Well I went for it and fitted some Nankang 245/40-R18's yesterday. $210 each.

I haven't really done any hard driving on them yet, but on initial impressions, they seem fine. Mind you, all I have to compare them to are the bald Potenza's they replaced. They are a comfortable ride and very quiet to drive on. I'll keep you all updated as I get used to them some more.

Only one thing caught me out when I bought them. When the tyres turned up at the shop, I found out that they were rated 97H, not 97W like I saw on the website. H tyres are rated to 210km/h, W's are rated to 270km/h. When I asked how much and how long for the 97W's, I was told that they were $275 each and would have to come from interstate. I 'ummed and 'arred for a few minutes, but in the end decided to go with the 97H's. I guess I'll just have to avoid any abrupt manoeuvring above 210km/h.

We'll see if you get what you pay for. I guess they only have to last half as long to get my money's worth....

 

I was lucky enough to pick up a set of the original tyres from rotaryenvy with 9000km on them for a reasonable price :D otherwise i was contemplating getting the Nankangs , they certainly look the part keep us posted of your findings

cheers
michael

 

The pragmatist in me says that my car will never see speeds of over 120km/h (allowing for overtaking), so a maximum rating of 210 km/h seems fine for me. Wildcard, it would be great if you could report back on an occasional basis as to how they're running. These sorts of threads prove the value of the forum!

 

It is much better than what you think

H rated mean they have to sustain a certain load and certain distance at that speed before disintegrate.

But they do not test any grip or performance in this speed.

So bottom line - doesn't matter, it does not mean anything. Of course, Z tyre will generally better than the H rated tyres.

 

what do insurance companies say about lowering your speed rating; is it ok or do you give them a loop-hole not to pay?

 

^^ I don't know if they'd be smart enough to check. They almost didn't pay last time because my tyres were right up to the wear markers.

The guy in the tyre shop told me that the load rating (97) was more important than the speed rating (H/W).

 

Now that would be an ironic situation...

Case A... Insurance company refuses claim cause of an accident sustained on a track at 110km/h (which is max legal highway speed) on Z rated tyres.

Case B... Insurance company refuses claim of an accident sustained on a highway at 110km/h on "H" (210km/hr) rated tyres, cause the placard says 270 are needed

I'd have to think you were in the clear on that, Wildcard.

As for grip, I just checked wifies Nankangs, and the traction rating was "A" whereas the Yoko's are "AA". But on the flip side, the Nankangs are a "240" wear rating, and the Yoko's are "180".

I suppose one just must accept that these 2 features of a tyre are directly inversely related.

I wish I had given the Nankangs a go. Time will tell.

Cheers,
Hymee.

 

Update....

After a few more days behind the wheel, the tyres are performing well. No regrets so far. I haven't been out in the wet yet, so that will be the next test.

 

Is Wilcard around? Any updates on your Nankang tyres?

 

A mate of mine with a supercharged (Eaton) Monaro was speaking very highly of them today....

Cheers,
Hymee.

 

Nankang NS2's are definitely great value for money........ I've got them on my 19's and they seem to work reasonably well.

 

Update - tyres still going fine.

Grip is good, which is good since they removed DSC from the latest flash (feels like it anyway!)

 

Any body got an idea about LEADER wheels? I'm looking at a set for about $1600.....(19inches)

 

NFI, except the tyres might be expensive.

Will you fit NANKANGS to them?

Cheers,
Hymee.

 

Fitted 4 x Nankang NS2's myself yesterday at $220 each fitted and balanced. Immediate impression is quite ride. No rain yet but will post in a couple more weeks. Cannot beat that price though!
Originals lasted 38k.

 

Nice to see you there japfan!

Can't wait for your comment on this tyres. What size did you get? I wonder if it has 255/40-18

I found out their Chinese name in their Taiwanese website... it is actually cool to have some chinese on your car hehe.

南港輪胎

 

I'm surprised at you guys use nankang tires. In Taiwan, people drive a sport car with nankang tires usually for one reason : Its price is low compared with other imported tires. The other possible reason is: He would drive his car for drifting. In this condition, the grip of tires should be lower.

 

Well I suspect this is the reason for me if i change to Nankang too CHEAP :D

I am thinking that it is a waste to drive in Michellin since I don't fang with this tyre. I will have a semislick for track .

Just to see if it is safe. I guess if it meets Australian standard it has to be alright.

 

Fang

 

fang = driving safely and slowly, NOT :D. I only "fang" on the track, not on public road. Although this word typically assciated with "hoons" doing 120 in the 60 industrial zone in Friday/Saturday nights

 

Okay.. Thanks..

 

I got my tyres fitted today and I used Nankang 245's as well and I got the same story as you did Wildcard. What I did though was I rang my insurance company, AAMI (free plug) and they were fine with the load rating (97H) on the new tyres. I did tell them what the size and rating of the originals were. All they said was as long as the tyres were all the same size and they noted it on the policy that it didn't matter. Iasked her to send an ammendment to me to verify this.
SWEET...... :D

 

What size, how much and where from?
And how many km's did you get on the original tyres?
(sorry for all the questions) :-)

 

Go back to the first page of this thread, and nearly all will be revealed...

 

I'll answer for you Scotty....
They were 245x40x18 97H, $205 fitted in Brissy.
I got 38,000 from my originals....although only just.
cheers,
rx88er

When's the next cruise day Hymee?