Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 impressions??
09-16-2008, 08:15 PM
#1
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Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 impressions??
Hi everyone. I'm looking around for some new rubber for my 8 and I was wondering if anyone has or is using the new Dunlops. I'm going to be getting all 4 tires so I want to make sure that these are going to be good for me. I currently have BF Goodrich G force sport 235/40 R18 all around and they are so loud that I can barely hear the radio at highway speed. The tires have a very loud resonance that goes through the whole chassis at certain speeds. So any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
09-16-2008, 11:12 PM
#3
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Are you looking at the Star Specs? I have the non Star Specs in 225/45-18 size. Though they are a good tire; very temperature stable and quite responsive, I think they're a slight downgrade from the Yokohama Advan Neova AD07 I had before in the same size. Compared to the Neova, the Z1s have slightly less lateral grip, don't communicate quite as well through the steering wheel, and is slightly less responsive. However, where it gives the most away is in braking grip; though the Neovas are amazing in that department. The Car and Driver long term RX-8 equipped with Neovas stopped from 70-0 in 145 feet, a more than 10 feet improvement compared to stock. However, the Z1s will still destroy most street tires. The Neova is just possibly the best street compound out there.
09-17-2008, 01:07 PM
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I've been tracking on the Z1 (non star spec) for a season. Tires will go on for another season- they wear that well.
Great grip. I've never had a set of AD07, so I can't compare like LionZoo, but I can compare vs. S-03, and the Z1 has more grip, and lateral response and sidewall stiffness compared to the S-03.
I wouldn't use these for only street use however, they are overkill.
Great grip. I've never had a set of AD07, so I can't compare like LionZoo, but I can compare vs. S-03, and the Z1 has more grip, and lateral response and sidewall stiffness compared to the S-03.
I wouldn't use these for only street use however, they are overkill.
09-19-2008, 01:40 PM
#6
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Ok so you guys wouldn't recommend the tire for someone who just drives the car as a daily driver as well as the occasional autocross and some spirited driving on the weekends. I drive my car pretty hard and I'm looking for a tire that is more responsive than the crappy G force sports that I have on it now as well as be more quiet. There is no way that the tires I have on now should be as loud as they are. I will do some more research on these tires. Are there any others that anyone would recommend for my driving style.
09-19-2008, 04:15 PM
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^
The Z1 at 200 Treadwear UTQG is about as sticky (and short wearing) as you can get for a street tire (great for autocross by the way, but might not last as long as what you're looking for in terms of wear cycle for daily driving). For example, it falls under the Extreme category of Tire Rack's scale. A Max performance tire (again, using Tire Rack's categorization) might be more towards your needs. And as a guage, the stock tires the car came with fall under the UHP (Ultra High Performance) range of categorization, which hovers around 300 UTQG rating. So, look for something between 200 and 300. The discontinued S-03 Pole Position was a perfect fit for your needs. See what they have as a comparable.
The Z1 at 200 Treadwear UTQG is about as sticky (and short wearing) as you can get for a street tire (great for autocross by the way, but might not last as long as what you're looking for in terms of wear cycle for daily driving). For example, it falls under the Extreme category of Tire Rack's scale. A Max performance tire (again, using Tire Rack's categorization) might be more towards your needs. And as a guage, the stock tires the car came with fall under the UHP (Ultra High Performance) range of categorization, which hovers around 300 UTQG rating. So, look for something between 200 and 300. The discontinued S-03 Pole Position was a perfect fit for your needs. See what they have as a comparable.
09-20-2008, 12:09 PM
#8
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Thanks everyone for your help. I'm gonna do some looking around now and try to decide on a tire. Does everyone here pretty much go through tire rack for their tires. They do have a great selection and the prices are low.
09-20-2008, 01:12 PM
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I feel these aren't that inappropriate for a street tire, but if you're complaining about noise on the g-Force Sports, I don't think the Z1s will be an improvement. However, the Potenza RE-01Rs might be more what you're looking for. They're more expensive and again won't have long life, but they're civil.
10-04-2008, 09:47 PM
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Just read Tirerack man...
I have them (245/40R18 on 18x9.5 +35 wheels) and they're fantastic! Quieter than the stock bridgestones and WAY more responsive and grippy. The star specs are just an improvement on the already awesome non-star spec (which I have).
As a side note I have about 75xx miles on them and they're at 6/32 so I'm expecting to see a pretty decent life of about 15,000 miles on them.
I have them (245/40R18 on 18x9.5 +35 wheels) and they're fantastic! Quieter than the stock bridgestones and WAY more responsive and grippy. The star specs are just an improvement on the already awesome non-star spec (which I have).
As a side note I have about 75xx miles on them and they're at 6/32 so I'm expecting to see a pretty decent life of about 15,000 miles on them.
