dankgummy

I'm getting new wheels and tires. I already have the wheels on hold but debating which tires to get. I've done a search already and everything i've read about the falkens have been positive. I didn't find too much on the Hankooks on this forum. Both tires will be 235/35/19. I'm leaning more towards the Falkens cause of the reviews that i've read so far and also the treadwear is higher. Can anyone else voice in? Thanks

CRX Millennium

iTrader: (1)

For starters, your tire picks are not the most popular ones among car enthusiasts. We are already having enough problems getting information/review on the flagship models such as Falken RT-615 or Hankook RS2 Z212. The ones you mentioned are all a big step-down from the max-performance summer tire category. It goes without saying that the treadwear and dry grip goes hand-in-hand, and is inversely related. Just keep in mind that anything besides max-rubber or R-compound can be easily overcooked. I found it the hard way with my Pirelli PZero Nero M+S after 4 autox.

I would suggest you using the search feature on www.nasioc.com forum and also http://www.1010tires.com/tirereviews.asp?view=all.

Hope it is of help!

CRX Millennium

iTrader: (1)

After some quick reserach, I would recommed running Falken Grb Fk451 if you are not inclined to go full out running Falken RT-615/Hankook RS2 Z212/Kumho MX. Fk451 has great track record, lasting tread, grips like glue when shaved to 4/32th, and cheap in the relative sense.

http://www.falken-europe.de/common/i..._0403_enen.pdf
http://www.falken-europe.de/common/i...fs/sa_test.pdf

Take all my satements with a grain of salt, since I have not run any of those tires. Just A LOT of research as you can see....

dankgummy

Thanks for the info..if i had more $$, i'd run tires that are much more sportier. However, i can't change tires after 15K miles..

CRX Millennium

iTrader: (1)

To the treadwear-conscious drivers, here is a great thread on the topic of ambiguity and inexactness of treadwear rating:

http://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=1201065

To put things in perspective, the Pirelli PZero Nero M+S is the top ranking UHPAS (Ultra High Performance All-Season) that is rated at 400. See http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...jsp?type=UHPAS. My personal experience shows that the tire will mostly like last me 15k-20k miles. Autocrossing on those tires probably bring their demise that much sooner. However, I feel that the sacrifice of all-out performance for longer mileages on the tire is a tradeoff best suited for mundane cars, not RX-8. Usual disclaimers: YMMV + $.02.