Tires........

[Robert1994]

Well, I can finally see the light at the end of that tunnel.
I should have my car on the road in the next month or so and
it's time to think about tires (fronts are ok, but rears are
getting thin). Tire Rack has made me a good price on racing tires. I know the ride is a little harsher, but what the hey.
My concern is that where I live, it's not very often that you can drive more that 20-30 miles with out encountering
a nice brief shower, even on a nice day. Do the racing tires afford enough traction to work ? It rains so often here that there is no concern for oil or dirt on the road, which is a real problem in areas with "seasonal" rain fall.
Any advise would be welcome.

[phiebert]

I got some track tires for mine and I live in Vancouver, Canada. The difference between your climate and mine is probably just temperature. On top of wet, we have cool. But it is pretty tough with those tires. Obviously there are rain race tires but that's probably not what you want.

I have three differnt tires. The stock tires, the track race tires and the drag race tires.

The drag race tires are good for nothing but drags. Driving on them is like driving on a balloon. There is absolutely no control over 80 mph. You just pray that you are going in a straight line with those tires.

The track tires are incredible when it is hot and dry, it's like being on rails. But if it's wet, it is downright dangerous. You can break the tires loose at high speeds in 4th gear on a wet road just by stomping on it.

The stock tires (and mine is a '94 so it has the old stock tires) are the best all purpose. They certainly aren't the best on the drag strip, they are pretty good on cornering, but they are all around the best on a wet street or just regular driving on a dry street.

If you drive with respect in the rain and want a little extra traction when it's dry, get the race tires. If you want all around safety, stick to the street radials.

[JimDavis MT 97GTS 650R]

Hi Robert. I'm a transplant from Hilo. I can appreciate your rain concerns. It's been about 30 years since I lived in your neck of the woods, but remember that the Hawaiian road surface was VERY abrasive on tires. I doubt it has changed much. If you use a soft compound tire, they will be worn out in short order. You also need a good handling rain tire. If you can get Michelin Pilots in your size, I would recommend a full set. Stick (no pun intended) with street tires and don't mis-match them. Aloha.....

[Robert1994]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by JimDavis MT 97GTS 650R:
Hi Robert. I'm a transplant from Hilo. I can appreciate your rain concerns. It's been about 30 years since I lived in your neck of the woods, but remember that the Hawaiian road surface was VERY abrasive on tires. I doubt it has changed much. If you use a soft compound tire, they will be worn out in short order. You also need a good handling rain tire. If you can get Michelin Pilots in your size, I would recommend a full set. Stick (no pun intended) with street tires and don't mis-match them. Aloha.....

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Aloha Jim !
Mahalo for your advise. Tire Rack says the racing tires don't
last as long as the street tires, but don't cost as much either.
It looked like a wash to me, but I will take your advise. Being
familiar with our island ("I stay Laupahoehoe"),I hope you can
appreciate the road trips I am looking forward to. This is
a driving enthusiasts paradise. Have you heard about the 4th of July cruise that's happening here ? A week long drive & shine.
Lots of cars being shipped in from the neighbor islands and the
mainland ! Come on home, we have been given a GREAT rate for by Matson for transporting all vehicles.

[Robert1994]

Sounds like sage advise.