My wheels are 15 x 6.5's, and currently Im on Azenis (205/50). Though I love the price/grip of the Azenis, they are technically a little below weight rating for my car (85V on a 2700lb car that came with 88H's).

Now I never go over 90MPH or carry more than 1 passenger, and I have quiet, all-season tires for long trips, but it still nags me that the Azenis should be sub-optimal in terms of tread life and even-wearing because of this weight issue.

And another (albeit shallow) thing is the Azenis are a little smallish looking, since thier 205/50 size is almost an inch smaller than the stock diameter, though the gearing change is pretty neat.

I auto-x 2-3 times a month, and have a short daily commute, So Im considering 225/50's in the 200-280 treadlife range:

The 225/50 models Im considering are:
1. Ecsta V700's (50 is a short tread life for a daily)
2. bfgoodrich gforce takd (Like these alot, but they dont reverse, little bit pricey)
3. Yoko AV-ES100 ( decent price, longer treadlife, probably have less grip, but would the 8.3" tread make up for it compared to 205 Azenis?)
4. Bridgestone potenza s-03 pole posit (expensive)
5. Toyo Proxes T1-S ( same concerns as Yokos )

(Please assume I want to keep the 15x6.5" rims)
Am I missing any other comparable tires?
Is there one on my list I should not even consider?
Are they going to fit ok on 6.5's?


Thanks in advance for your input.

 

AFAIK the azenis 205 *IS* a 225 pretty much. Going to another brand's 225 might not make as big a difference as you might guess. I can't really comment on the weight issue, but if were me, I wouldn't worry about it.

 

I don't think R compounds are ever a good choice for a daily driver.

As for the rest of them, it simply depends on what you want...

the KDs are far more expensive, and will outhandle the 205 Azenis, but not by much, and they won't be ideal on a 6.5" wheel

The ES100s will be losing grip to the Azenis

S-03s would probably be my choice....and aren't as expensive as the KDs, and will sacrfice a little in terms of dry performance

T1-S...a little behind the S-03 and KD....but better than the ES100 from what I've *HEARD*

It all depends on what class you're in, how competative you are....etc.

 

With most if not all 225's, you will not be using their full potential on the 6.5" wide rim. I would stay with the Azenis.

 

STS is where I would rather stay. thanks for all the input, this is really helpful!

V700s and ES100's are off the list now

Any more input?

 

I'd stay with the 205/50s and probably get Yoko Advan A032R's ...just my opinion.

 

May I add Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3s they only make this in one 15 size, 195/50, but it as wide as other 205s and the grip is on par with T1-S and PP S-03s. I've had mine for 3 weeks and haven't been able to push them past their limits. I'm going to give them a run or 2 this weekends auto-X and then switch to my 205/50 Azenis to see how much they compare for dry or wet grip.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Civic242 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">May I add Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3s they only make this in one 15 size, 195/50, but it as wide as other 205s and the grip is on par with T1-S and PP S-03s. I've had mine for 3 weeks and haven't been able to push them past their limits. I'm going to give them a run or 2 this weekends auto-X and then switch to my 205/50 Azenis to see how much they compare for dry or wet grip.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Please keep me informed on how these pan out.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by hatch2k &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Please keep me informed on how these pan out. </TD></TR></TABLE>

You're not going to beat BFG KD's or Azenis in dry grip - otherwise the STS people would have already been all over it.

 

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

You're not going to beat BFG KD's or Azenis in dry grip - otherwise the STS people would have already been all over it.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I should say these F1 are my daily drivers and my Azenis are for Auto-Xing only. But I'd still like to know how close they come to Azenis just to know.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by hatch2k &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">STS is where I would rather stay. thanks for all the input, this is really helpful!

V700s and ES100's are off the list now

Any more input?</TD></TR></TABLE>

AVS ES100's would bump you out of STS? Well I can't find them anywhere anyways.....atleast not till the end of June.

 

I don't think the S-03s will have the quick-transition response that an autocrosser would want. They're fine on the track lack steering feel. RE730s were much better in this regard, but had thin shoulder blocks that wore out quickly on my near-3000lb. VW.

I would try something less expensive for autocross use.

-Adam

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Sport Injection &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
AVS ES100's would bump you out of STS?</TD></TR></TABLE>

No, but that is the second time I've heard thier traction is not so hot compared to Azenis and KD's.

