Chad05TL

Ultra high performance summer tire

Chad05TL

UHP AS

Chad05TL

Notice the rolling resistance rating. Pretty cool

TLingham

Having just bought a set, I'm very disappointed to see the poor tread life on the Continental DWS. Tire Rack had it rated better. It is supposed to be a high tread life tire. Any thoughts?

Chad05TL

ya. Tread life is usually a trade off with performance in some manner. Like, if it wears faster, it probably handles and corners better. And the reverse is true. Consumer reports says "all tires" offer this same trade off.

calgary2800

I like what they are saying about my Pilot Sport A/S. The treadlife is excellent with mine. I have 25k and with 7k rotations I think I can push them to 60k life. To get a excellent in tread life with UHP is outstanding!

I hate cars

Honestly I would not pay attention to Consumer Reports. They're good for other things but their automotive stuff is questionable.


Where they really screwed up is rating the BFG G-force Sport with higher cornering and the same braking as the NT05.

I've run both of these tires and I have measured braking tests and lap times of both and they're not in the same league. The NT05 knocked nearly 16' off of the stopping distances.

They rated the Sports as more comfortable which is the complete opposite. From my first review of the NT05s I stated they handled sharp impacts better than the Sports yet had better turn-in.

They put the NT05 down at the bottom for noise yet they're nearly silent.

They put the PS2 as having better ride and noise with the same performance. All it takes is a trip to the Corvette forums to see how much the Nittos reduce lap times and how much quieter and more comfortable they are than the oem PS2s.

I really can't get over them rating the BFG Sports as handling better. I've run both and I have hard numbers for both and they should not be allowed to be in the same test together. No contest.

I have to wonder if CR actually tested the tire.

Chad05TL

I dunno.. It's all crazy to me.

I hate cars

It kind of sucks because I would love to see a legit comparo of these tires. I have a subscription to CR, going to check out right now what their requirements for each test are. Thanks for posting!

Chad05TL

these 2 links should point to the same location. I had trouble loading it a few days ago.. But it loaded this morning.

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/v...id=45361750001

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/v...1/45361750001/

They show how they test. And explain some things. Some you probably know but some you may not.

Chad05TL

Summer tires are one of the easiest and most effective ways to increase a car’s performance. When shopping for them, we usually consider those in the top three performance categories, so that’s what we(Car & Driver) did for this test, with one catch—we set a price limit of $140 each in a 225/45R-17 size. Naturally, the goal was to see which of the nine tire models gathered here is best at chomping the pavement and generating quick lap times

At the time of this test, Michelin, Goodyear, and Toyo didn’t have any tires that qualified for our criteria, so we turned to their subsidiaries—BFGoodrich, Dunlop, and Nitto, respectively—as well as low-price specialists such as Hankook, Kumho, and Falken

With space and time constraints, along with fluctuating prices, meant that some tires were left out, including the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric, Sumitomo HTR Z III, General Exclaim UHP, and Fuzion ZRi.


The Benchmark: Michelin Pilot Sport PS2

First: Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec (Head and shoulders above Mich. PS2)
Second: Hankook Ventus V12 Evo (deceptively quick because the feel soft. But results were good)
Third: Kumho Ecsta XS (Head and shoulders above Mich. PS2)
Fourth: Bridgestone Potenza RE760 Sport
Fifth: BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW
Sixth: Yokohama S.Drive
Seventh: Falken Azenis RT-615
Eighth: Nitto Invo
Ninth: Ling Long L688

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparisons/09q2/tire_test_nine_affordable_summer_tires_take_on_the _michelin_ps2-comparison_tests

I hate cars

Now that I can agree with. The Star Specs being rated way above the PS2s.

Chad05TL

too funny.

calgary2800

Cant believe no one wants to give props to my Michelin Pilot Sport A/s for the treadwear rating but me. : (

TheChamp531

iTrader: (3)

Was wondering why I didn't hear about Dunlop Star Specs when searching for tires, they don't make em in 19's!

Chad05TL

I don't really like any all season tires no matter what brand. Fortunately I can do summer tires in Texas all year long. (even though we do get some small amounts of snow).. like usually less that 2" at a time.


