Tire feedback please
 

Ok so winter in Ohio sucks...my RX8 goes into the garage November 1 and wont come out again until mid April. I'm suffering from rotary withdrawal right now~ I have about 30K miles on my original Dunlop tires. I am searching for feedback from other 8 owners as to their likes, dislikes and just general information on tires they have run on their car. Keep in mind that I'm not racing this car...I enjoy driving a great looking car that makes me smile all the way to the redline. You guys (and ladies) input is greatly appreciated.

Sounds like you take turns at 5mph. If so, I suggest saving your money and getting a decent economy/comfort tire, they are generally better in preventing hydroplaning than sports tires .But don't get Sam's Choice tires, Continental or similar is good. Tire Rack usually has decent reviews of tires. I question their testing methods, but it will point you in the right direction.

original tires lasted 30k? mines already bald at 15k.

I run Hankook Ventus v12 evo k110 which is a very soft, and quiet tire, but has very good grip dry or wet.

I got mine through the mail delivered for $100. each, and whatever you have to pay to get them mounted is still a very good tire value.

I track mine, but I don't need stickier to test my car, and these are great on the street.

Continental Extreme Contact DW has reviewed higher than the Hankooks on Tire Rack, and next time I might get those since DW's are only a few $ higher.

One guy claimed 50k miles on his Acura for the DW's, and someone claimed 25K on the Hankooks.

So read reviews on Tire Rack.

^^ +1

But, they are a SUMMER tire. Not for use in the cold, but they are a great tire, especially in the rain.

Well, the OP did say they don't run in winter, and the reviews on both of these tires I mentioned have said that they even got away with a little cold and snow.

Also, I got my 07 auto to have a quiet car.

I really like how quiet my Hankooks are so I can hear the Hmmmm... of the rotary.

RE-11 or go home.

Slightly more serious; considerations will always come down to how much you care to spend and how often. Since you garage the car during the winter and would like to enjoy your driving excusions, I would recommend a nice pair of summer tires (not all-season).

I believe the categorical surveys on TireRack tend to be fair in regards to rating respective tires. Make your own decisions based on how much you want to spend compared to how well they fare performance-wise. A good place to start in your cause would probably be the "Ultra High Performance Summer" tires.

Regarding longevity, use the UTQG rating as an approximate guide. Determine what your stock tires were and realize how long they lasted you; that should be a good watermark for estimating other tires' lifespan (i.e. if your Dunlops are rated UTQG 200, then brand X tire with UTQG rating of 400 should last about twice as long). A caveat to this however is a general trend where the higher the UTQG, the harder the rubber, the less sticky the tire.

As a last word - if you really want to consider all options (assuming stock wheel size of 18x8), also realize that you can fit other size tires. 225/45-18 are stock size, however 245/40-18 will also fit, and give you 2cm wider tread on each wheel. (235/40-18 also works, but why bother?)

I'd stick with 225/45s if subjective aspects are more important than cornering grip. Better turn-in since you are not trying to shove a 9" tire on an 8" rim, and the car will accelerate better with the lighter and narrower 225s.

The Conti DWs are supposed to be a great tire at a great price, and have excellent rain performance as well. I like my Goodyear Assymetrics, but they are a little pricey.

I hear the DW has a pretty soft sidewall and I strongly recommend against it for the RX8. The conti 3 and conti 2 are better tires, although the DW is supposed to be cheaper for US market and last longer - go figure.

I am going to stick with the PS2 for my 8. If you want to spend less I'd go with the conti 2 or 3 - both will be slightly softer than the 040 and the PS2 but you will save some money.

I am in the minority in that I like the 040 and I would buy that tire again if it goes on sale for half price again - missed that deal last year.

The 040 does not seem to take abuse well, though. Those of us who don't track/autocross/leave rubber on our local roads in long strips should get at least 20k out of these tires if not 25-30. I could have gone to 30k if I kept the 040's on my car until they were bald, but about 24k was the wearbar limit for me.

Just MHO.