I read the sticky at the top of the page with reviews and I still have no clue which tires to choose.

I am looking for a very good dry weather tire. I rarely drive my car in the rain, unless I get caught in it, but if I do have to drive it in the rain I want a tire that will do good in wet weather conditions to. I don't want to drop to to 50mph on the highway when it rains because of my tires.

Rims are Enkei NTO3+M 18x8.5, 38mm offset

On my old rims I had 255/35/18 with a 35mm offset, and I don't know how a 255/35/18 will fit with a 38mm offset.

My choices for a 255/35/18

1. Falken FK-452 (These got good reviews on 1010tires.com)
2. Kumho Ecsta SPT (KU31)
3. Toyo Proxes T1R
4. Bridgestone Potenza RE-O1R (These got good reviews on 1010tires.com)

My choices for a 245/40/18

1. BG Goodrich G-force T/A KDW TT
2. Bridgestone Potenza RE-O1R
3. Azenis RT 615 (Popular choice, but there wet weather reviews were horrible)
4. Falken FK-452
5. Kumho Ecsta MX (KU15)
6. Toyo Proxes T1R

I am not sure which tire size I want to go with, but I am interested in the Falken FK-452, and the Potenza RE-O1R.

Which size and tire would you choose for spirited dry weather driving, with god wet weather abilities.

Thankyou

 

I too have 18x8.5 rims (with a slightly different offset of 30mm) with the Azenis RT 615 in 245/40/18, and they are fine in the rain. I wouldn't go 90mph in a 35mph zone in the wet, but on the highway at 70+ they are fine. Currently, I am at the wear bars, so I keep the ACD on "snow" and avoid standing water whenever possible.

This may be a bit OT... but I am also curious about your experience with a 35 series tire on a 8.5" rim. Tire Manufacturers recommend a minimum of 9" for a 255/35/18 tire. I went back and forth with a Falken engineer for some time on the subject and the answer was always the same... stick with the 245/40 or go to 255/40 if you want, but no go with the 35 series tire. The reason was that the tire was not designed for greater sidewall flex on a narrower rim. Since you already went through a set of 255/35/18s , what do you think about it?

 

I vote #3. Thats all i run on all my cars. I love the proxies.

 

I love my toyo proxies very mucy! Awesome in wet and dry.

 

My previous wheels were 18x9 Rota D2's with 255/35/18 tires. I only had them for approximately 2,000 miles and they never saw rain and were never pushed hard. So I cannot comment on the 35 series sidewall. The ride was smooth, but I won't buy a 35 series sidewall again. IMO just looks to skinny. Sorry that I cannot comment on the performance.

 

I would like to know this...

18x8.5 wheels, 38mm offset, lowered on swift springs.

Will a 255/40/18 tire rub??? A 35 series sidewall probably won't but will a 40 series sidewall rub?

My previous set up was.

18x9, 35mm offset, 255/35/18, lowered on swift springs NO RUBBING.

 

I like my FK452, they are quiet and good for DD. I was told that 452 is similar to T1r, T1r is slightly better in performance.

 

The Toyo Proxes T1R and RT 615 both come in 255/40/18

Now if they will fit without any rubbing, is the question.

 

I have Tanabe's GF210 springs that have a similar drop to your Swifts and my 245/40/18 on 18x8.5 +30mm (sits further out towards the fender) rub slightly on the inside of the wheel liners at full lock. With your offset (38mm) your will rub more on the inside with the 245, and going to a 255, you will also have a problem with full shock compression and hitting the top of the liners.

I have pics of the wheel liner marks if interested.

 

Thanks for the info.

So 245/40/18 is my best bet.

 

I've tried both the new Toyo Proxes and the Advan Neovas. The Neovas were a world apart in every aspect of handling, wet or dry.

 

Out of any of the tires listed RE01R's are in a league of their own. Only thing close is the Azenis but even those aren't that close. Superior dry and wet traction handle heat way better at the track, are quiet, very good in the rain, and responsive, and decent mileage. Not many tires can do that but the RE01R's do it very well. BTW I have tried or ridden in almost every tire listed and I have RE01R's for my evo...the only other type of tire I would run would be an R compound.

 

Potenza RE01-R's FTW!!! Also look up the Dunlop Direzza Z1's. They are supposed to be similar to the RE01-R's, but cheaper and with even better tread wear. Thats just what ive read though.

 

re01r's are a fantastic tire.