But even then, I would never swap my tires from winter to summer even if we got a FOOT of snow.... so I dont get it anyway.. Its all a game.. I think the difference is so minute you might as well forget about it.. All season vs. summer, vs. Ultra high performance.... Just go for what is most important to you when you buy tires, is what I say... Because no tire has "everything"

Chad05TL

So I've been calling around Dallas and its amazing how nobody has 235 / 45 17. If they do its something you don't want. Availability is really a problem!

The mechelin dealers dont have PS2, I can't find one Good year dealer, only "authorized dealers" and they dont even have the Asymetric tire and no one I can find has the Dunlop star spec, it's the other dunlop tire...And yesterday no one had even the Hankook V12.. I've been calling around all morning and yesterday. The Pep boys that I called says Oh no.. Not even their supplier in "ten buck to" has the hankook V12. I called another pep boys, grasping for straws, and they said the same store I called had 2 in stock. So I called him back today and yes he has them. What a joke! Your choice WILL be derailed if you are in a hurry to buy tires. Fortuneately I'm not in a rush..I have tread left.. just checking on deals. (and really there are none )

Chad05TL

And I just called the Firestone store and they don’t have any Bridgestone Potenza RE760 Sport. Go figure.. I guess you have to special order a "good tire", at least that how it is in Dallas. But that sort of makes sense. Ever since I moved here I learned in a hurry that any good deals are swallowed up so fast, you have to be nearly clairvoyant to know before something goes on sale in order to get it before someone else does! haha. Like, everywhere you go, there is a line... If you back up in your car, someone is there.... Try finding a good small used Honda for about 3500, as a 2nd car.. forget it! There’s a lot of poor people here that buy those cars for primary cars!. And if one goes on sale, it’s like a ripple effect in Dallas. They all tell their brothers and sisters, RUN!.. and then it’s gone.
So, my guess is that these Sport Tires must be the first ones to go. And any tires on discount or Buy 3 get 1, just means the dealer is having a hard time moving it. haha That's what life is like in Dallas! I'm thinking about just buying some in Oklahoma on Black Friday, during my vacation. wow!

Chad05TL

update: I just called a real Goodyear dealer in Tulsa, ok. and they don't ahve any F1 Asymmetric tires in my size.. and the said its a great tire but it wears out fast.. And tried selling me the Eagle GT. Its wild how no one carries what I want.. I wonder how they expect to sell anything.

Chad05TL

No NTB in Dallas has Dunlop Z1
No Discount Tire in ALL of Texas has Dunlop Z1. (special order they say)

Chad05TL

NO NTB or Sears has Continental Extreme DW in all of Dallas. Sears said its a special order.

I think its time to forget which tire is best! Its all about what is available!

apnorm

iTrader: (3)

Go to tirerack.com or some other online vendor - much cheaper, then bring it into one of those places to have them mounted.

As IHC alluded to, I wouldn't totally go by their results. I've ran both the Continental DW and Nitto NT-05 and each has it's place. I really don't drive aggressive on the street so the DW's would be fine for me. However, I do track the car and have used both tires at the track and can say that the NT-05 are so much better that it's not even in the same league.

I hate cars

Hey, what's your opinion of driving an R compound on the street? I know a tire like the NT01 is going to have more noise and I'm sure you want to avoid standing water at all costs. I've been tossing the idea around of having the NT05 as my winter tire and the NT01 as a strictly summer tire. Now that I drive only 4 miles a day tire wear is not an issue.

I know it's a huge compromise and probably not the best decision but it sure would be a lot of fun.

Chad05TL

Ya, I did that a few years ago. And took the tires to Discount tire and he said he wanted $200 to install them. I said what? basically we got into a verbal fight and I said the only reason why I bought them online was because you said you didnt have them. And then he rememeber that and finally he reduced it down to $100. And I think $100 is more fitting in a way because they are doing some work. Even though thats still too much.. So, that whole experience was just not worth it to me. And from what I see, you don't save that much from Tire Rack or ebay anyway. Shipping and all that too!.

