Tire Decision Making

[bacarl]

Well, I've settled 95% into the 235/40 camp, due to the fact that I'd like the most traction available, and that my car is not lowered so rubbing shouldn't be a problem. (I may go with Cobb springs eventually, maybe I'll install them when the 235's are reaching the end of their life to see if they rub right before I replace the tires.) The tires will be mounted on 18x8.0 +48mm wheels.

I've "decided" on a set of 235/40ZR18 95Y Falken Fk452's. They cost $119 ea. from edgeracing.com (total comes to $529.40) and I really can't beat that price with any other tire. I've done extensive reading of reviews, and the only negative comment I've read about the 452's is noise -- then again other reviewers claim the noise levels are phenominal.

Basically before I pull the trigger, I'm looking for any input from you guys regarding my decision! to make sure it's a wise one.

My needs are as follows: I want a summer tire because I like the confidence of a dedicated performance tire and a dedicated snow tire (I live in Michigan). I run an occasional auto-x so I like maximum grip, but my car is a daily driver so tread life is important and noise is of some concern. Lastly, my last car was totaled in a rain storm, so wet traction is greatly important also.

From your experiences, does the Falken sound like a good fit?? Any other suggestions that could rival its price?

Thanks guys!!

Here's a brief review of the tire to munch on:
Tyre Test Review

 

[2ManyCars]

Well, I've settled 95% into the 235/40 camp, due to the fact that I'd like the most traction available, and that my car is not lowered so rubbing shouldn't be a problem. (I may go with Cobb springs eventually, maybe I'll install them when the 235's are reaching the end of their life to see if they rub right before I replace the tires.) The tires will be mounted on 18x8.0 +48mm wheels.

I've "decided" on a set of 235/40ZR18 95Y Falken Fk452's. They cost $119 ea. from edgeracing.com (total comes to $529.40) and I really can't beat that price with any other tire. I've done extensive reading of reviews, and the only negative comment I've read about the 452's is noise -- then again other reviewers claim the noise levels are phenominal.

Basically before I pull the trigger, I'm looking for any input from you guys regarding my decision! to make sure it's a wise one.

My needs are as follows: I want a summer tire because I like the confidence of a dedicated performance tire and a dedicated snow tire (I live in Michigan). I run an occasional auto-x so I like maximum grip, but my car is a daily driver so tread life is important and noise is of some concern. Lastly, my last car was totaled in a rain storm, so wet traction is greatly important also.

From your experiences, does the Falken sound like a good fit?? Any other suggestions that could rival its price?

Thanks guys!!

Here's a brief review of the tire to munch on:
Tyre Test Review

The tires and rims sound great.

I dont want to be a wet blanket but you may still encounter rubbing on the rear tires on the inside edge of the fender. Although mine are 7.5" rims, I encountered rubbing on 235/40/18s when I hit a very large bump. The rear tire hit at the 10:00 position of the inner fender and bent it out a little. However, it was easily fixed by getting the 2 rear fenders rolled (appox $100).

 

[aaronc7]

I'm looking at those tires too in the same size...good price, does that include valve stems?

 

[bacarl]

The tires and rims sound great.

I dont want to be a wet blanket but you may still encounter rubbing on the rear tires on the inside edge of the fender. Although mine are 7.5" rims, I encountered rubbing on 235/40/18s when I hit a very large bump. The rear tire hit at the 10:00 position of the inner fender and bent it out a little. However, it was easily fixed by getting the 2 rear fenders rolled (appox $100).

Aw crap, I thought I'd determined that without a drop they'd be ok, and even with a little drop there may not be issues. Perhaps I'll do a little more research. No wet blankets, thanks for bringing that to light! How do you like the 235's otherwise?

I'm looking at those tires too in the same size...good price, does that include valve stems?

As far as I can tell it does not. You can get wheel/tire packages thru edgeracing with all hardware etc included, but I think with just tires, you only get just tires. They're closed right now, but that's a good question so I'll call and ask before I order, and let you know.

