Your car looks fantastic Chris!!! Still cant understand why I had so much rubbing problems with 8" (not 8.5 like yours) 35 offset with 245/40/19 and with rolled guards.....good for you, very frustrating for me.

There's a clue. 3mm less +offset than me or Chris or Knotched. Could make all the difference.

So now they are all new and shiney how do I keep em that way?
I was thinking WD40?
What do you guys use?

So now they are all new and shiney how do I keep em that way?
I was thinking WD40?
What do you guys use?

I would like to know as well. I am scared whatever I will use will take the shine away.

I would like to know as well. I am scared whatever I will use will take the shine away.

Just dont use anything with an abrasive, biggest mistake with painted wheels, especially ones clear coated.WD 40 would attrack alot of dust maybe. Just use the wax you use on your car paint.

Yeah I used to use ArmorAll on a previous car. It makes the rims very shiny and clean looking, but after a few days they look very dirty again. I'd have assumed WD40 would be bad, ie eat into the coating, but could be wrong. Possibly a non-cut polish would be okay.
Do the best you can to avoid gutter-rash. I was in a bad mood for days after my first one (all of them have it now though).

Do the best you can to avoid gutter-rash. I was in a bad mood for days after my first one (all of them have it now though).
haha I find I'm parking 6 feet out from the kerb at the moment and looking to rank park at every opportunity

So now they are all new and shiney how do I keep em that way?
I was thinking WD40?
What do you guys use?
Wouldn't let WD40 anywhere near my car. I'd try a dedicated wheel sealant (http://www.waxit.com.au/products.asp?cat=29). You could even use a regular wax like you would on the rest of your car - your rims are likely to be clear coated just like your paint job.

Do the best you can to avoid gutter-rash. I was in a bad mood for days after my first one (all of them have it now though).

Haha so true.

And then your wife does the only wheel that wasn't marked...:doh:

Haha so true.

And then your wife does the only wheel that wasn't marked...:doh:

Nah I did them all myself (wife only drove the car 2 or 3 times). Its as though I was familiarised with the car's dimensions with the original rims, and as the new ones are wider I seemed to miss curbs, median islands, barriers, etc by just the same fraction the rims were wider. Either that or I was driving like an idiot. Fortunately the rashes are all on the very edge of the rim, next to the tyre surface, and not along the curve-outward face of the rim as you would expect.

Those mudflaps are a good idea Chris.......sick of crap spraying on the sills...might get some.

http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab54/chrisv/100_2666.jpg[/QUOTE]

Yep, I'm with Blackstar.

So I dropped into a Mitsu dealer yesterday and picked four new ones for $134, and fitted them today.

Bit fiddly to fit (you need to cut a few slots in the wheel well splash guards and drill a couple of holes in the rear splash guards), but all done now and they look great.

Thanks Chris.

Well took my son and his mate into Adelaide with a bootfull of gear and no rubbing at all and the ride is great. Smooth and comfy but.....
Car seems to track a bit on uneven surface and on way home gave it WOT and torque steer was far more noticable than with stocks.
Might check pressures tomorrow

Well took my son and his mate into Adelaide with a bootfull of gear and no rubbing at all and the ride is great. Smooth and comfy but.....
Car seems to track a bit on uneven surface and on way home gave it WOT and torque steer was far more noticable than with stocks.
Might check pressures tomorrow

I noticed the same with my new tyres. Much more 'tramlining' and fidgeting than the previous ones. Aparently this is fairly common with wider tyres. But both my old & new tyres are the same width (245), and the old ones (Maxxis MA-Z1) didn't really tramline at all. Haven't noticed any more or less torque steer though, still plenty if you have any lock on and give it a bootful in 2nd or 3rd. Forget about WOT in 1st at anything other than dead straight, just about rips the wheel out of my hands! Oh to have a spare $2,000 for an LSD. I'm guessing your increased torque steer is down to the increased grip fom the new & wider tyres. Pressure in 245/40 19s should be 36 to 38 PSI, a bit higher for extended high speed driving. Good to hear that the ride is smooth & comfy & no rubbing problems. Can't say my ride is all that comfy with 30 profile tyres, but at least I don't have any rubbing.

Yes the extra rubber making contact certainly makes a big difference. BJ recommended 36-38psi. I might try a bit lower pressure tomorrow and see if there is any difference. Yes it would be great to fit an LSD but cant see that happening in the near future. Just have to control the right foot!

[/QUOTE]

Yep, I'm with Blackstar.

So I dropped into a Mitsu dealer yesterday and picked four new ones for $134, and fitted them today.

Thanks Chris.[/QUOTE]


wow..think i should go to clark rubber and get some fully sic hectic red rally type mudflaps...whoa that's dear...

Yes the extra rubber making contact certainly makes a big difference. BJ recommended 36-38psi. I might try a bit lower pressure tomorrow and see if there is any difference. Yes it would be great to fit an LSD but cant see that happening in the near future. Just have to control the right foot!

I run 36PSI rear & 40PSI front as they are doing all the work & more weight on them. Last set of tyres were worn perfectly flat across the tread.

Which model? N7000? That is what I've got at the moment. Noticed they are very quiet.

No the ones I have are the Nexen 3000.

Also got a wheel alignment done, the rears where nearly -4 degrees out and the fronts were -1.5 degrees out. Now the fronts sit perfect and the rears sit -1.5 degrees...

NO MORE SCRUBBING!!

I run 36PSI rear & 40PSI front as they are doing all the work & more weight on them. Last set of tyres were worn perfectly flat across the tread.

Thats my dream....one day it will come true!!

Well took my son and his mate into Adelaide with a bootfull of gear and no rubbing at all and the ride is great. Smooth and comfy but.....
Car seems to track a bit on uneven surface and on way home gave it WOT and torque steer was far more noticable than with stocks.
Might check pressures tomorrow

I get this also, especially when the wheel align is not done right, last one the guy could have used a bit more toe in which from experience has decreased tracking.Find the aligners at my local BJ a bit hit or miss ,as the car has felt different the last 3 times, so going elsewhere for the next.

Cheers, may get the alignment rechecked

Yep, I'm with Blackstar.

So I dropped into a Mitsu dealer yesterday and picked four new ones for $134, and fitted them today.