Anyways, So this afternoon I went over to Pep Boys to look at those 2 Ventus V12's and he had 4 of them. I really only needed 2 but he said we have a special, Buy 3, and get 1 free. And then he said, I can get another $40 from Hankook through another mail in. So, I was like, how can I pass that up?Its like , pay for 2.7 tires and get 4.0. I was already in the market for 2 tires, but you see, I didn't really like the tires I have on their now. I had 1 Bridgestone Turazine on the rear, and 1 Ventus V4 ES on the rear (witha bubble) and 2 Ventus V4 ES on the front. So, I got these V12's, and Immediately I noticed the steering wheel is MUCH MUCH lighter!!!! And its not nearly as soft!! I've only driven like 5 miles so far, I had to wash my car and clean up the wheels. I think these V12's look much better the than V4's also. These are really meaty.. bigger grooves for water and such. And the sides are more rounded off, instead of square like the V4's.. So far I really like them. And I have not noticed any more noise than the V4 ES's.. But I think these might also have helped to take out more of that 4x4 look. haha And now all my tires match.

Oh .. I kept the 3 tires that were good. they all have tread left.. like quite a bit. So, I'm going to try and sell them on craigslist. Like the 2 Ventus V4 ES's have probably 50 - 60% tread left.. And the Turazine has about 40% left

apnorm

iTrader: (3)

Sorry Matt but I can't really help you as I still have the NT05 (for track only). Once I use them up then I'm going to go with the NT01. There's still A LOT of tread left so I don't know how soon that'll be. From the reviews that I've read, some people drive them to/from the track and it's really noisy. I'm thinking with my exhaust setup, I won't really notice it much though.

You must be having some serious fun on the street to think of switching over to the NT01s!

TheChamp531

iTrader: (3)

Glad you like the Ventus V12, just got mine also and I love them Makes me wanna drive more, but gas is getting so high in Texas that I'm worried

Even though with the Ventus, I eclipsed 35 MPG at 73 MPH, amazing.

Chad05TL

Ya thanks. I just got back from driving to arlington.. (went to six flags with a friends company event..) and the car feels lighter in the steering. It turns faster and really goes where you point it much faster than with my V4 ES's. The tires are a firmer ride, but its not any noisier at all. Both the V4's and V12's are really quiet. I think I'm about ready for some sway bars though! (coming in a hurry).. Oh, some guy in a hyundai sonata wanted to race me on the highway on the way back. I was on I30. And I didnt race but thats the first time thats ever really happened. At least, to the extent that he was goosing it.. My car is pretty quick but I dont really like racing at night when I can't see the coppers. haha Maybe it is the new profile tires and the Aspec emblem/springs I have now? Anyway, I know what you mean about wanting to drive it. My friend asked me if I wanetd to come in, and I passed up a glass of wine just to drive my car. haha Not that I like wine anyways.. (always give me a headache). but still.. It's definately funner to drive. I want to get it out in the light and take a few more pictures and compare old and new pictures. These V12 have more of a spory appearance than the V4's.

And yes I bet you did set a record gas mileage with these tires. Because if they make my steering wheel feel lighter, then I know there is less drag and less friction from the tires, so, I assume the rolling resistance is also less on these V12's

TheChamp531

iTrader: (3)

Yup I'm headed to Six Flags also soon (Go to Fiesta Texas since its closer (San Antonio)), but I'll be in Arlington/Grapevine soon.

Glad you love the tires, they are pretty good!

I hate cars

Fun in a safe manner of course. I drive easy in the city but there are so many country roads where you can see for miles ahead of you. I almost hate to change anything because the break away of these tires is so easy it's great for driving 8/10ths on the street.

I've got it dialed into the point now a few times when there's been a near hit in traffic, people are swerving and there are screeching tires all around me and I'm only into the brakes about 60% and easily out stopping and out maneuvering everyone else. I've gotten used to the performance of these tires and this setup over time and it's been feeling slower and slower. But the other day I drove a Cobalt rental and in what I would call slightly spirited driving in the TL, in the Cobalt I literally drove it past the limits and ended up in a couple slides and I was hitting the ABS threshold all the time by accident.

I want to get it on a fairly tight track like Streets and put it up against some of the big boys to see how it does now. I may get embarassed but somehow I think I will do ok. Even though I don't like them, I may get one of the G-techs that measure acceleration, braking, and lateral gs for comparison purposes. Braking I can measure and skidpad I can time and calculate gs but it would be fun to have the little computer for daily use for trying different mods.

On the down side, my Konis are definately getting soft on the compression. I need to get them rebuilt and possibly firm up the compression valving.

March is the payoff date and I'll have to decide to make it into a track car or put the funds into the GN. I really want to do both drag racing and road racing but I can only afford both until one of the cars breaks.

estabro

I have over 12,000 on my DWS. By what I can see so far, I expect 40K easily on these tires. Maybe more If I don't replace them before the Winter of 2012 as planned.

apnorm

iTrader: (3)

How long have you had the Konis for? Any idea how much to rebuild?

