why is buying wheels/tire so difficult??

[larryd]

man its like I change my mind once every 30 seconds.. I think Im going to go with the Motegi MR7s in 17x7 for my 98 GST.. The only problem now is what tire do I want to put on it.. I think Im going to go with a 215/45/17 but which one??

I need a tire that wont die from hard driving as I plan on using it at the track, autox and regular hard street driving.. It also has to be a decent all season tire as I live in Delaware and lord never knows when it just might snow..

Ive looked at The Kuhmos becuase of their price but it seems they get mixed reviews.. I was thinking of getting the Firestone SZ50s but the price is a little high at 180 a tire.. ofcourse thats mounted and balanced and shipped and put on my car.. argh.. can you guys shed some light my way..

[Blastofo]

I'm in your same position. My stock yoko's are almost dust and time for some new ones.

We want it all, good grip, long lasting, weather drivability, good price....but I don't think we can have it all.

If I come across a set that comes close to having the full package, i'll let you know.

[4PASNU]

17 x 7.5 Kosei Racing K-1 with Kumho 712 215-40-17. The Kosei weigh 16 lbs and are $189. The wheels are light and the tires are cheap. My car has been on jackstands for a week. I have finally decided and can't wait. I know everything about every wheel on the market. I have spent a good 50 hours on the internet and looking at magazines. I'm willing to go cheaper on a tire in order to get a better wheel.

[J5ISALIVE]

Larry my opinion on the wheel matter is....Don't buy until you have searched all options. Some time you will see a wheel you just fall in love with and thats the wheel you will get. Its simple as that wait until you mind says "**** THATS THE WHEEL!" that what happened to me but now i'm waiting for my Wheels to enter america :( There all out of stock. Tenzo Passion 5's in gun metal

[larryd]

well im pretty sure on the wheels being the Motgi MR7s as Ive alwyas liked em.. just not sure on tires.. I think Im gonna go with the Kuhmo Ecsta's only becuase they seem like a really good tire for the $$

[Byron]

hey larryd, I'm going thru the same stuff rite now...

but anyways, just want to ask your opinion, since you got 18s before,

do you think 215/40/18 s look wierd on the celi? I know the best fit is 225/35/18 but I think there is a good deal on the other ones and wonder if they will look drastically different... don't really want the car to look like Mack Truck eh?!

[larryd]

i think i answered this via PM already but Iev never seen that size on a Celica so I dont know.. mine were 215/35/18s and the sidewall was tiny..

[CSteckel]

Larry,
I had the SZ50's on my Conquest TSi. Great tire, but they didn't wear very well. They were fairly good in the rain, but if it gets ice or even worse snows 1", you are screwed. Too bad you don't have a GSX...none of this would bother you. You already know this, but you're not going to find any decent perf. tire with good or even fair snow traction. That's why you get the Blizzaks for the winter (only from Jan till the end of feb.) Then pray for warm weather and mount the goodies back on!
Good luck though.
Chris

[ldpan]

May I suggest Falken? These are the second set of Falken I'm running on my car now.... I had the Ziex and now I'm using FK-451. Both r Z-rated and cost just a little more than the Kumho. Not sure if u know much abt Falken, they are pretty popular in Japan and Asia. I know some cars like Supra, Skyline and others used Falken for the JGTC series.

The Falken has very good GRIP both wet and dry, and very quiet on the highway due to its softer compound. I hv no problem w/ them so far and cornering w/ these tires are SUPERB!

Just some input for ya... ;)

[larryd]

well i ended up with the Kuhmo Ecsta and so far so good.. might try the Falkens next..

[lafaygts]

I have some kuhmos on my car (225/40/r18) and like them alot better than my old toyo fz4s. better in wet/dry pavement and a hell of a lot quieter.

[jotan82]

I HATE buying new tires... so damn expensive...

i paid 140 a piece for yoko paradas~!!!!

[QWKsilvr808]

I just ordered a set of 17" Volk LE37Ts in silver (basically TE37 special editions). Cost me a grip, but I'm stoked. It should be here in a week.

I spent the better part of three months researching and shopping for the best deals. I actually had my heart set on custom ordering a set of LE37Ts in bronze, but didn't want to wait the three months for them. I changed my mind to gunmetal, but finally settled on silver. Not before I had 2nd, 3rd, and 4th thoughts about getting a set of ADVAN Kreuzers or RGs tho.

I'm glad that's all over. ;)

[larryd]

Originally posted by jotan82
I HATE buying new tires... so damn expensive...

i paid 140 a piece for yoko paradas~!!!!

thats cheap man.. i was spending like 165 each on 18 toyo proxes

[ldpan]

larry: ur eclipse is looking good w/ the new wheels

[gt2GTS]

Originally posted by ldpan
larry: ur eclipse is looking good w/ the new wheels

Yeah, its got an evil look to it!

[larryd]

xactly what i wanted.. evilness :)

[REdOX]

nice..
hey larry, were you able to sell your RacingHearts? And how much were you selling them for again?

[larryd]

yeah, there gone.. they were 1000 bucks for wheels/tires

[REdOX]

ah.. good deal. Thanks for answering my question. Doh, I guess I should have asked you at the same time.. what about your engine plastics?

[larryd]

i still have the engine plastics.. there not in perfect shape.. they need to be repainted and the valve cover one is cut in the back for a strut bar..

[ZeroGTS]

do you have your rear interior?
mine caught fire....

[larryd]

nah.. the whole interior went down with the car.. how the hell did urs catch fire?

[gsxr60097]

Hey Larry? Will celica rims fit on your style car. I am selling a good combo in the FS column. Check it out..

[Pure Racer]

NIc erims, btw the way, did you save your bottom lining from you Celica cause I don' t have one anymore:wiggle:

[larryd]

no Celica wheels are 5x100 and the Eclipse is 5x114.5

and no I dont have the bottom lining from my Celica..