17 replies to this topic

[Zuber]

'How important is it having the same rubber front and rear' I know another tyre thread. But hopefully a slightly different question... On a tight budget at the moment (change of job etc.) so need to watch the pennies for a few months. So I'm stuck with a choice of : Toyo Proxes 4s OR Faken ZE912s at the front. Only 45 profile 195 R17 options available, been suggested 40 profile could cause ABS issues and are a real pain to get on... Now my gut feeling is to stick with same rubber for the rears as well. But then it seems like there are a number of you that might be running different compounds front and back. So, the question is, do I stick to the same compound for the rears, or consider 'better' rubber at the back ? e.g. Toyo T1R/S or Falken 452 if sticking to the same brand. But possibly others (e.g. Kumho) as well. For the fronts, I'm leaning towards Toyo having seen several anty Falken posts. Not sure if they were all from the same person though I'll go and hide now while the not another tyre thread posts come in. I did do a search by the way. Didn't see much on this question... Zuber

Edited by Zuber, 26 January 2012 - 10:33 PM.

[fezzasus]

http://www.ebay.co.u...c#ht_500wt_1180

[Bargi]

This important

[darronwall]

I have used falken 452 before and found them quite good

[spuk87]

I mixed Bridgestone fronts with Kumho rears without any problem, just get used to the fact that the car's handling may have changed after changing the tyres so get used to it rather than expecting to be able to hoon it around like normal. I currently have 195/40 Kumho fronts and yes they were a sh** to put on and I do have the ABS light flicking on every couple of months (turning the ignition off and back on gets rid of it though).

[Zuber]

http://www.ebay.co.u...c#ht_500wt_1180

Nice find. A bit strange that they are coming off Alloys unused. Wondering how old they might be.

Do these tyres age with storage or are they protected bith something till you start using them ?

I mixed Bridgestone fronts with Kumho rears without any problem, just get used to the fact that the car's handling may have changed after changing the tyres so get used to it rather than expecting to be able to hoon it around like normal. I currently have 195/40 Kumho fronts and yes they were a sh** to put on and I do have the ABS light flicking on every couple of months (turning the ignition off and back on gets rid of it though).

Might think about 195/40s again then. As it offers a bigger range of options. Would need to buy and fit at the same place though. Otherwise difficult fitting issues would be tricky.

Zuber

Edited by Zuber, 27 January 2012 - 09:09 AM.

[fezzasus]

http://www.ebay.co.u...c#ht_500wt_1180

Nice find. A bit strange that they are coming off Alloys unused. Wondering how old they might be.

You've got complete protection when buying online with any purchase. I would suggest inspecting them for cracks and returning them if you find any.

Honestly, given your options I would say spending not much more extra and getting the correct bridgestones are worth it - you'll get 30 k miles out of the fronts so it's really worth having the correct ones.

[slindborg]

As said in the other thread, I'd not touch Falkens with a rotten cock.... fcuking hateful plastic tyres (and I'm a tyre pikey!!!)

[ChrisS1]

Honestly, given your options I would say spending not much more extra and getting the correct bridgestones are worth it - you'll get 30 k miles out of the fronts so it's really worth having the correct ones.

I agree with this - especially considering the mileage that the tyres will last for.

I've had bridgstones on front an kumho on back and it was fine.

[Craig S]

All I will say is I have 2 different tyres on the rear axle at the moment and I have not spun or felt in danger at anypoint.

[G-Bob]

I have different rubber on front and rear. It changes the balance of the car but depending on what you like or how you like to drive, this can be a good OR bad thing. These cars are very sensitive to change.
Whatever you do, re-learn the way the car handles after changing the tyres and don't go hell for leather straight away. It's the slight differences that catch people out and then "brand x is sh**, it made me crash" comments.
　
No matter what anyone says (wrightster! ) you are not going to end up in a burning fireball at the first corner because you have different brands on front and rear axels.
195/45/r17's are better than the 40 profile, because the sidewall of the tyre is very hard on the 40 profile so it's a bit more of a solid and crashy ride. No difference in grip though.

[Zuber]

Bridgestone fronts ordered. Hopefully in good condition when they turn up.

Now for the rears...

All I will say is I have 2 different tyres on the rear axle at the moment and I have not spun or felt in danger at anypoint.

Different rubber on the same axel would make me nervous. I have done it, but not on cars I intend to work hard...

Zuber

[Zuber]

KU31s for the rear from camskill. Will put Bridgestones on the back after this and see what all the fuss is about... Zuber

[spuk87]

KU31s for the rear from camskill.

Will put Bridgestones on the back after this and see what all the fuss is about...

Zuber

I found absolutely no difference on the rear between the two, but Kumho is half the price.

Eta: agree with everything gbobm said above, noticeably crashier and firmer feeling, also made my steering feel lighter.

Edited by spuk87, 27 January 2012 - 12:22 PM.

[Zuber]

Seriously cheesed off with South West Lotus Centre (espritphil on eBay). They have just told me they would rathed supply the Bridgestones to another customer they have coming in today (probably charge them more) and want to cancel. That means waiting another week+ to get the money back into my account and searching for fronts again. KU39s don't come in 195/45s as well and I'm going to have to pay another delivery charge when I order some fronts. Negative feedback on eBay is I can do I guess . Zuber

[spuk87]

not on at all . If you have already paid then you will be inconvenienced by not having your money returned immediately.

[rsdub]

on a smaller scale but,maybe the same type of situation.i race in rotax max karting and use different tyres front to rear,bridgestone all round was far to much grip all round with the rear snapping out at different levels and speed.i use vega sl6 on the rear to help the kart slide slightly and make it more predictable.others think im crazy but it suits my weight and kart set up.in short ,horses for courses.you could be a very smooth driver and have lightening response and the car could be set up to your driving skills.the list is endless.there again you could be a great driver but have a poorly set up car blah blah!!

Edited by rsdub, 27 January 2012 - 08:23 PM.

[Paulfuji]

I've got Toyo T1R's rear and Toyo Proxes 4 (195/45/17) front. They seem to work well together but only pushed it at road speeeds not track yet. The rolling radius with the 45 aspect is closer to standard although the 40 aspect would be closer to a 16" set up. http://www.alloywhee...Tyre_Calculator