new tires

[BLAZINBLUEVITZ]

so a 205/50 is better for lowered suspension

[kimona]

Originally Posted by BLAZINBLUEVITZ

so a 205/50 is better for lowered suspension

Depends on the drop and the wheel specs.

[Tamago]

Originally Posted by kimona

Depends what you're looking for in a tyre. The OP doesn't seem to be looking specifically for a high performance tyre. I've had a set of 512's on my spare set of wheels, and I find them very good for low noise, smooth ride, improved handling, and decent wear. Yes, there are better tyres available, but for a budget tyre, the 512 is a good choice, IMHO.

they have too-soft sidewalls and get REALLY bad in the rain at about half tread.

[eTiMaGo]

interesting.. I am using FK-512's, although on these wheels they have pretty much no sidewall Thread's about a third gone and our rainy season'll be starting soon, I'll have to be careful but honestly, so far they've served me quite well... Of course, the day I put on some better tires, I may change my mind about that

[Tamago]

Originally Posted by eTiMaGo

interesting.. I am using FK-512's, although on these wheels they have pretty much no sidewall Thread's about a third gone and our rainy season'll be starting soon, I'll have to be careful but honestly, so far they've served me quite well... Of course, the day I put on some better tires, I may change my mind about that

here's my take on the tires i've had on my car.

nankang NS1 205 40 17: awful tire, perhaps one of the loudest, least grippy tire i've ever owned, but not bad in the rain.

Kumho ASX 215 45 17: not a bad tire, decent grip at autocross but nothing near a proper 'street touring' tire

dunlop Direzza DZ101 205/55/15: good street tire, confidence inspiring in the rain, but not so great when pushed to 9+/10

Falken 512 205 55 15: following the DZ101, a very squirrely feeling tire, mushy, and scary in the twisties. only tire i've ever purposely sold before they were worn out

Fuzion ZRI 205 55 15: does what the DZ101 did, and improved on it for overall grip, and confidence inspiration at 9+/10

Toyo RA1 205 50 15: well, i bought these used, and no, they should not be driven on the street when shaved to race depth (no tread), so don't go trying this at home. phenomenal grip (duh, it's an R comp), but took some serious beating just to get them warm enough to perform well. i recollect at an autocross event asking my roommate to make a quick run in my car and "get some heat in them" for me.. well he did, spun the car at about 50mph, brought it back into the pits, jumped out, i jumped in, buckled up and put down 1.2seconds faster lap :D

Hoosier R6 225 45 15:.. yes.. yes i drove on road racing tires on the street. probably not the smartest thing i've done in my life but i'll be happy to report that in any weather or condition (barring actual standing water) the non-treaded R6 provided the absolute best grip of any tire i've driven on. even in the wet, it had a linear breakaway point. issues with a treadless tire though are serious tramlining tendencies. you have to pay attention on the highway. oh and i put about 2000 miles on them (bought them used as well) before re-selling them.

Hankook RS2-Z212 225 50 15: i love this tire. at $99 apiece, i feel it's a great bargain for someone wanting the best of both worlds. kinda spendy though if you consider that if you really aren't going to be driving the balls off your little car, you're wasting it's potential. i'd recommend this tire to someone who autocrosses.

Yokohama A048 245 40 17: i HATE this tire. it's loud, didn't provide nearly the grip of the RS2 (which is awful) but consideration needs to be made considering the tires had definitely been abused before i purchased them.

anyway, my take on tires, hope it's helpful :)