Ok, guys. I ran into this forum by accident a couple months ago, and I've been following more threads than I care to admit. I've got a 2K SE 5 speed, and a serious case of the mod bug. I'm blaming all of you when my wife starts to b**ch

Purchased already:

BOMZ FSTB
Addco RSB (through the GB here)
Equus 3100 Code-reader (lost out on the one listed here - bought one anyway)
Frankencar intake with Apexi filter
BBS RK 18X7.5 wheels

Next up:
Springs (not sure which ones yet, and I won't ask here for fear of being flamed )
Rubber

I want to know if anyone has experience with both the S-03's and the Yokohama ES100's. I've already owned the Pilot Sports. I put them on the car right after I took delivery, and got about 30,000 miles out of them, but they were essentially useless in the wet for the last 10,000 miles. I was just not that impressed with them, to be honest.

I really would like the S-03's, but I'm not sure I can justify the cost, and the fact that I'll probably burn them up in 20,000 miles or less. I'm not an autocrosser or a dragger, though I just might return to the Solo events if I can manage it, but I want maximum tire performance within reason.

Any opinions out there would be much appreciated.

 

I'll answer your spring question: Depends on the amount of drop you want.

From what I have seen, it looks like the spring drop level is as follows, from largest drop to smallest drop:
1. Sprint
2. Progress
3. Eibach or Maxspeed (tied)
5. Stock
6. H&R lift kit

 

Get Sprint! I love mine. You can see a couple pics of the drop on my homepage if you want.

 

Man, where do you live? A 2" drop? In NJ, I'd be shaking my teeth loose

How do you like the Yoks? I've never seen anyone with that rubber before. They look awesome for dry, but what's the wet traction like?

I just got off the phone with TireRack. Their website screwed me - said 235/40-18's would fit the BBS RK's. There isn't a tire made in that size that specs to a 7.5" wheel, so the wheels are going back. I liked the wheel, and the price was right, but no way am I running an out of spec tire (I drive too fast). I'm out the shipping, but at least they're giving me full credit.

Guess I'll be shopping for wheels again.

 

Why not run a 225 40 18?? That's what I'm running. There are plenty of options available in that size. I wouldn't sacrifice wheels that I like over the difference between a 235 and a 225.

 

Yea, a rep at tire rack told me the same thing about 235s and 7.5" rims. ASU174 told me the correct spec. I'm thinking I'm gonna wait on my rims though.

 

asu,

There are quite a few options in the 225/40-18, but only one I can find with a matching load rating, and that's the Yokohama Parada-2. Awesome looking tire, but I don't like having my options restricted so much. It's tempting, but I think I'll replace the wheels - I'm thinking about the Evo5's (heavier than I'd like, but still lighter than the stock wheel).

I've got a few weeks before I'll really be getting the urge to pull my snows off the car. I'm going to try not to rush into a decision just yet.

 

I just think it's silly to return wheels that you really like over tire choices. You only need one set of tires at a time. Toyo makes the FZ4 as well as the T1-S in a 225 40 18. Both are excellent tires.

Also available are:

Hankook Ventus HRII H405
High performance value.
225/40R-18 88H VSB
UTQG: 340AA
$115.00

Hankook 405 Ventus
High-performance radial.
225/40ZR-18
UTQG: 220AA
$120.00

Kumho Ecsta Supra 712
Race inspired, ultra-high performance for the street
225/40ZR-18 88W B
UTQG: 280AA
$125.00

Nitto NT 555 Extreme Performance
Make no mistake, this tire is built for performance
225/40ZR-18 92W
UTQG: 300AA
$126.00

Falken Ziex ZE-512
All-season performance. W-speed rated.
225/40ZR-18 92W REIN
UTQG: 300AA
$135.00

Dunlop SP Sport FM901
Extreme performance. W-speed rated.
225/40ZR-18 88W B
UTQG: 200AA
$139.00

Falken Azenis SE115
High performance with quiet ride. Z-speed rated.
225/40ZR-18 REIN B
UTQG: 360AA
$142.00