 

Not to beat a dead horse over the head but if you take a look at last years results at the SCCA nationals in STS class you'll see a pattern developing of tire brand/model preference.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Street Touring S Drivers: 50 Trophies: 1
T 1 82Chris Shenefield 89 Honda Civic Si White Falken NePA 52.156 51.608 50.809 101.860
Trucksville, PA Red Shift Motorsports NEDIV 51.360 51.051 51.418

T 2 74Jason Tipple 89 Honda Civic Si White Bridgest OhV 54.462(1) 51.276 51.362 102.180
Hilliard, OH Realspeed CENDI 51.162 50.904 51.425 (0.320)

T 3 32Nathan Whipple 93 Honda Civic White Falken NEng 54.151(1) 52.474 51.704 104.015
Attleboro, MA Spectrumedia.com NEDIV 52.311 55.309(1) 52.765 (1.835)

T 4 71Richard P. West 99 Subaru Impeza RS Blue BFGoodri WDC 53.470 52.500 DNF 104.297
Richmond, VA DMS/Elite Image NEDIV 52.049 51.797 53.600(1) (0.282)

T 5 52Stephen J. Sulatyc00 Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS Silv Falken KC DNF 52.238 52.462 104.298
Overland Park, KS Zzyzx Racing MIDIV 52.297 52.060 53.788(1) (0.001)

T 6 42Matthew Kogan 91 Nisson Sentra White Falken NEng 53.239 52.103 51.923 104.405
Douglas, MA KRS/UR NEDIV 55.448(1) 52.584 52.482 (0.107)

T 7 68Eric Kriemelmeyer 99 Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS Silv Falken Wash. 53.655 54.389(1) 52.766 104.698
[168 Pomfret, MD Kartboy.com NEDIV 53.691(1) 52.163 51.932 (0.293)

T 8 193Phil Osborne 95 Dodge Neon White Falken Tex 53.138 52.996 53.164 104.815
[93] Haslet, TX Pro Tape Graphics SWDIV 51.819 54.046(1) 52.115 (0.117)

T 9 168Eric Carman 99 Subaru Impreza RS Silver Falken WDC 54.589(1) 52.948 53.200 104.832
[68] Brooklyn Park, MD Kartboy.com NEDIV 52.583 52.015 51.884 (0.017)

T10 28Billy Brooks 00 Subaru 2.5 RS Blue Falken Utah 52.553 59.329(3) 53.333 104.880
[128 Park City, UT ModernGarage/Team ARG! RMDIV 52.327 52.897 53.336 (0.048)

T11 13David Avard 90 Mazda Protege Silver Falken CSCC 53.931 53.222 52.973 104.961
Encino, CA SOPAC 52.945 52.074 51.988 (0.081)

T12 47Courtney Cormier 98 Dodge Neon R/T White Falken WDC 53.046 54.793(1) 52.846 105.127
Richmond, VA NEDIV 52.807 52.281 52.282 (0.166)

T13 195Patrick Lipsinic 00 Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS Blue Falken KC 52.876 54.539(1) 55.417(1) 105.341
[95] Oklahoma City, OK Texas Subaru Motorsports/Kartboy.com MIDIV 53.016 55.428(1) 52.465 (0.214)

T14 49Dave Bruener 00 Subaru Impreza White Falken Milwa 53.979 53.009 53.381 105.535
Port Edwards, WI Revolutions Motorsports /Gustmann Suba CENDI 53.850 52.526 52.778 (0.194)

15 1 Per Schroeder 02 Honda Civic Si White BFGoodri Chica 53.916 55.021(1) 53.167 105.715
Daytona Beach, FL Grassroots Motorsports/BF Goodrich CENDI 52.690 52.548 52.696 (0.180)

16 99 Gary Gaither 98 Subaru Impreza RS2.5 Blue BFGoodri Wichi 57.040(2) 53.669 59.715(3) 105.778
Wichita, KS MIDDI 53.537 52.347 52.109 (0.063)

17 92 Hsun Chen 95 Nissan 200SX SER White Falken Color 53.807 53.249 53.062 105.826
[192 Boulder, CO Secret Ignition Rocky 53.453 52.764 52.945 (0.048)

18 81 Michael O'Neal 89 Honda Civic Si Red Falken Color 53.862 53.577 53.207 105.966
Boulder, CO Kustom Kar Audio.com RMDIV 53.711 52.759 53.123 (0.140)

19 80 John Dolecek 94 Toyota Celica ST White Falken Wich 55.132(1) 53.233 54.908(1) 105.988
Manhattan, KS KSU Motorsports MIDIV 52.755 52.944 52.858 (0.022)

20 7 Charlie Davis 86 Honda Civic Si White Falken San F 52.823 53.441 53.068 105.997
Burlingame, CA Huck & Chuck Enterprises NORPA 55.029(1) 53.174 53.262 (0.009)