Thanks Chris.[/QUOTE]


wow..think i should go to clark rubber and get some fully sic hectic red rally type mudflaps...whoa that's dear...[/QUOTE]

Well the 'other' Mitsu dealer quoted me $144 so I thought it was a bargain!

Seriously, I thought about checking with Eddys but then I thought 'not much chance they have any, if they did they probably aren't in very good nick, and they probably wouldn't charge much less than new ones'. So I thought stuff it, might as well get new ones. And having fitted these factory ones, no chance of any bits of Clark rubber fitting half as neat! Says he who has a home made bootlid liner using a sheet of foam rubber bought from Clark rubber.

Just finished cleaning the 'new rims' (even though they wernt dirty haha)
Gave them a good polish with that sprayon carnuba wax then blacked the tyres.....might just go for a cruise (shit no ...they would get dirty again omg ... what was that Jack Nicholson movie when he washed his hands every 2 minutes??)

Why don't you wrap your wheels in gladwrap & remove your brake pads then go for a drive, then they won't get dirty lol

Why don't you wrap your wheels in gladwrap & remove your brake pads then go for a drive, then they won't get dirty lol

I'll try that right now

I'll try that right now
:iough: ........ I forgot to add the disclaimer :facepalm

:iough: ........ I forgot to add the disclaimer :facepalm

Too late... I'm in the Royal Adelaide
No grip with Glad Wrap

Just finished cleaning the 'new rims' (even though they wernt dirty haha)
Gave them a good polish with that sprayon carnuba wax then blacked the tyres.....might just go for a cruise (shit no ...they would get dirty again omg ... what was that Jack Nicholson movie when he washed his hands every 2 minutes??)

As good as it gets.

Anyhow, you have nothing to worry about compared with mine. The brake dust was not so noticeable when I had black rims. Now, the hyper silver finish turns matte black in a few weeks.

I found that the best foolproof way to cease all fretting of dusty silver rims, is to get some gutter-rash (accidentally, of course). After that, you'll be so heart-broken you won't care a fig about dust. I've been there already, so it does work.

I found that the best foolproof way to cease all fretting of dusty silver rims, is to get some gutter-rash (accidentally, of course). After that, you'll be so heart-broken you won't care a fig about dust. I've been there already, so it does work.

Cant sleep at night for the worry. Hide keys from wife. Hang tyre halves along side of car to act as rubbing strips. What else .....mmmmm????

Cant sleep at night for the worry. Hide keys from wife. Hang tyre halves along side of car to act as rubbing strips. What else .....mmmmm????

Teach her to find points on the car to use as a guide when approaching kerbs. That was the way I was taught. Sit in the car and then look left using the windscreen wiper parts etc and the bonnet ridge to pinpoint the kerb as you approach and then maintain the point on the kerb as you straighten.

http://i856.photobucket.com/albums/ab124/vbednikov/Miscellaneous/howtopark.png

The other way is to drive past the spot and the reverse in with the left mirror lowered so you can see the rear left wheel and kerb.

lol...I was taught to use the force...and spatial skills!

lol...I was taught to use the force...and spatial skills!

Haha, I learnt to drive in an EA Falcon and as you will know, you cannot see the bonnet of the Falcon at all. So I used the ridges on the wiper arm as a guide.

Haha, I learnt to drive in an EA Falcon and as you will know, you cannot see the bonnet of the Falcon at all. So I used the ridges on the wiper arm as a guide.

What happened when it rained?

What happened when it rained?

You zigzag your way... As said before, it was a way of learning to judge the distance without hitting the kerb. You can also use the washer nozzles as a guide or stick a white dot on the dash for your wife to use as a guide.

Solved. I wont let her drive it. Is mine all mine!!!!!!!! (evil laugh)

Sprints(South Oz) stock a rim protector strip which may do the trick for ya! I think there called rim skins.

How cool are these RimSkins http://www.rimskins.com/

Nice one Witewalzs

sorry this question would of been cover a million times before but whats the load rating have to be on the magna/veradas

For your KE verada it should be 95

oh ok cool thanks for that
this mean i need to pay lots for tyres now lol

sorry this question would of been cover a million times before but whats the load rating have to be on the magna/veradas
It's whatever on the tyre placard inside your driver's door.

The load rating of the KE verada should be 95. Can't trust the tyre placard all the time. Someone may have swapped it for one for the Sports/VRX.

About to get new tyres for the VRX.
Choices Kumho KH17 225/50R17 - $188 ea, Maxxis MA651 225/50R17, $186ea, Bob Jane Zenon Z7 215/55R17 $169ea, and GT Radial HPX 215/55R17 ea.

What are the thought on these tyres not wanting to spend a huge amount but these are in the price range so whats the better ones to go for.

Cheers

I would go Kumho then Maxxis,
I had Kumho before I changed rims. Good all round and very quiet

I am looking into getting Toyo Teo Plus. I want a tyre that is quiet. Has anyone tried these, are they quiet on coarse bitumen. I currently have Goodyear LS 2000 and they are noisy on coarse bitumen.

from the mmx drift comp it has been determined one should not put triangles on the back of 380s (just ask TZABOY)... probably shouldnt put them on anything for that matter.... should go for the circles :P

Just fitted 4 of the Bob Jane Xenon 215/55/R17's to a 380 platinum.

Nice quiet ride, the tread pattern looks like it will do the job....$169 each.

Most importantly they have a moulding on the tyre that made the decision a no-brainer........"MADE IN AUSTRALIA" !

My Bridgestones had that same moulding Blackstar

Just fitted 4 of the Bob Jane Xenon 215/55/R17's to a 380 platinum.

Nice quiet ride, the tread pattern looks like it will do the job....$169 each.

Most importantly they have a moulding on the tyre that made the decision a no-brainer........"MADE IN AUSTRALIA" !

Let us know how they handle in the wet.

should go for the circles :P

stole my joke you bastard!

stole my joke you bastard!

na chris has been using that one since he got those tyres put on:P so i guess that joke is a bit of a s**t!

Hey guys, I have a quick question. I went out and got some new tyres a couple of weeks ago, and I need to know how much pressure I should be inflating them to. The booklet says 32psi. The guy at the tyre shop said 34psi. I have read a lot of people saying that I should be using 38-40psi on these tyres. They are Maxxis Victra MA-Z1 215/55ZR17

Who should I be listening to? I care more about grip/performance/longevity/efficiency than I do about a soft ride.

