I'm in the market for some tires so to help myself decide I put together a brief and oraganized comparison for me and the org members from a few popular tire brands. I know there has been some talk about 225/45's on the stock 17x7 wheels, but some people are apprehensive as to the speedometer error. Well guess what, not all 225/45R17's are the same diameter so the error varies! So I included some information on both the factory sizes and the 225/45s as well as typical current prices. All diameters are with the tire inflated on the rim.

*Factory Equipment*

Bridgestone Potenza RE92 $158.00

225/50VR17 93V Rim Width 6.0-8.0" Weight (UNK) Diameter 25.9"

------------------------------Aftermarket----------------------------
Toyo Proxes T1-S $158.00

225/45ZR17 94W- Rim Width:7.0-8.5 Weight 20.9 lbs- Diameter 25.1"

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Falken FK-451 $122.00 (free shipping from DTD)

225/45ZR17 91Y Rim Width 7.0-8.5 Weight 25.8 lbs- Diameter 25.0"
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Falken ZE-512 $104.00 (free shipping from DTD for 225/45ZR17)

225/45ZR17 94W Rim Width 7.0-8.5 Weight 22.0 lbs- Diameter 25.0"
225/50VR17 94V Rim Width 6.0-8.0 Weight 22.5 lbs- Diameter 26.1"
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Kumho Ecsta Supra 712 $112.00

225/45ZR17 93W Rim Width 7.0-8.5 Weight 27.3 lbs- Diameter 24.9"
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Nitto 450 $107.00 (free shipping from DTD)

225/50R17 94V Rim Width 6.0-8.0 Weight (UNK) Diameter 26.0"
---------------------------------------------------------------------




Notes: I was alittle surprised the V-rated Falken ZE-512 was only 1/2 lb heavier than the Z-rated version. I used to think Z speed ratings were due to lower weight, yielding less centrifugal forces, but apparently that isn't totally true.

An optional factory size tire not mentioned is the Falken Ziex S/TZ-01 in 225/50R17 but it's H-rated which is totally unacceptable for drivers like myself.

The Toyo Proxes T1-S was the largest diameter 225/45R17 tire which would give a speedometer error of 3.19% and was also the lightest of the group. The Kumho has the shortest diameter and was the heaviest tire of the group. Now we see why there is such a large difference in price between two similar high performance tires.

Falken 512 would make a great tire in the stock tire size. If anyone has the weight of the RE92s please let me know so I can add that info. Also I'd like to hear from anyone who knows of a 225/45 tire that has a larger diameter than the Toyo's. Thanks.

Jesse

 

Very valuable information. Where did you get this data from?

 

Nice work. I told Kev that I would compile a list like this and he would make it a sticky but I haven't got around to it yet

A sticky thread with all the aftermarket tires that we've been through would be a great reference for the next time we need a new set.

BTW I have the Falken FK-451's and I'm happy with them.

 

Nicely done, 02MaximizedVQ. I went ahead and added this thread to the FAQs. Here's the link:

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread....94#post1224961

I suspect it's only a matter of time before those willing to run out-of-spec tire/rim combinations such as 235/45 and 245/45 tires on the OEM 17x7 rims start elbowing their way in here. But what's a mother to do?

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Lumbee799
[B]Very valuable information. Where did you get this data from?

So, which tires have you bought ?

I am trying to decide between the Nitto's and the Sumitomo HTR+.
(HTR+ 215 X 50 X 17 - is only $89 and got some great reviews;
Tirerack rates its performance at 98% of the Michelin Pilot Sport
A/S, at less than half the price ! ).

Any information on the Nitto 450's ???
(There are some very good reviews - plus one very bad one -
see
http://www.epinions.com/auto-Tires-A...ce_type-Nitto.)

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by maxiiiboy
[B]I'm going to buy the Yokohama AVS ES100. They are priced very cheap and all the reviews have been excellent.

