Re: Tires [S8 and other questions

[MSV96@aol.com]

In a message dated 11/13/98 "Dave Aukerman" <mhauk@ccsdana.net> writes:

<< True, this "dual--drive" mode makes it interesting.  However, gotta agree
with my big bro here.  Having driven both cars (89 200tqw), with nearly
identical suspension (mines actually a bit stiffer) the tires make an amazing
difference.  The D60's(mine), while a real nice tire tend to have a mushy feel
when taken to the twistys.  The SP8000(his), just flat connects
the car to the road in a way that makes you grin from e-to-e.  This, with the
same ride quality. >>

You make a good point Dave but...not a very fair comparison. D60s are what I
bought for my fiance's ovlov DL "mommiewagon" and are a good HR "performance
tire". The SP8000 is in the "ultra high performance" category, one of the best
in fact AFAIK. A more fair comparison (in the Dunlop line) would be the SP4000
and even then when pushed one would think the 8000 would be mo bettah. That
"mushy feel" comes mostly from sidewall flex...the D60 is a pretty soft sided
tire for a 3300# car.

For us who are "dual use" or occasional snow visitors (where we still need an
M&S rating to get around chain controls but can't justify separate
summer/winter tires) there is hope now with the new breed of "all season ultra
high performance" tires. This new category has a reputation to live down but
should not be overlooked or scoffed at IMO.

For example I have Toyo Proxes Z1s on my 5ktq and like them very much.
According to Toyo these are the same casing design as the highly touted summer
only T1. The primary difference being more tread blocks to get the M&S rating
and a different compound. In the dry they are comparable with summer only
tires of say a decade or so ago, in the wet they are amazing, and in the snow
they got me through okay last winter on our one trip up there. There are some
other choices as well but I am now sold on Toyos after this, my first
experience with them.

I admit that this new breed of rubber tire makers are working on is still a
compromise. But, they are much better now than their reputation would lead you
to believe. Of course for the ultimate one would go with "R" rubber or racing
slicks anyway...but like all compromises, they don't last too well on the
street and are a bit crappy in the rain ;-)

Bottom line is that for some of us, CA, FL, etc. it makes no sense to have
separate summer winter tires but we still like to go visit the snow. It would
make more sense to me to invest in separate wheels and "R" rubber for
autocross and track days than for separate snows here in sunny CA. Just my
usually wordy .02 worth...

Mike Veglia
87 5kcstq