Lock & Load

TIMBO

This thread is definetely one of your best and should be made into a sticky (hint hint ).

I have also been doing my tyre shopping so far i believe the :


TOYOS
TRANPATH SW 235/40R18 AT $ 245 .OO EACH SEEM TO BE THE BEST VALUE PER DOLLAR PERFORMANCE FOR EVERIDAY USAGE .

Any one source these tyres , or has considered these ???

cheers
michael

timbo

Michael

I've made a commitment to Hymee to put together all the information on this threaqd to form the basis for a sticky. I've just got to find time to do it.

Tyre replacement will be the next big issue we all face (unless you are of the "oh, gosh the ash tray is full -- time to sell" type owner)

1stRX8

My OE 040's lasted 12k miles. they look like slicks - totally bald.

No mention yet of BFG g-force tires. Do they suck? My inclination is to go with the Pilots based on many recomendations. I do like the 245/40 size.

I just ordered (4) 245/40YR18 Michelin Pilot Sport PS2's - $1,150 installed w/o road hazard. The most expensive tires I have ever purchased.

BVD

My guess is that most people would get a bit more. However, you are probably bang on what the tyre is apparently rated to do.

Two weeks ago I had to buy a new Bridgestone (after only 3,000kms - ouch!) because a sidewall got ripped by some metal on the road.

The tyre fitter told me that they were only rated to do 22,000kms. (Softish compound I suppose). Apparently they had a guy whingeing that he'd only got 28,000, so they checked and told him he was doing well!!

Not sure where this 'rating' comes from, or how accurate the info was, but I'll remember not to whinge when I wear this set out.

They also told me that the list price (then) was $460, but they fitted and balanced it for $410. The $410 was offered without my asking too, which was welcome as I'm not the world's best haggler.

It was also listed in their books as the stock tyre for the Nissan 350z, plus some Holdens are now using them.

The general opinion was that the increasing demand from these 3 sources - all recent - would mean more choice of brands would start flowing through over the next year. And more brands = more competition = better prices.

timbo

$410 -- that's a good price. Reminds me I have to do some work...

dbb

I think the Potenzas are actually less soft than the Toyo Proxes that I used to have on my Celica. I uses to go through a set of front tyres in as little as 12,000. But then again, the Celica uses to spin the front tyres way to easily. The RX8 only spins the rears when I want it to.

Actually, I think I might go with Proxes when I get the RX8 tyres replaced soon.

They do a 225/40ZR18WRD in their T1-S Ultra Performance range.

DjGO

my bald tires

Hymee

iTrader: (1)

So now we have 2 types of overinflation - DjGO's tyres, and some of those priced

DjGO

lol i feel so special thanks everyone for this prestigious award :D

So when do I get a medal or a throphie................waiting..............still waiting..................OK guess IM not getting one!

rotarenvy

this one should be sticky!

has anyone changed there tires yet?
any know if the stock 225/45/18 can be streched on to a 8.5" rim?

has anyone stagered their tyre sizes in oz yet?

labrat

AFIK, a limiting parameter on tyre size replacement is the effect on speedometer reading by choosing non-standard tires. The American tirerack.com site lists the "revs per mile" for the following possible tyre sizes:

225/45-18 = 804 rpm
245/40-18 (michelin Pilot Sport PS2) = 809 rpm

(which is a pretty close match)

L&L, can you quote the revs per mile (or km) for the Toyos you've been quoted? The retailer should have these specs

The michelins are around 1/2% out, or less than 1 km/h at 100 km/h

takahashi

The best size is actually 255/40 R18 .... it is just a bit out. Then again ... is there any choice of tyres?

