06-23-2013, 09:20 AM | #1 |
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Installed - 245/40-18 BFGoodrich Rivals
After 4 track days and 3 autocrosses, I decided to replace the OEM Conti RFT's with something more appropriate for my use patterns. Using the Moda MD15 wheels that were my track wheels, I mounted a set of 245/40-18 Rivals using the OEM TPMS. The rims are 22.1 lbs and the tires are 25 lbs. OEM Sport rims are 26.45lbs, and the tires are 26 lbs. That saves me 5.5 lbs per corner of unsprung weight.
More importantly my treat width increased from 8" to 9.2"! If I changed nothing else, the increase in tread width would give me more grip. But the cornering improvement from the Conti RFT to this tire is pretty remarkable! Steering feel has improved, impact harshness over small bumps is better, and noise is not bad. Unlike the original Star Spec's, these don't make an awful drone on the highway. The Rival is a bit more harsh over sharp bumps like expansion joints. If you plan to do any tracking and/or autocross and want a decent dual purpose tire, this is a great choice. Can't wait to get it out onto the track! |
06-25-2013, 08:14 AM | #3 |
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After living with these tires for a few days, I will say that they impress me in a number of areas.
1. Grip - it just keeps getting better! One early tester said these tires must be made of "pixie dust and unicorn farts" and I would tend to agree. Not sure how a unicorn fart smells, but the tires grip like mad. 2. They are very quiet. Who'd a thunk it? Much more quiet than my old Z1 Star Specs were. 3. Great ride quality. They tend to ride a bit more firm than the OEM tires, but are much better at absorbing large impacts. The car tends to feel more settled over road imperfections. One negative - and I'm wagering this is a balancing issue but...I now have a pretty pronounced vibration from 40-50 mph on many road surfaces. It looks like the shop might have left off one of the hub centric rings (which is currently in the trunk) so that might explain it. I will take the car back and have them re-balance the wheels and make sure all hub centric rings are in place. If you don't live anyplace that gets tons of rain, this is a good tire choice. Highly recommended! |
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06-26-2013, 08:16 AM | #6 |
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That is like asking "which is the best ice cream" or "which is the best movie" The answer will always be "it depends." What is your use of the car? You're in UAE so my guess is that good rain performance is not highest on your list of priorities...correct? Do you want long lasting or ultimately grippy? Those two things don't go together... Do you prefer a comfortable ride and little noise, or are you willing to put up with harsh ride quality and tons of noise? So many questions!
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06-26-2013, 08:20 AM | #7 |
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An update regarding the vibration - I stopped and had the front tires re-balanced. As I suspected they were WAY off. This is odd since I watched when the original shop installed and balanced them, and verified 0's all the way across. Here are my theories:
1. The weights were not properly taped to the rim, and some flew off 2. They used too much soap on the bead when mounting the tires, and there was some twisting on the rim 3. The first shop's machine was not calibrated properly Regardless of why, the vibration is now gone so I'm happy! |
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06-27-2013, 07:10 PM | #8 |
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Let us know how these perform on track. I'm sure you will appreciate the wider contact patch and stickier rubber than the RTFs.
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SCCA & Midwestern Council W2W, '91 Spec Miata, '07
NASA TTD Champion, Midwest, '99 M3, '09 Midwstrn Council TT Champion, BS, '10 GTI, '10 &'11 Midwestern Council TT Champion, BS, ‘17 BRZ, ‘19 |
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