Sumitomo HTR ZIII Tires on C2S in SoCal
01-06-2018, 08:56 PM
#31
Racer
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Encinitas, CA
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I have them (1st time use). I enjoy them on the street. "Pushing limits" only counts when competing. You can push limits with any equipment you have installed. You just might not 'win' if competing with them. I actually enjoy the combo of track setup and the Sumi's on the road. Car is a little looser and fun to throw around but still good quality for a low buy-in. I'd never use them on the track since I'd be at a big disadvantage. Just depends on what you're looking for.
01-07-2018, 11:24 AM
#32
Drifting
For the track, best case is having a separate set of track rims/tires like DOT's for example - if you're a tracker. Pop in some track brake pads/fluid while you're at it.
You'll burn-up a set of tires, it might as well be track tires for the track, thus saving the street tires, for when back on the street.
You'll burn-up a set of tires, it might as well be track tires for the track, thus saving the street tires, for when back on the street.
01-07-2018, 01:33 PM
#33
Addicted Specialist
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
1. I've never had these Sumis but lots have and seem to like them, so at the very least, they are a "decent" alternative in the low-cost tier.
2. FWIW, I decided against the Sumis and went with the Hankook V12 as a slightly higher price simply because it is a newer tire, which is to say longer market shelf-life which is important for we 993 owners who will typically buy two sets of rears for every front set. And for those who don't drive daily, your mileage is dramatically lower than we who DD, so that timespan is even longer. The Sumis have already been around for a quite some years, and I was not confident they would still be available, not to mention the newer V12 is a newer design and newer tech, FWIW anyway.
3. I personally contend that one ought not skimp too much on any tire as this is any car's primary safety consideration. Where that "line" is drawn is up to each owner, but I personally think it is false economy to go "too cheap" on any vehicle you put yourself or a loved one into. So with a "sports" car then, didn't one buy it to enjoy its "sportiness?" So draw that price line around where you define your use. For example, with my DD use I decided on the grippy/sporty Contis for the balance of tire life and stickiness. Those whose 993s are "pleasure cars" (as my insurance guy calls my trackmesiter since it sees so few annual miles) rightfully choose a "max performance" tire for sheer grip and funfactor. While those who have to contend with rain will likewise choose accordingly.
4. Note on Tire Rack, of which I used to use but no longer (but their website is better than most as a search tool). They will stock tires with old build dates alongside ones with recent dates ...and they do not differentiate! You have no clue what you're getting until they arrive ...not something I am personally comfortable with. For a long time now I have been completely satisfied with America's Tire (aka Discount Tire) as they will often match/beat TR prices, and assure me that build dates are recent. Once I even had a rep call me to apologize that it would take an extra few days because the one pair they received were almost two years old vs the other pair they got that were months old, and he took it upon himself to rectify the matter upon receipt. That, friends, is excellent service as well as smart business! Find a local dealer who will do likewise and you will be better off than buying from TR.
All IMHO anyway
Edward
2. FWIW, I decided against the Sumis and went with the Hankook V12 as a slightly higher price simply because it is a newer tire, which is to say longer market shelf-life which is important for we 993 owners who will typically buy two sets of rears for every front set. And for those who don't drive daily, your mileage is dramatically lower than we who DD, so that timespan is even longer. The Sumis have already been around for a quite some years, and I was not confident they would still be available, not to mention the newer V12 is a newer design and newer tech, FWIW anyway.
3. I personally contend that one ought not skimp too much on any tire as this is any car's primary safety consideration. Where that "line" is drawn is up to each owner, but I personally think it is false economy to go "too cheap" on any vehicle you put yourself or a loved one into. So with a "sports" car then, didn't one buy it to enjoy its "sportiness?" So draw that price line around where you define your use. For example, with my DD use I decided on the grippy/sporty Contis for the balance of tire life and stickiness. Those whose 993s are "pleasure cars" (as my insurance guy calls my trackmesiter since it sees so few annual miles) rightfully choose a "max performance" tire for sheer grip and funfactor. While those who have to contend with rain will likewise choose accordingly.
4. Note on Tire Rack, of which I used to use but no longer (but their website is better than most as a search tool). They will stock tires with old build dates alongside ones with recent dates ...and they do not differentiate! You have no clue what you're getting until they arrive ...not something I am personally comfortable with. For a long time now I have been completely satisfied with America's Tire (aka Discount Tire) as they will often match/beat TR prices, and assure me that build dates are recent. Once I even had a rep call me to apologize that it would take an extra few days because the one pair they received were almost two years old vs the other pair they got that were months old, and he took it upon himself to rectify the matter upon receipt. That, friends, is excellent service as well as smart business! Find a local dealer who will do likewise and you will be better off than buying from TR.
All IMHO anyway
Edward
01-07-2018, 01:38 PM
#34
Addicted Specialist
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
BTW, to the OP,
You are likewise a DD with weekend spirited driving, and as a fellow SoCal guy don't have to contend with weather. I would personally suggest going back to the Hankook V12, or perhaps going to the Conti (or similar) ...but that's just my bias.
Sorry, I have no idea why my browser wont allow me to Edit my previous post ...ugh!
Edward
You are likewise a DD with weekend spirited driving, and as a fellow SoCal guy don't have to contend with weather. I would personally suggest going back to the Hankook V12, or perhaps going to the Conti (or similar) ...but that's just my bias.
Sorry, I have no idea why my browser wont allow me to Edit my previous post ...ugh!
Edward
01-08-2018, 03:09 PM
#35
Instructor
I put the Summi's 235/295 on my c4s. They are a great street tire and are cheap. Have zero regrets other than being ripped off by other brands. I took a few turns faster than usual and didn't hear the tires even squeel to test them out. They are by far the best bang for buck tire I have ever run.
