Neal from TireRack
Neal from TireRack
Neal, I just got back from Reno (Rod Hall driving class) and I was talking to a couple of Bridgestone and Michelin reps and when I asked them about the 050A and the S03, they didn't know much difference between the tires. I can see, obviously what it is in tread design, etc., but it looks like the S03 is more of a road going tire, where as the 050A is a no compromise deal. Any thoughts? I asked the Michelin guys why the PS2 sidewalls actually seemed SOFT in comparison to older PS's and the Pilot A/S. Im sure there is reasoning behind it...but dollar for dollar, I think the 050s or 050A's (difference?) are what I want. Thanks man
Hope you had fun in Reno! The 050A is an asymmetrical tire used mainly as original equipment on Mercedes, BMW, and even the Enzo Ferrari. Considered a Max Performance tire, it has a very low wear rating and performs similar to the Advan. Basically it focuses its attention on dry weather handling. It will sacrifice ride and wear for dry traction and steering response.
The S-03 is their aftermarket Max Performance tire. Its directional and contains their UNI-T AQ II Technology for extended wet traction. It will last a bit longer, ride better, and be quieter. Its the more practical of the two. Compared to the 050A, it will pull a bit from its dry traction to help wear, wet traction, and ride.
Hope this helps.
The S-03 is their aftermarket Max Performance tire. Its directional and contains their UNI-T AQ II Technology for extended wet traction. It will last a bit longer, ride better, and be quieter. Its the more practical of the two. Compared to the 050A, it will pull a bit from its dry traction to help wear, wet traction, and ride.
Hope this helps.
Definitely had a blast in Reno. I would recomend Rod's class to anyone who wanted to go. Hes a very nice guy.
Neal, Im looking at 18" wheels, I was looking for 19's, but that sized wheel is heavy and looks goofy on an Evo. 18's BBS LMs or Volk GT-Us are my target, however...tires are an issue. I'd like to keep the price per tire around 200, and the 050
s aren't there, from what I see. For the stock tires, Im on it all the way for the 050's, matter of fact, Im going to order them probably Friday. But for the 18's, Im stumped. I heard the T1s is a good tire, but much softer.....
Neal, Im looking at 18" wheels, I was looking for 19's, but that sized wheel is heavy and looks goofy on an Evo. 18's BBS LMs or Volk GT-Us are my target, however...tires are an issue. I'd like to keep the price per tire around 200, and the 050
s aren't there, from what I see. For the stock tires, Im on it all the way for the 050's, matter of fact, Im going to order them probably Friday. But for the 18's, Im stumped. I heard the T1s is a good tire, but much softer.....
Best 255/35R18 tire for the $200 price range would be the Goodyear GS-D3, followed by the Pirelli P-Zero Nero. The 050A's are a bit over $200 per tire, but they will provide better dry traction/steering response.