Got wheel can't decide on tires please help

[Korben007]

Ok I got enkei RS-5 18 inch I can't decide on two things, what tire to get? and what tire size, debating between 225/35-18 or 225/40-18, I do attemp to auto X with them so, what the difference with style or performance. I like the parada but heard they were crap? Any Ideas thanks

[erok]

I'd consider the Kuhmo Ecsta 712. Overall it's a good value and with a 35 or 40 series sidewall, you should get performance on par with the stock Yokohamas or better. There are definitely better performing tires available, but at a significantly higher cost.

Edit: the Ecsta 712s also have a "rim protector" design, with a little extra rubber at the inside edge to protect the rim. This could be useful since you've got 18's.

[noidea]

I agree. I just go tthe Kuhmo Ecsta 712 also. Looks great and handel well also. Cant beat it for that price.

[Pribilof]

If you have the money I'd go with Bridgestone Potenza S-02's or S-03's. They're about 180+ per tire though.

[Karim]

if your on a tight budget the 712's can't be beat, if you have more money to spend well let us know how much and we can make some reccomendations.

Karim

[Korben007]

I wanna keep the cost at about 150 or less a tire.

[scapamouche]

That's not a real tight budget! You can get a lot for $150 each!

At tire rack, the Bridgestone PP S-03 costs 144+shipping; Pirelli P-zero system tires are under 135+sh ea.

For bang for the buck, the Kumhos are great, but I like them a lot less now than a month ago: I've been spoiled by my autox tires: Falken Azenis.

I've heard mixed about their capabilities in really wet conditions, but they are wonderful in the dry, or slight wet... At discount tire direct, the 215/45-16s are 99ea+sh. That makes for a 2% change in speed indication if they are actually 215mm wide. You'll think you're going faster than you are, too. The stories out there say they run wide; I haven't measured mine, but I will eventually.

One other possible problem, they are tread rated at 200, but realistically are under what most tires rate as 100. So they may have a short life.

[Karim]

scap u ignored the sizes he gave, the s03 in his sizes are around 180 a piece. You have some very expensive options and great tires but I think since this will be yoru daily driver tires and you want to spend under 150 to go with the 712's. They are great in all types of weather an pretty good performers in the dry and will wear very well. Do you still have your stock rims? I'd get a set of falken azienis mounted on those later when you get money and use those for auto-x but for your 18's i'd go with the 712 since it's a great daily driver performances tire.

Karim

[Korben007]

I was planning on mounting autoX specific tires on my stock rims, im going to look into these falkens!
Thanks Guys

[Karim]

yeah the azenis sports are the hit on the STS circut right now I think only 2 cars at the FL pro solo were running other tires, they are considered a street tire but wear quicker and perform much better and most STS guys use them just for racing.. They are very well priced 205/55-16 86 bux and 215-45-16 for like 108 and perform great. Check out tires.com for more info on them. If you plan on running in g-stock or DSP then get some hoosiers or kumhos on your stock rims or on lighter weight rims. I remember when conehugger came down here from az for our road course auto-x event he was on azenis on the stock 15's on his GTS and he won STS on sat and took 2nd on sunday. He also had strut bars intake and exhaust.

Karim