nurb2
02-15-2005, 10:37 PM
Finally replaced the Advans today. After much research on various car forums, I went with the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2's. I was basically looking for Max summer performance with grip close to the Advans but longer tire life. I considered the Bridgestone S03, Goodyear GS-D3, Kumho Ecsta MX, Toyo Proxes T1-S and of course new Advans. I briefly thought about the BF Goodrich KD's, but wanted to stay stock size.
http://img149.exs.cx/img149/5921/ps2large7un.jpg
Anyway, I'll try to keep this thread updated as to my impressions of the tire and how they compare to the Advans. I found it very helpful to read reviews of the above tires by people with Evo's and similar AWD cars like the STi and WRX.
VERY initial impressions with about 30 miles on the tires, including a few runs up to 120 and a few easy curves:
1) They ride much nicer than the Yokos. Bumps that rattled my teeth don't anymore. It's a huge difference there.
2) Steering response when jerking the wheel right-left-right is not instantaneous like it is with the stockers. There is a very slight delay which makes them feel a little loose ... however, I knew this would be the case from researching them and there is not much that would compare to the Advan in that regard anyway. It's hard to really judge this because I was running Advan slicks the past couple of months so there was no tread moving around like there is on the new tires.
3) They don't track every groove in the road like the Advans. Where the Yokos made it hard to know if your alignment was dead on because they were always pulling one way or another, the PS2's tracked straight ahead right out the door.
4) Sidewalls are softer. You can even tell this by pushing on them with your finger. This was actually the one complaint I ever read about these tires, but usually only in direct comparison to the Advans, so I'll be paying particular attention to this.
We are going to get a grip of rain over the next few days so I'll have a good idea how they do in the wet. Other than that I'll be burning off the mold release for 300 miles or so before I take any crazy 80 mph 90 degree turns. :D
After that I'll take them to the canyons where I'm eagerly looking forward to seeing how they match up with the Yokos.
-nurb2-
http://img149.exs.cx/img149/5921/ps2large7un.jpg
Anyway, I'll try to keep this thread updated as to my impressions of the tire and how they compare to the Advans. I found it very helpful to read reviews of the above tires by people with Evo's and similar AWD cars like the STi and WRX.
VERY initial impressions with about 30 miles on the tires, including a few runs up to 120 and a few easy curves:
1) They ride much nicer than the Yokos. Bumps that rattled my teeth don't anymore. It's a huge difference there.
2) Steering response when jerking the wheel right-left-right is not instantaneous like it is with the stockers. There is a very slight delay which makes them feel a little loose ... however, I knew this would be the case from researching them and there is not much that would compare to the Advan in that regard anyway. It's hard to really judge this because I was running Advan slicks the past couple of months so there was no tread moving around like there is on the new tires.
3) They don't track every groove in the road like the Advans. Where the Yokos made it hard to know if your alignment was dead on because they were always pulling one way or another, the PS2's tracked straight ahead right out the door.
4) Sidewalls are softer. You can even tell this by pushing on them with your finger. This was actually the one complaint I ever read about these tires, but usually only in direct comparison to the Advans, so I'll be paying particular attention to this.
We are going to get a grip of rain over the next few days so I'll have a good idea how they do in the wet. Other than that I'll be burning off the mold release for 300 miles or so before I take any crazy 80 mph 90 degree turns. :D
After that I'll take them to the canyons where I'm eagerly looking forward to seeing how they match up with the Yokos.
-nurb2-