Cheers

If a harsher ride doesn't bother you, I'd recommend 38-40psi too. I have the same tyres in 235/40R18 and normally run 38f/36r, but I like a nice balance of ride/handling/wear.

I'd be wary of inflating much past 40psi - you'd risk over-inflating the tyres.

Hey guys, I have a quick question. I went out and got some new tyres a couple of weeks ago, and I need to know how much pressure I should be inflating them to. The booklet says 32psi. The guy at the tyre shop said 34psi. I have read a lot of people saying that I should be using 38-40psi on these tyres. They are Maxxis Victra MA-Z1 215/55ZR17

Who should I be listening to? I care more about grip/performance/longevity/efficiency than I do about a soft ride.

Cheers
38 for the above or 36 if you want a degree of comfort.

Cheers

bridgestone potenza on stock rims.
HORRIBLE

bridgestone potenza on stock rims.
HORRIBLE

Eh?

I just got Bridgestone Potenza RE001 Adrenaline 225/50 on stock 380 VRX rims (17" x 7" +46 offset) and they are great. Smooth, quiet, really good grip both wet & dry, what more could I ask!

Exactly what type of Potenza did you get (there's a few of them), and in what size?

Yeah mate, do you mind elaborating on that? My dad's Commodore came standard with a set of Potenza RE050As. A tad noisey on coarse bitumen (not loud, but not quiet), but a great tyre otherwise. I thought the RE001s that KJ mentioned were the bottom of the barrel for Potenzas, but even then, they're supposed to be bloody good tyres - I would have bought them if they were a tad cheaper.

Hey guys, I have a quick question. I went out and got some new tyres a couple of weeks ago, and I need to know how much pressure I should be inflating them to. The booklet says 32psi. The guy at the tyre shop said 34psi. I have read a lot of people saying that I should be using 38-40psi on these tyres. They are Maxxis Victra MA-Z1 215/55ZR17

Who should I be listening to? I care more about grip/performance/longevity/efficiency than I do about a soft ride.

Cheers
I have exactly the same tyre and size and run 38-40psi and would not run any lower (unless I was getting bogged in sand lol)

Eh?

I just got Bridgestone Potenza RE001 Adrenaline 225/50 on stock 380 VRX rims (17" x 7" +46 offset) and they are great. Smooth, quiet, really good grip both wet & dry, what more could I ask!

Exactly what type of Potenza did you get (there's a few of them), and in what size?
You have got waaaaaaaaaay too much money if you can afford to put them on. IMHO they are greatly overpriced mainly because they are OEM on a lot off cars and people just go baaaaaa and act like sheep and get the same tyre because "that is what the manufacturer designed to go the vehicle" or some similarly rubbish argument. BTW how much did you pay per corner for them?

You have got waaaaaaaaaay too much money if you can afford to put them on. IMHO they are greatly overpriced mainly because they are OEM on a lot off cars and people just go baaaaaa and act like sheep and get the same tyre because "that is what the manufacturer designed to go the vehicle" or some similarly rubbish argument. BTW how much did you pay per corner for them?

I got them because they were recommended by a member here, Murph03, who runs a tyre franchise.
I'm definitely not a sheep who follows the crowd, and I've never bought OEM tyres in my life (and I reckon I've bought about 20 sets of new tyres).
I asked Murph for some comparisons and prices on 225/50 17s, and the RE001s were reasonably priced I thought and better all round than the alternatives.
The last Bridgestones I had were back in 1988 on my old TM Magna, RE31s (IIRC the very first Potenzas), and they were a fantastic tyre. I know 23 years is a long time, but that helped sway we towards RE001s. I paid $229 a corner fitted & balanced for them.

that is quite a good price for them. unfortunately you never see them and yokos in wheels tyre tests. a bit loaded me thinks

You have to look at the cost over the long term. Tyres for a car like the 380 for less than about $180 just won't last as many kilometres.
I put Bridgestone Turanza ER300 225/55/17 on my standard rims at the astronomical price of $260 a corner, but it's the best thing I ever did.
The extra width and diameter, and sticky rubber has made all the difference - plus the speedo is now within 0.3km/hr.
On a flat, clean & dry road I can't spin the tires in any gear on my manual unless dumping the clutch.

It's like buying cheap, generic brand tyres and then fitting an LSD and expensive suspension setup so they stick.

You have to look at the cost over the long term. Tyres for a car like the 380 for less than about $180 just won't last as many kilometres.
I put Bridgestone Turanza ER300 225/55/17 on my standard rims at the astronomical price of $260 a corner, but it's the best thing I ever did.
The extra width and diameter, and sticky rubber has made all the difference - plus the speedo is now within 0.3km/hr.
On a flat, clean & dry road I can't spin the tires in any gear on my manual unless dumping the clutch.

It's like buying cheap, generic brand tyres and then fitting an LSD and expensive suspension setup so they stick.


wait til they wear in

I get wheelspin all the time now and they are wearing way to quick for my liking had them on a year and at first they were sticky as, now after 30K they are very slippy

You have to look at the cost over the long term. Tyres for a car like the 380 for less than about $180 just won't last as many kilometres.
I put Bridgestone Turanza ER300 225/55/17 on my standard rims at the astronomical price of $260 a corner, but it's the best thing I ever did.
The extra width and diameter, and sticky rubber has made all the difference - plus the speedo is now within 0.3km/hr.
On a flat, clean & dry road I can't spin the tires in any gear on my manual unless dumping the clutch.

It's like buying cheap, generic brand tyres and then fitting an LSD and expensive suspension setup so they stick.

Yep, they were one of the options from Murph. But in 225/50, as 225/55 17s won't fit on my car without rubbing on the rear wheel arches, they are a massive 24mm bigger in diameter than 225/50s and that extra 12mm under the rear arches won't fit.

In fact I suggested them myself, having read that they are a nice quiet tyre and quietness was one thing I was looking for.

But Murph reckoned they weren't all that grippy and the RE001s are much better and only slightly noisier, for much the same price.

You have to look at the cost over the long term. Tyres for a car like the 380 for less than about $180 just won't last as many kilometres.
If anything, it's the other way around.

Compared to regular tyres, 'performance' tyres are made of a softer compound, which means they wear quicker. And you generally pay a premium for 'performance' tyres.

The best value would be something from a reputable brand but not marketed predominantly as a performance tyre.