I'm having the same debate on making my TL into a track car or not. I was originally thinking track car/winter beater and getting a VW GTI as my daily driver. But then I started reading into the Mustang GT (and Boss 302). I test drove the GT and liked it a lot. Waiting for the Boss to come out next Spring. (BTW - This car could take care of both your 1/4 mile and track racing!)

Realistically, I don't think I can do anything for another year or two so come Spring, I'll be getting Konis and some H&R springs and hopefully some Corbeau seats. Will likely hold off on the Progress RSB and Type S FSB until I see how the shocks and springs change the dynamics of the car. Don't want to change too many things at once.

TO OP: SORRY FOR HIJACKING!!!

Chad05TL

If the big boys are running a chevy V8, then I wouldn't race that especially off the line.. Our V6's produced good horsepower at higher rpms, and they do have some torque, but the torque is not nearly like a GM rear wheel drive. Their transmissions and final drive also helps with massive torque. As far as handling, I think you would be more competitive. If you were going up against and older smaller framed Camaro or Mustang, I'd say you won't do well since the TL is fairly heavy. But the new Mustang is big and not so fast IMO. Even the Camaro is bigger than the older Camaro's. I have not checked their actual weight though. Your TL may be a little less flat in the curves too, due to suspension travel... I know mine is.. but I have not done the sway bars.. but your's may not! Because you're sittin pretty low. So, you may do pretty well! Just the torque from your engine is not as much as theirs. I wonder if the front wheel drive actualyl helps in the curves? Seems, like it would.

TheChamp531

iTrader: (3)

Great tires also. What made me not save up for the DWS is because the 50k mile treadlife warranty is a gimmick, and that it cost nearly 200$ more for a full set over the Hankook Ventus V12

I hate cars

I would never think of drag racing the TL lol. Nothing short of a turbo or serious weight reduction would come close to being competitive.

I would only run it against halfway serious cars in the corners. At the track the TL surprises me every time with fairly minor suspension mods. I've already beaten badly an STI, Porsche Cayman, new Camaro SS, etc. The TL literally runs rings around them. I've been wanting to play with some of the more serious stuff like the Vettes and semi-exotics. The TL is at a serious power disadvantage but on the right track I believe it has a very good chance of being competitive. I just got back from our "track" (an abandoned subdivision that was never completed and barricaded off) with my friend's '02 (I think) Z06. It's the 405hp one, can't remember the year. Under braking and around the corners, the TL no doubt brakes shorter and can carry more speed around the corners. Part of it is due to the tires so I can't give all credit to the car but it's amazing to me how a semi-luxury FWD sedan holds it's own against all out sports cars.

On the downside, it's close enough to 100,000 miles that I'm not going to push the rpms anymore until I do the timing belt change. I have it sitting in front of me but too lazy this weekend to change it.

OntheJob

I found this test of 9 tires very interesting, they went pretty in depth. Take a look


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

Chad05TL

Wish you lived closer. I learn by watching and listening. I don't have to do a timing belt for years at the rate I'm going now. But I'd still like to see how to change that timing belt. (besides the tutorials). But it sounds like you had fun today. I slept for 2 or 3 hours this afternoon. It's still 75 degrees in dallas at 7:21pm

Onthejaob:
see post #11 (look up)

I hate cars

I'll be in Dallas during the late summer next year for a few weeks. If you need any help with anything during that time I would be glad to help out.

TheChamp531

iTrader: (3)

IHC lets do a 105k service meet in Dallas. I'll provide the parts and you do the labor

Chad05TL

You sure plan in advance!! haha But sounds like a good deal to me. I'll see what I can conjure up by then. haha But the only thing I'm thinking about now are sway bars, rear view camera, a bass box that doesn’t weigh a million pounds and that can use the 8" hole as a port hole (sounds custom don't it, but I made my own current box for my 97 Z28.. its just not installed). I might update my navigation to the 07/08 but not for $1,000. But those may be one-man jobs.. we'll see. But I may be living in a high-rise looking over downtown by summer next year. So that might make your visit more interesting. But I'm playing all that by ear. I may have a house by then too.

Chad05TL

Hey I get first dibs on IHC.

(wheres the smiley face with the sideways hat?)