Docj78

I'm picking up my 05 from the dealership tomorrow. I called the dealership to ask about tire wear left, and they told me the stockers have ~50%. They swore to me that if I chose, they could beat any online price for any tire---INSTALLED.

I read a few threads here last night, and was thinking of going with 245/40/18's all around, based on the fact that the car will liklely remain stock for a few years until the ineveitable turbo is added (after A LOT of reading and learning). For a stock setup, would bumping to 245's be a good choice? Also, Some recommendations on tires(brands, type)would be appreciated. Sorry for the noob question, but for the last 5 years, "performance" tires to me has meant 35" Mud terrains for my 4x4.

Also, should I have them switch out brake pads, or just do that myself in a few months at my buddy's shop after doing a little research on which ones to use?
If I do have them swap them for me, what should i request--OEM, or an aftermarket brand???

Docj78

BTW, I live in Georgia--so never deal with snow. I'd prefer a good compromise between good tread life AND good performance for daily driving. I.E. 60/40 tread life/performance.

Thanks

Huey52

iTrader: (2)

My '05 has 15k on it and I'm no where near needing new sneakers (stock Dunlop 8090's). I plan to go to 245/40/18's on the stock rims myself one day and have pretty much decided on Goodyear F1 GS-D3's (I don't drive my '8 in the Winter much). They would seem to be in the ballpark performance/life that you are looking for.

I'm also no where near needing new brake pads. But as I have an MT, I use engine compressive braking a good deal which saves on the pads. The OEM pads are really very good, so no need to spend extra $'s on an aftermarket.

Almost forgot, ENJOY YOUR '8!!!!!!

Docj78

I'll likely stick with oem pads, but I'm still basically clueless on the tires. Again, I'd like to go relatively inexpensive this time b/c with this addition of the turbo, tire sizes will likely change. I'd like to keep the price to under $150/tire.

Also, it states that ultra high performance summer tires should not be driven near freezing temps. It sometimes drops to the upper twenties(at night/early morning) here in Augusta, GA. It's not as if occasional driving at or below freezing will actually effect the life of the tire, is it?

Huey52

iTrader: (2)

All week here we've been sub-freezing temps in the morning and high 60's daytime. No problem on Summer tires, although I do take it easy on the morning commute (non-spirited driving style). Afternoons I let it all hang out. :-)

Check out tirerack.com for special pricing on tires going out of stock. Some great values to be had.

kersh4w

iTrader: (3)

245/40/18 toyo proxes t1r.

a lot of forum members have these and are quite happy with them.

Juice

iTrader: (1)

^+1, T1-Rs are great tires. Good grip, much better in the cold/rain than stock although ultimate grip is probably a little less compared to the OEM bridgestones I had. I have about 7k on my set of 245/40 and there is hardly any wear at all.