Well I had a look at the tread depth on several different tyres - the salesman was not happy about having to pull them all out and show me :). The reason I think they will give more kms is because the tread depth was far deeper (ie the distance from the as new tread to the wear indicators) than all the others he showed me.

The Turanza ER300 is not a high performance soft compound. If it was really that soft they wouldn't put it as the standard tyre on Commodores.


I get wheelspin all the time now and they are wearing way to quick for my liking had them on a year and at first they were sticky as, now after 30K they are very slippy

Hmmmm, that's not so good to hear :( Time will tell I guess. I've only done about 4k on them so I can't really tell what the wear rate is like just yet.

I'm guessing you rotate them every 5000? I did that with the stock Duncraps and got 45k out of them. Was probably more like 40k because they spun for the other 5k!

I have run the Maxxis MA-Z1 on numerous cars and reckon you cant go past them value for money wise. Sure you are not going to get as many K's out of them as a tyre that has a harder compound, but what price do you put your family's safety? You also should do a price comparison on $ per KM to see how other tyres rate. As mecha pointed out some tyres can change their grip characteristics as they age more dramatically than others. Sure all tyres go off over time but some do it a whole heap more than others. I have "trusted" tyre sellers before when they have said that it was a good tyre, and it was crap! PS What is the UTQG rating on the Turanzas Flyboy? If it only saves you once a year, it's a Goodyear. Most other tyres will save you more than that lol!!

Just a quick question to the people out here.
Getting new tyres on the 380. Stock rims. All are around the $200-220 mark.

Toyo Teo's
Bridgestone Potenza re001's
Bridgestone Potenza re002's, since they have replaced the 01s. Slightly different asymmetrical design.

Anyone have any insight into these on a 380, or anything similar?

PS: is it worth going to a 225 50 17? For the extra width etc, or are people finding them rubbing on the guards/springs?

never mind . . . .

Just a quick question to the people out here.
Getting new tyres on the 380. Stock rims. Both are around the $210-220 mark.

Toyo Teo's
Bridgestone potenza re001s

Anyone have any insight into these 2 on a 380, or anything similar?

Ps: is it worth going to a 225 50 17? For the extra width etc, or are people finding them rubbing on the guards/springs?

I recently changed form Goodride to Michelin Primacy LC - very happy with Noise, Grip and Ride. Too early to tell life

I dumped the goodrides due extreme noise.

See also

http://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/showthread.php?t=88374&p=1397955&highlight=#post1397955

I would dump the good rides as they are just plain CRAP

I have RE001's ATM sticky as hell

noise?? Would not have a clue (I listen to music too loud to tell)

I would dump the good rides as they are just plain CRAP

I have RE001's ATM sticky as hell

noise?? Would not have a clue (I listen to music too loud to tell)

Yes they were crap - hence I tossed them away when they were less than 60% worn

Loud Music - at our ages - maybe hearing aids for us both - I get accused of "selective " deafness at home :)

BTW in earlier post I forgot to note $225 each for 215/55/17

I have Toyo Teo Plus on the fronts of my 380 GT. They are considerably more quiet than the Goodyear LS2000 i had before. Have done 10000km with hardly any noticeable wear, but i don't push it hard. When new they held grip in the wet very well. If low noise is a criteria, i would recommend them. I still have the LS 2000 at the back and hope to change them soon to the Toyos. Unfortunately they are not cheap. I paid $240 each late last year.

I would dump the good rides as they are just plain CRAP

I have RE001's ATM sticky as hell

noise?? Would not have a clue (I listen to music too loud to tell)

Speaking of cheap tyres Mecha. I got 4 fitted today (I'll get to the brand in a minute). Had dunlops on previously, federals before that (they were newly fitted when i bought the car). The federals were FD2's or something, pretty impressive for a supposedly cheap semi performance tyre. After they wore out I thought I'd buy some dunlops. Compared to the federals they were slightly quieter but pretty much worse in every respect. for 280 a corner or thereabouts I was pretty peeved, ended up getting 32k out of them. So I did quite a lot of reading online and decided to get fitted at my local tyre shop some........


Nankangs, yep. Nankangs. Toursport 611's to be precise. $154 a corner. And I'll tell you what, after just getting back from a sprint (law abiding sprint obviously) through the Peachester Range heading out westward I could not be even more impressed than I am now. Maybe I got a fluke good set? Maybe fuel vapour is leaking into my car clouding my judgement. But the initial grip on entry is impressive, mid-corner there is a little less nervousness than before with the Dunlops and the tyre noise on smooth and course surfaces is not any more intrusive than the Dunlops. All that for a fraction of the cost of the dunnys. They are (or so I am told) mean't to be pretty good regards wear so I'll have to wait and see about that. But for a grand total of $682 fitted I am not complaining.

So there you have it. I bought a cheap relatively no named tyre and am impressed.

/Life story complete lol

Thanks for the input guys, much appreciated.

What size have you got mecha? 215 55? or 225 50? So you're finding them good?

Haven't really looked much into Good Ride or Nankangs.
Quoted around $215 from memory for the Federal FD2s & 595s.
Yeah, the best price I was quoted on the teos were $230 a corner.
Re001s, best price was $200, down from $285? (Price was around this a few months back when I looked). Mainly as a result of the special.
Re002s, Around $215 with maybe a bit more room for improvement.

Ive had Dunlop SP300Es and Michelin XM1s? (Stock), cant remember the exact name but I wasn't overly satisfied with either. Have mainly been looking into the teos as ive had experience with them on other cars, or the adrenilins. I got a quote for RE002's, the new model taking over the RE001s, since they are being phased out, most tyres shops are offering huge discounts on both to the end of the month, and both are almost the same price.. Leaning towards the 02's, not as "agressive" looking pattern as the one before, but seems to be greater and offer newer technology.

I have 18 inch wheels

But these tyres came with the rims

They are very soft though

But WAY BETTER than the Turanza's my next set will be Kuhmo KU31's

Thanks for the input guys, much appreciated.

What size have you got mecha? 215 55? or 225 50? So you're finding them good?

Haven't really looked much into Good Ride or Nankangs.
Quoted around $215 from memory for the Federal FD2s & 595s.
Yeah, the best price I was quoted on the teos were $230 a corner.
Re001s, best price was $200, down from $285? (Price was around this a few months back when I looked). Mainly as a result of the special.
Re002s, Around $215 with maybe a bit more room for improvement.

