What would be a good tire for an evo ix? I live in San Diego so I don't need to worry about snow or rain really. I want something that will have the best possible grip combined with a good lifespan. I would be keeping them on stock BBS' but I was thinking of going 245 or 250mm. I guess I wouldn't want a larger sidewall right so what is a good size for my needs (daily driving)? I also don't want to pay more than $100 for each tire. I hope that's enough info for you to give me some feedback.

 

Damn.
Best possible grip, good life, and under $100. You are asking a lot. That's the holy grail of tires.
Don't take that the wrong way, though. I'm cheap too and wished a tire like that would come along and help us all out. Remember tires are what really makes or breaks the performance of the car.
Right now I'm running Kumho's MX; stock size, daily driver, good grip, OK life (20-25K), OK handling, and you can get them for about $120 a tire. I do miss the handling of the stock/better tire.
If I had to come down in price from there, I would try BFGoodrich g-Force Sport in a stock size. These will definately give up more grip and handling but should last and can be had for a hair over $100 in stock size.
If I really had to get under $100 I might try Kumho's Ecsta SPT. Again giving up grip and handling for price and life.
I hope this helps a little and tirerack has very good info;
http://www.tirerack.com/index.jsp

 

Yep ^

Dunlop Z1 Star Specs around $130 a tire. Those are going to be the best grip and lowest priced for them.

245/45/17 work great on our OE rims. That is the size I ran last year for racing with the Z1's. 255/40/17 will be another size we can use. But note, the Z1s seem to run wide. My 245/45 Z1 was just as wide as the 255/40 RT615 it replaced.

 

so how much of a difference will a wider tire make? Will there be a noticeable difference between a 245 and 255 and true to size? Or is it better to get a higher quality compound and stick with stock width?

 

On the street - not much. For AXing I like the 245/45 because its slightly taller and gives me a little more RPM in 2nd gear.

I would get a good compound (Z1) and stock size for the street.

 

You can have both with the Star Specs. Higher quality compound and a wider tire. Great tires. Especially for the price.

 

I guess I will just have to get used to paying 1K for tires.

 

Its not 1k.

139 x 4 = 556

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Sizes....t+Z1+Star+Spec

 

^ What he said. Lol. Very reasonable pricing.

 

Z1's hands down. Majority of threads out there favor this tire.

 

I had 2 sets of Z1's. Great tire. Great price. what's not to like!

 

I think you meant "lower RPM" or "higher MPH"

 

Ah, ambiguously stated. Yes, lower RPM for a higher MPH.

 

Out of curiosity, what's the tread life like with the Z1 Star Specs? Better, worse, or the same as the stock Advans?

 

12-15k if lucky