Strosek

Does anyone have any opinions on putting Michelin Pilots Super Sports on the 19inch TL rims? I find the RSA's too loud over small bumps on the road and the SS's have great reviews on tire rack but if someone has used them on a TL that's what I want to hear about.... Compared to stock tires that is.

Also would it be possible to go up a size a or two with the factory advance/elite rims?

Thanks in advance

Edward'TLS

The RSA and the SS are night-and-day in performance.

The SS is the newest and latest max. performance summer tire, while the RSA is just a performance all-season tire that was designed 9 years ago.

The SS is one of the best and highly praised tires with the stickiest summer compound available, whereas the RSA is one that is hatred by most performance-oriented drivers.

There's simply no comparison.

Strosek

In your opinion will replacing the RSA's with the Michelins reduce and or eliminate all that tire/road noise?

I just don't want to blow all that money just to find out the noise is a caracteristic of the car with 19's and not the tires...

Thanks!

Edward'TLS

No. In general, high performance tires tend to be noisier than lame performing tires.

Strosek

Well, I'll let you know in the next few days if the RSA's are the problem or not... I'm going to try to negotiate a deal on the Super Sports tomorrow.

From reading reviews at tire rack excessive tire noise seems to be a common complaint with the RSA's.

My previous car was an Audi S6 with Ultra High performance tires and it was quite as a cat. Figures crossed!

Edward'TLS

What tires were on the S6 ? Were they Pilot Sport PS2 ?

Strosek

The S6 had Sumitomo HTRZ-III Ultra High performance tires which are compared in the same class as the SS's on tire rack and according to those rating the SS's should be even more silent.

I was planning on selling the S6 so I put less expensive tires on but they ended up being fantastic and cost next to nothing (about $100.00)! If your ever looking for a budget high end tire Sumitomos are it Made in Japan silent and great handling!

RDX Dad

Not totally answering your question but hopefully it still helps.

I just received my set of 245/40/18 PSS and my initial impression are that they are very good. My TL-S 6MT is not lowered and I am running 18 x 8.5" wheels.

The ride is firm but not harsh. Excellent grip so far in the rain and dry (I am still in the break in period) and very quiet. Steering feels heavier though not sure if it is a combination of larger wheels and tires (just got my 18" too).

Significantly better than the stock MXM4's and the Blizzak LM-60's I had on in the winter.

Not directly comparable but for reference anyways, the ride is firmer and better grip than the Conti DWS (245/45/19) on my wife's RDX. Considering how many people like it, I am a little disappointed with these though it did soften the ride compared to the stock Michelins...

Edward'TLS

Not until all those mold sips/spikes, on the new tire surface, have fully worn down, then the Super Sports can achieve maximum grip.

The SS will stick like crazy glue on the asphalts.

KarKraze

I can also vouch for the Pilot Super Sports,i had mine installed last Sat. and due to the wet/dry combo of weather we had recently i had the opportunity to test them a bit,no dissappointments at all.
I noticed that my steering is lighter/more precise even though i went up to 19",i believe that may be due to the weight reduction from the upgrade (53 lbs ) vs. the stock 18" (56 lbs ).