Ive had Dunlop SP300Es and Michelin XM1s? (Stock), cant remember the exact name but I wasn't overly satisfied with either. Have mainly been looking into the teos as ive had experience with them on other cars, or the adrenilins. I got a quote for RE002's, the new model taking over the RE001s, since they are being phased out, most tyres shops are offering huge discounts on both to the end of the month, and both are almost the same price.. Leaning towards the 02's, not as "agressive" looking pattern as the one before, but seems to be greater and offer newer technology.

Don't touch the Good Rides! - I threw mine away (they were on the car when I bought it). Extremely noisy and very average dry grip

I have also heard good recommendations for Hankook - now OEM on lots of upmarket European cars!

I have Goodrides. They're not that noisy (at least compared to the stock Dunlops on my dad's XR6) and assuming I feel like a rush I can keep up with QMD on a cruise.

I'll probably go with Nankang when it comes time to replace them.

I have Goodrides. They're not that noisy (at least compared to the stock Dunlops on my dad's XR6) and assuming I feel like a rush I can keep up with QMD on a cruise.

I'll probably go with Nankang when it comes time to replace them.

My initial opinion on noise was as u have said, they were just bad on some surfaces, but after tyre rotation they became dreadfully noisy all the time, with obvious scalloping of the fairly chunky tread blocks on outer and ineer edges of tread

Are yours 16 or 17? - mine 17

Thanks guys for all the input, most likely going to go with the Re002's. Will get back to you on how they perform soon.

My initial opinion on noise was as u have said, they were just bad on some surfaces, but after tyre rotation they became dreadfully noisy all the time, with obvious scalloping of the fairly chunky tread blocks on outer and ineer edges of tread

Are yours 16 or 17? - mine 17

17s, yep. I may be selectively deaf to the noise, I usually drive around in trucks and old cars that make a lot of other noises louder than tires. :)

:) They certainly got worse with age - not sure who new they were when I bought car in Sep 10 at 50000 K but by 60K I gave up as noted in prior posts!

If this happens...


My initial opinion on noise was as u have said, they were just bad on some surfaces, but after tyre rotation they became dreadfully noisy all the time, with obvious scalloping of the fairly chunky tread blocks on outer and ineer edges of tread

... it probably means they have been incorrectly rotated. Noisy tires with obvious scalloping occurs because tires are rotated from one side of the car to the other. This used to be the preferred practice years ago (rotate diagonally).

This does not work on modern steel belted radials which are made slightly differently. The steel belts stretch slightly during use, which is fine if it stretches in the one direction only. Put the tire to the other side of the car (so it rolls in the opposite direction), and the steel stretches in the opposite direction and becomes "saggy". It elongates permanently and leads to scalloping of the tire.

My advice is to rotate tires front to back only - this should eradicate any scalloping and the majority of road noise which results.

Totally agree with you - they were NOT swapped side to side, only front to back

Ended up going with the RE002's, all i can say is stickkkkkyyy!!!!
Its been very wet here lately, and these things just grip!
Feel more confident in a storm with these tyres than the dunlop sp300e in the dry.
Smooth, quiet and brilliant handling, noticeable improvement, just wont let go.

Very happy!

http://www.bridgestone.com.au/media/articles/re002.aspx
http://www.bridgestone.com.au/tyres/treads/RE002.aspx

what size did you get and how much a corner?

what size did you get and how much a corner?
Got them for $199 a corner from a local tyre shop here, went to a range of tyre shops, all ranged from $199, $205, $210, $215, $285, and $295. Apparently Bridgestone has reduced them for an introductory special for replacing the re001's, which were also great tyre (discounted as part of the release aswell).
215-55-17s. Initial grip off the line is not amazing, but, throw it through some corners and she'll just stick.
Took it for a cruise in the mountains today with a mate, would not understeer.

I am just about to put on a set of Hankook EVO 12 K110 in 225/50/17. Fitted at around $185 a corner. These are max performance summer tyres and have some really good write ups. The RE002 are a softer compound and a wear indicator of 220 as opposed to 280 for the Hankooks. It will be interesting to see how much life you get out of the Bridgies. My last set of Maxxis MA-Z1 Victras got just over 30000 of pretty easy driving. Having said that, I would rather have a softer tyre than be in a box in the ground because I wanted a tyre that wore better and I wound up wrapped around the real estate somewhere. Cheap insurance and a feeling of security.

On the 380 I run. Michelin MXV8's 215/55/17's 93v
How much did they cost? 155 a corner
What sort of mileage you getting out of them? Seem good, looking for 40-50
Your thoughts on grip etc? Quiet and quite grippy for the money, very comfortable against the OEM's due to the rounder sidewall, would recomend for moderate + driving habits.
User Reveiws (http://www.carbonblack.com.au/car-tyres/tyre-reviews/502-michelin-tyres/energy-mxv8.aspx)

Fitted these tyres in Mid 2008, the missus will easily get 50k out of them and they are much comfortable 17" inch tyre on sports suspension than The OEM Bridgestones (IIRC) on 16".

So what does everyone run? Falken 245/35/R19 FK451 (bought in August 2008 - obsolete now)
How much did they cost? About $270 a corner.
What sort of mileage you getting out of them? Just under 54K now. Rotated every 5K and probably have 5K left.
Your thoughts on grip etc? Tyre is good in all conditions (I've put Falkens on all my cars previously), and have protected my 19s against many potholes.
What size rims? 19x8.5
Shortly after I got the tyres, they were discontinued - replaced by FK452 which my regular tyre recently shop quoted me at $305 a corner. Then I called Tempe Tyres who quoted $250 for the same tyre (they have massive bulk of many brands/sizes). Interestingly, 20s are even cheaper than 19s, but I'll stick to 19s. I also noticed a Kumho warehouse near home; might see if they sell direct to public.

Damn I just picked up a set of 17" mags brand new for another car fitted and balanced with brand new 215/45/17 Hankook Ventus EVO12 K110 for under $250 a corner!! Not too shabby a tyre either

I still have the Toyo Teo Plus on the 380 and have just realised I'm heading towards 60k on them soon! Will definitely look at them again.

