LudemanDan

Okay, so the ES100 is the inspiration. Due respect to it then, but that's still no reason to buy it. Apparently they're really loud, and for my street set I need something that's friendly to car audio.

I'm crossing my fingers and hoping the RE750s will be a little quieter than the RE730s.

CAVTECSol

the SPTs are great. i've had them for about a year and a half and they still have plenty of tread left on them and perform great for the money.

bmoua

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nsxtasy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Well, now that we're partway through our second set of them on the '94 GS-R, I don't think bashing is appropriate. Our first set lasted 40K miles and they still weren't quite down to the treadwear bars (although they were getting close). They are excellent in rain, and pretty decent in dry. They can be noisy if you have a suspension problem and your tires wear unevenly, but that's the only real downside (which can occur with any tire). Now, of course, you can get a few better tires for the same money (notably the Kumho SPT, and also the Avon Tech M500). But the ES100 is still good. And the ES100 was a big breakthrough when it was first introduced, because it offered a level of performance for the money that no other tire was approaching. If you like the SPT or the Tech M500 or the Fuzion ZRi or the Direzza DZ101, you have the Yokohama ES100 to thank for the performance and price of those tires, because if the ES100 hadn't come along, their manufacturers wouldn't have needed to develop those tires to compete.

on the RE750 though.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

i totally agree, i have the es100's in 205/50/15's and they run great. Noise is there but my honda squeaks here and there so its not too bad. In the dry they hold up pretty well and i know i can push them to the limit. In the wet they are pretty stable, going 80mph in mild rain they still hold up. Tread wear hasn't been a problem at all, im a college student with a gf (who lives 30miles away) so i take short trips constantly. I've had the es100's for about a good 20k and two tires have a good 85-90% left and the other two have about 75-80% left. I mean i have camber kits all around and had a great shop do my alignment so i've had no camber wear what so ever...(i'm tucked up front and almost tucked in the rear) i'd recommend es100's for anybody who wants to upgrade from the ziex's or something along those lines. AS for the SPT's, after reading many reviews especially from nsxtasy, i'm considering getting spts for my next set of DD tires. From my reading they handle the same as the es100's but just slightly better in the rain.

IntegraDriver

i just bought some ze512 and after reading this i regret it haha

nsxtasy

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by IntegraDriver &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">i just bought some ze512 and after reading this i regret it haha </TD></TR></TABLE>

Maybe it will snow. In Los Angeles.

LudemanDan

Preliminary review of the Bridgestone RE750s: They're Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreat! :big smiling tiger thumbup: I've only had a chance to commute to work on them (basically one freeway entrance to another), but going around corners as hard as I did on my worn RE730s, they grip just as well and they don't make noise. That's surprising, because usually new tires make a lot more cornering noise than old tires. They also handle very nicely, I don't feel much sidewall flex. They're not as quiet on the freeway as I'd hoped, which is the only drawback.

Word to the wise: Buy them.

BTW, the tire shop convinced me to fill them up with nitrogen for $4 per tire. Nitrogen doesn't gain or lose pressure, they say. I had them fill up all four to 38 psi so that I could tune them down (since you can't add pressure to a nitrogen-filled tire). So this is a review of slightly overfilled tires.

snzh22

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by mini-e &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I find the Ziex on my civic amazing in one respect- THEY WILL NOT DIE. i want them to die, I try to kill them, and I am sorry I bought them. They are pretty good on snow is all I can say for them. </TD></TR></TABLE>

tell that to my friend with a 240sx while hes drifting haha

anyway, ludemandan... would u ever consider getting the 205/50/15 for ur car? i think im gonna go with this size due to the fact that its cheaper, lighter, and i should get a little better acceleration. however the speedo and odometer will be off...

