Current Tire Thread

[Insanity]

I'd recommend Falken ZIEX ZE502s if you're looking for an all season tire. They're fairly cheap, but still extremely good (for an all season) in the dry, and also very good when wet. The only drawback is that they're a directional tread, so you probably won't be able to run them as long due to inability to rotate to the other side of the car. I'd guesstimate their life at around 30k-35k miles. Most of the 40-55 series ones of that type are V speed rated as well.

[arsevader]

My Type E's came with FM 901's. Plan on giving them a thorough thrashing, will give my opinions after a few track days and daily driving.

I suspect the track will be where these tires will show their limitations. But as I said I've not had any complaints on the street.

Not sure if I'd buy them again. They are a decent price but there are other tires that are better in the similar price range.

[Axxe]

My Type E's came with FM 901's. Plan on giving them a thorough thrashing, will give my opinions after a few track days and daily driving.

[Low Level E30]

Anyone tried Dunlop Direzza's? I think they're D101's or DZ101's, something like that... ? New "Dorifto" tire...

[arsevader]

Okay guys, here is exactly what I'm talking about. Go out and read some reviews on the RE92. It is an extremely unaggressive highway tire, and every car owner whose ride came with them from the factory is SHOCKED when they replace them for better rubber.

People also need to realize whether the tire being reviewed is an OE tire or not. The factory Potenza RE92 equiped on most low end Nissans etc is a completely different beast than the RE92 that you buy retail. It's not even the same tire really. It's manufactured to the specs of the car maker not Bridgestone.

Not as good as a good tire but an ok tire compared to some of the crap out there.

[nando]

no doubt, even going off the extremely unscientific tirerack reviews you can see that they are a very poor tire.

[Mystikal]

tire: Bridgestone Potenza RE92 (v speed rating, 160 treadwear)

size: 205/50 R16

purchased: january '99 for $156.00 a tire.

tire life: installed at 110,000miles - being replaced at 167,000miles

tire grip: amazing in the dry even now when its down to almost no tread.
rain traction has gone to almost none, however, but was good.

feedback: i would definately buy them again, but i really cant afford that right now. i highly recommend them if you have the $$

Okay guys, here is exactly what I'm talking about. Go out and read some reviews on the RE92. It is an extremely unaggressive highway tire, and every car owner whose ride came with them from the factory is SHOCKED when they replace them for better rubber. However, to this driver, they were compltely within and even surpassed his expectations. If he dared put on something like P-Zero Nero M&S's (just to name another all-season, keep it fair), his perception of the RE92's would drop to dismal.

And anything that lasts 57,000miles is wayyyyyyyy to hard of a compound to have good traction (relative to high performance tires). Sure, good compared to $40 Coopers and Sears specials, but downright scary driven back to back with real rubber.

[MR 325]

Great thread, I'm going to sticky it

[Mystikal]

Drift man, FM901's are pretty terrible. One of the most disappointing tires to come out in the past few years, judging from tests I've read.

The Hankooks, meanwhile, are just the slightest notch below the Azenis twins. Complete other end of the scale.

[Erick]

True... well those tires only go in the front.... the rear tires are considerably low performance.... I drive with Ziex's in the back and I never unintentionally lost traction.... it's all a matter of holding boost. But when you hit boost in 2nd gear coming off a light.... you light up those tires at 30-40mph no problem lol

[arsevader]

Dunlop FM901's --- I was just about to post, asking about those --- what have you heard? I have seen and heard very little about these, myself, but I am curious about them!

I have seen a kid at the track with those tires back in June. It started pouring in the middle of the event and he was the only one who did not seem to have any traction issues.

I have a set of these in 205/55 15 on Ronal LS's.

They are a decent tire and they are quite cheap.

Once they wear too much they become a little iffy in the wet though. I've found their treadwear pretty good considering they are summer tires but my car isn't any turbo charged monster and I just drive on the street.

People have complained about road noise but I've never found them to be too noisy and I think the sidewalls are pretty good though again I've heard complaints.

So user opinions are good to read but take them with a grain of salt and common sense.

James

[Erick]

Interesting. I'll definetly look into it.... with Edge Racing being nearby, I'll stop by, pay a visit... ask some questions... who knows... burn some tires :)

[Axxe]

Cooper Cobras are commonly seen on cars like big-block Chevelles / Biscaynes / Impalas / etc. In other words, old-school muscle w/ plenty of torque to spare. They'll wear just fine.

But... I wouldn't exactly call them a performance tire, when it comes to handling.

You got that right. They suck balls, but once you get the hand of them, you can drift all fucking day and still have enough tire left for another week of the drifting. Just don't drive in the rain, wet braking, wet traction, lateral grip and hydroplane resistance just isn't there. That's how I learned to drive my E30, went to Ziex's, and whoa, what a difference. The Ziex's are a loooot softer, the cobras are made of granite. If I remember to take my camera home, I'll show you some pics of the cobras after 60,000 kms of mostly abusive driving on them.

[Erick]

Stock M20. I could put the car into a slide either with a quick blip of the throttle in 3rd while turning, or little ass swing. Also, lots of snap oversteer from these tires. They were designed for Mustangs and Camaros, hard compound so you can drive hard and not wear them down.

And when doing a standing burnout, power does not matter much. The tires are spinning, and you get a nice smoke show. Ask any of the toronto E30 guys.

I dunno about that man.... when I went 100whp over stock my tires started lasting less and less. :D

I'll check them out tho. Thanks.

[Low Level E30]

Cooper Cobras are commonly seen on cars like big-block Chevelles / Biscaynes / Impalas / etc. In other words, old-school muscle w/ plenty of torque to spare. They'll wear just fine.

But... I wouldn't exactly call them a performance tire, when it comes to handling.