Just received a set of goodyears for my 380, picked up a set of 225/55/17s (the german ones) for $800 delivered to the ACT. They are slightly oversize compared to the 215/55/17 but according to the online tyre size calculator the speedo will read low by 1.8 km/hr but since the speedo's out by 5km then it should be almost right. a good calculator ... http://www.exploroz.com/Vehicle/Tyres/SizeCalc.aspx
I got them off of ebay as they are running them out, they still have some other sizes available. IN Canberra they were still selling them for $1160 a set, so once they are fitted (about another $60) it will still be a good saving for what is a pretty awesome tyre.

I am hoping that this will help fix the traction problems that I was having with the COntinental comfortcontact-1 tyres I have, they are pretty hopeless, and in fact came last in the one of the Choice mag tyre tests.

I will update in a couple of weeks when they are run in...

SteveTJ what model are they? There's a lot of Goodyear tyres out there...

Hi SteveTJ.

I put 225/55/17 on my 380.

Best decision I ever made - the speedo is within 0.2km/hr now! Mine are Bridgestone Turanzas, and they stick like glue. The extra width definitely makes a difference.

funny that! forgot to mention the model after all that, they are the Eagle F1-GSD3's , I had them on a R32 Skyline a few years ago and they were pretty good. Pity they didn't have this deal back then !

Eeeek check the manufactured date! The GSD3 hasnt been made for at least 3 years

i run kumo marshals on 19" rims and im massively impressed with them, i payed 190 per tire but mine where on sale so im not 100% what they cost brand new.

I just checked the tyre age on the tyre and they are 1911 which I understand means the 19th week of 2011. I read on the net elsewhere that they stopped making certain sizes but were still making them, apparently they were only manking batches every now and then so it would be true that the tyre shop couldn't get them but weren't really discontinued.
Either way a couples of years old is no problem if they have been stored in the dark. One of the things that used to be done with tyres is to store them in the dark for 6 months or more, to let the tyres 'cure', people who did this to their tyres used to get much better mileage out of the tyres.
Goodyear are still selling them so I don't have any worries about the tyre as they are one of their most expensive and awarded tyres and I am sure they will be fine.

These are the german ones and from all accounts are better than the ones made in Thailand and in Australia...

just found this site for checking the age... http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=4813029&page=1, and this one too.... http://kydrives.net/2006/11/13/tire-dot-code-knowing-the-age-of-your-tires/


funnily enough the outside of the tire does not have the age stamp on it ( after the 'DOT' code) and the inner side does, isn't that a nice thing to do to consumers...

http://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=44681
http://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=44683
http://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=44682

Haha the bastards. Yeah i always liked the GSD3, was a great tyre on the magna with amazing levels of grip in the wet, very predictable. I will be looking to the spiritual successor to the GSD3 when the clio needs new shoes

just a quick update on the F1-GSD3s , they are pretty damn good, theres been a bit of rain in the last few days and the wet grip is very good. Taking off is much better, the traction control seems to work a lot better when the tyres are good! Tackling one of the 'few' roundabouts in Canberra in the dry is also very reassuring, it holds the corner and does not drift anything like the contis (continental comfortcontact 1s) I had. The goodyears have a much higher load rating 101 vs 95 so the sidewalls should maintain their rigidity much better than the contis which felt they were rolling over on hard cornering. I checked the speedo with my new gPS and the speedo now reads high by 2-3 km/hr instead of the 5km/hr it used to. very happy with them.

Recently replaced my almost bald 245/35/19 Falken FK451 tyres (long since discontinued) which gave me 65K with same size FK452 tyres (higher model). Got them from Tempe Tyres just after Christmas (ie sale time) for $800 total! (Drove there, 35mins). Local usual shop quoted (before Christmas) $1200 for same, and other shops higher. Don't know what their post-Christmas prices would be, but probably not as good as I got.
I've had Falken tyres on 2 of my previous cars (TF Magna, VL Calais), and now 2 sets on my 380, and found them to be a very good combination of price and quality.

I had the 452 on the barina and they were OK. Good price

You got them cheap because, being from Tempe Tires their probably "parallel imports". I got my first set of tires from there with my 20's (Kumho Ecsta's KU31's) and they actually started to get splits in all the sidewalls, took the car and tires to Kumho tires (after Tempe tires told me that it was my fault they went like that) head office and they wanted nothing to do with them and wouldn't warrant the defective tires because "the guys at Tempe go over seas, buy the crap ship them over here through the "backdoor" and sell them off as our own. Then we get customers like you complaining looking for some cover because your tires have now crapped them selves as they have different materials in them opposed to the ones we sell locally"....

They eventually agreed to replacing them after many weeks of phone calls and visits back to their head office, but one things for sure, Tempe tires will never see another dollar from me. On my most recent set I paid about $50 per tire extra not including fitment but I'm now satisfied that if something does go wrong with them, Kumho will cover me no questions.

Forget buying tyres in australia. Www.tirerack.com

Forget buying tyres in australia. Www.tirerack.com

Dave,

Yep, prices look cheap, any idea of shipping costs?

According to the site you need to contact a Tire Rack sales specialist (http://www.tirerack.com/about/salesman_contact.jsp) to find out, then there's a few more hoops to jump through.

I can't see shipping to Oz and especially SA or WA being all that cheap and would probably cancel out the savings & then some.

Dave,

Yep, prices look cheap, any idea of shipping costs?

According to the site you need to contact a Tire Rack sales specialist (http://www.tirerack.com/about/salesman_contact.jsp) to find out, then there's a few more hoops to jump through.

I can't see shipping to Oz and especially SA or WA being all that cheap and would probably cancel out the savings & then some.

Shipping is about $250 to aus for 4 tyres. It still works out much cheaper particularly for rare size tyres and premium tyres.

Be aware that anything over $1000 will attract GST and other charges on import. A few guys on the other forum i frequent swear by them. Great communication and happy to help. Shipping takes about a week.

Running Kuhmo KU31 Red Smoke tyres ATM

Apart from pink rims nice and grippy

Can't remember if I've posted in this thread yet. I've got Michellin MXV8's on my 380. They've currently done 38,000kms and barely look worn.

Can't remember if I've posted in this thread yet. I've got Michellin MXV8's on my 380. They've currently done 38,000kms and barely look worn.

I am going run with another set of these, very quiet for 380 tyre, great life, and very comfortable with the rounder sidewall...Murders the stock tyre for about the same price..
These are more comfortable on 17's with the sport suspension, than the OEM tyres with 16" rims and ES (read boat) suspension.