 

S03

 

How many org members have purchased/used these tires on the stock 17" rims??? I'm looking to replace my Potenzas and I live in Chicago, so I need a tire that will perform in snow and rain as well. What else is out there for tire upgrades that includes snow performance?? Looking for help from my fellow winter org members....

 

Elbow...Elbow...you know I am running 235/45 on a stock 17x7 rim. It's a tire that isn't on the list either. They do supply it in the stock rim tolerances though, so if you want a review on the tire I'd be more than willing,

 

Numerous members have the Pilot Sport A/S's and love them, many of us stayed away from them because of the cost.

 

So, cost not being a factor, the Pilot Sport A/S is a good choice for the snow as well as being all season?? I know the cost is high. Tire Rack wants $205/ea for 235/50/17 adn $197 for the 225/50/17. I'm willing to drop the $$$ for them provided they are worth the performance upgrade. Question: Is it worth jumping up to the 235, or is it a better decision to maintain the 225??

 

VMosser,

I also live in the Chicago area and need some good tires. post a reply with your experience with these tires. I might just get these as well.

 

I will do. I don't have them yet, but I plan on driving down to South Bend, IN within the next week and purchasing them directly from Tire Rack. SBend is only about a 1 hr ride and they'll do all the installations there. As soon as I have something to report back on the Pilot Sport A/S, I'll let you know...

 

I have only heard great reviews but you should create a new thread titled Pilot Sport owners to get their anwsers, I would hate for you to drop that kind of loot based on just my opinion.

As far as what size, well that is a whole other can of worms, that has been beaten to death for years, use the search function. Many of the early fifth gen owners that switched to Pilot Sports did so because at the time that was the best tire that was recommended for our 17X7's (225/50/17), many of us switched to 235/45/17 but after numerous wars with others I had vowed about 6 months ago to never approach the subject again, but your post was diferent. Either way use the search on 235/45/17 and you will see what I mean. Keep in mind dropping to a lower profile tire generally reduces your overall tire height, which produces even more unsitely wheel gap, and throws off your speedo slightly.

 

'02 SE 17" OEM Wheel + 225/50/17 Michelin Pilot Sport A/S = 48.4 lbs

 

I'm in Northern NJ and own a 2000 SE. I pulled the RE92's off within the first month I got the car and replaced them with Pilot Sport A/S, which was the only other acceptable tire available for the car. My experiences as follows:

Dry traction was very good for an all-season tire. Hydroplaning was never a concern, even at regular cruising speeds of 80mph in heavy rain. Lateral traction in the wet was another story entirely - the tires just didn't turn very well in the wet. Snow traction was pretty decent.

I chucked the Pilot's in November when I put snows on the stock 17" wheels. The tires were up to about 28,000 miles, and had hardened considerably. Wet traction from a stop wasn't very good anymore, and the front end would slide unless you were very smooth and very slow in turns (slow by my standards, not my wife's )

Overall, they're a good choice as a replacement for the Potenza's. They're a solid all-season tire with decent treadwear. 28,000 miles isn't much, I know, but I drive pretty hard - your results may (and probably will) vary.

I'd recommend them as an all-season tire, but if you live where there's a lot of snow, I think you'll be much better served with real snow tires. I use Pirelli Winter 210's, and I love them.

 

The MICHELIN PILOT A/S 225/50/17's are Amazining.
I have them on my 2000 Max SE 5 Spd, the original RE 92's were
terrible in the rain, in the snow they didn't even move!
Buy the Michelins at Costco or somewhere that they cover road
hazzard. If you get a nail, you are out $210.00 and you can't
repair Z rated tires.

Rain - Take corners as fast as you want and they are predictable
when they loose grip. Buy a Strut tower brace, very
necessary with these tires so the rain tread (in the middle
of the tire) stays on the road.

Snow - I can go through the snow and make it up my driveway. It is
Steeper than just about any road I would ever drive on.
Make sure to monitor the tire pressure, even 1 PSI off
will cause loss of grip and decrease tire life.

