Hi,

Looking for thoughts for my '03 Evo 8 on a summer/extreme performance tire for spirited daily driving with sidewall stiffness and response equivalent to the OEM A046s. Over the years I've had Pirelli PZero Neros which were pretty good overall and more recently Yoko Avid W4s which were great when new but they have really lost grip as they have aged, now really loose in the rain. I no longer need all-seasons, so I'm looking for the original feeling that I had when the car was new. Since the 9-year old Enkeis have quite a bit of curb rash, I'm looking to upgrade to 18" wheels at the same time. I miss that "go-cart" feeling that the car had when new, like moving over a half lane if you sneezed while driving straight!

Any thoughts are appreciated.

Thanks!
-Franc

 

I've never driven on the OEM A046's, but Z1 Star Specs are quite popular with very good dry grip and handling.

 

There are a lot better tires out there than the A046. Advan AD08, Dunlop Direzza Star Specs, etc.

 

What about weight? Those tires you listed are heavier than the ao46

 

If you are wanting the crazy handling of the new car, I have to disagree. I know Star Specs, a good tire, don't come close to the A046 in this category.

 

I don't recall reading that tire weight was a deciding factor. You really cant' have it all.

Are you confused with A048, which is a road race tire? Last I looked into unltimate summer tire performace, Stars Specs were in the top 5. I haven't seen in the last three years, any autox or track guys recommending the A046...

 

This is false, unless you're thinking of the A048.

 

What wheels are you running that you're concerned about the weight of the tire?

 

Enkei RPF1, 17 X 8 size, Matte Black

 

Nope, don't mean A048 but I have had both the A046 and Star Specs on my car. I'm not here to argue about which is the better tire, only to say that the OP wants that telepathic feel back and that is going to have to be the A046. Star Spec takes silver in this category. BTW, I don't see the A046 on Tire Rack in 18" size.

 

ad08's are cheaper than a046's lol.

 

Except for the Evo probably only a few supercars have had a tire made expressly for the car. I can imagine an engineer from another tire company testing the A046 and reporting what Yokohoma did was unsafe. He would say the tire is too sensitive to steering inputs for the average driver to handle.

I remember the first time I put my bride behind the wheel of my Evo running the A046 tire.
We were on the interstate and she would make what she thought was a normal steering correction and the car would suddenly try to change lanes. In a panic she would make another steering correction and we would head for the ditch. So, we zigzagged down the highway. It was fun to watch but scary. I, on the other hand, loved the tire. Too bad they cost so much.

 

I would check out the Z1 Star, B-Stone RE-11, and Kumho XS. The Dunlop works a bit better in the wet compared to the others. Z1's are probably the most popular EVO tire right now.

 

Yeah, it's that telepathic, twitchy, quick steering feel that I'd like to get back. I don't care so much about tire weight, just steering feel. And the A046 is available in our stock size only. I'm considering going up to 18 inch wheels and feel like it's either stay at 17 and go with the 046s or go to the 18s with Star Specs or the 048. Anyone out there with A046 vs 048 experience?

I wish they'd make the 046 in 18 inch. I'd buy two sets and seal the second set in a time capsule!

 

If you're bumping up to 18's, the oem evo X tires are fantastic as well, and can be had for a decent price on these forums.