anyway all of this praise made me want to go with the kumho spt's! they have them at tirerack and discount tire....tire rack is more expensive than discount tire due to the shipping...but its on order at discount tire

nsxtasy

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by snzh22 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">anyway, ludemandan... would u ever consider getting the 205/50/15 for ur car? i think im gonna go with this size due to the fact that its cheaper, lighter, and i should get a little better acceleration. however the speedo and odometer will be off...</TD></TR></TABLE>

I wouldn't. Stick to the proper tire size for your car, and that's 205/55-15. The cost is only a few dollars different, and the 205/55-15 will probably give you slightly longer treadlife than the undersized 205/50, enough to offset the slightly higher price.

snzh22

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nsxtasy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I wouldn't. Stick to the proper tire size for your car, and that's 205/55-15. The cost is only a few dollars different, and the 205/55-15 will probably give you slightly longer treadlife than the undersized 205/50, enough to offset the slightly higher price.</TD></TR></TABLE>

how do u figure that it will give a longer treadlife? i also like the look of the 205/50 much better too..

nsxtasy

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by snzh22 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">how do u figure that it will give a longer treadlife?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Longer circumference, with less heating.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by snzh22 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">i also like the look of the 205/50 much better too..</TD></TR></TABLE>

Then trade your Prelude in for an Integra, for which that's a good size.

LudemanDan

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by snzh22 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

tell that to my friend with a 240sx while hes drifting haha

anyway, ludemandan... would u ever consider getting the 205/50/15 for ur car? i think im gonna go with this size due to the fact that its cheaper, lighter, and i should get a little better acceleration. however the speedo and odometer will be off...

anyway all of this praise made me want to go with the kumho spt's! they have them at tirerack and discount tire....tire rack is more expensive than discount tire due to the shipping...but its on order at discount tire </TD></TR></TABLE>
Dude, read the thread... none of those tire sellers have SPTs. I've done the research already. DiscountTireDirect might have them in a month or so, if you want to wait that long. That's what they told me a week ago.

Anyway, to answer your question, I actually ran 205/50/15 Hankooks on my car for 6 months (DD and track) and I didn't mind too much. I don't think the extra wear is much of a problem, because I was quite impressed with how long they lasted (about 8 track events plus about 10k miles of street driving). I was tempted to go that size again and have a nice selection of super-sticky tires, but there are some other problems with going too small.
-It throws off the speedo
-It gives you more wheel gap, which looks bad
-It makes your car lower, which on an already lowered car makes you scrape when you're going into your driveway (and I'm only lowered 1" at most)
-It gives you suckass freeway gearing

Seriously, if you don't mind a tire that makes an average amount of noise, get the Bridgestone RE750s from Tirerack. I'm VERY impressed with them so far.

nsxtasy

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by LudemanDan &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Seriously, if you don't mind a tire that makes an average amount of noise, get the Bridgestone RE750s from Tirerack. I'm VERY impressed with them so far. </TD></TR></TABLE>

There are a lot of tires in this "budget performance summer tire" segment of the market. The Kumho SPT is not the best in this segment, but it's the best at its price point, which is why a lot of people like it. But there are plenty of very good alternatives, depending on what you're willing to spend. The Bridgestone RE750, Avon Tech M500, BFG g-Force T/A KDW2, Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2, and Toyo T1-R are all arguably as good as or better than the SPT, but all are more expensive. All of these are very good tires. Other tires in the segment worth considering include the Yokohama ES100 (slightly more expensive than the SPT, not quite as good) and the Dunlop Direzza DZ101 (less expensive than the SPT with the current rebate offer through the end of this month, not as good).

Here are prices at the Tire Rack in 205/50-15:

Avon Tech M500 $73
BFG g-Force T/A KDW2 $99
Bridgestone Potenza RE750 $94
Dunlop Direzza DZ101 $44.50 after rebate
Kumho Ecsta SPT $65
Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 $115-118
Yokohama ES100 $71
Toyo T1-R $85 (onlinetires.com)

And here are prices at the Tire Rack in 205/55-15:

BFG g-Force T/A KDW2 $108
Bridgestone Potenza RE750 $89
Dunlop Direzza DZ101 $57.50 after rebate
Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 $120
Yokohama ES100 $74
Toyo T1-R $94 (onlinetires.com)

Personally, if I couldn't get the SPT, there are two ways to go. If I wanted performance at least as high as the SPT, I would be getting the Avon Tech M500 if I had an Integra needing 205/50-15, or the Bridgestone Potenza RE750 if I had a Prelude needing 205/55-15. If I were willing to settle for less performance in exchange for a lower price than the SPT, I would get the Dunlop Direzza DZ101 in either size.