 

Hey Guys I have read through these and I am currently using the Pirelli PZero Nero's and if I 'm not mistaken these tires got better ratings than the Yoka AVS ES100's. Also the W and Y rating is actaully higher than the Z. The Z's are rated 149+ when the W's are 168+ and the y's are even higher than that. I really like these tires. Anyone else tried them yet?

 

I live in OK where there's alot of rain in the winter...currently running NItto 450s on stock 17s...I know there cheap, but they blow stock craptenzas out of the water. Orignally I was going to get Falken Ziex 512's but they were on back order and I needed tires. So far zero hydroplaning...I feel very comfortable at highway speeds in the rain. The only thing I don't like is the sidewalls are a little soft. But for $100 and some change what can you expect.

 

Hey Chicago guys and others that drive in snow....I just replaced my 225/50 Bridgestone Potenzas with 235/45 BFG Traction T/As. I live in Denver CO and make weekly trips to the mountains to ski. I got myself in some very interesting situations in the snow with the Potenzas. I would literally let the clutch out without touching the gas and the tires would just spin. I could not be happier with the Traction T/As in the rain and snow. Handling is not quite as good as the Potenzas but they keep me alive.

 

I work at discount Tire in Utah, and i will tell you what, even at my cost,all of the above are expensive as can be, but the falken Ze are the only ones that have a mileage warranty. and also check in on yokohama avid H4 S. they have a 40000 mile warranty. the falken's have a a 30000 mile. bang for buck i would go with pilot's. durability, who knows, all i know is that the potenzas are garbage, and i need to get rid of them.

 

I picked up some Goodyear Assurance Tires (brand new ones came out a few months back) these tires are awsome, they handle like a dreak and come with a warranty. Pick them up they have a kick *** tread pattern and its warranteed

 

I am pretty certain that the 235/45 BFG require a 7.5" inch as a minimum. And I take it you did not replace your rims. Any problems running them on the 7" rim?

 

All of you are morons.

 

im runnin nankang ns-1's, 235/45they came with the car, and ive jsut stuck with them, theyre really good in the rain, i have yet to hydroplane, even at 80+, i dont really know about snow yet tho. guess ill find out soon

 

care to expound on this?

 

I sold tires for quite a while. I have either sold or had a friend at another company sell all the tires listed above. The toyos and the nittos are probably the best off the list. I would not recommend the falkens or kuhmos to anyone. Don't get me wrong some of them are ok. I had seen falken 512s come back with 9,000 miles on them and be totally bald. Those were on an alero, not even a sports model. The 451's seem to be better but have horrible snow and ice ratings. The toyo t1s are also excellent performers but have horrible snow and ice ratings. The toyo proxes 4 are going to be one of the best performance all season tires.
Hope this helps you guys Just my .02 on the subject

 

i got 60K miles out of the stock potenzas on my 2K auto but by that time it was like driving on ice. they really aren't any sort of performance tire as you all know and they don't inspire any confidence in driving.

now, after 60K, i bought the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S mainly due to reviews and talking to various people i know that deal in tires.

i have 92K on my car now and i can tell you that this is an excellent all season tire. of course you will not have grip like an SO3 nor will they be able to drive 70 through snow drifts but that is to be expected. you must compromise if you want a true all season.

this tire is in my opinion one of the best all-around tires you can have, at any price. awesome in the rain even on windy roads at 80 mph, dry grip is very predictable and excellent considering i have no suspension mods and on top of that they are wearing very well. i have not noticed any signifiv\cant downgrade in performance even after 30K+ miles.

if there is any downside it is this... they tend to be slightly noisier than some tires. not so that it's annoying but if you have to critic them somewhere that would be the place. as for the price, i believe you get what you pay for and if michelin wasn't selling a bunch of these every day then they couldn't ask the price that they do.

i've heard good things about the falken 512's but in comparison they won't last as long or perform quite as well according to others who have had both tires.

my .02

 

what about the Pilot A/S? what has your experience been with those?

