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I guess considering the message board we are in, go to the tire rack link on the left of this page to check out wheels for your car that would fit and reviews on tires. There should be plenty. The M. Pilot Sport PS2s are great, as are the Brigstone S-03s (though not as good in wet). The Goodyear F1-D3s are great (wet and dry).
I assume the wheels you are talking about are the spoke-mesh type that BBS is famous for? Since I have been looking myself, for around $200 a wheel that are relatively light, the Enkeis below are good. There are some no-name brands, like ACE and Rota that are relatively light as well that have the same pattern. These wheels can be found over the web
RPM2s
http://www.enkei.com/HPSpecPAGES/rpm2Specs.html
For tires, it is very hard to beat tirerack.
connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269
When placing an order online or the phone, please reference Connor at ext 269
285/50-20
295/45-20
305/45-20
305/50-20
295/45-22
305/40-22
305/45-22
305/35-23
305/40-23T
305/35-24T
connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269
When placing an order online or the phone, please reference Connor at ext 269
As for snow tires, the Blizzack LM22 is going to offer the best over all snow and ice traction. the are available in a size 205/55/16 for 126.00. this would be my best recommendations using the information you gave in your post.
connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269
When placing an order online or the phone, please reference Connor at ext 269
connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269
When placing an order online or the phone, please reference Connor at ext 269
Thank you.
What are my best options for new tires? Is Nokia any good?
Rotation: >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>&- gt;
and the other side is:
Rotation: <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<&- lt;<
For some reason I think the "R" and "L" markings on the box were wrong.
Thank you
My first choice was the KYB GR2's. I understand they are considerably firmer than the Neon SXT OEM dampers, just a little firmer than the dampers that come with the upgrade R/T model. Is that true?
Now you have the Koni "inserts." Konis are better, right? That's the popular take on things. But these are "inserts" not full struts. Doesn't that mean there is less room for the actual damper (the stock housing, then the second housing around the insert, vs. a full replacement like the GR2 which doesn't have two wallings of housings).
OK, if you tell me the Konis are better even though they are inserts, and not more prone to heat buildup even though there will now be two sets of tubes/walls - well, the front and rear are both supposed to be adjustable - does that mean a knob on the top of the housing? This is easier to visualize in the front, under the hood, but what about the rear struts? I thought the rear strut housings were in the trunk, covered by some type of trunk liner material.
How much does it cost to professionally install inserts? Does the adjustment knob make it a tougher install? Is this an easy job for a typical tire and brake and suspension shop? I notice that Sears actually installs inserts for some vehicles where there isn't a full strut application.
Finally, are there any "preset" postions on the adjustment knobs, like soft, medium, and firm, or do you have to "tune it" by feel? I remember one person on the Neon or some other board mentioned taking to firmest position at each corner, then backing it off at each corner two full turns? Is that how its done, or is that "snake oil"? Thanks in advance!
Are the Koni inserts better than KYB GR2's if they are both set to the same approximate "firmness" or comfort level? Do Koni's intrinsically perform better, give better control at the same ride harsness level?
P205/65R15 Bridgestone TURANZA LS-H - 100.00 each
P205/60R16 Bridgestone TURANZA LS-H - 107.00 each
connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269
When placing an order online or the phone, please reference Connor at ext 269
connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269
When placing an order online or the phone, please reference Connor at ext 269
connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269
When placing an order online or the phone, please reference Connor at ext 269
Alot of garages will not install cartridge inserts because of the fact they basically have to destroy your factory shocks/struts to place the Koni insert into the old strut housing. they simply don't want the liability. If you are mechanically inclined you can do this on your own with standard tools. basically remove the strut as if you were doing a direct replacement. when the strut is off the car following the instructions about were the cut the old shock body. remove the struts internal parts and drain the oil from the old shock body and place the Koni insert into the old shock body. reinstall the new assembly exactly as the old one was taken out. i have installe dthis type of koni insert on a few occassions and it is not that difficult it just takes a little more time.
the koni's are adjustable through the fender in the engine compartment and in the trunk. if you pull back the carpeting in the trunk at the top of the fender you will see the top post of the rear strut.
connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269
When placing an order online or the phone, please reference Connor at ext 269
When I had a Toyota Echo, which I believe took a similar size, I ordered Bridgestone 950 tires from the Tire Rack in a "plus zero" size, 195x60x14, and there was a great improvement in handling. The total cost for tires, shipping, and installation through an "approved installer" was less than what your dealer is quoting you for the Michelins. Dealers are notoriously expensive for tires, relative to other sources.