 

[jp4130]

Roll the fenders it is worth it, 235's on 8'' is definetly the way to go!

 

[aaronc7]

just FYI discounttiredirect.com has those tires with stems for 528 shipped. If that place includes them its virtually the same but if not...check them out!

 

[bacarl]

heyy, sweet man, thanks

 

[2ManyCars]

Roll the fenders it is worth it, 235's on 8'' is definetly the way to go!

Absolutely. It is worth the extra $100. It gives the car a more brutal stance and the handling is better too...

 

[Saitech]

I am planning on goin 18x8, 48mm with 235/40 falkens as well, but with rt 615. Wheels are supposed to come in a month or so. Will also do cobb stage 2. Rubbing or not, I heard both sides. The rubbing issue also depends on the tire brand as some have wider section width.

Where in Michigan are you? I don't think I have seen you at the detroit region autox events.

 

[jp4130]

brutal stance

(rockon)(yes)

 

[Proto_Man]

Just to throw in my two cents, I have a set of Falken FKs, and to anyone skeptical, don't be. My original choice were either the Toyo Proxes 4, or the new all season Goodyear Eagle F1's, but no where around had my size available within the time frame I needed. (The asshole I bought the car from had left me with 3/32 tread on the tires)

REALLY glad that I ended up with them. Really good dry, and almost just as good wet. No, they aren't Azenis, but for a tire that needs to fight the weather, I can't imagine much better out there, or as well rounded. I got them at a sears for 120 a peice, btw.

 

[bacarl]

I am planning on goin 18x8, 48mm with 235/40 falkens as well, but with rt 615. Wheels are supposed to come in a month or so. Will also do cobb stage 2. Rubbing or not, I heard both sides. The rubbing issue also depends on the tire brand as some have wider section width.

Where in Michigan are you? I don't think I have seen you at the detroit region autox events.

Sweet tire; this sizing seems to be a popular set up! I'd get Azenis for racing, but at this point I only have/need one set of tires, so I'll go for a bit more tread life and weather traction.

I'm from Detroit (Plymouth specifically) but I haven't had the Mazda to any events yet. Last year I ran one event in the Detroit area in my old car (red turbo'd Focus ST) before I totaled it on I696 in a rain storm. It was on the way home from the auto-x actually, the tires were on their way out, I had just raced on them, so they were no match for puddles along the shoulder. Very sad That was in August so I was out for the season; as soon as I picked up the Mazda I got sent off on a work assignment where I was provided a company car, so it's barely been out of the garage since I bought it.

Just to throw in my two cents, I have a set of Falken FKs, and to anyone skeptical, don't be. My original choice were either the Toyo Proxes 4, or the new all season Goodyear Eagle F1's, but no where around had my size available within the time frame I needed. (The asshole I bought the car from had left me with 3/32 tread on the tires)

REALLY glad that I ended up with them. Really good dry, and almost just as good wet. No, they aren't Azenis, but for a tire that needs to fight the weather, I can't imagine much better out there, or as well rounded. I got them at a sears for 120 a peice, btw.

Good two cents man! Thanks for the input that's exactly what I was hoping to hear. What size tire did you end up with? That's an excellent price also, I didn't think to look at Sears.

Thanks guys

 

[Mid_Life_Crisis]

The tires and rims sound great.

I dont want to be a wet blanket but you may still encounter rubbing on the rear tires on the inside edge of the fender. Although mine are 7.5" rims, I encountered rubbing on 235/40/18s when I hit a very large bump. The rear tire hit at the 10:00 position of the inner fender and bent it out a little. However, it was easily fixed by getting the 2 rear fenders rolled (appox $100).

Two questions:
1) what is the offset on your rims?
2) do you have before and after pics of the rolled fenders?

 

[bacarl]

Good questions... Also did it rub on the front side of the fender or the rear side? (10:00 on which side of the car?)

aaronc7: just talked to edgeracing and they do not include valve stems. They said they were doing it over the holidays "as a free gift" so perhaps they could be persuaded to throw them in. I noticed that DTD sends out chrome plated valve stems (boo). I'd have to ask for standard black stems.

