Long time reader, first time poster in the RR forum.

Well, my rim size is 15x6.5 with an offset of +35 (if that helps)

My previous setup was 195/55/15 Kuhmo Ecstas with excellent steering response and almost no body roll. After getting 205/50/15 Ziex 512's, I noticed my steering response has gotten worse along with a lot more body roll.

I was hoping the RR peoples can help me out on this one. Did I make the wrong decision by getting 205/50? Or by getting Ziex 512's?

Thanks in advanced!

 

Apples to oranges... two different tires.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by .RJ &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Apples to oranges... two different tires.</TD></TR></TABLE>

exactly! I would have to bet your feeling the difference in the tire, not the body! If it was the same tire, but different size, you could possible be right.

I would have to bet that the tires are a bit softer, which is what your feeling and calling "steering response, and body roll"!

 

Did you make sure the tire pressures were the same for afair comparison?

 

I have the 512's for winter/all season tires. The sidewalls are pretty soft, which will cause the tire to deform rather than give nice crisp steering feel.

They do well for daily driver use, but if you push them as you may at an autocross. Its like driving on Jello.

 

the kumho are the 712's right? i have track experience with both. grip level is about the same both are all season hi-po tires ((ie, so so, nothing special). both will last a long time even driven hard on track. kumho has pretty stiff sidewalls, that's probably the main reason it felt better...



Modified by ghettoracer at 11:36 AM 11/13/2004

 

A 6.5" wide rim works well with a 205. I agree with others that you're probably feeling the difference in the side wall stiffness of two different tires.

 

Stickier tires will increase body roll because the suspension is taking more load. In other words, you're gripping harder, so the car is rolling more. It's a good thing. Now tighten up your suspension more.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by .RJ &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Apples to oranges... two different tires.</TD></TR></TABLE>

why do you post off topic crap about groceries and fruits??? weird

I'd agree on the tire pressure idea

Would it have to do anything with how the sidewall is flexing?

 

The Ziex are garbage.

I picked up a set as a last resort since the douche bag at the tire shop brought them instead of Azenis from his warehouse and I didn't have time to wait. They are most probably THE worst tires I have ever driven on. Sidewall is super soft - almost jello like, it has no grip what so ever in the rain, and well, they suck.

The car came with an old set of Hankooks when I first picked it up. The steering response on those felt MUCH better than the Ziex. Even without powersteering its very hard to get any feedback from them.

 

for zeix