235/50/17 is cool...in terms of upgrading...but General doesn't offer that size...and even if they did, I personally wouldn't put 235 wide on 7 wide rims...I just won't feel safe

 

I heard that 235 on a 7" wheel is a stretch, but could it actually cause big problems? I figure that Tirerack is a big company and wouldn't want liability suit by recommending something they themselves know is unsafe.

 

20x8.5 Enkei LM1

 

Actually, if the tire is a 50 profile a 235 width falls well within spec for a 7" wide wheel. Odd that I haven't heard many people on here going w/the 235/50/17's as a replacement for the 225/50/17's since this size is actually closer to stock than the 235/45/17's by a small percentage. It may be because there isn't nearly as many options in a 235/50/17 tire. Idk. I am currently debating what size I should go with b/t the three sizes, but I am leaning towards the 235/45/17's b/c of the variety of options, despite the fact that this size technically shouldn't go on a 7" wide wheel.

 

i'm curious why you said that and how you can tell by looking at a tread whether you think it will perform or not. what is it that you can look for?

 

I have 15,000 miles on my set and they look good. I may only get 25,000 on them, but at $80 each, what do you expect? I have had no balance issues, so I assume that manufacturing challenges with sizes 20 inches and above is the reason that Penrose is having problems.

I put on 235/45/17 and they are very close to stock size and fit nicely. You really have to look at each manufacturer individually to see how each size compares with our stock 225/50/17 Blowtenza tire circumference.

 

After a few months of having these tires, I must say that they grip quite exceptionally. The only complaint that I have is the sidewall. It is very soft compared to all the tires I've had in the past on my maxima (Sumitomo HTR+, Cooper Zeon ZPT, one other one I can't remember). It especially shows since I have Tein coilovers. Would I buy them again? Mabye. Do I like them in the twisties? Absolutely not. They also annoy me on the highway. It feels like body roll, but it's actually the sidewalls flexing. The only reason I'll probably not buy these again is because of the sidewall. Other than that, the grip is amazing, even with the torque that the 3.5 is putting out.

 

If at 15000 miles they look good, how do you expect to only get 25000 miles? That is a very poor life span for a tire.

 

The dude tht I talked to over at tirerack recommends them over Kuhmo SPT's, and they aslo ranked #1 in their class.

FYI Kingrukus 380 is the treadwear, highest(last longest per the #) in category (Ultra high perf. summer tire) .

 

The treadwear # is only a guide for longevity because each manufacturer rates their tires independently. There is no uniform rating test for any of the tire categories. The Exclaims should last longer than most UHP's but there is no guarantee based upon the treadwear rating.

 

I didn't specify how much tire was left so 25K was only an estimate. 25K isn't a great life span, but if you compare that to 30K or 35K for a tire that cost $100 +, it is a bargain.

$80 per tire / 25k miles = 0.003
$100 per tire / 30K miles = 0.003
$120 per tire / 35K miles = 0.003

Anything over $120 per tire that lasts less than 35K miles is no bargain compared to the Exclaim.

 

True.. I've had 400+ treadwear ratings and they died faster than some 160's I had

You car is a 22nd anniversary edition... :what does it have that other 03's didn't.. Or is it a Ti edition?

 

That's just my designation for an '03.

 

I seriously doubt you could feel the tire shoulder rolling over unless you were doing at-the-limit driving. Driving on the freeway won't stress the tires to that point.

 

If you felt my previous tires and these, you would know exactly what I'm talking about. Since I first got the tires, a few PSI higher in tire pressure has changed the stiffness a tiny bit, but not much.

 

Based on GoalieKeg's review, they seem as soft sidewalled as the Falken 512s, which even cross winds made the car wiggle in straight lines.

I went through it with the Falkens and I relate to GoalieKeg's pain. All the $$$ spent on chassis and suspension upgrades are basically negated by cheapo/soft sidewalled tires.

 

I'd like to see some more negative reviews concerning the sidewalls before i completely write them off is all.

 

When I bought the 512s, they were all the rage and there were few negative reviews, so I got burned. I suggest you buy locally and make sure you can take them back if you don't like them then.

Looking at the TR link I posted earlier, the SPTs have stiffer sidewalls judging from the corner stability and steering response ratings. Just an observation.

 

I have had the General Exclaim UHP tires (245/35/19) on for about a week and have made some high speed runs (around 130mph) without detecting any flexing of the sidewalls. The tires grip exceptionally well even in the rain. I will make updates as I put more miles on the tires.

 

Check Dunlop Sport Max on Tire Rack ..they seem to be cheap and a better performer than the Generals,also Firestone wide Oval if you can find it in the size you need.
my .02

 

good to hear. sounds like the tires definitely perform great for how much they cost, the only thing left to determine is tread wear.

 

^ Exactly my thoughts... I would like to know, though, in the coming months if anyone can attest to their snow traction. I live in Tennessee where we do get some snow in the winter months and I've had to drive through a few inches here and there.

 

Hey I just got some General Tires, thanks to tony at General tires, on sponsorship, in 19's so I'll really test them out...they get put on next week when I take that ride to NOPI in ATL from Baton Rouge, so I'll let everyone know how they performed

 

I don't think Falken 512s are even that bad, so I seriously doubt any negative opinions about these tires are probably exaggerated.. These will be my next set of tires...

 

well I got some exclaims around april of last year on the front. I am not able to rotate because I have a staggered setup. Now the fronts are almost bald. I really like the tire for the price and performance but the treadwear is crap. I have a 5-speed though and I guess I am harder on them than most.

 

Timeframe is one thing, mileage is another.

 

i would say no more than 15k miles

 

I have them on my 2000 Maxima sittin on 235/40/18.. and i cant complain i kno i done flew around corners and it handles very well..not sayin i do that everyday but ridin back and forth from college and home on i-40...a very smooth quiet ride and takes rain and wetness very well...had a lil snow and ice no difference...i high recommend this tire!!

 

Awesome, someone can finally attest to the UHP's snow/ice performance! I plan to use them as an all-season tire, as I'll be driving through some (not much) ice/snow in TN. The 15k lifetime will suck, though. That's about 1-1.5 years for me...

 

In all fairness I should also say that since I have a staggered setup on my car, I am not able to rotate the tires. This is part of what made my fronts wear out so quick, The rear tires seem to last forever....

 

I've got about 28K on my set now and they are almost done. Very impressive tire. I would buy them again if I was in cash pinch. I'll look at something with more treadlife next, probably Kuhmo or Toyo.

 

Take those TireRack "reviews" with a serious grain of salt. Most of the people that post haven't tried many (if any) other tires in their time, so their frame of reference is limited. General tires seem to be another bottom of the barrel choice. Avons on the other hand are actually pretty good, just newer to the American market after having been popular in Europe for some time prior.