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Best $960.00 I've Spent In A While (Tires)

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Old Aug 20, 2002 | 09:36 PM
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Best $960.00 I've Spent In A While (Tires)

Just got my Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 235/50/17 installed today.

Yeah, best mod available for this car, hands down. If you have the cash, buy them. If you don't, save up.

I'll post pics tomorrow. It fills out the fender nicely.
Old Aug 20, 2002 | 09:44 PM
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you got them on the oem rims?
Old Aug 20, 2002 | 09:47 PM
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That's good to hear, I probably will buy a set in the next few months. BTW, why didn't you get the 225/50/17 size?
Old Aug 20, 2002 | 09:50 PM
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Originally posted by slickrick
you got them on the oem rims?
Yes. Bone stock.
Old Aug 20, 2002 | 09:52 PM
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Originally posted by Green 2kSE
That's good to hear, I probably will buy a set in the next few months. BTW, why didn't you get the 225/50/17 size?
The 235s fill out the fender a bit more, and still are well within the specs for the 17x7 rim. The 235s are slightly taller than the 225s, which, in theory, should give a better ride.

These tires are hands down, in a different league than the OEM Potenzas.
Old Aug 20, 2002 | 09:57 PM
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people say that on 17x7 oem the widest is 225. who put on the tires? id like 235s also after i wear out these craptenzas
Old Aug 20, 2002 | 10:02 PM
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Originally posted by slickrick
people say that on 17x7 oem the widest is 225. who put on the tires? id like 235s also after i wear out these craptenzas
I believe the rec. rim width for 235/50/17 is 6.5 - 8.0. A lot of forum members have inquired about putting 235/45/17s on the stock rims, which is out of spec.

The 235 50/17 is within spec. (And looks way cooler).

I'll post a side by side pic tomorrow...err....later today.
Old Aug 20, 2002 | 10:07 PM
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$960....OUCH!

I was planning on 235/50's when my time is due. It looks like I need to start saving now.

Can't wait for the pics...Thanks.
Old Aug 21, 2002 | 04:30 AM
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Yeah, I know. They don't give 'em away. That's for sure. But $960.00 out the door was by far the best price I could find. Most places were charging $1100 - $1200.

Besides, I just can't see putting $100.00 tires on a performance sedan. To me, it's like hooking up Kmart speakers to your state-of-the-art home theatre system.

Originally posted by GMAN01SE
$960....OUCH!

I was planning on 235/50's when my time is due. It looks like I need to start saving now.

Can't wait for the pics...Thanks.
Old Aug 21, 2002 | 04:57 AM
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NICE...I'm getting my A/S' this weekend from Costco! I can't wait to drive my 'new' car!
Old Aug 21, 2002 | 05:46 AM
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Jjames...how many miles did you get out of your crapotenzas? I am up to 28,5XX on mine, and they seem to be lasting real good. Not the greatest performing tire for sure...especially in wet or snow conditions. They are lasting good tho...which is almost too bad...
Old Aug 21, 2002 | 05:52 AM
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BTW, I'm at 51K with my craptenzas; they still have some tread and they're ok on dry roads, but when it rains I get scarred NOOOO GRIP
Old Aug 21, 2002 | 06:01 AM
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Originally posted by T-bone
BTW, I'm at 51K with my craptenzas; they still have some tread and they're ok on dry roads, but when it rains I get scarred NOOOO GRIP
Yup...like driving on ice eh?

Well at least I know theres time to save up for the good Michelens...

I want to see what those 235's look like on Jjames Maxx
Old Aug 21, 2002 | 06:05 AM
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yeah, the 235/50/17's is within spec for GLE rims as well. can't wait til my turanzas (horrible tire by the way, i'm willing to bet that they're worse than potenzas) wear down.

GLE rims are 6.5x17 and oem tires are 215/55/17...has anyone seen this size tire????

Originally posted by jjames


I believe the rec. rim width for 235/50/17 is 6.5 - 8.0. A lot of forum members have inquired about putting 235/45/17s on the stock rims, which is out of spec.

The 235 50/17 is within spec. (And looks way cooler).

I'll post a side by side pic tomorrow...err....later today.
Old Aug 21, 2002 | 06:34 AM
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did you check tire rack for prices? Your tires are only $848 on that site and not to mention a lot of other tires for even less.tire rack
Old Aug 21, 2002 | 07:25 AM
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Yep, sure did. By the time I had them shipped and had them mounted and balanced, I was better off local. I have road hazzard also.

Originally posted by 2000 SE
did you check tire rack for prices? Your tires are only $848 on that site and not to mention a lot of other tires for even less.tire rack
Old Aug 21, 2002 | 07:27 AM
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About 53,000 miles. Lasted good, but driving in wet conditions got to be very dangerous.