Can't remember if I've posted in this thread yet. I've got Michellin MXV8's on my 380. They've currently done 38,000kms and barely look worn.

I put these on my stock wheels back in 09 then 2 weeks later brought 20's. Have them for long trips, the little amount of driving they've done I was impressed, awesome on the freeway, so quiet!

Michelin XM1+ I'm onto my second set of these, excellent they are. I'm driving 100kms per day and they grip and last...

You got them cheap because, being from Tempe Tires their probably "parallel imports". I got my first set of tires from there with my 20's (Kumho Ecsta's KU31's) and they actually started to get splits in all the sidewalls, took the car and tires to Kumho tires (after Tempe tires told me that it was my fault they went like that) head office and they wanted nothing to do with them and wouldn't warrant the defective tires because "the guys at Tempe go over seas, buy the crap ship them over here through the "backdoor" and sell them off as our own. Then we get customers like you complaining looking for some cover because your tires have now crapped them selves as they have different materials in them opposed to the ones we sell locally"....

They eventually agreed to replacing them after many weeks of phone calls and visits back to their head office, but one things for sure, Tempe tires will never see another dollar from me. On my most recent set I paid about $50 per tire extra not including fitment but I'm now satisfied that if something does go wrong with them, Kumho will cover me no questions.

Have heard this also, and also St George Tyres are apparently in the same boat

I am a Kumho reseller, when I called Kumho to ask why the hell I can purchase a set of Kumho from Sydney, pay the shipping and still have them down here for some $190 less than my Dealer's price, I got the exact same story, that these people are getting them either as seconds or as imports somehow and then on selling them and there is apparently nothing that Kumho can do about this. I figured fair call and decided to get my tyres directly through Kumho still. For the sake of $190 I am not going to risk my family's safety or my car.

To top this all off, had a customer (this is what initially got me onto St George Tyres as when he first got the tyres is when I first asked Kumho what the hell was going on) who was in for a service recently, the 9 month old tyres looked like the rubber was 10 years old, was aging very fast. He is now apparently "talking" to St George tyres who apparently are not very receptive to him with any after sales service. I believe his next step may be OFT

People need to go straight to the trading ombudsman and get backup in these situations. I would be getting the tyres sampled by an independent and verifying that the shoddy tyres are not the real deal

As with buying anything on the internetz, you should ensure your your purchases are not parralel imports before laying out your hard earned in the first place...

As with buying anything on the internetz, you should ensure your your purchases are not parralel imports before laying out your hard earned in the first place...

St george and tempe are not internet buys though...

As with buying anything, you should ensure your your purchases are not parralel imports before laying out your hard earned in the first place...
fixed


St george and tempe are not internet buys though...
Thanks, Dave.
might come in handy, Im looking at 2 sets of tyres now.
Pays to go with someone you trust...

Sorry i know this might be old thread but does any one here run street semi slicks just looking at some cheap ones for sales via ebay.
and if your using them what are they like to live with thanks :)

Sorry i know this might be old thread but does any one here run street semi slicks just looking at some cheap ones for sales via ebay.
and if your using them what are they like to live with thanks :)

I used to run Yokohama Advan AD08 on my Evo. They're basically the best street tyre you can buy. Treadwear of about 180, so quite soft, but little to no noise and great grip in the wet too. Not great for mileage though.

Kumho KU36 are a good budget sticky street tyre.

Don't buy cheap no name ebay stuff. You will be sorry.

I used to run Yokohama Advan AD08 on my Evo. They're basically the best street tyre you can buy. Treadwear of about 180, so quite soft, but little to no noise and great grip in the wet too. Not great for mileage though.

Kumho KU36 are a good budget sticky street tyre.

Don't buy cheap no name ebay stuff. You will be sorry.

Things have come a long way in 2 years, there are better tyres out there now if u have the $$$

Things have come a long way in 2 years, there are better tyres out there now if u have the $$$

Show me some. Reviews, comparisons, testimonials etc.

Show me some. Reviews, comparisons, testimonials etc.

Cant find any because the AD08 is an old tyre.

nevermind, found this.

http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Article/2010-EVO-Tyre-Test.htm

I run the ContiSportContact 3 on the Clio, its a great tyre. But it has no chance against new tyres like the Michelin Pilot SuperSport or the ContiSportContact 5 or the Goodyear Eagle F1 ASYM2

AD08 still gets the best lap time. Not bad for a 2 year old tyre, :P.

The Conti's have stepped their game up by the looks. Only 2 or 3 years ago they weren't quite at that level.

AD08 still gets the best lap time. Not bad for a 2 year old tyre, :P.

The Conti's have stepped their game up by the looks. Only 2 or 3 years ago they weren't quite at that level.

Indeed the yoko still kicks it with the best of em for track work. Its perfect in that respect, safe for street use but wont shred like other soft tyres on the track

I have the latest MOTOR mag sitting infront of me here with the 2011 tyre test in it. I'll post up results when I get there.

Ah excellent, heres hoping they have a full suite of tyres to test. I saw yesterday that Porsche has made the Goodyear ASYM2 the standard fitment on all new 911s

The Goodyear Eagle F1's came out on top, but incidently had the longest stopping distance from 100km/h.

The Goodyear Eagle F1's came out on top, but incidently had the longest stopping distance from 100km/h.

Odd, im guessing they were top in all wet weather tests? The GSD3s were amazing in the wet

Odd, im guessing they were top in all wet weather tests? The GSD3s were amazing in the wet

They were the quickest in the wet skidpan by half a second to the Toyo Proxes T1 Sport.

They were the quickest in the wet skidpan by half a second to the Toyo Proxes T1 Sport.

Don't know if it's BS or not, but a guy at BJ told me yesterday that there were only 104 Maxxis Z1 (215's) left in Vic, and that they would be discontinued after that (pretty trustworthy bloke actually, so probably true). I've bought the two they had and ordering another two for when I'm ready to replace my existing rubbish.
On another note , does anybody have any sage advice on tyre storage? Apparently if you leave them in the constant dark they harden up after a while? given thier usual operating conditions , I assume there is no issue with just leaving them outside in the rain/sun?
Cheers,
RG

Don't know if it's BS or not, but a guy at BJ told me yesterday that there were only 104 Maxxis Z1 (215's) left in Vic, and that they would be discontinued after that (pretty trustworthy bloke actually, so probably true). I've bought the two they had and ordering another two for when I'm ready to replace my existing rubbish.
On another note , does anybody have any sage advice on tyre storage? Apparently if you leave them in the constant dark they harden up after a while? given thier usual operating conditions , I assume there is no issue with just leaving them outside in the rain/sun?
Cheers,
RG

in the dark and off the ground is the best place for them. Leaving them outside in the rain and sun will degrade the rubber as its susceptible to UV. I wouldn't keep them in storage for more than 2 years like this though.

