I have rain radials (Potenza's) on the back right now, and they struggle to find grip even in the dry, however there is still about 25% tread left.

The fronts are horrid, however. They are very worn snow tires (VR4), with no real tread left, which makes for some serious hydro planing action.

What kind of tires are you guys running? Remember I live in Vancouver, so we get a decent amount of rain.

 

Bridgestone RE-730 has the highest traction rating by the DOT in the wet (ever tested if I recall correctly), it's also an otherwise terrific tire. Feedback goes down as the tires wear, and not very communicative when cold either, but then again that's the case for all ultra high performance tires. Anyway, tests are only done in the wet, so watch out when turning, these tires are also a bit on the noisy side but not too bad.
Ahmet

 

I have Kumho Ecsta 712s, and have been very happy with them in the wet. I noticed that the grip was significantly reduced in cold weather, though, and they are supposed to suck in snow (not that we are likely to get any this year.)

No other experience with high performance tires, so I can't compare the Kumhos to other brands. Good price, and they seem to be lasting(my LSD keeps them from spinning very much.)

 

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Originally posted by Rich Sandor:
<strong>What kind of tires are you guys running? Remember I live in Vancouver, so we get a decent amount of rain.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Rich, there's a few guys around town (Vancouver) with the Kumho Ecsta 712s and they seem to be a good buy.

I'm very pleased with the Yokohama AVS Sport on my car 225/45/17 and 255/40/17 - even in the rain. I was worried about wet weather performance, but even in the torrential North Shore puddles on the Upper Levels Highway, I've had no problems. But they are expensive tires.

My son also has a set of Yoko AVS S1 on his 944NA - 205/50/16 and 245/45/16 and these seem pretty good all round. Not in snow, but great in wet and dry.

 

Thanks for the input guys!

Anyone have more suggestions?? Michelin and Pirelli any good?

 

Hey Rich, just noticed from your P-Car profile that you are a glider pilot! I used to fly a lot - owned a Glasflugel Libelle, Schemp Hirth Open Cirrus, Ka6 Cr, and finally a SH Nimbus II in the 1970's and 80's.

 

Well I just replaced my Bridgestone RE730's with Kuhmo Ecsta 712's. I vastly preferred the Bridgestone's to the Kuhmo's but would like to provide some caviats.

1. The Kuhmo's were a lot cheaper.
2. The Kuhmo's come in two wear ratings a 280 and a 380. (I bought the 380 but based my descision to buy them after a test autocross on the 280's in pouring rain. The test car was a lighted VW scirocco.)
3. VW owner has since reported to me that his tires are wearing extremely fast.
4. The Kuhmo's squeal more when you break traction and spin the rear tires.