LudemanDan

This is why nsxtasy is at 101%. Let the knowledge fly like food in a kindergarten cafeteria.

snzh22

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by LudemanDan &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Dude, read the thread... none of those tire sellers have SPTs. I've done the research already. DiscountTireDirect might have them in a month or so, if you want to wait that long. That's what they told me a week ago. </TD></TR></TABLE>

ur right in that they dont have them in 205/55/15, but they have it in 205/50/15 in tirerack, hence the reason why i asked u if u have or would go for 205/50. i already read the thread.

also based on this pic...this prelude is dropped about 1.4" and is on 205/50/15 on stock sawblades...the gap doesnt look that bad so thats why im considering it.

snzh22

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nsxtasy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Personally, if I couldn't get the SPT, there are two ways to go. If I wanted performance at least as high as the SPT, I would be getting the Avon Tech M500 if I had an Integra needing 205/50-15, or the Bridgestone Potenza RE750 if I had a Prelude needing 205/55-15. If I were willing to settle for less performance in exchange for a lower price than the SPT, I would get the Dunlop Direzza DZ101 in either size.</TD></TR></TABLE>

problem with the potenzas are the price...
the spt is really what im looking for...i think im gonna go with them anyway in 205/50/15 considering that the prelude actually does look good with 205/50s

LudemanDan

Yeah, it looks fine but you have to drop it at least an inch to look good with 50s.

snzh22

i know, im dropped 1.5r/1.75f (neuspeed sport springs)

nsxtasy

Using the undersized 205/50-15 instead of 205/55-15 is going to drop you another 0.4 inch.

Slystone

try my new SPT and really good tire!

DaveSi677

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by snzh22 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">i know, im dropped 1.5r/1.75f (neuspeed sport springs) </TD></TR></TABLE>

Trust me get t205-55-15 tire don't get tires that are smaller then what your car needs. Don't be an idiot, get the right size for you car!

LudemanDan

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by DaveSi677 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Trust me get t205-55-15 tire don't get tires that are smaller then what your car needs. Don't be an idiot, get the right size for you car! </TD></TR></TABLE>
Um, I don't know if it takes an idiot. I mean, you can run it on the track just fine. Works on the street too. It's kinda like running worn tires... only they wear even smaller. It's not like you're gonna break anything. Please stop raving like that in my thread.

snzh22

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by LudemanDan &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Please stop raving like that in my thread.</TD></TR></TABLE>

yea...theres no harm in with running a smaller tire. does that make u the idiot?

nsxtasy

There are significant disadvantages to using tires that are too small in diameter. They will throw off the speedometer and odometer. They will lower your car, possibly more than you want. They will also look rather silly IMHO. There are no significant advantages to using undersized tires.

If you buy used wheels and they come with undersized tires, and you're not paying any more than you would have paid for the wheels only, then sure, go ahead and use 'em up; free tires always rock! But when you're paying good money to buy tires for your car, buy them in the proper size.

DA-nteg

Ive been using Ziex 512 for about 2-4 years on everything i own orowned and love them. they last forever, i recommend them indeed

fusion210

Just wanted to add that the ze-512s in the 195/60/14 variety have sidewalls thinner than condoms and just as much flex. They're really only ok at going in a strait line at a steady speed. They're light and cheap though. I use them when there is threatening winter weather or a long road trip to keep the miles off of my Azenis.
They'd be an ok buy for someone who isn't performance minded I imagine.