F-Body Europe

I am looking to put 18 x 9.5 wheels on my car (front and back) but I am not sure what tires to get with them. I dont go to the track and I dont spin the tires. I do drive fast and take hard turns. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Ken

It depends on how much want to spend!

In Europe you will not get Nittos etc.

Many people trust Bridgestone Potenza, Goodyear Eagle F1, Dunlop M2(?).

But because for me money is an object next time I will go for Falken FK-451.
They were tested in "Auto Motor Sport" with the result "especially recommended", which is very surprising because they usually hate everything that comes from outside Germany.

Prices are around 200EUR per rim, where others start around 250EUR per rim.

Gunnar

How about these prizes?

Kumho 712
245/50 ZR16 97W
Sommerreifen Listenpreis*: 163,00 EUR
bei ReifenDirekt.de nur 99,90 EUR

Marshal KU17
245/50 R16 97W
Sommerreifen Listenpreis*: 161,00 EUR
bei ReifenDirekt.de nur 104,40 EUR

Cooper Cobra Radial GTZ
245/50 R16 97W BSS
Ganzjahresreifen Listenpreis*: 207,64 EUR
bei ReifenDirekt.de nur 174,30 EUR

Michelin Pilot SPORT
245/50 ZR16 98Y FSL Auslauf
Sommerreifen Listenpreis*: 339,50 EUR
bei ReifenDirekt.de nur 208,10 EUR

And they all include shipping within Germany ...

Hans :)

245 is too small - I'll need a set of 255s next year ... (guess I can still go this year with my current set - don't get to drive the 'vert that often with all the racing events in Bitburg ).

Ok. if I get four 18 x 9.5 wheels, what size tire should I get? I do not go to the track, and I do not spin the tires. I drive fast and hard in turns. I have seen 275/35/18 and 275/40/18 and 275/50/18 and 245/40/18. What should I get?

Hans I think all the tires you mentioned are for 16 inch rims? I will have 18 inch rims. Know of any in 18?

Dont know if your military or not. If not, get with someone on here to have them sent to an APO. I just bought a set of triple 5 nittos for $110 apiece from discounttire.com. I would go with Nitto. If you cant get a nitto then I would settle on kumho.

For what its worth I've had Goodyear GSC's, BFG's, Firehawk SZ50ep's, and Nitto's. Nittos are hands down the best tire.

If my non-driving ass can cut a 2.0 60' on Nitto street tires, then you can bet they hook

You can have a look yourself at http://www.reifen.de
They are rather cheap (Speaking as a German in Germany *g*), but 18 inchers do start at about Euro 230.- including shipping - Not EXACTELY cheap :)

Hans :)

Yes, I am Military (CPT). I live in Friedberg. I know what wheels I want to get, I just need to figure out what tire to get. The place I want to get my wheels has a tire package... I could get "Toyo Proxes T1-s tires – 275/35 ZR-18" ($2,371.00) or "Kumho 712 Ecsta Supra tires – 275/35 ZR-18" ($1,995.00) or "Pirelli P7000 tires – 275/35 ZR-18" ($2,183.00). All the tires come with a FREE MOUNT AND BALANCE using the latest Hunter GSP 9700 equipment. Does anyone know anything about these tires? They are from http://www.afswheels.com/v2/ecommerce/s ... oducts.asp. They are 18 x 9.5 ZO6 wheels with any of the three tires. Don't let those prices scare you... you can get any of these sets on Ebay for about $1300. All you have to do is bid and win. The only catch is they dont ship to APO, so you have to have someone from the states ship it. Double shipping I know... but you save about $800 doing it this way. Or you can get just the wheels for about $500 or less. Then get tires else where. Thats what I am thinking about doing. That is why I am looking for imput on tires.

What about BFGs? I love their tires. They stick good. Much better than my Kumhos or SZ50s that I previously had. I heard that the new Goodyear F1s are pretty decent. These woulc be the ONLY Goodyear that I would suggest. I am thinking about trying the Nitto's next...

If you can afford them, get the Bridgestone Potenza SO3 Pole Positions.. They stick like glue, even when it's wet.. I had the SO2s, but the 3s are even better.. They get nothing but good reviews from what I've seen and read.

Well I got the AFS 18”x9.5” Chrome Z06 Style wheels and Kumho 712 Ecsta Supra tires 275/35 ZR-18. For now that will have to do. I'll see how the tires do on the autobahn. Since I don't go to the track, they should be more then adequate. Also, once I PCS to the states, I won’t be driving 150+ mph anymore…. But that is a depressing thought, we’ll just have to stay in denial about that for a little while longer.

I can't wait to see them in person.. That is a sweet set of wheels..

When I get them on, I'll either send some pics, or let you see them in person if you want to meet..... They should be open the box and put them on, since they are already mounted and balanced from AFS. They should look good, and take up much of the tire well..... with the new C5 brake kit on, it should all look good.

should have no problems in those corners at all..........

I have Potenza RE730s... man, I LOVE these tires! Nothing like taking a hairpin at 40mph and not even a squeal from the tires!

well i liked the Kuhmos' but now i've go the Brigestones SO3's on the HSV i'll definately be going for them again.

unfortunately, as with a lot of things, you pay for what you get.

The only reason I got the Kumos was because they came with the wheels I bought from AFS. Once they wear down, I will ikely go with a better tire. However, they handle pretty well so far.... but hell..what 275x35xZR18 tire wouldn't handle well. With that much rubber, a bunch of melted down used condoms should be able to handle well.

Nitto 555R2
You may get 8000 miles out of a set if you don't race too much. Definitely a summer tire only. It is the only tire i will use for road courses and autobahning. Ask Acouple people on this board who took a ride in my SS on the ring . They should be able to vouch for the tires superior grip from the passenger seat.

By showing receipts from the new shorts they had to purchase?