Yokohama AVS ES100
Ultra-high value and performance. W-speed rated.
225/40ZR-18 88W BSW
UTQG: 280AA
$143.00

Falken GR Beta FK-451
Exotic looks, style and performance.
225/40ZR-18 88Y B
UTQG: 280AA
$145.00

BF Goodrich Scorcher T/A ZR
Pyrotechnic performance with a ZR-rating.
225/40ZR-18 88W B
UTQG: 300AA
$148.00

Yokohama Parada Spec-2
This new tuner line is bigger, badder and better. Z-speed rated.
225/40ZR-18 92W B
UTQG: 300AA
$150.00

Pirelli P7000 Supersport
Ultra high performance year round
P225/40ZR-18 88W B
UTQG: 320AA
$154.00

Pirelli P-Zero Rosso
A new level of ride comfort is added to P-Zero control
225/40ZR18 92Y XL B
UTQG: 240AA
$177.00

Pirelli P-Zero System
Pirelli's most advanced ultra high performance tire
225/40ZR-18 N3
UTQG: 140AA
$181.00

Pirelli P-Zero Nero
With driving force and and enjoyment, this tire works harder and plays harder.
225/40ZR-18 XL 92 B
UTQG: 180AA
$183.00

Pirelli P-Zero System
Pirelli's most advanced ultra high performance tire
225/40ZR-18 88Y DIR
$183.00

Continental Conti Sport Contact 2
Continental's best ultra-high performance tire
225/40ZR-18 B
UTQG: 280AA
$191.00

Continental SportContact
Continental's luxury ultra-high performance tire
225/40ZR-18 N1 BSW
UTQG: 280AA
$193.00

Michelin Pilot Sport
Michelin's new maximum performance leader
225/40ZR-18 88Y N1 B
UTQG: 220AA
$197.00

Michelin Pilot Sport
Michelin's new maximum performance leader
225/40ZR-18 88Y
UTQG: 220AA
$197.00

BF Goodrich g-Force T/A KDW NT
Ultra-high wet weather performer
225/40ZR18 88Y REN B
UTQG: 300AA
230.00

Yokohama AVS Sport
The bar has been raised for maximum performance radials
225/40ZR-18 88Y
UTQG: 180AA
$234.00

Michelin Pilot Sport A/S
Michelin's new maximum wet/dry performance leader.
225/40ZR-18 88Y DIR
UTQG: 400AA
$248.00

BF Goodrich g-Force T/A KD
The maximum Dry performance from the g-Force family
225/40ZR18 88Y RT
UTQG: 200AA
$257.00

BF Goodrich g-Force T/A KD
The maximum Dry performance from the g-Force family
225/40ZR18 88Y LFT
UTQG: 200AA
$257.00

All prices include FREE SHIPPING.



Now are you going to tell me your choices are limited?

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by asu174
[B]I just think it's silly to return wheels that you really like over tire choices. You only need one set of tires at a time. Toyo makes the FZ4 as well as the T1-S in a 225 40 18. Both are excellent tires.




From the list you gave me, the following are the only tires that surpass the '91' load rating on the OEM tire.

Nitto NT 555 Extreme Performance
Make no mistake, this tire is built for performance
225/40ZR-18 92W
UTQG: 300AA
$126.00

Falken Ziex ZE-512
All-season performance. W-speed rated.
225/40ZR-18 92W REIN
UTQG: 300AA
$135.00

Yokohama Parada Spec-2
This new tuner line is bigger, badder and better. Z-speed rated.
225/40ZR-18 92W B
UTQG: 300AA
$150.00

Pirelli P-Zero Rosso
A new level of ride comfort is added to P-Zero control
225/40ZR18 92Y XL B
UTQG: 240AA
$177.00

Pirelli P-Zero Nero
With driving force and and enjoyment, this tire works harder and plays harder.
225/40ZR-18 XL 92 B
UTQG: 180AA
$183.00


So, yea....my options are far more limited than if I was on an 8" wheel

I'm intrigued by the Parada's, and although I don't know much about Toyo, the T1-S is worth looking at, too. I do appreciate the help, too

 

T1S's are SICK.