Good Max Perf all around summer tire recommendations
 

Guys,

Am looking to replace the really old OEM RE040s. Looking for:

- Equal to better dry grip
- Improved wet grip
- Slightly better ride
- Progressive handling/manageability at the limit
- Decent price (Say $150 to $175/tire in OEM size)

I will run the occasional autox or track day, nothing serious, 90% road / daily driving. I was contemplating tires such as:

- Continental DW (I hear the sidewalls are really soft, is it noticeable?)
- Bridgestone RE760
- Bridgestone S-04

Any thoughts?

Thanks
Ash

PS: Any immediate downsides to upgrading to 245/40/18?

I also do the occasional autocross and track day, and when I picked up tires last year I decided to get extreme summer tires since I didn't want UHP tires to chunk or burn up on the track. I ended up getting Kumho XS extreme summer tires, and they are pretty dang good for track and autocross. They are a little extreme for daily driving though, and they are really noisey by 10k miles.

Tires can be cheap, sticky, or last long.......but you can only pick two. Tires are all about compromises. A UHP tire will work great for your daily driving requirements, but might not last long during 15-20 minute track sessions. The RE760 have caught my eye, and if I was less serious about my track days, that would probably be my choice (they are quite cheap as well).

Another tire not on your list that you might want to consider is the Kumho LE Sport. They should be inline with the RE760 for cost and performance.

As for changing to 245/40R18........I am assuming you are on the stock 18x8 wheels? If you are, there is no issue running a 245/40R18 on a 8" wheel, and many here have done so without issue. Just keep in mind that you won't actually utilize the full 20 mm extra contact patch, since the sidewalls will be pinched.

These, without even a second thought...

Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2

Dry Grip
95%

Wet Grip
92%

Road Feedback
91%

Progressiveness
87%

Wear
88%

Comfort
94%

Buy again
94%

Thanks for the replies guys.
I hadn't considered the Goodyears, will take a look. Also good point on the 245s being a bit pinched, may not be worth the extra $$ and weight. After all, I'm not really that concerned with all out grip, if you're not sliding a little/close to the edge you're not really learning much and having as much fun lol.

Thx
Ash

I've been looking at the same thing...based on Tire Rack's customer reviews and price, I'm leaning toward the Continental ExtremeContact DWs. I will probably stick with the stock size tire-225/45/18

I was all set on these but I stopped short. They look great on paper, and are pretty much one of the lightest tires in their category (perhaps lack of sidewall strength is where they saved the weight). But after doing a lot of reading I chose to leave these out because of a lot of complaints on steering response. The tirerack test complained of this also, and its reflected in their spider charts. Also lots of complaints from many performance oriented users on different car forums.

I have Conti DWS on my wife's A4, this is the all season version of the tire and it had a very noticeable effect in steering response on that car. Ultimate grip is fine, it's just during quick lane changes or avoidance manouevers, the tire takes a bit longer to react and you feel it.

After experiencing this first hand, I tend to believe there is something to this so I won't be considering those any longer. The RX8 is known for agility and quick response, I'd hate to dull that feeling.

Ash

Good point. The other ones I was looking at was Dunlop SP Sport Maxx TT

I literally spent 2-3 hours looking at Tire Racks website last week. It will be a couple of months before I actually get tires but it doesnt hurt to do your research.

Lol - me too, except I've done it like 5 times!

I am now considering going to 245/40/18. There are more tires available at this size, a bit more money, but if I end up changing rims (I'd end up with 18x9 perhaps) then at least I can re-use the tires.

I just noticed the new version of the Dunlops. Great price at Tirerack in the 245 size, the Dunlop Sport Maxx RT. They look quite good, just no feedback or reviews on them yet. A bit heavy in 245, but no more than the OEM bridgestones.

Dunlop Sport Maxx RT

I might go with these....until I sleep on it and change my mind again :banghead: lol

Check these out: Nitto NT05 - I've had them on a couple years and they are an excellent match for the car, look great, give crisp, aggressive handling.

- Equal to better dry grip - CHECK
- Improved wet grip - ??? can't remember what the RE04s were like, but probably better
- Slightly better ride - MUCH BETTER - CHECK
- Progressive handling/manageability at the limit - YES
- Decent price (Say $150 to $175/tire in OEM size) - YES ~$175 FOR 245/40-18

I just got a set of Michelin Pilot Super Sports, 245/40/18s for $1,000 with tax/installation/lifetime balances etc & $100 rebate.

I had a set of Pilot Sports PS2's before these and they lasted longer than any tire I've owned.
They're 30k rating somehow and Michelin promises they're sticker than the PS2's.

Thx - I'm in Canada - the SuperSports are coming up to a bit more than I want to spend although I do hear good things.

NT05s seem decent, a bit more extreme than I need based on treadwear numbers etc.