How to choose a tire?

[mikejungle]

How do I choose a tire? Just go to evans or discount tire and ask what they've got?
I want a good street/track tire i guess...

And how much should I expect to spend?

i have bbs ra wheels....i'll try to post the measurements soon. thanks

-edit-
MEASUREMENTS:
Front: 205/50 R15 86V
Back: 195/50 R15 82 H

[devonjordan]

It all is going to depend on what you want out of your tire...

[submwar]

Tirerack.com will help you with tread pattern selection and finding a tire that fits your wheel. Now, that being said, what tires do you have currently>?

[mikejungle]

nankang somethings on the front and sava on the rear...i think
they came with the car.

how do i explain what i want? i want my car to be a track car that can also act as a street car i guess. i don't care much for comfort, so harsh ride isn't an issue as long as the car can take it.

[netcsk]

So do you care about tire life at all?

[devonjordan]

And noise?

[gazellebeigem3]

3'' white walls are a must

[mikejungle]

hm...well if they're going to be expensive tires, then i'd like them to be somewhat durable, as it'll be somewhat of an investment for me.
don't care about noise too much. my car's already loud as hell and i've taken out my radio because the previous owner screwed up the wiring...haven't bothered to put it back in yet.

i just want something that's gonna be grippy and will make my car more fun to drive. doesn't need to be THE best tires...yet. i'm a track noob.

[Borat]

Generally buying 'grippy' tyres is a double edged sword, they cost you more and wear out faster.

[mikejungle]

i know i can't wish for a cheap, durable tire, but it'd be great to find a decent all-around tire that's pretty grippy, yet durable. and i wouldn't mind cheap...haha?

[z31maniac]

hm...well if they're going to be expensive tires, then i'd like them to be somewhat durable, as it'll be somewhat of an investment for me.
don't care about noise too much. my car's already loud as hell and i've taken out my radio because the previous owner screwed up the wiring...haven't bothered to put it back in yet.

i just want something that's gonna be grippy and will make my car more fun to drive. doesn't need to be THE best tires...yet. i'm a track noob.

Go for any one of the new class of ST class auto cross tires.

Dunlop Direzza Star Spec, Yokohama Neova Advan, Bridgestone RE-01R, Falken Azenis ST-615, Kumho Ecsta MX, Toyo R1R, Hankook RS-2.

Or go for something a bit less aggressive like the BFG KDW 2, Mystikal loves these tires.

[digital_cowboy]

I have been very happy with both my Khumo Ecsta SPT (summer) and Khumo Ecsta AST (all season). The SPTs have been on my car at least 10,000 miles now and show little wear. They grip well both in wet and dry conditions. They are a little noisy, but not terrible. Oh they were like $60 a tire too. The ASTs are not as grippy, but gave decent winter traction too.

[mikejungle]

really? just 60 dollars? from where?

[digital_cowboy]

Well I bought them from the tirerack, but they don't have that size listed currently. In fact, it looks like all the SPTs are too big now :( However, they do have the ASTs, but they look like they range from $60-$75 each.

[Mystikal]

First, size?

Then, rank these:
Dry traction
Wet traction
Hydroplaning Resistance
Response
Noise
Ride
Treadwear

I'll point you in the right direction.