255 will need 8.5 or wider rims. 245 will be the biggest fit to the stock wheel

rotarenvy

well I'm tempted to go to 9" all around but thats some mighty wide tyres on the front. stagering the sizes dosn't seem worth the effort and loss of economy.
I'm tempted also to go to 19" but the tyre choise drops and I have heard that the performance of 19" tyres isn't as good. there isn't many R rated tyres in 19"

labrat

Following from L&L's post regarding the quote he received from a Toyo dealer for Tranpath 235/40R18's, I thought to contact Toyo Australia direct for some expert advice. I received a most comprehensive answer, and I post it here in the hope that it proves helpful to forum members.

"Thanks for your enquiry Labrat .
You can fit the 235/40R18 size to your RX8.
The 235/40R18 size will fit well on the O.E. wheels, which are are 8" wide.
The difference in overall diameter of the 225/45R18 and the 235/40R18 will be = or < 2.3%.
Therefore where the speedo read 100kph, it will now read 102.3kph.
This change is well within the guidelines specified by the Queensland Transport Regulations for alternative wheels & tyres.

Most importantly, the O.E. tyre size for the RX8 has a load rating of 91. The 3 Toyo patterns available in the 235/40R18 size have a minimum load rating of 91. When changing tyre sizes, it is essential that the load rating for the alternative tyres is at least equal to the minimum load rating required, as stated on the tyre placard. Keep in mind that the minimum load rating stated on the tyre placard is often lower than that of the O.E. tyre size. This load rating requirement applies in all states.

Toyo has 3 patterns available in the 235/40R18 size. It is generally fair to say that the more grip tyres offer, the shorter the tread life.

1. Tranpath SW. This is a non-directional pattern that provides long tread life, low tread noise & very good ride comfort for a 40 profile tyre. The Tranpath SW would provide longer tread life compared to your Bridgestone RE 040, but lower levels of grip.

2. Trampio Gu:wn - TPG. This is a directional tyre that is more performance oriented compared to the Tranpath SW. The TPG has higher grip levels compared to the Tranpath SW, with a sharper steering response but a slightly harsher ride. The TPG has a very good wear rate for a high performance tyre, but faster than the Tranpath SW. On most vehicles the TPG has slightly increased noise levels compared to the Tranpath SW.

3. Proxes T1-S - this is Toyo's ultra-high performance tyre. Compared to the TPG it has slightly higher grip levels, a faster steering response, a faster wear rate & a little more tread noise on most vehicles. The Proxes T1-S has a directional tread pattern.

Attached are product information sheets for the 3 patterns mentioned above.
I would recommend the TPG for the RX8, as its performance characteristics suit the sporty nature of the RX8 while still providing a good wear rate & ride comfort.

I hope this is helpful.
Regards,
Steve Burke,
Tyre Technical Dept. "

If anyone wants copies of the .PDF spec. sheets thay can pm me direct. Please tell me on this forum if you have, as I don't check there very often. I tried to upload the files but it took too long.

DjGO

I have BF goodridge G-Force KDW2 245/40 18. Thease tires are the best tire's i have ever bought. I had toyo T1s they were ok but nothing compared to the Kdws i already have 1,500 miles and there is not much wear. I have been burning out, drifting, auto crossing and beating the crap out of thease tires and they just want more. Did i also say the sick a$$ thread design it looks pretty cool. After thease babys wear down i will order more of them. :D

Lock & Load

Labrat

Great follow up, is there any mention of price for the TPG , MAYBE A FORUM GROUP BUY COULD BE ORGANISED IF THERE IS ENOUGH INTEREST .

cheers
michael

labrat

L&L: No, I didn't ask about price, since Toyo Australia would probably only quote RRP, rather than any discount price than a dealer might offer. However, I did a bit more reading on the Toyo specs., and wrote Steve Burke a follow-up note:

Sorry to disturb you again, but on reading the attachments that came with your email more carefully, I note that the TPG tyre range has a 245/40ZR18 97W. This is also approved for 8” wheels, has a higher load rating and does 502 revs/km (compared to the O.E. 225/45-18’s, which are 500 revs/km). Would this size be a better choice than a 235/40ZR18 91W?

