Sprockets

iTrader: (6)

My 99 Civic Si came stock with 195/55/15 tires, but I've been using the 205/50/15 size as all season/winter tires for the 18 years I've owned the car. 205 used to have more choices, but now the opposite is true. My previous favorite all season, the Kumho Ecsta ASX, is no longer available, but the replacement for that tire (Ecsta 4X) is only available in 195. So, my choices in 205 are either the Kumho Ecsta PA31, or the Hankook Ventus V2 Concept2, which seems to have a similar tread pattern to the ASX, but both the 205 sizes are only high performance vs. ultra high performance for the Ecsta 4X.

Does anyone have any experience with these tires and opinions about whether I should go back to 195/55? My car has over 400whp, by the way. Obviously, it's not going to hook, but every little bit helps.

ls joker

Next time youre lookin at tires, check out tire specs. When i was lookin early last year, i learned that when looking, look at the thread width. Some 205s, were really close to 225s in thread width. Without lookin at specs, i would say dont go back to 195s. Ive been boosted on 195s forever waiting til the meat wore out. Forever with no traction. Buddy came over once on his bike. While im lookin around, i just happen to notice his rear tire size, 190. So shouldnt be rolling around on bike size tires lol.

i love my star spec2s. But i think theyre a summer tire. Anyway can you switch wheels and tires for winter. Like steelies or something from craiglist list. If its the DD

NVturbo

Don't go with the Hankook's. That's what I currently have on my Del Sol and they suck with water repellent in the rain. I've had Nitto Motivo's on my other car and they seem to do well.

B16GSR

I really like my PA31's on my Type R.

Sprockets

iTrader: (6)

Thanks guys, I'll stick with Kumho.

ls joker

just looked at some kumho ecsta 4x the other day for another vehicle on the tire rack. They had terrible reviews. Hydroplaning, road noise, excessive wear. Needless to say im still looking.

Sprockets

iTrader: (6)

I was tempted to go with Ecsta 4X II in 195/55/15, but saw the same thing you did. There's a reason they're only $55 on Tire Rack. The PA31s may not be as sticky in the dry, but have good reviews and seem to be good enough for winter.

SyDuck

I have Hankook Ventus V2... they cool I guess. 205/50/15 on GSR blades. I don't really have anything to compare them to. Took them to the track, they were okay. Nothing to compare them to though. Definitely not a track tire. They were inexpensive to buy though. It all depends what your goal is. If it's DD with decent grip they will do. If you want to see track time, they probably wouldn't cut it.