Originally posted by Y2KSilvahSE
Jjames...how many miles did you get out of your crapotenzas? I am up to 28,5XX on mine, and they seem to be lasting real good. Not the greatest performing tire for sure...especially in wet or snow conditions. They are lasting good tho...which is almost too bad...
Old Aug 21, 2002 | 07:30 AM
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Originally posted by jjames
About 53,000 miles. Lasted good, but driving in wet conditions got to be very dangerous.

Don't know about you dude, but from the get go they were always risky in the rain...

Old Aug 21, 2002 | 08:03 AM
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I have them for a while


I can say I am the pioneer in this mod.
check my homepage for picture

later
Old Aug 21, 2002 | 08:12 AM
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Re: I have them for a while

Originally posted by exunaja

I can say I am the pioneer in this mod.
check my homepage for picture

later
Those look saweeet exunaja...no rubbing right?
Old Aug 21, 2002 | 08:14 AM
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Comparison

Before



After





Close up

Old Aug 21, 2002 | 08:17 AM
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Re: Comparison



I like
Old Aug 21, 2002 | 08:24 AM
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Re: I have them for a while

Originally posted by exunaja

I can say I am the pioneer in this mod.
Very true. It's where I got the idea.
Old Aug 21, 2002 | 08:49 AM
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Is the wheel gap closed because of the tires being a 50? I am in the market and if my car could look like that I would buy them immediately.
Old Aug 21, 2002 | 08:53 AM
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....

Originally posted by maximadriven
Is the wheel gap closed because of the tires being a 50? I am in the market and if my car could look like that I would buy them immediately.
Kind of...it is a function of the wider tire multiplied by the 50 aspect ratio which gives a slightly taller sidewall...

remember, all tire manufacturers DO NOT make the same dimension tires...i.e. one make of a 225/50-17 will not necessarily be the same real world width and height as someone elses, even under the same size numbers. It is important to research overall diameter for any tire make/model to see what the relationship might be to stock.
Old Aug 21, 2002 | 09:01 AM
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Re: Re: I have them for a while

Originally posted by Y2KSilvahSE


Those look saweeet exunaja...no rubbing right?
no no rubbing.. but there is a big hole in my bank statement
Old Aug 21, 2002 | 09:12 AM
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Man, I'm gettin jealous! Both rides looks sooo much better. I hate the wheel gap up front also. Problem solved.

Either of you have hny comments on ride quality and handling characteristics? Any noticeable improvements?
Old Aug 21, 2002 | 09:14 AM
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Got my Pilot Sport A/S 235/50-17's at COSTCO for $896.72, including 6% NJ sales tax.

I highly recommend COSTCO. Anyone going there might find the info below helpful from thread http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....hreadid=136768

"Got my 235/50-17 Pilot Sports A/S's installed by Costco last week! They initially refused to place the order for this size, but agreed after they checked and found that 225/50-17's were out of stock. The guy said the computer came up with 235/45-17. I didn't want 235/45-17.

I nicely explained that the 235/45-17 required 7.5" rims, that the OEM 17's were only 7.0" wide, and the 235/50 only required 7.0" rims. I suggested he could check multiple posts on this forum where people had gone with 235/50-17 and not had rubbing problems. I also suggested he check the Michelin web-site to confirm my information. I guess I sounded like I knew what I was talking about (Thanks maxima.org!!!), because he agreed that the 235/50-17 would be fine, placed the order, and installed them 10 days later after they arrived."
Old Aug 21, 2002 | 09:37 AM
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Has anybody noticed any effects on fuel economy? How fast do these tires tend to wear? They appear to be unidirectional tires, do you have to pull them off the rims and switch in order to rotate them?
Old Aug 21, 2002 | 09:48 AM
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Originally posted by jjames


I believe the rec. rim width for 235/50/17 is 6.5 - 8.0. A lot of forum members have inquired about putting 235/45/17s on the stock rims, which is out of spec.

The 235 50/17 is within spec. (And looks way cooler).

I'll post a side by side pic tomorrow...err....later today.
How can 50 be in spec and 45 not?

45 is 45% of the width is the height of the tire. Same goes for 50. You have the same WIDTH, but getting a mini-van tire. lol
Old Aug 21, 2002 | 09:50 AM
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...

Originally posted by RussMaxManiac


How can 50 be in spec and 45 not?

45 is 45% of the width is the height of the tire. Same goes for 50. You have the same WIDTH, but getting a mini-van tire. lol
there have been numerous discussions on this...

part has to do with the taller sidewall of a 50 series tire allowing more range of 'tilt' toward a rim...a 45 is too rigid...

not sure what is meant by the mini-van comment....
Old Aug 21, 2002 | 10:04 AM
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Re: ...