 

[bacarl]

What are your thoughts on discount tire's replacement certificates? For $19 per tire I can get one replaced if it's damaged beyond repair, only costs are mount/balance. A pothole claimed one of the Contis I had on the Focus and that set me back about $190 to replace... $76 might be worth it to protect four tires.

 

[Mid_Life_Crisis]

just talked to edgeracing and they do not include valve stems. They said they were doing it over the holidays "as a free gift" so perhaps they could be persuaded to throw them in. I noticed that DTD sends out chrome plated valve stems (boo). I'd have to ask for standard black stems.

I could be wrong here, but aren't the valve stems integral to the TPMS sensors?

 

[2ManyCars]

Two questions:
1) what is the offset on your rims?
2) do you have before and after pics of the rolled fenders?

1) 48mm
2) Nope. You cannot tell any difference unless you really look. The fender lip is simply angled up a bit.

 

[2ManyCars]

Good questions... Also did it rub on the front side of the fender or the rear side? (10:00 on which side of the car?)

aaronc7: just talked to edgeracing and they do not include valve stems. They said they were doing it over the holidays "as a free gift" so perhaps they could be persuaded to throw them in. I noticed that DTD sends out chrome plated valve stems (boo). I'd have to ask for standard black stems.

Sorry - 10:00 on the driver's side and 2:00 on the passenger's side as you are looking at the wheel. The tire "grabbed" the fender and bent the inner lip. It also took a chunk of rubber out of the tire.

 

[Saitech]

Sweet tire; this sizing seems to be a popular set up! I'd get Azenis for racing, but at this point I only have/need one set of tires, so I'll go for a bit more tread life and weather traction.

I'm from Detroit (Plymouth specifically) but I haven't had the Mazda to any events yet. Last year I ran one event in the Detroit area in my old car (red turbo'd Focus ST) before I totaled it on I696 in a rain storm. It was on the way home from the auto-x actually, the tires were on their way out, I had just raced on them, so they were no match for puddles along the shoulder. Very sad That was in August so I was out for the season; as soon as I picked up the Mazda I got sent off on a work assignment where I was provided a company car, so it's barely been out of the garage since I bought it.

I have a set of winters on 17s, so I figure I'd go for a summer only setup. Sorry bout the focus, that sucks. I am on i75 everyday and it does get very bad at times. I am hoping to make it out to all the events this year, I drive a black mica sport in STU class. I would get 245s but I'd have to roll the fender and STU doesn't allow that.

I am on the fence about the warranty. Things that favor it: cobb suspension will be stiffer, potholes all over the place this year, lower profile tires. My friend had all 4 tires replaced in 3 years, he is so glad he got the warranty from the dealer. The $76 bucks is worth it even if only one tires goes out in the 3 years. Of course, if you blow the same tire twice, you have to pay full price (unless you got the warranty for the new tire again). The only thing I need to make sure is if discounttire covers autocrossing. Vulcantire denies you if you autox.

 

[bacarl]

Well I just ordered them from Discount, I didn't think to ask about autocross... Though he did say that they deny pretty much no one. He told me if I was an off-roader and shredded a tire on a rock, he'd replace it no questions asked. So I went with the replacement policy, for all the good reasons you mentioned.

also he was able to give me black rubber valve stems instead of chrome ones, and he did not charge me for those.

I asked for alternatives to the Falken and he told me it's a hard deal to beat but the Khumo Ecsta SPT was a good alternative. That tire was a few dollars more expensive but he'd have matched the price of the Falken. Not sure why but I was feeling the Falken a bit more so I went with that one. $592 including the replacement coverage.

So hopefully I'll be pleased! I plan to play the fender rolling by ear. If it needs it, I'd rather save bits of my car than sacrifice a class for auto-x (I've never been all that competitive!).