10-24-2008, 01:24 AM
#14
I went from Toyo T1-Rs to Star Specs, both 245/40, on 8.5" rims. The Star Specs have better grip, but are not as crisp. They don't communicate as well, particularly on the limit. Yes the limit is higher but they are more vague than the Toyos, and in some ways less fun on the street.
I assume this due to the fact that the Dunlops are wider than the Toyos for a given size. I suspect the 245/40 Star Specs would feel better on 9" rims, while the Toyos are perfectly suited to the 8.5s. Based on this, I would not reccomend the 245/40 Star Specs on 8" wheels if you care about feel. The 225/45s would still give plenty of grip (and probably wider than what you are running now) and be more responsive.
Just something to consider.
I assume this due to the fact that the Dunlops are wider than the Toyos for a given size. I suspect the 245/40 Star Specs would feel better on 9" rims, while the Toyos are perfectly suited to the 8.5s. Based on this, I would not reccomend the 245/40 Star Specs on 8" wheels if you care about feel. The 225/45s would still give plenty of grip (and probably wider than what you are running now) and be more responsive.
Just something to consider.
10-25-2008, 12:51 PM
#16
Thanks Swoope. Don't get me wrong, if your primary measure of fun is how fast you go around a corner 
then the Star Specs shame the T1-Rs. And, they are an incredible bargin from a price/performance standpoint. But, they are less linear, and less precise, than the Toyos. The Toyos were just a bast to slide around on, but the Star Specs add a little drama to the whole excersize.
Of course, these comments should be taken in the context of my setup - both tires in a 245/40 on a 8.5" rim. I would not be suprised to learn that the Star Specs would feel better on a wider rim. When I first had the T1-Rs, I ran them on the stock 8" rims for a few months, and they had a slightly sloppy feel with that fitment. It was not until I put them on the 8.5" SSRs that they came into their own and gave that great, linear feel that I liked so much about them. Since the Star Specs are physically wider than the T1-Rs, it stands to reason that they need more than 8.5" of rim width to perform their best.
Different horses, I guess. But if the 'stones or 'yoks give the high grip of the Star Specs (which, by all accounts, they do) with the precision and feel of the Toyos then they just may be worth the extra $$$.
then the Star Specs shame the T1-Rs. And, they are an incredible bargin from a price/performance standpoint. But, they are less linear, and less precise, than the Toyos. The Toyos were just a bast to slide around on, but the Star Specs add a little drama to the whole excersize.Of course, these comments should be taken in the context of my setup - both tires in a 245/40 on a 8.5" rim. I would not be suprised to learn that the Star Specs would feel better on a wider rim. When I first had the T1-Rs, I ran them on the stock 8" rims for a few months, and they had a slightly sloppy feel with that fitment. It was not until I put them on the 8.5" SSRs that they came into their own and gave that great, linear feel that I liked so much about them. Since the Star Specs are physically wider than the T1-Rs, it stands to reason that they need more than 8.5" of rim width to perform their best.
Different horses, I guess. But if the 'stones or 'yoks give the high grip of the Star Specs (which, by all accounts, they do) with the precision and feel of the Toyos then they just may be worth the extra $$$.
Last edited by GeorgeH; 10-25-2008 at 01:00 PM.
10-25-2008, 05:36 PM
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Dunlop mixed?
I've read through some threads and went through some of the Tire Rack reviews. The Dunlop Direzza Sports look like they are about as good as it gets -- #1 in the category and they really couldn't find a whole lot to recommend for improvements.
As I played around with their configurator for different sizes, a mixed set recommendation for 245/40x18 in the back with the 225/45x18 in the front popped up.
I've read a lot of varying opinions about why one would or would not want to do that by Googling around. Of course, the problem is determining the truth from the buffalo. Some say it helps with hydroplaning or that it creates understeer or that it helps with over all handling. I'm out my element.
If I did that, would it make sense or be completely stooopid to use the stock Dunlop Sports on the front and buy the Direzza's for the back or is that backasswards?
As I played around with their configurator for different sizes, a mixed set recommendation for 245/40x18 in the back with the 225/45x18 in the front popped up.
I've read a lot of varying opinions about why one would or would not want to do that by Googling around. Of course, the problem is determining the truth from the buffalo. Some say it helps with hydroplaning or that it creates understeer or that it helps with over all handling. I'm out my element.
If I did that, would it make sense or be completely stooopid to use the stock Dunlop Sports on the front and buy the Direzza's for the back or is that backasswards?
10-25-2008, 06:16 PM
#18
Keep your tires balanced - same size & model front and rear. At least, if you drive it hard.
If you have to mix it for whatever reason, put the wider/stickier tires on the back. Putting the stickier tires on the front will lead to oversteer, which is bad.
If you do the 225 front and 245 rear, you will be limiting front grip, and your car will understeer. Whether or not this is a good thing depends on how you drive and what you want out of your car.
