Stuck between two tires, done my research, and found that these suit my driving style and what I will be using the car for.

PS2: lighter but not as stiff as the pole positions

pole positions: stiffer but heavier (5 lbs per tire), better treadwear, and less expensive

I know the PS2's many track maniacs rave about, and for someone who frequently autocrosses their car in the summer months, this is pretty important to me. My car is also my daily driver, and I don't really have the space right now to hold an extra set of 4 tires.

Opinions too please.

Edit: Please do not suggest an all season tire. I will not put them on my car. Also, anyone with either tire please post some impressions, good or bad. I want to hear them all.

 

have you looked into the Kumho MX's?
I've had them for a year now and I find them to be great tires for daily driving AND very agressive driving.

I know a few guys here who use them on track days.

 

Car & Driver ran a thorough UHP tire test, about a year ago. First place went to the Goodyear GSD3s - excellent grip on dry (.91g) and wet (.82g) using a BMW 3-series.

The Michelin PS2s came in 4th place, Bridgestones came in 7th or 8th and the Khumos (MX) came in dead-last (11th).

The GSD3s will outlast most other UHP tires, as well. Another great choice is the BF Goodrich KDW 2s. The KDWs didn't do well in the test because of their wet road performance, but the KDW 2s have been significantly improved in this area.

 

Those Bridgestones were just the RE050A, not the pole position tires. Actually is quite a significant difference with grip. In terms of dry grip, these two tires are among the best in "summer weather" tires. PS2's said that they had great all around capability, but they are quite pricey, at about 224 dollars a tire from tire rack or about 241.99 a tire from Costco (all costs included). I know the RE050A wasn't a spectacular tire, but supposedly the new Pole Position makes it a better tire than the PS2. From Tire Rack, I can get the RE050A Pole Position's for the RX-8 at about 197.00 a tire, with about a 15 dollar per tire install at a local mechanic.

The GSD3's I was looking at, as they're quite a capable tire, and cheaper than both of the two tires I listed above. But I can't find a size that fits on the stock rim!

 

Tires I was looking at.

Money isn't really an issue, but I think it would be nice to spend under 1k.

 

I was using Potenza RE910's for awhile on my previous car...I liked 'em..

 

+1,+1,+1

 

I've been using the pole position's for a month now and love them. They perform great in the rain as well.

 

thank you valpac! I was starting to think I was the only one....

 

All season tires, if you drive in snow.

 

I was in the same position you are. I chose the RE050A Pole Positions. My criteria are road noise, tread wear, and wet traction as well as handling. They come highly recommended for the twisty roads I drive on a daily basis.

 

Roads are cleared very quickly here in NJ. I wouldn't be driving to work at all in the snow.

 

I have the bfgoodrich kdw2 tires and i love em.

 

The G35's come stock with Michelin Pilots Sports, they were pretty good I destroyed my Toyo Proxes T1R's and now I'm running on my stock tires. Once they wear out, I'll switch over to Michelin Pilots

 

I got the GSD3's last year and have to say I'm quite happy with them. Very good grip dry and wet. I couldn't justify the cost difference of the PS2's (plus they're French made!) and I don't think the Pole Positions were available then.

 

I like my Kumho Ecsta SPTs for good balance between dry traction, noise, comfort, wet traction, longevity and super value. I'd get the Pole Position RE050As if price wasn't a factor since it seems to be a tad better in all areas than the Kumhos.

 

You must be running a size that is different than the 225/45/18 stock size. If this size is a MUST, then either the BF Goodrich KDW2s or the Pole position Bridgestones are better buys than the PS2s.

However, There IS a Goodyear GSD3 size (245/40/18) that is almost the same diameter (25.7") as the stock diameter (25.9"), as long as the wider section width will fit on the wheel okay.

(Currently, there is a $50 cash card sent with every 4-tire GSD3 purchase.

 

Another choice would be to run Pirelli PZero (just PZero, not Rosso, etc) in 225/40/18 size. It's small, but will likely make the RX-8 faster.

 

PS2 are amazing performance tires, RE050 ARE GREAT tires in ALL conditions except snow, I would go with RE050 PP. Some other choices if you want insane grip RE01-R's and RE070's

 

If PS2's are good enough for a 600+HP V-12 Bi-turbo then they are good enough for an RX-8 with occasional track days.

 

Potenza Re-01R or Azenis RT-615

 

If you track it. Kumho MX

If no then Kumho SPT

 

True, I did upsize to the 245/40/18's . . . which many have done. They fit and look great! And as you say, it's nearly the same diameter as stock, so it doesn't throw the speedo off by a huge amount. And I can't remember what I did with my $50 cash card!