Stopped into the local tire shop and discovered that I can get Yokohama Advan AO48's in 205/55 R16 and 225/50 R16. I had thought they were not available in this size, so I figured seeing as I only ever dive the SC in the dry I would try them out.

It definately seems like overkill for a car that's rarely tracked, but I do explore it's limits on good mountain terrain and I figured why not go for the absolute stickiest beggers that I can legally run on the street?

Is this logic floored considering there are many excellent tires on the market for a lot less $$$ that will last longer and be ok in the wet? I really like the look of these things and recently drove a 997s fitted with them on a track and was amazed by the shear tenaciosness with which they gripped the tarmac!



http://www.performancemarketplace.co...ping/yoko1.htm

Thanks

 

I would say yes, that is overkill for a street car. As you already know, their life will be quite short and i'm sure they are rather expensive.

 

Thanks Gary, they aren't cheap that's for sure. As for lifespan I look at it like this. I do 5 to 10k kilometers per year average which equates to about one set of these every 12 months, which to me is somewhat acceptable. These may be an indulgence I allow myself once 'just to see'! But I guess I am really asking what is almost as good but signifantly cheaper/more durable in rubber for a street car only driven on dry roads?

 

Yeah, they're expensive but not crazy expensive. If I had a grand burning a hole in my pocket I'd give them a try for sure. They're really not a quantum jump in price over the Bridgestones I am considering.

 

If you have the money to burn on tires..then who is to say anything about what you have on your car. If its what you want, then go ahead and get them. However I would think that there are other tires out there that would match up pretty equally for much cheaper.

 

"Overkill" is relative. If you enjoy the extra "stick" and are willing to pay for it, you are utilizing the benefits of your purchase. But if another less expensive tire choice could serve you just as well, then yes, it's overkill. This may also prompt you to do more track events ...at least while these tires still have rubber on them

Edward

 

Everything is relative and if you don't mind the cost per year then that is a factor of course. I'm not familiar with that particular tire but you should read up on the performance factors such as operating temps and pressures, suggested camber, etc. Any R rated tire needs to be heated up to get maximum grip and normal road use normally just won't do it.

 

This is the tire I'm running on the SHO now:
Falken Azenis Sport, 200 A A ratings. Excellent dry grip, horrible wet grip.



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This is likely what I'll put on the 911 this month:
Hankook Ventus R-S2, 200 A A rating. I suspect this'll be a bit better in the rain due to the center channels. Comes in 205/55-16 ($90 ea), & 225/50-16 ($95 ea).

 

To really get the extra stick from R compound tires you really need to heat them up and I'm not sure you can (or should) push them that hard on back country road drives. When not fully up to temp they will probably offer no more stick then a good street tire like the BFG TA/KD.

 

FWIW, after having (3) BFG KDW tires break cord / tread separate / blowout at the tread / sidewall interface, I will not own another one of their tires in the series.

 

On a street car I think it's fun to have less than the stickiest tires ( lets you steer with the throttle at less than totally insane street speeds).

 

Some good points thanks guys. I really had not considered the normal operating temp issue so Rick & Gary's point is very valid. I may not get them warm enough on the road until I am going way to fast! Also like Phil mentioned there is probably a much cheaper street tire better suited for my style of driving. More research then.

Thanks again for the feedback

 

Overkill? Yes. Enjoy it

 

Take a look at the Michelin Pilot Sport 2's. They came stock on my 997S and I am running them on my 964. Excellent grip wet or dry and great wear...

 

I do track my car and have Michelin Pilot Sport Cup R-compounds for that reason.(225s front and 255s rear) R-compounds for the street are overkill. However, Yokohama's AVS series tires, ES100 and AVS Sport are very aggressive, and inexpensive. I've shod both my 911 and M3 with them and never had them let go, even when worn down-they actually stick even better! Their aggressive tread pattern and soft compound makes them "almost track-like" on the street.

Hope this helps,
///Nick