Staggering can work if you are willing to re-tune the suspension, but on stock wheels & suspension I strongly reccomend that you keep the tires the same front & rear, both size & model/brand.
If you have to mix it for whatever reason, put the wider/stickier tires on the back. Putting the stickier tires on the front will lead to oversteer, which is bad.
If you do the 225 front and 245 rear, you will be limiting front grip, and your car will understeer. Whether or not this is a good thing depends on how you drive and what you want out of your car.
Staggering can work if you are willing to re-tune the suspension, but on stock wheels & suspension I strongly reccomend that you keep the tires the same front & rear, both size & model/brand.
10-25-2008, 09:29 PM
#19
wow,
finally got an alignment today. still not right, but so much better than before..
just reasonable
street driving.. these tires dont suck..
and btw, they are not loud, and do good in the rain. but i am just starting to push them...
and george. so funny the other choice i had was the toyos! but went to the side of track days..
it will be fun to see how this plays out..
beers
finally got an alignment today. still not right, but so much better than before..
just reasonable
street driving.. these tires dont suck.. and btw, they are not loud, and do good in the rain. but i am just starting to push them...
and george. so funny the other choice i had was the toyos!
but went to the side of track days.. it will be fun to see how this plays out..
beers
10-25-2008, 10:45 PM
#21
With 9.5s, why not go a little wider? If the proper sizes are avialable, that is.
swoope, despite my subjective comments about feel, you will love the Star Specs. I just went for a drive today and all I can say is: Baby's got grip. Once you get the feel of them, they can be driven stupid-fast. The only time I can recall having more gip on the street was when I had some Toyo RA-1s on my Miata a few years back. And that was so much grip I felt I couldn't use it 90% of the time, even when on a spirited drive. But on the right corner, with clear sight lines...
FWIW, track days is one reason I went with the Dunlops as well - I hope to do some track days next year.
Let us know how you like them!
swoope, despite my subjective comments about feel, you will love the Star Specs. I just went for a drive today and all I can say is: Baby's got grip. Once you get the feel of them, they can be driven stupid-fast. The only time I can recall having more gip on the street was when I had some Toyo RA-1s on my Miata a few years back. And that was so much grip I felt I couldn't use it 90% of the time, even when on a spirited drive. But on the right corner, with clear sight lines...
FWIW, track days is one reason I went with the Dunlops as well - I hope to do some track days next year.
Let us know how you like them!
10-25-2008, 11:24 PM
#22
With 9.5s, why not go a little wider? If the proper sizes are avialable, that is.
swoope, despite my subjective comments about feel, you will love the Star Specs. I just went for a drive today and all I can say is: Baby's got grip. Once you get the feel of them, they can be driven stupid-fast. The only time I can recall having more gip on the street was when I had some Toyo RA-1s on my Miata a few years back. And that was so much grip I felt I couldn't use it 90% of the time, even when on a spirited drive. But on the right corner, with clear sight lines...
FWIW, track days is one reason I went with the Dunlops as well - I hope to do some track days next year.
Let us know how you like them!
swoope, despite my subjective comments about feel, you will love the Star Specs. I just went for a drive today and all I can say is: Baby's got grip. Once you get the feel of them, they can be driven stupid-fast. The only time I can recall having more gip on the street was when I had some Toyo RA-1s on my Miata a few years back. And that was so much grip I felt I couldn't use it 90% of the time, even when on a spirited drive. But on the right corner, with clear sight lines...
FWIW, track days is one reason I went with the Dunlops as well - I hope to do some track days next year.
Let us know how you like them!
i know you are on dspecs..
springs??? and really. i think for the street. these are stupid good..
and you know i mean dont be stupid and try to push the limits of these on the streets..
hey, but what do i know!!!
beers
10-25-2008, 11:38 PM
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The problem is the proper size isn't. Ideally I'd like to use 255/40s, but the Star Specs are not available in that size. The Advan Neovas are, but I feel they're bit too pricey. I don't really want to run 265/35s as they're a bit smaller in rolling diameter, and since I put such an emphasis on feel I'm not in the 275/35 camp. Some people try to put the widest tires possible on a wheel to maximize grip, but for my applications communication and response are more important.
10-25-2008, 11:48 PM
#24
The problem is the proper size isn't. Ideally I'd like to use 255/40s, but the Star Specs are not available in that size. The Advan Neovas are, but I feel they're bit too pricey. I don't really want to run 265/35s as they're a bit smaller in rolling diameter, and since I put such an emphasis on feel I'm not in the 275/35 camp. Some people try to put the widest tires possible on a wheel to maximize grip, but for my applications communication and response are more important.
i have to totally agree with this.. i looked at the 615 and the t1r in the 255 / 40 / 18 it is a perfect match...
when i ordered tires the t1r was out of stock, and the dunlop made more sense..
beers