Appropriate 14" Tires

[rcollum]

I just noticed that my current tires (Dunlop Direzza ZII Star Specs, 185/60 R14's), which I LOVE, are now 10 years old.  Also, apparently, no longer available.

I called Tire Rack, and they came up with Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2's as their only recommendation.  Probably OK, but the tread looks like a station wagon tire.

 

After checking with several local garages (4 of whom would not even CONSIDER servicing my car), a local tire place suggested two tires that would fit. 

Unfortunately, both tires they suggested - Toyo Observe GSI-1 and Hankook IPIKE X W429 - turned out to be SNOW TIRES!   WTF!!

 

Does anyone know of something that would be comparable to the Dunlop Direzzas I have?  (I also used them on my Elise for a while, and they are GREAT!)

I suppose I could go with Toyo Proxes R888R, which are listed as 'Race or Autocross only'.  I NEVER drive in snow or ice, and avoid driving even in the damp.

(Contrary to the picture for my profile!)

 

Thanks!

 

--Bob Collum

Edited August 11, 2025 by rcollum

[Silber]

I suggest going with the R888Rs if you want to maintain a grippy tire in the same size. Another option is moving up to 195 width tires which opens up a couple of Falken tires that would both be adequate replacements for your Star Specs.

 

[toldfield]

I have R888's on my S-3 and like them.  You might try shopping at Roger Kraus for tires that normal shops may not carry.  They do carry street tires.

 

https://rogerkrausracing.com/

[rcollum]

3 hours ago, toldfield said:

I have R888's on my S-3 and like them.  You might try shopping at Roger Kraus for tires that normal shops may not carry.  They do carry street tires.

 

https://rogerkrausracing.com/

Do you use your R888's regularly on the road?

 

Thanks,

 

Bob Collum

 

[IamScotticus]

Much love for the Uniroyal Rain Expert 3 on the UK club.

Otherwise,  it's a 1,300 lb  or less, car. Get cheap Kumho Solus TA11 and drive to the grocery store. 

Edited August 11, 2025 by IamScotticus

[mrmustang]

6 hours ago, rcollum said:

I just noticed that my current tires (Dunlop Direzza ZII Star Specs, 185/60 R14's), which I LOVE, are now 10 years old.  Also, apparently, no longer available.

I called Tire Rack, and they came up with Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2's as their only recommendation.  Probably OK, but the tread looks like a station wagon tire.

 

After checking with several local garages (4 of whom would not even CONSIDER servicing my car), a local tire place suggested two tires that would fit. 

Unfortunately, both tires they suggested - Toyo Observe GSI-1 and Hankook IPIKE X W429 - turned out to be SNOW TIRES!   WTF!!

 

Does anyone know of something that would be comparable to the Dunlop Direzzas I have?  (I also used them on my Elise for a while, and they are GREAT!)

I suppose I could go with Toyo Proxes R888R, which are listed as 'Race or Autocross only'.  I NEVER drive in snow or ice, and avoid driving even in the damp.

(Contrary to the picture for my profile!)

 

Thanks!

 

--Bob Collum

See my thread below:

 

 

Spent a month or so going over my options, and ended up with a tire that I can drive on the street, in all weather, and still if I wanted, take it to a local autocross or even a trip up to VIR. "H" rated to 130mph, doubt my car would get up to that speed given my 5spd transmission.

 

Bill

[toldfield]

3 hours ago, rcollum said:

Do you use your R888's regularly on the road?

 

Thanks,

 

Bob Collum

 

Yes.  I'm currently running 185/13's and they are very predictable and provide a nice ride.  I don't drive in the rain and avoid sprinklers that are hitting the pavement.

 

[rcollum]

In the end, because I REALLY wanted the Orcus wheels, which are 15", I went with the Nankangs - 195/50 on the front, 205/50 on the rear.  A good friend had them on his Birkin, which (like my car) has the Ford Focus SVT engine.  He loves the tires, and they fit very well!

 

The guy that mounted and balanced the tires was confused, when I told him the pressures I used were 20PSI all around.  He was leaning toward over 30PSI, but I am currently trying 22PSI - we'll see how that works.  I'll probably do the chalk line across the tread and sidewalls, to see if I have any unwanted tire flex.  (So far, seems fine!)

 

Thanks for the input!

 

--Bob Collum