I still have the OEM tires on my 8. They are probably 70% worn and I have only about 6500 miles on them. That's a tire life that's worse than my motorcycle tires. I don't plan on autox very often (maybe only once or twice this summer) and I'm thinking about getting the new Falken RT-615. From what I've searched it seems like the 245/40/18's are better than the stock 225/45/18. I don't have too much experience with buying summer tires. I really like the new look of the Falken's and they get a tread rating of 200, the stock tires are only 150 and more expensive. So what do people think? Should I go with teh RT-615's or are there other brands out there anyone else would recommend?

 

I have had two sets of Falken's... always been happy with the performance.

 

If cost is more of an issue--I have no complaints with my Nitto 555s--treadlife is more than the bridgestone and Falken. The Nittos can get hairy in the wet though. I had Falkens on my FD and loved em.

 

Another tire that so far in the auto-x world has proven to have as much grip as the RT-615 is the Hankook RS-2. The widest 18" is 225/40 and the price is araound $140. Also, the 245/40R18 RT-615 isn't due in till late June.

Hankook: http://www.discounttiredirect.com/di...%2FPerformance

Falken: http://www.vulcantire.com/azenis_rt615_t.htm

 

there are tons of tire options out there, you just have to do some research and learn enough about many similar tires until you feel completely comfortable enough to lay your money down on a set. you dont have to get the same tires everyone else has, just read consumer reviews and test ratings and you will find a set that will fit your criteria.

 

If autocrossing is only going to happen rarely you may want to look at a few tires that will give you good perofrmance but extended treadlife. The Falken sounds like a very promising tire, but the 200 wear rating is only average. Toyo T1S (though it is being replaced by the T1R somewhat soon) has a rating of 280, or the Kumho MX has 220. The Goodyear GS-D3 provides very good wet traction, but is a summer maximum performance tire, & has a 280 treadwear rating.

 

I wouldn't put a whole lot of stock in comparing treadwear ratings across brands...especially when the differences are that small. A snippet from tirerack.com:

"The problem with UTQG Treadwear Grades is that they are open to some interpretation on the part of the tire manufacturer because they are assigned after the tire has only experienced a little treadwear as it runs the 7,200 miles. This means that the tire manufacturers need to extrapolate their raw wear data when they are assigning Treadwear Grades, and that their grades can to some extent reflect how conservative or optimistic their marketing department is. Typically, comparing the Treadwear Grades of tire lines within a single brand is somewhat helpful, while attempting to compare the grades between different brands is not as helpful."

 

Sure, it's not an exact science, and to a large extent determines by the driver. Honestly though I have never seen a tire with a rating 40% larger wear faster. I'm about 4,000 miles on my T1S and they are good as new. Haven't autocrossed them yet.

 

Hmm...curious. From the sounds of it, anything I get will be better than the stock tires I now have. I only drive in the warmer weather. I just would like something that handles good, has descent tread wear and is quieter on the roads. I'm still keeping my eye out on the Falkens though, I like the looks of them and it's gotten descent reviews. June is fine because I know my tires will last till them, maybe even the season.

 

From the reviews & info. I read the Falken's will indeed be an outstanding tire. I started a thread about them. Traction should be unbelievable.