 

I have not had a lot of exp. with them. The little i have had with them has been good. They seem to be a durable high mileage tire. That has a decent performance rating. If anyone is interested any further i have a buddy that sells mich. and i could get some more info from him

 

This is great information but several things are being left out. If your in it for an all season the Kumho 712 certainly is not up to par. The weight differences are such due to sidewall construction moreso than tread area construction. The sidewalls on the 712's are extremely thick. They are intended to be more of an auto-x tire in comparison to the Toyo. They are so thick in fact that it is difficult to tell by visual inspection when the pressure is getting low. Last time I checked my pressure I was down to 25PSI and there was absolutely no buldge in the sidewall. I am certainly not saying the 712's are God's gift. But one must keep in mind that the companies design their tires for different intended uses. The Toyo is much more of a drag tire due to the weak sidewall construtcion. Running at below 40PSI I'd imagine people would have problems with rollover during extreme cornering loads. I think realistically one must look at the Kumho MX's. These things have an incredible traction rating but a correspoding poor treadwear rating but are not all seasons. They also weigh 20Ibs. This again is due to the poor sidewall construction. Also, TopElement has explained to me several times how the diameter of a tire significantely varies depending on what width rim you put it on. If the website says the diameter is XX.X" that means that is the width when the tire is off the rim and not inflated. If you take a 245/35/17 and put it on a 9" rim your going to end up with a much smaller overal diameter. That said I'll just say again that I will not be getting 712's again. They are extremely heavy and not that grippy. I'll be moving to 245/40/17 Kumho MX's.

Again, great info. Thanks.

 

Goodyear Assurance! Im tellin you guys, these are the best. When it snowed here in Chi town during Thanksgiving, the car didnt slip once and in the rain it just slides along... Awsome tire- if anybody is the chitown area talk to Paul over at Goodyear of lake Zurich, he's real good and can give you a good deal...

 

The Yoka Avid H4's suck! I would never buy them again.

 

I've had Continental ContiExtreme Contacts (235/45/17) for 20 months now and 35,000 miles. They have been great. Mounted on 17" stock 2000 SE rims. I used to live in Chicago, now Hoboken, NJ. The tires stick well in rain and snow. I've probably got another 25,000+ miles left on them. The road noise is low. Performance is good. Lastly, they are much cheaper than the Goodyears or Michelins.

 

Those of you considering the Pilots, yes they perform well but personally, I could not put up with their ride quality and noise levels...particularly on any asphalt or concrete road that's been roughened by studs.

I replaced them with Bridgestone Turanza LS-Vs and it was like night and day...the Turanzas are much, MUCH smoother and quieter, have nearly equal dry grip and better wet grip than the Pilots -and are about 30 bucks cheaper if not more.

They are also substantially larger -width and diameter- than the Pilots, so much so that if I still have my car when it's time to replace these tires I would seriously consider dropping to 215/50....

U can see here how big they are -mounted on 17 x 7 SSRs

http://www.cardomain.com/id/elgalo

 

I'm trying to chose b/w the Nito's and te Falkens- anyone have an opinion on whats better?

 

Here's what I'd consider for my next tire purchase, in order of preference, albeit for the size I need:

Dunlop SP Sport9000
Bridgestone S-03
Toyo T1-S
BFGoodrich KDW2
Falken FK-451
Goodyear F1
Yokohoma Parada
Toyo Proxes4

 

I am planning to replace my OEM Potenzas (225/50-17) with Yokkhama Avid V4S (225/50R-17 94V). Anyone have any experience with these tires, I have seen mixed reactions online. I am little concerned about how they handle in snow.

thanks,

 

wow newb, you can dig deep! check tirerack.com

 

I did look at tirerack and dig through maxima.org, thats what lead to the mixed reviews. Overall these yoks., have good reviews but am not completely sure about snow grip and thread wear. Any thoughts..??

thanks in advance for all your valuable feedback..