Which tyres for my P1?
Poll: Which tyres for my P1?
Total Members Polled: 32
Discussion
I am looking to replace all 4 tyres on my Impreza P1. My car has the optional 18" Prodrive alloys fitted with 225/35R18 tyres. It is currently shod with Falken FK-452s which aren't too shabby, TBH.
I am looking for good feel on the road (stiff sidewalls?), and the ability to withstand a couple of trackdays a year.
The original P-Zero Assimetrico is no longer available in this size, only the P-Zero Nero, whatever that is. Neither is the Michelin Pilot Sport 3 or Super Cup. Pilot Sport 2s were available, but seems to be on run out. Yokos are not available, and Continentals only come in the Sport Contact 3, not the new 5.
Some forum members swear by Hankook Ventus V12 Evos. Eagle F1s seem to get universally good reviews, but I found them "squishy" on previous cars. Maybe that won't be noticeable on such low profile?
What do the experts of PH think?
I am looking for good feel on the road (stiff sidewalls?), and the ability to withstand a couple of trackdays a year.
The original P-Zero Assimetrico is no longer available in this size, only the P-Zero Nero, whatever that is. Neither is the Michelin Pilot Sport 3 or Super Cup. Pilot Sport 2s were available, but seems to be on run out. Yokos are not available, and Continentals only come in the Sport Contact 3, not the new 5.
Some forum members swear by Hankook Ventus V12 Evos. Eagle F1s seem to get universally good reviews, but I found them "squishy" on previous cars. Maybe that won't be noticeable on such low profile?
What do the experts of PH think?
I'm using 17" 215x40 Yoko Advan AD08's on my P1 and they are incredible.
Pretty good on wet roads although they don't like standing water too much. But they are fine...if you are sensible.
In the dry they are the best tyre I have ever used, on any car. Very grippy, awesome feel, crisp turn-in, predictable breakaway.
Cheers,
Lefty
Pretty good on wet roads although they don't like standing water too much. But they are fine...if you are sensible.
In the dry they are the best tyre I have ever used, on any car. Very grippy, awesome feel, crisp turn-in, predictable breakaway.
Cheers,
Lefty
For P1 - undoubtedly AD08 18" are available
The alternative you haven't polled are the Potenza S001
Both of these tyres have very stiff sidewalls and carcass, great for razor sharp steering and overall car response. Not to mention very good grip levels wet & dry and decent progression too.
I have the AD08 on my 330BHP Type R WRX V-Ltd, and the S001 on a 330/360 STi Forester.
The alternative you haven't polled are the Potenza S001
Both of these tyres have very stiff sidewalls and carcass, great for razor sharp steering and overall car response. Not to mention very good grip levels wet & dry and decent progression too.
I have the AD08 on my 330BHP Type R WRX V-Ltd, and the S001 on a 330/360 STi Forester.
bonesX said:
For P1 - undoubtedly AD08 18" are available
Not in 35 profile unless you know better. I'm a big fan of Bridgestone tyres, so currently favouring S001. Or Continental Sport Contact 3.
Going to wear out my current Falken 452s at Bedford Autodrome on Monday, so will be ordering the new tyres after that.
The Conti 3's have a soft wall, I'll post up a video link - labelled a luxury tyre (read comfort) in this vid
Edit: oops, it was the Assy 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rU_tJc2kfVo
Edit: oops, it was the Assy 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rU_tJc2kfVo
Edited by bonesX on Friday 17th May 20:07
Oh yes, contact Ears for all strange sized Yoko's
Edit: And also Chevron Motorsport
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QawxMjQZ58
Edit: And also Chevron Motorsport
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QawxMjQZ58
Edited by bonesX on Saturday 18th May 11:23
I had PS 2's on a 330bhp Impreza wagon and couldn't get to like them. They have very soft side walls so the wall needs to 'collapse' before it bites. Makes for a vague feel straight ahead, and when you turn there's nothing - quite strange.
Grip levels both wet & dry were up there amongst the best of any out there, and progression was very good. The Potenza are razor sharp by comparison.
Grip levels both wet & dry were up there amongst the best of any out there, and progression was very good. The Potenza are razor sharp by comparison.
Stiff sidewalls are great for track driving but on UK roads they can be a bit harsh, rather like runflats. They'll give good feedback and you'll feel more of the road but they will be noisy and you'll feel every lump, bump, and nook and cranny. Couple that with stiff suspension, if you have that, and it will get pretty uncomfortable.
That may suit you in which case fill your boots but if you value a bit of comfort and compliancy and don't want to feel every pothole or stone in the road less stiff is better.
There are lots of high grip summer UHP tyres out there with more normal sidewalls that will be more comfortable to live with every day and work just as well.
That may suit you in which case fill your boots but if you value a bit of comfort and compliancy and don't want to feel every pothole or stone in the road less stiff is better.
There are lots of high grip summer UHP tyres out there with more normal sidewalls that will be more comfortable to live with every day and work just as well.
I take your point, but I think you're rather over-egging the pudding.
Mrs Bones says the Type R which has AD08's fitted - one of the stiffest sidewalled tyres you'll find - is the the most comfortable Impreza she's been in (and I've owned quite a few). That car has Bilstein dampers/P1 springs and has quite thick arb's fitted.
TBF, if you're wanting a comfort tyre for a DD, then sure go for something to suit, but the OP wanted tyres for a P1 and those cars don't usually get used every day, more a weekend hooning machine
Mrs Bones says the Type R which has AD08's fitted - one of the stiffest sidewalled tyres you'll find - is the the most comfortable Impreza she's been in (and I've owned quite a few). That car has Bilstein dampers/P1 springs and has quite thick arb's fitted.
TBF, if you're wanting a comfort tyre for a DD, then sure go for something to suit, but the OP wanted tyres for a P1 and those cars don't usually get used every day, more a weekend hooning machine
I already mentioned that if that's what the OP wants then he should go fill his boots.
I know of daily driven P1's, there are a fair few being used as they should be and IMHO stiff sidewalls can be too stiff for daily driven cars on our crappy roads hence the preference for a more compliant sidewall.
You said the magic word though...Bilstein. They are absolutely brilliant and i would recommend those for UK roads over and above anything else. Coupled with Eibach springs they make a fantastic combi and are very good at absorbing the bumps, holes and ruts on the worst UK roads as well as offering top notch body/steering control.
I know of daily driven P1's, there are a fair few being used as they should be and IMHO stiff sidewalls can be too stiff for daily driven cars on our crappy roads hence the preference for a more compliant sidewall.
You said the magic word though...Bilstein. They are absolutely brilliant and i would recommend those for UK roads over and above anything else. Coupled with Eibach springs they make a fantastic combi and are very good at absorbing the bumps, holes and ruts on the worst UK roads as well as offering top notch body/steering control.
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