Just finished my first set of tires. Suggest a replacement.
 

I have to say I like the stock tires and summer tires are decent in Houston, but when it rains here, it pours and that can be a little scary.

At this point, I'm looking to replace the stock tires with the same exact tires but wanted to ask my fellow Z lovers if they have had any experience with tires they would consider to be comparable in performance, but possibly last longer than 16K miles and/or have maybe slightly better wet traction. Looking at the other thread, the NT05 seems to be pretty popular. I'm looking for their treadwear rating, available sizes (want stock) etc.

Thanks for your input!

[Later, that following weekend]

Well, after researching a bit, I decided to go with the Hankook Ventus Evo 12 in stock size. The stock Bridgestones are rated at 140AA. The Hankooks are rated 300AA, which should, in theory give me longer life. The tread pattern should also give me slightly better wet traction, with channels running diagnally out to the outer edges.
http://www.discounttire.com/product/tires/hanhz9.l.jpg

Inital thoughts: The tire does not look as 'stretched' as the stock tires, even at the same size (See attached, blurry-as-hell image). It does ride quiter and more comfortably than my worn-to-death (well, 3/32) stock Potenzas.

(LATER UPDATE) Despite some heavy rain today, I found that driving is far less scary than on the stock Potenzas. It's nothing to write home about, just a good improvement when driving across wet roads. If you've ever found that driving on wet roads makes you just a tad nervous, I can recomend the Hankook Ventus V12s.

There are a lot of tire threads here. RE-11 for better traction is the general consensus. As for longer wear and great rain traction I'd suggest the hankook ventus V12's.

Me like NT05's

I just went with the Kumho Ecsta SPT yesterday. Good looking tire with similar price to the Hankook's. Got em off tire rack and the reviews on them seemed pretty solid.

I only needed the rears and got over 20,000 miles on the OE tires which I was pretty happy about considering my driving style.:driving:

I used the SPT's on my Infiniti and they were pretty good for a 300TW tire. Did well in the wet, not as sticky as stock.

The NT05 and RE-11 are the stickiest and fastest wearing street tire options, and are also going to be the worst performing in heavy downpour situations.

Thanks to everyone for their replies. I'll update with what I buy and a review.

I can attest to this. Not meant for everyday driving. Nice weather tires.

NT-05 or RE-11 = win

Well, after researching a bit, I decided to go with the Hankook Ventus Evo 12 in stock size. The stock Bridgestones are rated at 140AA. The Hankooks are rated 300AA, which should, in theory give me longer life. The tread pattern should also give me slightly better wet traction, with channels running diagnally out to the outer edges.


Inital thoughts: The tire does not look as 'stretched' as the stock tires, even at the same size (See attached, blurry-as-hell image on the first image). It does ride quiter and more comfortably than my worn-to-death (well, 3/32) stock Potenzas.

I've been looking at the Hankook Ventus Evo K110s for my new Volk Racing G2s. I thought the treadwear rating was 280 though.

Anyway from what I have seen the reviews on these tires have been mostly very good (although there seem to be some who have them who don't like them), especially for the price. And with double the treadwear rating of the OEM Bridgestones it seems like a no brainer to me.

Have a look at Potenza RE760 sport. Looks like a step up from our stock tires. The treadwear is a lot better and traction is the same, 340-A-A. Looks like they might be quite a bit quieter as well.

what is the price on those tires?

From what I hear, Ventus v12 evo's are great for their price considering their treadwear and traction. Rated (AA) According to tire rack they are 161 for fronts and 199 for rear. I also remember a car and driver tire review where it got second.

Thanks for the C&D review info. I'll look in my back issues for it. Now that you mention it I remember C&D doing a tire review in the last several months, but I can't remember how it went.

And yes the Hankook Ventus V12 Evos are very reasonably priced. The 255/35/19 and 295/30/19s I need for my G2s are approximately $850 shipped from the TireRack.

piolts.


you can close the thread now

The C/D review is on their website. Google it,that's how I found it. Good luck!

LOL! That's exactly what I did after I read Chriz' post this morning. :tup:

Here is the link to the part of the article about the Hankook Ventus V12 Evos. Hankook Ventus V12 Evo - Comparison Tests - Car and Driver

The V12 Evo is the first set of aftermarket tires I've ever purchased beyond Toyo. With the 350Z I had T1-S and T1-R. These tires were pretty good, except the T1-S sidewalls were too soft and made it hard to make hard turns. Then there's the price factor involved.

I haven't had the chance to really test the Hankook tires, but so far it seems to exceed the performance of the OEM Potenza tires. Correct me if I'm wrong on this one. Grip is great for everyday driving, much quieter, ride feels a tad softer, and it definitely copes with cold temperatures! IMO, great buy for everyday driving versus dumping $1200 for Toyos.

Cheaper than stock by a bit. Total for all four tires, plus mounting/balacing at the Discount Tire was $960.64, without their warranty.

You can pick up a set of NT-05's for a little more than 960. I think i got them for something like that. It boggles my mind that someone would get V12's when the price for the NT-05s is so close. NT05 is in a different league when it comes to performance.

Because his top 2 requirements were tread wear and wet weather performance, not something the NT-05 excels at.

Bingo and thank you.

Actually RCZ, it's your posts that made me decide on the V12s. I appreciate your input and will likely get the NT05s when I pick up a set of NISMO wheels to replace my stock sport wheels (if I go that route) for eventual track days.

Maybe I should get NT05s for my LeMons racer.

Updated original post. These tires are good for those that find the wet traction of the stockers a little scary in the heavy rain.

Thanks for the updates - its good to hear that the Hankooks are a bit better in the rain.

Can you comment on your perception of the road noise relative to the stock tires? Thanks.

Kevin