MarkEMark Posted December 23, 2014 Share Posted December 23, 2014 My newly acquired 2003 Birkin S3 has what I think are the original Pirelli P700 tires - 195/50 R15. They are rock hard and I need to change them. I only intend to drive in the dry, and probably not when the temperature drops below 50 degrees. I may venture on to a track one day, but with no great ambitions, so essential road use. I’m new to driving a car of this level of performance, so while I’m looking for good grip, I’m also looking for predictable and controllable handling. What recommendations do people have? When a tire is rated as ultra-high or extreme performance summer, I understand that relates to speed rating, but I’m assuming it also means extra levels of grip (softer rubber). Is that correct?, and does a tire like the Toyo 888 need to be driven hard to get heat into the tire and perform as expected? One tire that is well reviewed on Tire Rack and is a good price is the BF Goodrich G-Force Sport Comp-2. Anyone have any feedback on that tire? And my final question - the clearance of the cycle fenders with my current tires is tight. If I go for the same size but in a different tire, is there a risk that it won’t fit? I don’t want to buy a set via somewhere like tire rack and find they don’t fit! Thanks, Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S1Steve Posted December 23, 2014 Share Posted December 23, 2014 Mark, The 888 is a great tire to fit to your Birkin.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gherkin Posted December 24, 2014 Share Posted December 24, 2014 (edited) I'm running 195/50-15 front and 225/45-15 rear R888's on my Birkin and love them. So far they have proven to be very grippy and predictable, except for that time I came across a late spring patch of snow around a blind curve on Mormon Immigrant Trail, that was almost :willy_nilly:! The fit is great, fronts are about like the pic you included and rears clear with no problem. I'm running 15x7 wheels with 38mm offset. Chris Edited December 24, 2014 by Gherkin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkEMark Posted December 24, 2014 Author Share Posted December 24, 2014 Looks like my wheels are 15x7, and I think the offset maybe about 2in(48mm?). So should I be looking to put wider rears on? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkEMark Posted December 24, 2014 Author Share Posted December 24, 2014 Chris, did you get them fitted locally? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gherkin Posted December 24, 2014 Share Posted December 24, 2014 48 mm offset seems a bit high for these, usually a 7" wide wheel will be around 40mm. I had them done at the Cameron Park Big O, they have done stuff for me before and are good if you make sure they know it is something special. I believe the manager at the EDH Big O is still Chris, he is good too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnCh Posted December 24, 2014 Share Posted December 24, 2014 I have the Comp 2 on my '91 Miata. It's a very good all around tire, but it's a noticeable step down from an Extreme Performance tire, let alone a proper R-compound. The Miata was intended mostly for track, so for my first season I opted for the Yoko AD08 (extreme performance class). It was a fun tire on the street and even worked acceptable well in the wet, but when standing water and freeway speeds combined, the car became, well...scary. Enter the Comp 2. Since the Miata sees a lot more daily driving duty than I ever intended, I needed something that wasn't going to try and kill me during a Seattle winter. That tire does the job and I wouldn't hesitate to buy them again, but the dry grip is not in the same ballpark as the AD08, nor is the steering feel. The Westfield is fitted with RA1s, and previously R888s. I think the latter will serve you well. They stick just fine when very cold -- in my experience better than the Toyo T1-S I used to use for touring -- and when they get hot, the stick is incredible. -John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Automoda Posted December 24, 2014 Share Posted December 24, 2014 Toyo RA1 for the win. I've had them on my Birkin for 22,000 miles. The first set wore out the backs at 16K. Thats pretty good life for how I drive (spirited daily driver). I could not be more pleased with these tires. They're $150-ish each. I got mine from tires direct. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m wirth Posted December 24, 2014 Share Posted December 24, 2014 just wondering what the group thinks of the Falken Rt615k for a street tire, I currently use the Nitto NT01 for my track tire. thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xcarguy Posted December 24, 2014 Share Posted December 24, 2014 I'm currently running NT01 for a street tire; at least until they wear out (dry tire only......just ask Croc, he's seen me in action in the wet with these ). I've also ran the Falcons. IMHO, the NT01 is the better choice. And, FWIW, my next 'street' tire will be the Toyo R1R; good all-around wet/dry capability. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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