Falken 512 vs 451
I'm buying tires next week and looking ate Falken 512s or 451s... The 512 is all season, (not recommended for snow tho) but that doesn't bother me 'cause I have winter tires, and the 451 is more performance... My only concern is road noise and sidewall strength of the 512??? there is a $75 cdn difference between the set. I am going out of spec at 235/45/17....

Is there anyone running the 512 and is happy with the strength of the sidewalls???

 

The Falken number series is to hard of a ruber compound. The mad it a bit firmer to sell to everyday consumers. It is now availible at sears. The only good falken tire out there is the Azena. It is as soft as the Yokahama Perada Spec II.

 

But they suck @$$ when they heat up. Don't go to the track on those tires. If you're racing, get something else.

 

I won't be racing my max at an auto-x track.. possibly a couple times at the drag strip but nothing serious enough to justify getting REALLY sticky tires... I just need some better tires than the RE092s... I'd go with the 512s but I'm a little unsure of the sidewall strength (235s and all)....

 

Try the Nitto 450s. They fit the correct size and hold up much better than the Falkens. Also, they are a smoother ride than the Bridgestone Potenzas that are on the car now.

As for the drag strip, you'll get 2 runs. Then the tires won't hook up. That's what I mean about "they suck". I've had several pairs of the Falkens, and while they are good driving tires, they don't hold a candle to the Nittos that I'm using now.

 

Nitto 450s in US prices are much cheaper, but here they are mucho more $$$.... If they are cheaper tire it must be for a reason.. I don't hear people talking much about the 450s...

If you do a burnout on ANY street tire you've ..cked it for 5000 miles or so... Burnouts are counter productive unless you run slicks...

 

First off, the 512's are EXCELLENT in snow...I've never seen a better set of tires for it!!!

I rode in the worst of the snow this past winter in my sister's 95 Accord with the falkens on there and I was VERY impressed to say the least...

as for sidewall....VERY STRONG..I recommend this tire highly and plan on getting them for this Max once my Sh!tenzas wear out

 

i have the 451s and was very happy compared to stock tires...i know there is room for improvement but im happy w/ them
btw, 245/40/18
holla

 

I have nitto 450's and they are not loud at all, they handle well in the rain. The tread design looks pretty aggressive IMO. Also the side walls have a flush look on stock rims, compared to other tires in the nitto price range that look like rubber donuts.

 

Agreed. Just got a set put on my new Ace Zues' (18x8.5's) in a 245/40/zr18 and I feel they are a better tire then my previous Nitto 555's in a 235/45/zr17 on my stock 17's. Haven't taken them to the track yet, so can't veify that. Peace...