"Plus zero" means the diameter is close enough so you don't have a significant speedometer error (the tire is wider - 195 - so you have to drop the aspect ratio from 65 to 60).
Tire rack has recommended installers and I found them easy to deal with; you just get your tires drop shipped there and the local installer puts them on and disposes of your old tires. So you don't have to haul tires around.
You can browse the tirerack.com website for stock size replacements and the "plus zero" options.
If you REALLY want to save money, I have tried the Kumho HP4 716's, and they are good performers at a great price. Tire rack has them too.
The only thing that I have learned recently about installation, is to ask the installer to match the high/low spots on the wheel/tire; this is done by matching the spot on the tire to the spot inside your steel wheel, or if you have an aluminum wheel, to the valve stem (usually drilled at the high spot). I notice this seems to be as good as using Hunter Road Force balancing.
The Koni's sound good, though. When you say the adjustment on the damping is through the fender well on the front, does that mean you have to take out the fender liner and go in next to the tire? I was envisioning the adjustment knob being on top of the strut mount, accessible by popping the hood and going to the strut tower. Is that wrong?
I don't want track use, but I'd like to come close to duplicating the ACR and R/T handling qualities on my humble SXT....
connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269
When placing an order online or the phone, please reference Connor at ext 269
Thanks.
Just a comment on the what "micweb" posted about Plus zero sizing. He was only partially correct about what it means. every amnufacturer allows a 3% plus or minus in sizing from the predifined tire size. the original equipment tire may not even be that exact tire size it could be larger or smaller. the correct definition of plus zero is "Plus Zero sizing retains the vehicle's original rim diameter and uses a wider tire with an equivalent overall diameter and load capacity that fits the vehicle manufacturers fitment specifications." Plus Zero sizes will be lower profile than the original size. For example, the traditional Plus Zero replacements for the 205/55R16 size are the
225/50R16 and 245/45R16 sizes. Wider wheels may be required to complement
the wider tire sizes.
connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269
When placing an order online or the phone, please reference Connor at ext 269
"On certain vehicles, some turbulant low frequency noise may be heard at high speed braking. However, the vibration is a diffrent problem all together and is not related to the noise problem. Vibration this soon after the installation would suggest improper installation (i.e. debris under rotor mounting surface). I suspect that the vibration will get worse over the next 1000 miles or so until it is doing it all the time. This is caused by the caliper not touching the rotors at the proper angle, creating uneven wear across the disc and leading to a disc thickness variation (and that will give you a vibration). The only reason he is feeling the vibration at high speed right now is that the disc is heating up unevenly, causing the pads to skip across the disc. Eventually it will wear in those areas and permenantly ruin the rotors. the cust should take the vehicle to a professional brake shop and have the parts taken apart, cleaned and put back together to ensure proper installation.
One last thought, have customer check to see if there are dark spots on the rotors. This may suggest the pads are not bedding properly, which would cause the pads to skip and create the problems listed above."
connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269
When placing an order online or the phone, please reference Connor at ext 269
"Is Nokia any good?"
I answered it twice and both responses were deleted. I understand that this is Connor's board but then the question should be "moved/suggested to be moved" to tires forum so answers would not be deleted.
Krzys - trying to help others
the cust should take the vehicle to a professional brake shop and have the parts taken apart, cleaned and put back together to ensure proper installation. I am sorry, Connor, but the shops listed on Tirerack.com as "professional" installers in my area, are not any more professional than I am. In fact, half the time the workers at brakes centers of america have no clue what they are saying, besides scaring people into more costly repair bill. Yes, they do it for a living, but the people they employ are not someone who I would trust such an important component as brakes with.
I will take the rotors off and reinstall after turning them 180°,as per EBC procedure. If that does not help, I will have to persue RMA route. I have no way or measuring run out on slotted and dimpled rotors, as per EBC protocol, the dial would get cought in the slots and dimples.
Thanks for your help.
connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269
When placing an order online or the phone, please reference Connor at ext 269
I will use my Porsche 944 as an example. I am ASE certified and worked and or managed several garaged in my area but there are some things i just have no desire to do my self. there is a local garage he that works specifically on european vehicles. if you looked at the out side of the garage you would probably say "no way". this is the only mechanic in northern Indiana that is certified by Porsche, Jaguar, BMW, Audi, VW, and Ferrari. at any given time you will normally see 3-4 Porsche's or Jaguars sitting outside his shop 2 stall shop. sometimes it just takes going and talking to the shop owners to learn about the place.