He replied:

You are correct !
The 245/40R18 is a little closer in overall diameter compared to the 225/45R18 O.E. Size. The difference in overall diameter is less than 1%.The 245/40R18 would be a better alternative. The 245/40R18 is becoming a common size.
Toyo also has street-legal race tyres for users that want to do super sprints or club days. The only size we have available in street-legal race tyres that would be suitable for the RX8 would be 225/40R18.

At least I'm improving my knowledge of this matter! The comment that the 245/40R18 is becoming a common size might auger well for pricing.

Lock & Load

Labrat

I will price the245/40 ZR 18s tommorow from memory i was told about their availability / suitability , however the price hike over the 235/40ZR18s was quite substantial.

I was quoted $245.00 for the 235/40 ZR 18s , i will check what the price difference is between the two sizes .

cheers
michael

Lock & Load

Labrat

Ok i priced the toyos .

The 235 /40 ZR 18s
TRANPATH SW =$245.00

Trampio TPG =$329.00 however they are available on a cleareance run for $ 295 .00 at the moment .

Proxes TI-S =$395.00

Going up to the Proxes T I-S ON the 245 /40 ZR 18s the price is $453.00 .

As you can see there is a considerable difference to the price between the sizes and type of tyre treads .

The big question is what is the correct type tyre for your daily type of driving , as opposed to buying the tyre for the performance and **** value factor .

I s the difference between the 235/ 40 zr 18s SW TRANPATH AT $ 245.00 / OR THE Proxes T 1 S 245 / 40 zr 18S at $ 453.00 worth it .( $208.00 difference )

cheers
michael

labrat

L&L, from what little I have gleaned, it appears that the Trampio TPG is probably the best replacement for the RE040 with regard to matching performance and other qualities. You are right that for the average punter like myself, the TRANPATH would be the right tyre. Frankly, I probably wouldn't be able to tell the difference, and the ability to rotate tyres at will with the longer tread life and quieter running might be qualities I might take into account. However, the 2% speedo error of the 235/40 might be something to think about. I had the opportunity earlier this year to calibrate my speedo against the Victorian road units (twice), and I found that my car is already reading 2% high. That is, at an indicated 100km/h, I was actually doing 98 km/h. Add another 2% error on that, at an indicated 100km/h I would only be doing 96km/h actual. That might give some people pause to think, because it is getting into kind of a grey area. Having to put 4% onto your cruise control for highway speed limit motoring could put you at risk to being ticketed.

Now that it seems that the 245/40R18 is probably the best compromise for the 225/45 R18, it would be interesting to see what is available in other brands in this "more common" size. For instance, what's available in Dunlop, Yokohama, etc?

Lock & Load

245/40ZR18S NEED a 8.5 " wheel ???

I will check out some other brands as well , if i have to spend $400.00 + i better do my homework .

cheers
michael

takahashi

245 is ok in the 8"

Toyo is a good tyre but T1-s wear out quick though - I rather go for Potenza S03 PP

go to www.tirerack.com and check out the rating - but Toyo is not in though.

labrat

If you check the Toyo spec. sheets, you'll see that both 235/40 and 245/40 are suitable for 8 - 9.5" wheels.

Unlike Taka, I'm going to compromise outright handling with other more mundane factors, so I'll be shopping very carefully indeed.

takahashi

hmmmm... I use my RX-8 as a weekend car --- if I drive it daily it will be a differnet choice - you are right labrat

dbb

Just checked out www.1010tires.com.

Toyo
Proxes T1S : Overall 4.1 / 5. Dry Traction : 4.8. Treadwear 3.7.
Proxes FZ4 : Overall 3.8/5. Dry Traction 4.2. Treadwear 3.7.

BFGoodrich G-Force KDWS : Overall 4/5. Dry Traction 4.5. Treadwear 3.2.

Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 : Overall 4.8/5. Dry Traction 5. Treadwear 4.4.

It is a pity the Michelins cost so much ...