01-09-2018, 08:56 AM
#37
Rennlist Member
I don't find a lot of adhesion in the Sumitomos on the street, compared to my Michelin Pilot Super Sports. They are easy to lose traction around corners and I've noticed that ABS kicks in way earlier under hard braking. So I guess that makes me an ******* 
There is a new tire from Continental, the Extreme Contact Sport, came out last year I think. It's supposed to be every bit as good as the Super Sport but at a lower price. The Sumitomos are what, $500 or so? The new Contis are $650, and the Michelins are $850. For $150 extra you will end up with a much grippier tire. I'll be buying the Contis in the spring.
There is a new tire from Continental, the Extreme Contact Sport, came out last year I think. It's supposed to be every bit as good as the Super Sport but at a lower price. The Sumitomos are what, $500 or so? The new Contis are $650, and the Michelins are $850. For $150 extra you will end up with a much grippier tire. I'll be buying the Contis in the spring.
01-09-2018, 12:45 PM
#38
Three Wheelin'
My point is that if you are trying to extract the most fun from your car, buy the best tires for your use case. While I can enjoy the A/S tires, the RE71r are leagues better in terms of grip, responsiveness and road feel. The car comes alive in ways that it won't do on a lesser tire. I've driven lower-cost ultra performance tires and noticed the same thing. The quality of the tire matters. A lot.
On the street I would easily trade grip for road feel and responsiveness, no question. But you don't need to make that sacrifice. The RE71r does it all. Unless you are driving in consistently wet and/or cold conditions I don't think there is a better tire for a weekend driven 993.
01-09-2018, 01:00 PM
#39
Right now on Tire Rack for a set of 4 tires for a 993 C4S:
Conti ExtremeContact Sport.................... $837
Michelin PS2..........................................$1285
Bridgestone RE-71.................................. $999
Dunlop Direzza.......................................$1109
Yokohama Advan....................................$1136
Sumi HTRZIII..........................................$472
Notice all of the tires above cost more than twice as much as the Sumis, and in the case of the Michelins they are almost three times the price of the Sumis.
The Sumis may not be the very best tire for the track, and may not be as great as the Michelins, but for street driving, one could have an overall very capable tire in the Sumi and replace them almost 3 times for less than a set of Michelins.
It's hard not to factor in the amazing value of the Sumi for a street tire when comparing it against any competitor
Conti ExtremeContact Sport.................... $837
Michelin PS2..........................................$1285
Bridgestone RE-71.................................. $999
Dunlop Direzza.......................................$1109
Yokohama Advan....................................$1136
Sumi HTRZIII..........................................$472
Notice all of the tires above cost more than twice as much as the Sumis, and in the case of the Michelins they are almost three times the price of the Sumis.
The Sumis may not be the very best tire for the track, and may not be as great as the Michelins, but for street driving, one could have an overall very capable tire in the Sumi and replace them almost 3 times for less than a set of Michelins.
It's hard not to factor in the amazing value of the Sumi for a street tire when comparing it against any competitor
01-09-2018, 02:34 PM
#40
Rennlist Member
We all do what we do because it makes us feel good and some of us also do experimental analysis to see what works best for my / our personal use case.
Having multiple tyre options is a good thing.
Enjoy the abundance of choice.
Sadly my 360 has very few decent tyre options.
Every Sumi sold supports the Japanese economy. I'm down with that!
Cheers
Craig
Last edited by cgfen; 01-09-2018 at 05:15 PM.
01-10-2018, 08:36 AM
#41
Drifting
One man's bargain is another man's money ill-spent.
We all do what we do because it makes us feel good and some of us also do experimental analysis to see what works best for my / our personal use case.
Having multiple tyre options is a good thing.
Enjoy the abundance of choice.
Sadly my 360 has very few decent tyre options.
Every Sumi sold supports the Japanese economy. I'm down with that!
Cheers
Craig
We all do what we do because it makes us feel good and some of us also do experimental analysis to see what works best for my / our personal use case.
Having multiple tyre options is a good thing.
Enjoy the abundance of choice.
Sadly my 360 has very few decent tyre options.
Every Sumi sold supports the Japanese economy. I'm down with that!
Cheers
Craig
FYI, as it might help with tire options for your 360. I'm running 225's and 285's (one size wider than stock) on the factory 18" Starfish wheels on my 360. No fitment issues.
03-22-2018, 07:52 PM
#42
Drifting
I put the Summi's 235/295 on my c4s. They are a great street tire and are cheap. Have zero regrets other than being ripped off by other brands. I took a few turns faster than usual and didn't hear the tires even squeel to test them out. They are by far the best bang for buck tire I have ever run.
03-23-2018, 01:38 AM
#43
So its time to replace my Hankook Vertus. . I am thinking of getting of the Sumitomo HTR Z III for $500. I try to daily drive my car and do some canyons on the weekends. Do you guys have any experience with them?
There is also a special closeout on the Dunlop Direzza ZII Star Spec for $1000 as well as the Bridgestone RE71R for $1k, is it worth double the price for them?
There is also a special closeout on the Dunlop Direzza ZII Star Spec for $1000 as well as the Bridgestone RE71R for $1k, is it worth double the price for them?
Ever overcook a corner in the canyons while getting a little carried away with things, that makes your ******* pucker? Maybe a double apex, off-camber corner that you weren't quite expecting...
There now, does that help you decide which tire, the level of grip and how much money to spend; when the alternative is the side of the mountain or a cliff?
Just a little food for thought...