And yes, I have seen it around that the Z1 is being discontinued. It is an old tyre design and compound now. Its no doubt being replaced by something better.

Interesting - Z1 is still listed on the Maxxis US website with no hint that I saw of a replacement.

Interesting - Z1 is still listed on the Maxxis US website with no hint that I saw of a replacement.

The GSD3 is still on Goodyears website

in the dark and off the ground is the best place for them. Leaving them outside in the rain and sun will degrade the rubber as its susceptible to UV. I wouldn't keep them in storage for more than 2 years like this though.

Can't really understand this , as they are exposed to the sun/UV pretty routinely on the car? I guess I could "rotate" them?. I'll only be storing them for about six months.
So you don't agree that storing in the dark will harden them?

'Storing' them for 6 months shouldn't be an issue. Ideally rubber should not be used around 4 to 5 years after manufacture. I would also be apprehensive about leaving them in the elements in case water pools up in the bottom of the tyres.

I agree with Dave though. I had a set of Maxxis MA-Z1s and I was reasonably happy with them for their price. However, the Kumho KU31s are slightly cheaper, and offer similar performance - they ranked 1 spot higher than the Z1s in the tyre test in the latest Motor magazine.

Makes you wonder about the spare. Mines been in the dark and unused since 2005!

Can't really understand this , as they are exposed to the sun/UV pretty routinely on the car? I guess I could "rotate" them?. I'll only be storing them for about six months.
So you don't agree that storing in the dark will harden them?

Yup tyres on a car in regular use will suffer with sunlight if its prolongued exposure. Tyres should be changed every 3-4 years regardless of tread left in these situations. If car is regularly garaged then its not too big a deal.

'Storing' them for 6 months shouldn't be an issue. Ideally rubber should not be used around 4 to 5 years after manufacture. I would also be apprehensive about leaving them in the elements in case water pools up in the bottom of the tyres.

I agree with Dave though. I had a set of Maxxis MA-Z1s and I was reasonably happy with them for their price. However, the Kumho KU31s are slightly cheaper, and offer similar performance - they ranked 1 spot higher than the Z1s in the tyre test in the latest Motor magazine.

The Kumho KU31 were not tested in the MOTOR magazine 2011 tyre test. The Kumho tyre tested in that particular test was the Kumho Ecsta LE Sport, which I'm pretty sure is the KU39.

I got my tyres from tire rack and +1 for what dave said. Keep under the 1k mark. Good people to deal with. I bought a set of 17" mags and a set of Hankook Ventus V12 215/45/17 for under $1000 for the other drive. Scweeet deal me thinks.

Yup tyres on a car in regular use will suffer with sunlight if its prolongued exposure. Tyres should be changed every 3-4 years regardless of tread left in these situations. If car is regularly garaged then its not too big a deal.
Yeah preach it Bro! It should be mandatory on the rego checks. I am sure we would have less serious accidents if this were to happen.

I got my tyres from tire rack and +1 for what dave said. Keep under the 1k mark. Good people to deal with. I bought a set of 17" mags and a set of Hankook Ventus V12 215/45/17 for under $1000 for the other drive. Scweeet deal me thinks.

Glad to hear you had a good experience with tirerack. I have yet to hear a bad story

You just have to do your math on the prices and types here. They have some cracker specials from time to time. After selling the old 16" mags, the new set of wheels and tyres cost me less than $200 a corner :) woo hoo!

Interesting that no one seems to be considering 225/55/17 as replacements on factory rims. Was considering Toyo TEO+ in this size but have decided to go for a wider rim. Am getting 18x7.5s with 45 offset and Falken 912 ZEs in 235/45/18 to match factory rolling diamater (no TEO+ available in this size). Went 7.5 to avoid any rubbing issues that seem to occur with 8 or 8.5 in rims. Only going 18s as I drive shyte county roads mostly and wasn't prepared to go to a 35 profile on 19s or 20s. Hopefully the 235 will significantly improve handling and grip. Anyone had experience with the Falken 912s?

I have 225/55/17s on my 07, 380 SX on the std 17 inch rims. The speedo is now almost right, reads 100 for actual 98km/hr. I put on Goodyear eagle F1-GSD3s at Xmas and have been very happy with them. Thought I might have made a mistake having such a wet weather oriented tyre but with all the rain lately they have been great. The step up in handling from the continental comfortcontact 1's (stock size) has been amazing.The cars goes where it's supposed to and holds the line on corners perfectly. The TCL light hardly comes on now. The sidewall is a little higher than stock (55% of 225 vs 50% of 215) but I am pretty sure the extra rigidity in the sidewalls - the tyres are rated at 101W - has contributed to the improved handling.

Had considered the GSD3s as I had read so many great reviews about their grip and turn in. Only place I could find them for a decent price was about an hour and a half away. Didn't know the load rating was that high or I would have had a harder look at them. The 93V rating of the 215/55/17 Yokos that were on the front meant even with 36psi they looked half flat. I don't tend to speed in straight lines but really like the windy bits :) and didn't have too much confidence in them. Unbelievably at 80k I think the Dunlops on the rear are still the origionals (not alot of tread left)! Read mixed reviews about the 912s but without spending silly money they were pretty much my only option of a non-chinese made tyre in the 235/45/18 size. Would be really interested in how the GSD3s wear and hoping the 912s are a horrid dissapointment!!!!

Alright, just completed a 790k round trip from Hamilton to Palmerston Nth with the new Falken 912 ZEs 235/45/18 94W. Much quieter and more comfortable than the Yokos and Dunlops even with the lower sidewall and higher pressures. In fact possibly the quietest tyres I have owned. Great dry grip. Good wet grip, although being new tyres and the only wet driving was at night on roads I didn't know so didn't really push too hard. Good resistance to aquaplaning. Sit nicely at straight ahead, a little vague just either side of straight ahead. About the only downside so far is less feedback (of the good type). Overall I am impressed and would reccomend these.