Best Street Tyres

[Phatboy]

Hi guys, it's time to replace my two front Michelin Pilot PS2's on the R34 GTR. I've been quite happy with the PS2s, but the fronts only lasted 10,000 kms with bad outside wear, whilst the rears are fine. Alignment was too toe-in, which was probably the cause, so got that adjusted. I read that the PS2 replacement, the Super Sports, are better in every way. eg., cheaper, grippier in all conditions, more durable, etc. They are now the #1 ranked tyre on tirerack.com and are OEM on cars like the Ferrari 599 GTO.

On paper they look like a no-brainer and from tirerack they are about $820 AUD delivered for 2 x 265/35/18s. Also being under $1000, if I order 2 tyres they are below the threshold for 10% import duty. As usual, local tyre shops are hopeless: either have them on extended back order so can't get them for at least 8 weeks and can't even give me a rough price (The Tyre Factory, few independents), haven't even heard of them and don't have them on their system (Bob Jane), or don't even stock Michelin (Beaurepaires). One shop mentioned Kumho KU19 ($280/each) as very similar to PS2s. I must admit I've never heard of them.

Anyone used either the Michelins Super Sport yet or the Kumhos? Any thoughts or recommendations on alternatives? I don't track my car - I just want something grippy in all conditions for the street, with decent durability. Thanks.

[sydking]

Federal 595 RSR or kumho ku36

[sydking]

I would also be getting each corner done with new and the same rubber, from then on to keep wear even rotate them.

[34GeeTeeTee]

Yeah i have just gone to the Federal RSR on my GTT and they seem good all round, Ant has just put the Nittos on his 34GTR and also seems pretty happy, there are quite a few options i guess.

[GTSBoy]

I would vote for KU36 except for 2 things. They are not cheap like they used to be and so now they're nowhere near as compelling on the performance per price basis. And it is quite possible to kill a set in 10000km. I don't often get more than that out of them on my R32, just driving to work and back most of the time. Oh, a third thing. They are as noisy as buggery.

The RSRs mentioned above are a good alternative, and they cost more.

The Dunlop Star Specs can be had from tirerack.com and they are reportedly excellent. At least as good performance as the KU36 with a better (longer lasting) wear index and less noise.

[Hank Scorpio]

The Super Sports are a great tyre. Modern asymetrical design, good rubber compound, very grippy and quiet too. The Michelins are made extremely round and will balance up nicer than the other tyres mentioned. They will be MUCH better than both the Kumhos and Federals.

[34GeeTeeTee]

My KU36 got noisy as they feathered..... The RSR seem quieter and grip is good!

I paid $250ea fitted and balanced for 265/35/18 and they did it while i waited, that was in Sydney so i assume someone in Melbourne will have the similar deal.

[Missileman]

Super Sports get a no1 rating here... http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/monsters-of-grip-nine-summer-performance-tires-tested-comparison-test

then the potenzas S04 Pole Position

5 month old review but hey it's data right.

[B-rice]

If you have a Costco in your state they will have them as they only sell Michelin and Bridgestone

[levinboy]

Super sports are the only tyre I will use for the street on my 33GTR

Put them on start of the year done 10000+kms and two track days on them with 350kw and still have more then 60% tread left

[Phatboy]

If you have a Costco in your state they will have them as they only sell Michelin and Bridgestone

Unfortunately rang Costco in Melb, who rang their Australian Michelin rep, who says that tyre in that size isn't manufactured anymore (read: manufactured in inadequate quantities to be mass imported to an insignficant market like Australia). Their pricing was pretty good at $515 per tyre incl fitting, just slightly more expensive than the total cost from tirerack.

Super sports are the only tyre I will use for the street on my 33GTR

Put them on start of the year done 10000+kms and two track days on them with 350kw and still have more then 60% tread left

I have similar numbers and don't visit the track, so that's great to hear!

[R31Nismoid]

AD08s did me around 7,000kms and there was a LOT of 4WD donuts, circuit/hillclimb and associated - and they started off @ about 80% tread... So a full set would certainly go the distance.

I rate the AD08 over a RS-R in terms of performance having driven my car on both for a while.

[34GeeTeeTee]

AD08s did me around 7,000kms and there was a LOT of 4WD donuts, circuit/hillclimb and associated - and they started off @ about 80% tread... So a full set would certainly go the distance.

I rate the AD08 over a RS-R in terms of performance having driven my car on both for a while.

RSR is just a cheap option, the AD08 would be my preference but for $240 a corner fitted and balanced its hard to say no too the RSR when the rears get hammered anyway

[R31Nismoid]

Ye if you are eating tyres then definately (although he has a 34R, so not much of a problem )

Side note: also look @ the Achillies as another option if you are a RWD tyre eater. I'm hearing quite good things from a few people on the price vs performance scale.

If i had a GTR I'd get a set to give them a run, Inverse Tyres in Vic are doing them ridiculously cheap at the moment.

[battery]

Ku36's and RSR are way overrated, they seem to have a reputation as being the pinnacle of tyre performance if you go off replies in these forums... they are a good bang for the buck tyre but have nothing on the Michelin's..

[GTSBoy]

The RSR used to not be good bang for buck, but have gotten cheaper and now are getting there. The KU36 used to be the absolute pinnacle of tyre performance for tight arses. They really were good bang for buck. But they're not so cheap any more.

[Phatboy]

Thanks for your advice guys. Think I'll go with the Super Sports because every review I've read puts them at #1. I'm not keen on burning rears or drifting - I like the safe, planted traction feeling of AWD. Makes up for any deficiencies in my driving ability

[33GTRV]

Id also look into the continental range of tyres. They have some great high end tyres that mach the michelin's but im unsure on pricing. We used to run the michelin ps2's on our M5 and they were a great tyre, soft, but great. I would definately be looking into the ad08's as previously mentioned, they too are a fantastic tyre for the price. As always though, they tyre relies heavily on the suspension geometry and alignment bieng set correctly for your style of driving, duties of the car and road condition you live in.

[GTR-N1]

^^^ Tempe Tyres do parallel buying on Continental as well as Kumho.

Despite being mostly considered on euro cars, SAUers Jdm_Performance & God_speed use them on performance cars

[France]

Ku36's and RSR are way overrated, they seem to have a reputation as being the pinnacle of tyre performance if you go off replies in these forums... they are a good bang for the buck tyre but have nothing on the Michelin's..

They only have a good reputation because they are all good value for money, although ku36 prices have crept up and no longer really considered as a bank for your buck option. However if you had the money to spend, of course you would rather go for something like ad08s or re11s.