21 77 Hiroo Sumida 00 Subaru Impreza RS Blue Falken Cscc 54.345(1) DNF 54.757(1) 106.140
Lawndale, CA G-Speed, Club4AG, America's Tire SOPAC 54.906(1) 51.795 52.012 (0.143)

22 9 John Bryan Moore 91 Nissan Sentra SE-R Red Falken Chi 54.804 53.078 54.062 106.212
Naperville, IL CENDI 53.134 53.657 53.423 (0.072)

23 59 Troy Howland 00` Toyota Celica GT White Falken SagV 55.258(1) 53.310 53.442 106.246
Essexville, MI Godfrey Toyota/Rogers/Stageright CENDI 53.539 53.183 52.936 (0.034)

24 69 Eric Linnhoff 98 Dodge Neon White/Stripe Falken KC 53.341 DNF 54.924(1) 106.339
Grain Valley, MO Knuckledragger Racing MIDIV 55.002(1) 53.522 52.998 (0.093)

25 91 Eric West 93 Honda Civic Mystic Falken San F 53.804 55.270(1) 56.872(2) 106.368
Smartsville, CA SMA Sacramento Motorsport Acc NORPA 57.489 52.564 55.606(1) (0.029)

26 95 Jan Gerber 00 Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS Blue Falken Neb 54.008 54.802 53.475 106.503
[195 Ralston, NE T.O. Haas Tire MIDIV 53.528 53.571 53.028 (0.135)

27 192 Gary Phillis 95 Nissan 200SX SE-R White Falken Colo 53.951 54.226 54.190 106.879
[92] Boulder, CO Secret Ignition RMDIV 53.174 52.928 53.437 (0.376)

28 55 Shintaro Watanabe 99 honda civic si Falken DNF 53.193 52.784 106.987
62.251(5) 54.203(1) 57.302(2) (0.108)

29 94 Curtis Eames 00 Audi TT Denim Blue Hankook Ore 54.805 54.689 54.394 107.033
Vancouver, WA Hankook NORPA 53.436 53.037 52.639 (0.046)

30 26 Jesse Naughton 92 Mazda Protege LX Champagne Falken CFR 53.472 DNF 54.157 107.123
Gainesville, FL SEDIV 54.613 53.651 55.847(1) (0.090)

31 72 John Jacobs 89 Subaru XT6 Red Yokohama DWR 55.088 54.436 53.974 107.224
Earlham, IA CENDI 53.250 53.355 55.361(1) (0.101)

32 51 Aaron Lucas 99 Nissan Maxima SE Black Bridgest OhV 55.583(1) DNF 54.537 107.425
Cincinnati, OH ALucas Racing CENDI 53.509 53.485 52.888 (0.201)

33 128 Jason Boles 00 Subaru Impreza Blue Falken Utah 55.791(1) 54.112 53.647 107.610
[28] Tempe, AZ TeamARG! RMDIV 53.967 54.778 53.963 (0.185)

34 10 Doug Allen 99 Honda Civic Si Blue Falken EastT 54.349 62.895(4) 59.958(2) 107.686
Mt Carmel, TN SEDIV 54.166 53.337 53.614 (0.076)

35 19 Will Conklin 00 Subaru Impreza 25AS Silver Falken CFla 55.310 54.174 54.615 107.812
Riverview, FL Mastro Subaru - Tampa FL SEDIV 53.638 54.232 55.732(1) (0.126)

36 98 Bryan Hull 97 Saturn SC-2 Silver BFGoodri NwOh 54.462 54.440 73.370(2) 107.831
Toledo, OH CENDI 53.845 53.507 53.391 (0.019)

37 31 Doug Gill 87 Honda Civic SI Teflon Bridgest MidS 59.446 56.407(1) 53.657 107.855
Collierville, TN MIDIV 54.200 54.198 55.002 (0.024)

38 93 Kei Josephson Dodge Neon White M&H Texas 54.824 DNF 54.528 107.987
[193 Flower Mound, TX Eibach/Goodridge/The Highland/Gonzilla SWDIV 55.016 53.459 53.644 (0.132)

39 12 Justin Gilbert 91 Nissan Sentra SE-R Red Falken Kan 55.718 55.461(1) 53.977 108.080
Tecumseh, KS Gilbert-Industries.com MIDIV 54.103 54.251 54.241 (0.093)

40 97 Gary Szabo 02 Mazda P5 Yellow Kumho Las V 57.091(1) 55.069 54.572 108.257
Pahrump, NV Hooters of Las Vegas SOPAC 55.908(1) 53.685 54.201 (0.177)

41 44 Craig Minch 01 Subaru Impreza RS Blue Falken NEOHI 56.316 56.123(1) 55.286 108.792
Avon Lake, OH CENDI 54.311 53.506 54.066 (0.535)

