loss of performance with a stretch?

[twastheglow]

I looked around for T1R's but $600+ is a little steep for me right now.

[kartikeya]

Grippy tires will always have a lower treadwear rating as a result. Even the S.Drive which isn't a very high performance tire (but still decent, and performance oriented) has a 300 rating. Unfortunately you sort have to pick which issue you want to deal with: less traction or more wear.

With a good alignment though, even low treadwear tires should last a couple of summers, depending of course on your driving style and mileage.

[twastheglow]

Grippy tires will always have a lower treadwear rating as a result. Even the S.Drive which isn't a very high performance tire (but still decent, and performance oriented) has a 300 rating. Unfortunately you sort have to pick which issue you want to deal with: less traction or more wear.

With a good alignment though, even low treadwear tires should last a couple of summers, depending of course on your driving style and mileage.

Oh, I know the more grip a tire has the less tread life it'll have. I guess what I was getting at is I've had the T1R's in the past and I'm familiar with how quickly they wear out. Even back then, when they were cheaper, I cringed when I had to replace them. lol That's why I wanted something with a higher tread wear...even at the expense of less grip. My S13 had 300whp so traction was a little more important to me than my 215-220whp M3. What other 300+ rating tire would you guys recommend for around $100/tire?

[kartikeya]

In that price range, I'd recommend the S.Drives. I found them to be good overall, both on my cambered Protege, and my friend's stock FD3S. Best dollar value in my opinion.

I'd throw the Ziex 512 in as a suggestion for the budget and treadwear, but they're even narrower than others of the same spec.

[Eurotrashedlife]

Since the T1R is out of budget check prices on the Proxes4 also. They're actually an all season with a 300 treadwear rating. I've ran these as well and they are pretty darn good in the traction department also. The only knock on these is that since you're running a staggered setup they have a tendancy to cup/feather after a while. They're probably a little over $100 a piece also. A lot of guys run Falkens and seem to like them. Hankook V12 Evo is also a pretty good bang-for-the-buck option. Good traction, good price.

[twastheglow]

In that price range, I'd recommend the S.Drives. I found them to be good overall, both on my cambered Protege, and my friend's stock FD3S. Best dollar value in my opinion.

I'd throw the Ziex 512 in as a suggestion for the budget and treadwear, but they're even narrower than others of the same spec.

Since the T1R is out of budget check prices on the Proxes4 also. They're actually an all season with a 300 treadwear rating. I've ran these as well and they are pretty darn good in the traction department also. The only knock on these is that since you're running a staggered setup they have a tendancy to cup/feather after a while. They're probably a little over $100 a piece also. A lot of guys run Falkens and seem to like them. Hankook V12 Evo is also a pretty good bang-for-the-buck option. Good traction, good price.

Thanks for the suggestions. I have the S-Drives on my stock wheels and they seem alright. I'll probably stay away from the Ziex as I don't want something too narrow when mounting a 215/40 on a 9.5" wheel. I'll take a look at those as well.

I guess I'll take a look at the S-Drives, Proxes 4, and the V12 Evo. Any specific Falken recommendation?

[kartikeya]

I guess you could do the 912, but compared to the S.Drive, they're uglier, and handle worse, for about the same price. They are a wider tread though, a 215/40 ZE912 is sort of bridging the gap between a 215 and a 225 for some others. Very square shaped sidewall.

[twastheglow]

I guess you could do the 912, but compared to the S.Drive, they're uglier, and handle worse, for about the same price. They are a wider tread though, a 215/40 ZE912 is sort of bridging the gap between a 215 and a 225 for some others. Very square shaped sidewall.

Eh, sounds like you gave me 2 good reasons not to buy the 912's. lol

[Polo Classic]

I didn't mean to come across as a dick in my last post (if that's the way you took it). I'm just looking for people's opinions. Preferably from people whom have experience with exactly what I'm asking. Even better if their experience involves an e36.

He does have a valid point though. According to the engineers at Dunlop, a 195/45-14 looses 10% of its load rating when used on a 8x14 wheel, compared to the spec wheel of 6-7,5x14

[twastheglow]

He does have a valid point though. According to the engineers at Dunlop, a 195/45-14 looses 10% of its load rating when used on a 8x14 wheel, compared to the spec wheel of 6-7,5x14

I've decided to run 205's instead of the 195's anyway. But thanks for the info.