhile, giving competitors time to catch up.

Currently I'm researching Nitto's NT05 as a less expensive alternative. Kinda stuck though, as Nitto's are labeled as a "budget" tire, and Michelin has the reputation of you get what you pay for. Meaning you want the best.. you have to pay.

Westy6

Here Tribe check out this thread.

https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-tires-wheels-suspension-97/265-tire-8-5-wheel-763604/

Check out IHC's pictures of his up-sized nitto's on stock rims.

ttribe

Thanks for the reply. I'm aware of the 235/245 being the width. I was just curious why the recommendation for that size on this tire. For example, the stock Michelins that came on the OEM wheel were a 235, but left the rim somewhat exposed. My 235 Goodyears actually have more rim protection, contact patch, etc. even though they were listed as the same size.

Ramrodthrusterpuppy

I think I'm going to give the new Bridgestone RE760 Sports a shot this Summer. A lot of good reviews on them and they are very competitively priced with other UHP Summer tires.

princelybug

iTrader: (16)

You've already run the Goodyears which are, for the money, the best performance tire on the market. Turbonut has already suggested the only other tire that's on par with the Goodyears performance wise. Go with the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2's. They're expensive, but they're the best.

IHC likes the Nittos, but I'd still go with the Michelins if I could afford it.

Ramrodthrusterpuppy

Not neccessarily. I'm a big Michelin fan but C&D did a performance tire test against the benchmark PS2s...couple of budget priced UHP Summer tires bested the PS2 based on empirical data....especially in the dry.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...mparison_tests

ttribe

RRTP - I am very glad you made this suggestion. Here's what I decided - I love the performance aspects of the Michelin's but I am also trying to balance all this with the fact that I have 30 mile commute to work (each way). The Mich's had a 220 tread wear rating, the GY's had a 280, and the Bridgestone's had a 330. I decided, for the balance of performance and tread wear, that I'd take a chance on the Bridgestones; and at the $180/tire it's not a bad gamble. The wheels are going over to Discount right now and I'll post up some pictures when I have a chance (it's raining here today).

Thanks to everyone for their help.

Ramrodthrusterpuppy

Awesome! I, like most of us, are in the same boat as our cars are primarily DDs. There has to be a balance between treadwear and performance. While super sticky tires are great for cornering, a 140 UTQG rated tire won't last too long. And let's face it, most of our driving is 95% mundane day to day stuff....at least for me.

I'll be eagerly awaiting your impressions!

BTW...Tire Rack has the 760 Sport 245/40/18s for $159 per.

dchian

iTrader: (1)

I'm in los angeles and have been very pleased w/ my 245/40/18 Hankook Ventus V12 Evo summer tires on my 18x8 rims. I believe they placed 2nd in that C&D summer tire comparison.

ttribe

Those were definitely on my list last night, but the reviews were spotty with respect to tread wear. How many miles have you put on yours so far?

ttribe

Installed, see here - https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...1#post11760521

ollie526

I have used Pirelli PZERO NERO - 235/45R17 for my stock wheels since I got my car. They handle great in the summer (but absolutely terrible in the snow-as expected). They seem to attract nails though as I got 2 tires blown from side wall nails within a month of buying the car. They held air despite that for months though, so I give them credit for that. I had the local place match tirerack for about $200/tire.