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???

 

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

 

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!!!!!!

 

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?

 

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.

 

245/40/18 toyo proxes t1r.

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

 

^+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.