do you want a dedicated summer tire or a high performance all season?

 

He wants a dedicated summer tire! He's got the winters for the bad stuff....

3 tire makers you want to check out. Bridgestone's, Yokohamas, or Michelin.

Can't go wrong with the S-03's from Bridgestone. The Advan 100's from Yoko is nice too.
The Pilot2 sport's have had a good run but I think their successor is coming out.

 

I would recommend:
Max Summer Performance: Dunlop SP Sport MAXX OR Goodyear Eagle F1
TireRack - Max Summer Performance

Ultra High Performance: Bridgestone / Goodrich / Michelin / Dunlop
TireRack - Ultra High Performance Summer

Hope my 2 cents help.

 

Hey Mic,

If you don't want to spend an arm and a leg the Kuhmo SPT's are a good choice ... as are the Toyo Proxes 4's and T1's. Though it really depends what your looking for ... ie. high perf summer tires that will last, or really sticky R compounds that won't. Tirerack.com is really the best place to start shopping and read feedback on various tires.

Cheers,

Zoomby_U

 

Car and Driver replaced the stock Bridgestones with Yoko Advans on their long-term tester with much acclaim.

Otherwise, I'd recommend the stock Dunlops, I love 'em, and they seem much preferred in this forum relative to the Bridgestones. They're real predictable when they finally break away, and don't squeal when you're tossing it ...the car I mean.

Also, I'd rather replace a tire on a stock car with a manufacturers recommended brand. You know the suspension was tuned with those tires, so you'll get no surprises.

 

Hey Mic,

I have used the Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3's and they are really good, if a little pricey. You may also try the Falken Azenis RT-615. It is almost R-compound, but work better in rain. A very good tire.

 

I'll be going with falken Azenis RT-615 too. Great bang for the buck.

I've read a thread about the p-zero nero's being a great all around tire too for the price.

Also, go with 235 or 245 series.

 

I'm still puzzled as to why Mazda puts only 225 rubber on 8inch wide rims. Technically that shouldn't be allowed. Minimum tire width for 8inch wide rims is 235-245.
However, since you want to keep the speedo as close to stock as possible a reasonable upgrade would be 245/40/18.

Otherwise 225/45/18 is the stock tire size.

I've noticed Bridgestone has introduced a new tire on the market. The RE-01R! Those suckers should act like slicks! lol

I'm defiantely getting those next year once my S-03's are worn out.

Lates,

 

Tire Racks 2 cents helped. Where was yours ?

Do you have any experience with all these tires "you" recommended? Or did you just pick from the top of the list?

 

Ihave 4 stock Dunlops with about 8000km on them. They look next to new and are now off my second set of rims....if your interested? I am in GTA (shipping is free and no tax).

 

I picked the tires from the list and from reading car and driver. - ok.. so not "my" 2 cents directly - i admit.

The tires I have experience with: Bridgestone Potenza RE-040 and Dunlop SP Sport 8090 (the 2 stock tires rx8 comes with). I like the dunlop better than potenza.

 

I have a set of Falken 215s which are the previous model to the 615, they are absolutely no good in the rain, i wouldn't recommend them. They are great on the track though, I usually swap them in for a lapping day and take em off when I get home. Personally, I would try to Yokohama Advans, they're great tires

 

If money is not an option Advan Neova's are easily one of the best tire on the road. and it comes in the stock size.

 

Just keep in mind the 235/245 does not sit as well on the rim, aesthetically IMO.

Plus, a wider tire and lower profile can negatively affect ride. I have no interest in increasing grip, the car aleady has to be driven insanely hard to break loose...and thats the real fun part! Ask anyone with an original Miata with 185's on it about how much fun that car was to toss about.

 

I forgot to offer my suggestions. I've had much success and happiness with various Toyo's. I've run RA-1's on the street, and they preform very well getting better as they wear. They might be a little hardcore for the street though. The T1-S (which I think was discontinued and replaced by the T1-R) is also a great high performance street tire with great wet and dry traction. And, Toyo is a sponsor of Canadian grassroots motorsport.

 

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I have 2 Bridgestone Potenza RE-040 with O kms on them make me an offer. They have never been mounted. I am looking for $200.00CAN each tire. I am located in Oakville. Sorry I thought they were used but after looking at them they are brand new.
let me know.
Dave

 

Bridgestone S-03's and Michelin PS2's are probably the best you can get if money is not an issue. There's also a new Bridgestone tire RE050A Pole Position that's supposedly replacing the S-03's. I've also read good things about the Yoko Neova's.

But on this forum I've read many posts about Kumho SPT's being a great tire for the money, about half the price of Bridgestone's and Michelin's! Makes you wonder if the big brands are really that MUCH better

 

Mic, it is a bit of a drive for you but I have a pretty awsome tire guy at the 407 & hurontario street. "premium Tire" They are awsome for availibility, service and price, If ya want I'll give ya their # on sunday. Speeking about Sunday, are ya bringing those Italian hotties with ya and if so... Which one is sitting in the back seat with you???

 

Even if price isn't the issue... I think the big question is whether treadlife is an issue. That is a big deciding factor between purchasing tire A and tire B.

Also, is wet traction important to you. Are iou looking for a good overall "STREET" tire or "TRACK/STREET" tire.

 

Mic,

I would tell you to get the tires from the Bridgestone place in Richmond Hill. But I think it's a bit far for you. Plus you'll have to call in advance and see if they have the tires you want on the car.
Personally I think you should go with the S-03's if not the RE050A Pole Position. Expect to pay between $235-250 depending on which you pick...

Hard to find good tire guys nowadays...