New Tyres (again)

[GTBWAGON]

I know this subject has been discussed over and over (I have read them all!), but I am needing new rubber for my '07 GT Spec B, and I am thoroughly confused.

I have decided to buy from tirerack.com as the price is fantastic by comparison to what I was offered today.

I am leaning towards the Kumho Ecsta SPT (Ku31), but wondering if anyone has experience with the Yokohama ADVAN Sport?

Otherwise, is there a tyre of a comparable price that will out perform these?

Finally, the OEM tyres are a 215/45/18, but some people are recommending the 225/45 or the 225/40. Are there any major advantages/disadvantages to changing the tyre size? Other than providing a greater range of rubber available?

Thanks.

Sam

[neilgero]

if youre going to buy off tirerack at least consider higher end rubber as its not worth it to hit up tirerack for ku31's which can be had locally for quite cheap as the shipping in iteself will be around 200-250.

i bought hankook ventus v112 225/45 R18 shipped to melb for a grand total of $720AUD (@ $1US=1.04AU final conversion rate). having previously used v110's and was impressed, the v112 is astounding, the grip provided is excellent when warm (its a bee's dick away from a semi-slick). i think there are a few guys on here who are using v112's as well. the downside is the life exp is about 30,000kms but it depends on your driving style and they arnt really good for massive strech (kumho's are though).

locally sourced ku31's can be had for around 150-170ish last time i checked, so for a set of 4 you plus abit more you could get yourself a pretty decent tyre over the average ku31's

no real difference in selecting the profile of the tire, i.e /40 vs. /45, its more or less if you want to clear the fenders to eliminate scrubbage (when combined with stretch)

[Ben]

if youre going to buy off tirerack at least consider higher end rubber as its not worth it to hit up tirerack for ku31's which can be had locally for quite cheap as the shipping in iteself will be around 200-250.

i bought hankook ventus v112 225/45 R18 shipped to melb for a grand total of $720AUD (@ $1US=1.04AU final conversion rate). having previously used v110's and was impressed, the v112 is astounding, the grip provided is excellent when warm (its a bee's dick away from a semi-slick). i think there are a few guys on here who are using v112's as well. the downside is the life exp is about 30,000kms but it depends on your driving style and they arnt really good for massive strech (kumho's are though).

locally sourced ku31's can be had for around 150-170ish last time i checked, so for a set of 4 you plus abit more you could get yourself a pretty decent tyre over the average ku31's

no real difference in selecting the profile of the tire, i.e /40 vs. /45, its more or less if you want to clear the fenders to eliminate scrubbage (when combined with stretch)

I think you mean Ventus V12 evo K110. Do you find them very loud?

[neilgero]

ah yeah v12, k110 lol >_>

i dont think theyre loud, i dont even notice haha, the only other tyre i have to compare noise with for the same car are Re001's on the stock 17", which were quiet, but yeah, if you have an aftermarket exhaust of some sort or the music playing which i assume 95% of people do, you wouldnt even notice the tyre noise.

[Ben]

ah yeah v12, k110 lol >_>

i dont think theyre loud, i dont even notice haha, the only other tyre i have to compare noise with for the same car are Re001's on the stock 17", which were quiet, but yeah, if you have an aftermarket exhaust of some sort or the music playing which i assume 95% of people do, you wouldnt even notice the tyre noise.

Mine are quite loud, only downside to a pretty good tyre.

[neilgero]

ah yeah v12, k110 lol >_>

i dont think theyre loud, i dont even notice haha, the only other tyre i have to compare noise with for the same car are Re001's on the stock 17", which were quiet, but yeah, if you have an aftermarket exhaust of some sort or the music playing which i assume 95% of people do, you wouldnt even notice the tyre noise.

Mine are quite loud, only downside to a pretty good tyre.

its got a pretty agressive tread pattern so that could be the case, maybe try different tyre pressures?

[GTBWAGON]

Thanks. I have looked into the Ventus V12 K110's, and they have mixed reviews! The price is good for them, but main concerns are sidewall strength, and lifespan. When you say 30,000km, is that freeway driving, or 'spirited' driving?
What is the average price for a Ku31 in 225/45/18? (WA) I have only called a couple of places but seems they all want around $300+ a corner. Has anyone had the Ku36 before?

Cheers,

Sam

[neilgero]

$300 per corner?!@!!!! wtf! thats priceyyyyyyy. might have something to do with kumho bring low on stock of ku31.

[Ben]

For a tad over $300 you could have re-11 off tirerack shipped! Huge difference in tyre there.

The ku31 and hankook are different tyres. If you want something long lasting, get the Ku31. No point looking at a ku36 as the hankook will outlast them.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparisons/09q2/tire_test_nine_affordable_summer_tires_take_on_the_michelin_ps2-comparison_tests is a good review that includes the ku36, but this doesn't include wear as it's not that type of test. Look at the wear ratings on tirerack for that. It's hard to get everything in a tyre without spending! Maybe a continental, that way you can get long wear from them as well as performance.

its got a pretty agressive tread pattern so that could be the case, maybe try different tyre pressures?

Yeah tried a few, they are just loud, but not that worried.

[neilgero]

couple of guys i know on jzx100.com have used ku36's, they say its purely a summer tyre with crappy life exp, though warmed up, they give pretty good grip.

[smythie]

but wondering if anyone has experience with the Yokohama ADVAN Sport?

got a reasonable 20 odd thousand kays out of a set before poor wheel alignment (toe out) killed the inside shoulders. They were a pretty good tyre I thought. Better than the Michelin Pilot Preceeda 2's I replaced them with (discontinued) but I don't think as good as the Pilot Sport 3's I have on the car now. The Advans I reckon would have been overall a slightly lesser tyre than the 050a but at around 2/3's of the price at the time I'm not complaining.

[GTBWAGON]

Ok, decided to go with the Hankook Ventus V12 EVO K110's from tirerack.com.

Just 2 more questions!

Can anyone confirm the 225/45/18 will fit the standard GT Spec B rim, and will the extra width provide better grip. The 215/45/18's are effectively the same price.

and finally,

What is a fair price for fitting, balance and alignment? I feel that they are trying to rip me off again with the quotes I have been receiving!

Thanks,

Sam

[teflon]

What is a fair price for fitting, balance and alignment? I feel that they are trying to rip me off again with the quotes I have been receiving!

Thanks,

Sam

Most places charge $20 per corner? Alignment can be anywhere from $60-$110.

[smythie]

Ok, decided to go with the Hankook Ventus V12 EVO K110's from tirerack.com.

Just 2 more questions!

Can anyone confirm the 225/45/18 will fit the standard GT Spec B rim, and will the extra width provide better grip. The 215/45/18's are effectively the same price.

Others have done it without issue.

[BJ]

I have had 225/45/18 KU36 on the 3.0R spec B rim which I am sure is the same. They are okay for size but they are very noisy and lasted about 15000km.