Originally posted by jjs


there have been numerous discussions on this...

part has to do with the taller sidewall of a 50 series tire allowing more range of 'tilt' toward a rim...a 45 is too rigid...

not sure what is meant by the mini-van comment....
Such a tire makes the wheels and tires on the car look like they belong on a mini-van. The taller the sidewall the more flex you get, so the less handling you will get compared to a 45 series tire. Though anything is better than stock crap.
Old Aug 21, 2002 | 10:14 AM
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Re: Re: ...

Originally posted by RussMaxManiac


Such a tire makes the wheels and tires on the car look like they belong on a mini-van. The taller the sidewall the more flex you get, so the less handling you will get compared to a 45 series tire. Though anything is better than stock crap.
I gotta agree about the handling (yes a higher profile may not be as rzor sharp), but can't agree on the look...my 225 55's fill the well nicely but are still a low enough profile to handle pretty well and not look like a minivan/suv. 50's even less so.


To your final comment:

Oh boy, you know it!!!!

Old Aug 21, 2002 | 11:21 AM
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Fuel Economy

Originally posted by MaxKlinger
Has anybody noticed any effects on fuel economy? How fast do these tires tend to wear? They appear to be unidirectional tires, do you have to pull them off the rims and switch in order to rotate them?
I do 90% highway. Very long commute. My mpg seems to have gone from 24-25 to 22-23. This even with keeping tire-pressure at 37psi.

Tires should wear well. RE92's have 160 rating (got 52k out of mine). Pilot Sport A/S's have 400 rating.

They ARE unidirectional. I only rotate front-to-back anyway, so not an issue for me.
Old Aug 21, 2002 | 11:41 AM
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wow. not that i want 52k out of potenzas but i think thats amazing. ive got 17k on the car and tires and they needed replacement a while ago.
Old Aug 21, 2002 | 03:22 PM
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The Pilot Sport A/S is the best tire I've ever owned hands down.

In the rain it is remarkable. I take turns in the water that I would never have even dreamed of with the crap stock tires.

They've worn well - despite my drag racing. Speaking of that, with the sports I normally get 2.1x 60' times although I think they may slow me down a bit on top speed (the 225/50s are definitely wider than the potenza 225/50s - maybe we can have a few pages on that issue!)

They are a bit louder on certain pavement.

But, I'd shell out the cash again.
Old Aug 22, 2002 | 06:12 AM
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I guess the old saying is true eh? "You get what you pay for"
Old Aug 22, 2002 | 07:49 AM
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Re: Fuel Economy

Originally posted by jnovember


I do 90% highway. Very long commute. My mpg seems to have gone from 24-25 to 22-23. This even with keeping tire-pressure at 37psi.

Tires should wear well. RE92's have 160 rating (got 52k out of mine). Pilot Sport A/S's have 400 rating.

They ARE unidirectional. I only rotate front-to-back anyway, so not an issue for me.
How did you get 25mpg?? The best I've gotten on my 2k 5spd is 21 mpg! Is there something wrong? I have 34k miles on it.So, the Pilot A/S's are unidirectional? That's sweet. I can't wait until my Potenzas wear out.
Old Aug 22, 2002 | 08:53 AM
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Re: Re: Fuel Economy

Originally posted by 00MaxSE


How did you get 25mpg?? The best I've gotten on my 2k 5spd is 21 mpg! Is there something wrong? I have 34k miles on it.So, the Pilot A/S's are unidirectional? That's sweet. I can't wait until my Potenzas wear out.
No secret to getting 25mpg. Not doing anything special. Again, that is 90% highway at 65-75mph. I was actually not happy with 25mpg, having seen other posts where people where getting 28-31mpg (though with automatics).

Make sure your tire-pressure is OK. With RE92's, I kept it at 35psi. With A/S's, have been doing 37psi. Would also make sure your air filter is clean and you are using premium gas.

Hope this helps!
Old Aug 22, 2002 | 08:59 AM
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Re: Re: Re: Fuel Economy

Originally posted by jnovember


No secret to getting 25mpg. Not doing anything special. Again, that is 90% highway at 65-75mph. I was actually not happy with 25mpg, having seen other posts where people where getting 28-31mpg (though with automatics).

Make sure your tire-pressure is OK. With RE92's, I kept it at 35psi. With A/S's, have been doing 37psi. Would also make sure your air filter is clean and you are using premium gas.

Hope this helps!
Two other factors that are very important are ambient climate (temp AND humidity) as well as length of trips. Several threads have indicated that the car runs richer in the first I think like 10 minutes or so until it reaches operating temperature and then backs off on the fuel proportion.



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