42 67 Jeff Parker 91 Nissan 240SX Black Hankook LoneS 55.575 55.335 54.531 109.812
Bastrop, TX SWDIV 55.281 55.608 55.700 (1.020)

43 11 Joe Williams 86 Honda Civic Si Red Falken Kan 57.044 55.321 64.052(4) 110.328
Topeka, KS Spooky Racing MIDIV 58.468(1) 55.007 55.086 (0.516)

44 121 Sho Tagawa 02 Mini Cooper Chili Red N/A 57.560 55.910 59.386(1) 111.256
[17] Woodcliff Lake NC MiniUSA/ Grassroots Motorsports Celeb 55.679 55.346 55.735 (0.928)

45 50 Vern Kilburn 98 Ford Contour SE Red Falken Texas 57.017 56.786 56.547 112.896
Euless, TX Contour form Hell Racing SWDIV 56.977 56.349 56.721 (1.640)

46 29 Mary H. Harl 96 Dodge Neon Teal Goodyear SInd 60.252(1) 58.770 57.069 113.760
[129 Evansville, IN CENDI 57.865 58.695 56.691 (0.864)

47 129 Mike Freeman 01 Volkswagon GTI Green Bridgest S. In 57.699 57.305 64.857(3) 114.058
[29] Evansville, IN CENDI 56.926 56.753 57.204 (0.298)

48 90 Bill Norris 98 Dodge Neon ACR Platinum Falken Kansa 64.256(2) 59.676 58.092 114.655
Trenton, MO Gekl Racing MIDDI 58.467 56.563 56.718 (0.597)

49 21 Andrew Cutler 02 Mini Cooper Chili Red N/A 64.485 61.213 61.100 119.988
[117 Woodcliff Lake NC MiniUSA/ Grassroots Motorsports Celeb 59.587 58.888 59.342 (5.333)

50 24 David Rock 00 Toyota Celica GTS Silver Falken ArzB DNS DNS DNS No Time
Tucson, AZ Sliding Rock Racing SOPAC DNS DNS DNS
</TD></TR></TABLE>

==&gt; http://www.scca.org/amateur/so....html

Now this isn't the most scientific way nor is it the most accurate way to judge which tire is better for STS usage but I think you can draw your own conlusions from the rankings and percentages. And if your still in the dark this should help you out a bit more. BFG KD 205/50 = $159 or Falken Azenis 205/50 = $69

 

WOW, well then, if I choose to forget about the load rating issue, the Falkens are an obvious good choice.

If I decide to go with a higher load rating and a closer-to-stock diameter on the same rims, the KD's are going to be it.

DAMMIT FALKEN! MAKE MY SPECIAL SIZE!

Thanks for all this great info, everyone, I feel better about my current choice now!

 

You forgot the Ecsta MX tires. A couple of STS guys did pretty well with them. Tirerack says just slightly slower in the dry than the KDs and faster in the wet. I know they come in 205-50-15.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/max_perf.jsp

 

Can someone laydown the concerns on load rating? The 205/50 Azenis have a load rating of 85. The OEM load rating on my car was 89 on 195/65/15 tires. So jumping over to TireRack, this tells me that it's 1,135 lbs carrying capacity on each tire, meaning 4540 lbs total. The OEM rating is 1,279 lbs per tire, meaning 5116 lbs total. My car is only 3100 lbs, and I don't plan on towing or anything, so what gives? Is that extra 144 lbs/tire useful? Will my tires wear differently or faster because its that much heavier? Sorry to go way OT.

 

I guess I'm in the minority, but I'd suggest the S03's. My brother had a set, and I have Azenis. Dry grip there's the tiniest little edge to the Azenis, and the S03's are a lot better in the wet. I think at least a small part of the Falken popularity is from (justified) hype. If I can afford it, I'll be switching from Azenis to S03's.
One thing about the S03's, the 205s my brother had were approximately the same width as my 215 Azenis. On my brother's stock GSR wheels, he lost some sidewall stiffness due to the big 205s

 

just to beat the dead horse one more time....in those results that Civic242 posted, keep in mind that Jason Tipple, 2nd place was ALSO on Falkens in '02...the online results weren't correct.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by stealthx32 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Can someone laydown the concerns on load rating?</TD></TR></TABLE>

I've been asking everyone about this, and there's been no horror stories of explosions. The biggest side effects are shortened tire life and uneven wear.

Some advice I've received includes: carefully monitor the air pressures (duh), dont ever push the speed-rating, and dont overload the car with passengers and drive for extended trips at high speeds.