I know everyone speaks well of the Sumi HTR Z III and the Hankook Ventus V12. According to Tire rack, the Bridgestone Potenza S-04 Pole Position tires are tops.

I have done one DE event, one autocross and out a few thousand street miles on the car in the last year. I have really crappy tires on it right now, so I'm sure anything will be a bump up in performance for me.

I do plan to do a couple of DE events each year and a couple of autocrosses. Should I save the $300+ bucks and get either the Sumis or HanKooks?

I still have the original shocks on my '95 C2. Suggestions for new shocks? I don't plan on lowering at this point. Thanks for the suggestions.

Bob

 

I'm probably going with the Sumi's since owners/drivers of these same cars seem to like them regardless of price. Can always go to different brand later but imagine if they ARE great and you never want to switch ? Better than paying more now and possibly being disappointed with even the Bridgestones.
I think I am going with the PSS10's for adjustability but people seem to like the Bilstein HD's or Koni FSD's.

 

I went with PSS10's. They may be a bit overkill (for my usage) but they are adjustable for both height and dampers so you're bound to find a setting you like.

 

if you can get Michelin Super Sports in your size, take em'. Best tire going.

 

Don't bother with Hankooks if you plan on doing DEs.

Dual purpose MPSS for sure!

 

Hankook RS3 is where it's at if you primarily drive in the dry, drive in temps above 40 degrees, and don't mind blowing through a set of tires in under 10k miles (rears especially).

 

I have the H&R setup. Complete coilovers. They are well made and have adjustable height. Adjustable height is only useful within a very narrow range if you want the OE alignment specifications to be achievable.

 

Bilstein/H&R have the same shocks w/ different labels, I would recommend either, custom valved for the springs used.

If you lower the car a lot you have use the RS wheel carriers, it's an expensive and slippery slope so think long and hard on where you might want to end up.

 

Hi Bob,

Lots of love for the Hankook V12s on this and other boards/blogs. I do NOT like mine! I am a tracker so I like crisp handling, but I no longer track my 993 (which has the V12s). And these V12s have such soft sidewalls that it's nearly a crime to call them "sport" tires, IMHO. Maybe those with 18s like them better than my 17s ...that's certainly plausible. For me they don't "suck" in the strict sensce as they do stick and are quiet: but they simply feel mushy and uninspiring. Even went to 40psi cold in the rear ...heped a lot, but not great. My old Kumho MXs (and ooold tire, mind you!) felt more crisp than these, again IMHO. No experience with the Sumis, though. Just food for thought.

Edward

 

Are these your first DEs, or are you more experienced?

If your first, don't sweat the tires too much, IMHO. I did DEs with whatever happened to be on the car as I learned the ins and outs, then switched to something more fully thought out. The choices you mention are pretty solid and affordable.

For shocks, if you are going to replace, get something to grow into. Even if you don't plan to lower now (not sure I understand why), you might in the future, so at least get something that is adjustable on the car, without having to pay for new shocks or worse, a new install to go with it.

PSS10s, KW, and JIC give you adjustable levels. Prob others too, but those are the ones I've kept tabs on.

 

Adjust-ability is both a blessing and a curse, it gives you more ways to have it wrong than there are to have it right. Shocks valved for the car are always right, until they wear out anyway. when shocks are right the result is astonishing

 

Ain't that the truth and why I stopped messing with the adjustments on my CBR when I had it. Best left to the pros like Bill.

 

Please give me a call, I'd be happy to chat.

 

I'm running PSS10s from FD Motorsports and Kumho LE Sports from Tire Rack... great combination for my 95 C2...

 

Agreed. You are right as always. I simply meant that if he is doing a couple DEs now, and may do more, then get something to grow into. Putting a stock suspension just to replace an old stock suspension would likely cost $$ in the long run.