As always i hope this helps.
connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269
When placing an order online or the phone, please reference Connor at ext 269
Thanks for coming on here and answering questions. My question for you is in regards to the 205/50/17s that come standard on the Mazda3s Hatch. I believe the OEMs are Goodyear Eagles. How long (miles) can I expect these tires to last? I've never had a car with "low-profile" tires before. I'm used to tires lasting 40K-60K miles. What are my options in terms of new tires in order to get the most miles possible? I'm not a real racy type driver. I drive safely and for what I use the car will be putting on a lot of highway/interstate miles.
Thanks for your response.
connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269
When placing an order online or the phone, please reference Connor at ext 269
What are your top two or three recommendations for all season tires for a 2000 Altima GLE? Currently considering Bridgestone Turanza LS-H or Goodyear Assurance ComforTred, but thought you might have a better suggestion.
Thanks!
My perception of the Goodyear RS-A 235/55-17 OEM tires on my Bonnie is that they ride like they are filled with concrete and are terribly noisy. Can you recommend a replacement that will ride better as well as be quieter without giving up good traction and heat resistance. The highways do get warm here in Arizona and people drive fast even tho the temperature is 120.
The offset on the original wheels is 35 and on the Mustang wheels is 30. I tried a bare wheel on the right front and there appeared to be no clearance problems, and the track is increased less than an inch (on each side).
I want a tire that is quiet, good handling and straight tracking, with a good ride and excellent wet and dry traction. I also want them to last forever and be really cheap, but I can hardly expect that Based on what I have read, I believe a Bridgestone Turanza LS-H would be my first choice. Alternatives?
I'm unsure of what size tire to buy. The Tacoma S-Runner uses 235/55-16, but I thought a 60 series might offer a better ride. I wouldn't mind going slightly over stock diameter (maybe 3%) if it didn't create clearance issues. Also, I would prefer NOT to give up load capacity. The original tires are rated for 1554 lbs. @ 35 psi.
So, in a nutshell:
Are the Mustang wheels going to work?
What make/model tire do you recommend?
What size tire do you recommend?
Thanks - James
connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269
When placing an order online or the phone, please reference Connor at ext 269
connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269
When placing an order online or the phone, please reference Connor at ext 269
connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269
When placing an order online or the phone, please reference Connor at ext 269
connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269
When placing an order online or the phone, please reference Connor at ext 269
-I can't say. The only way i could give you and honest "YES" or "NO" is if it is a wheel i carry. that way i have a complete set of specs to work with bolt circle and offset are just the tip of the ice berg. i prefer not to guess not only for liabilty reasons but also because if i am wrong i would hate to damage you truck. Keep in mind most car wheels are built with a lower load capacity than a truck wheel. As an example the Ford SVT wheel will fit on the ford explorer but i wouldn't sell them for it because they do not carry a high enough load capacity.
What make/model tire do you recommend?
If the Bridgestone Turanza LS-H is available in the size you need i would say stay with it.
What size tire do you recommend?
you didn't include whether the truck was 2WD or 4WD so i don't know how much fender clearance you have. as always, liability laws keep me from guessing.
connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269
When placing an order online or the phone, please reference Connor at ext 269
So what would you recommend in a 16" wheel (brand, width and offset) and what sizes might be appropriate?
thanks - James
What is your recommendation for an All Season replacement tires for a 2004 Acura TL. Thank you.
Do you know if the standard all-season tires on the g35 coupe run okay in the winter? If not, are there all-season tires that you would recommend.
Thanks!
as far as the tahoe. i was thinking 20x8.5/9 with 295/50 or 305/50 i think those give me the closest sidewall compared to stock.
thanks
connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269
When placing an order online or the phone, please reference Connor at ext 269
1) 235/45R17 PIIRELLI P-ZERO NERO MS ---- 122.00
2) 235/45R17 BRIDGESTONE POTENZA RE950 -- 171.00
3) 235/45R17 YOKOHAMA AVS DB S2 --------- 145.00
connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269
When placing an order online or the phone, please reference Connor at ext 269
connor@tirerack.com
Tire & Wheel Specialist
The Tire Rack
877-522-8473 ext 269
When placing an order online or the phone, please reference Connor at ext 269