Tire decison
 

Stock size is 235/55-16, but for some reason someone put 225/60-16's on. I'm gonna go back to the 235's probably. So far I have a few that caught my eye, and at different price levels too.

235/55HR16 Kumbo HP4 716
price on tirerack.com = $69

235/55TR16 Firestone Firehawk Indy 500
price on tirerack.com = $85

235/55TR16 Bridgestone Potenza RE190
price on tirerack.com = $100


I think I can get some what of a discount at work, but I'll have to check.

Suggestions? Experience with these tires?

I've got Kumho Supra Ecstas and like them. Good traction and treadwear....great price.

If I go up to a 245/50-16 it would just barely throw the speedo off, but it may be worth it for the good price on Kumhos

245/50HR16 Kumho ECSTA 711
tirerack price = $56

Go with the Kumho's..............they are great tires for the price.

I don't know about the tires themselves, i hear good things about the Kumho's, they even make rally tires. Anyhow, here's a great little java tool that you can use to figure what a good tire size is gonna be for you.

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

it says miata tire calculator, but it's universal. convenient tool.

The Potenza RE-910 is a good tire. I have those in a 225/50R16 on my Pontiac Grand Prix, and they work well. Not much noise, decent ride, and good handling.

dont get potenza RE040s they suck. not that it was on your list, just personal experience, they actually get flat spots if you park them in cold weather.

EDIT: sorry I mean S04s not re040, 03s are pretty good.

I like toyo T1-S, and goodyear eagle F1 DS1 I think it is. might be a bit sportier than your lookin for, donno how they compare price wise to what your lookin at either.

thats a great calculator, thanks!

yeah, that's the tire calculator I tried using too, it's a really good one. Good link!

do the math and figure out how much it will throw off your spedo...
mine is 10% off... it say 60 your goin 66... 80 is really 88...

its got the speeding built in...

I'll agree with that i think they are the best deal for the price by far among the ones you've mentioned.

Gonna go with the Kumhos. Don't want to spent too much money if we are gonna possibly sell it in the future. But for the money, I think it's a good tire.

http://tirerack.com/images/tires/kum..._711_ci2_l.jpg http://tirerack.com/images/tires/kum..._711_ci1_l.jpg

Good choice! Be sure to report back here if you're experience with them isn't good.

Here are the one's I have:

http://www.tirerack.com/images/tires...a_mx_ci2_l.jpg

Actually, I've got the Supra Ecstas, but it's the same tread pattern.

Ok. This seals it. I'm putting Kumhos on the new Nova. Hopefully I like them. But, for the price I don't really see how i can go wrong.

What Nova came with that size stock?!

None. But it is going to have 15x7 wheels and 215/65-15 tires or 15x7 wheels and 225/60-15 tires. Don't know which one yet, but the Kumhos are the cheapest tire besides a set of "Les Shwab specials". Those are small anyways, I have 265/50-15 Radial T/A's on my 68 SS Nova.

The MX is a little more grippy than the 711 I believe.

I've got Firestone Firehawk SZ50's. Same tread design as the 500's. They SUCK. Bad in the wet and not the best in the dry. They are wearing fast as well.

For the money get the Kumho's.

Geez, In OZ we dream of 2nd hand tyres at prices you guys pay for NEW! 235 Kumho 711 for only 56 bucks! Over here... try 156+!

I suggest you buy the best tyre that you can afford. and really.... you should always use the same brand/pattern tyre front and rear. Note sizes matter as well. If a car was sold with diferent sizes front to rear, continue the tradition. But if the car had same size F & R, the car will perform at its best using that combination. A front rear size variance will create changes to vehicle dynamics that may alter handling characteristics, especially on High performance vehicles.

I have the 712s and the HP4 716s on two different cars, and these are excellent tires at any price. The snow and wet traction of both is great, and for the 712, it's truly remarkable since it is supposed to be a high performance summer tire. They are both very quiet, and with phenomenal treadlife.

High performance types don't really like the 712s due to weight and its good but not great dry traction, but that's what the mx is for anyway.