davinci74

I realize there are already a few threads regarding this question, but I'm purchasing a new set of Gram Lights 57F - 18 x 8.5 from therpmstore.com and I could use some help finding the right tires. I'm planning on getting a wider tire and going with 245/40/18.

I'm sure someone will recommend otherwise, but I've narrowed down my choices to the Toyo Proxes T1R and the Falken FK452. With the shipping at around $40 to NJ, the best prices I've found are from EdgeRacing.com.

Toyo Proxes T1R - $157
Falken FK452 - $135

It seems like just as many people like the Toyo's as the Falken's, so I'm thinking about saving the $88 and go with the Falken's, but I would appreciate some more opinions. And, if someone can find a better price for me, that would be great too.

Thanks in advance.

dbright007

Are you Autocrossing? Road Racing? What is more important - looks, noise, wet grip, dry grip. Do you plan to run them in winter in NJ. Anyone who is gonna give you a decent opinion needs to know that stuff.

I didn't like the Bridgestones, bought 245/40/18 T1R's and love them. I have heard nothing but good about the 615 Azenis, not as much about the 452's. But then again, much love out there for the Kuhmo's - equal performance for the best price it is said.

Search the threads - you can find more in an hour then you will get in two weeks waiting on this thread. Or post some real information on what you want - it is a too open ended question.

davinci74

Thanks for the reply. I'm actually using the car as a daily driver. As far as the looks of the tire, as long as its round and black, it works for me. I do quite a bit of highway driving, so noise would be an issue. The OEMs were so loud when I finally got rid of them I was afraid of losing my hearing. Of course, wet and dry grip are important but I've read that both tires respond well in those conditions.

I haven't read much about the difference in cornering between the tires though. If someone has some information about that I'd appreciate it.

I've read a few things about the Kuhmo's too. Tirerack has the Kumho Ecsta SPT for $128 and the Kumho Ecsta SPT XRP run-flats for $188.00. Does anyone have experience with these tires?

Thanks again for the help.

swoope

iTrader: (5)

if you are just running on the street the kumho spt is great... not a lot of money great grip for the street.. very good in the rain. quiet.. snow not good...

run flats you are on your own...

beers

davinci74

I'm sometimes drive to the middle of nowhere in the dark of night for work, so I might have to give the run-flats some consideration. I'd love to know how well they work though. I always keep a small compressor in the car, but does anyone have any idea how far you can get on them if you ran over a nail?

swoope

iTrader: (5)

the small compressor in the car with run flat goo comes stock...it is in the trunk, have you bothered to read the owners manual?


btw, jersey middle of no where?

beer

davinci74

I must have missed that page, but I bet my little compressor kick the butt of that little junk.

swoope

iTrader: (5)

yea,,

sure it does.. you might do some reading.. you ?s dont add up..

gfl.

beers

davinci74

First, the question still remains...which tire is best for a daily driver. Second, you obviously haven't been to South Jersey. It doesn't look like Sopranos down here. Third, maybe you should read some posts about how well that goop and compressor works.

swoope

iTrader: (5)

daily driver and the 2 tires you mentioned dont make sense.. you should take some time to read around.. the advice i gave you is sound.. i would spend some time on the tirerack.com.. answer the ?s and they will give you a good tire.. wtf does the sopranos have to do with anything?????

and if you can give me a link for a spt run flat i would love to see it..

beers

davinci74

Kumho Ecsta SPT XRP

Toly

Dude, I had pretty much the same choice as you... same rims, same vendors, same car Many reviews mentioned that T1Rs have softer sidewall than FK452, thus preferring the steering feel of Falken when you push it in the curves. As for daily driver it probably doesn't make a difference. Also, are you planning to have a different set for the winter? If not, you'll need all seasons.

1010tires.com have plenty of real-world user reviews on those tires. Also, search Google, there were some interesting reviews on BMW & Audi forums.

davinci74

Thanks for the response Toly. I was hoping someone would comment about the tire sidewalls. Thanks for the heads up on 1010tires.com. I will check it out.

I should also mention that I am keeping the stock rims for the winter with a set of Dunlop Winter Sport M3. If anyone is looking for a winter tire next season, I've put 10,000 miles on these and they are fantastic. Very low low noise and the car handles just as well as the Avon all seasons I had used previously.

By the way, just because I use the car as a daily driver, it doesn't mean I don't push it through the exit ramps. :-)

swoope

iTrader: (5)

also edgeracing.cp, and thx for the heads op on the runflats. i searched the stock size..

beers

GeorgeH

iTrader: (2)

Why do you say that? I run 245/40 T1-Rs on 18x8.5 rims as daily drivers and they work great. Are they the most economical? Probably not. But they sure are fun. Great turn-in (at least when they are on an 8.5 inch rim) and very progressive on the limit. Not the stickiest things in the world, but a great high performance daily driver tire, IMO. Unless of course you need tires to do snow duty.

swoope

iTrader: (5)

bad night... damn i could not even find the runflats.. though i was looking for the wrong size..

i think they are both good tires for what is mentioned... the weight of the toyos is just a silly good idea..

beers

GeorgeH

iTrader: (2)

Thanks swoope.

And, just to clarify for the original poster, I can't compare turn-in (i.e., sidewall stiffness) to the Falkens since I've never driven them. But I can say that the Toyos, when on a 8.5 inch rim, will turn in at least as well as the OEM Bridgestones. Not as good as Falken Azenis, however.

They are very quiet (when I test drove a Mazdaspeed 6, I was surprised to note that my RX-8, on T1-Rs, was quiter on the freeway) and as already noted, great in the rain. Comfortable, too. Drove all the way from Portland, OR to Topeka, KS without a complaint - and some of the roads around Denver are just awful.

Good luck.