R36 replacement tyres

[pj's]

Have just ordered a set for the 36 at $285 fitted and balanced. The only minor concern is my info suggests they are made in Thailand. pj

[Diesel_vert]

If it doesn't explicitly say on the tyre sidewall, you can alternatively enter the plant code at the NHTSA website. It should be the first two characters in the DOT code found on the sidewall and enter it where it says "DOT ID" and uncheck everything except "Tires".

[slotmachine]

I need to replace my tyres at the moment so this deal looks excellent. One question though, I don't really need a "performance" tyre so would the PS3's be a good choice or should I look at something else? I've heard good reviews on the Sumitomo HTR Z IIIs.....

[Diesel_vert]

Depends on what size your tyres are, which are...?

[slotmachine]

235/45 17inch

[Diesel_vert]

That's a sporty profile, so you won't find many tyres geared towards ride comfort, noise, longevity, etc. so most will be performance orientated. It's the price you pay for appearance!

That said, the Michelin Primacy HP is probably what you're looking for (Goodyear EfficientGrip or Pirelli Cinturato P7 aren't available in Oz yet), but I fear they will be rather expensive compared to the PS3 right now. As for the Sumitomo's, I recall they did rather well in a test done by Tire Rack, but they may not last as long as the PS3, which have a treadwear rating of 320, as opposed to 220 for the PS2 (treadwear ratings are only useful "when comparing tyres within a single brand" - Tire Rack). So if the price differential isn't huge, get the PS3, if only for that reason.

[slotmachine]

Thanks mate, PS3s were only $20 more so I've gone with them.

What are people's thoughts on the conti sport contact 2's (OEM)? I havent been impressed to be honest.

[Dave07]

Jax at Merrylands has a spare set of PS3 235/40 18 (4 tyres) @$236 each. Had mine done there.

[ipy]

What are people's thoughts on the conti sport contact 2's (OEM)? I havent been impressed to be honest.

They aren't bad - good grip & a bit hard on the ride but from 30k onwards, the tyres got noisy. I 'm planning to go for the PS3.

[slotmachine]

They aren't bad - good grip & a bit hard on the ride but from 30k onwards, the tyres got noisy. I 'm planning to go for the PS3.

That would explain my underwhelming impression, I got the car at 25k kms and the tyres were very noisy, especially on the coarse chip stuff. On the PS3s now and couldnt be more impressed.

[ipy]

That would explain my underwhelming impression, I got the car at 25k kms and the tyres were very noisy, especially on the coarse chip stuff. On the PS3s now and couldnt be more impressed.

Same here, fitted the PS3s with Nitrogen air & after 50+ kms or so the ride is smooth & silky. Hopefully it will get better as more kms are clocked .....

[Cro]

I put the PS3's through their paces in the dry today, and over all I must say that I am impressed that a $250 tyre performs as well as it's $750 predecessor (PS2).
They feel a little different to the PS2's, the sidewalls aren't as stiff and this translates into a more comfortable ride. You feel it absorbing the bumbs in the corners a bit better but the directness of the steering isn't quite as sharp, this does not however affect the mechanical grip as they are on par.

The big test will be in the wet, as Michelin claim they are much better. Not that there was anything wrong with the PS2's in the wet..
$1000 well spent in my book