Another tire question....

[ZYellow01RT]

So, while I am waiting for my '02 RT/10 to arrive from icy Georgia, I am researching tires to replace the original tires that it is arriving with. I don't plan to track this car at all (well, not yet, anyway..?), and am looking for a dependable, reasonable set of tires for street use only. I did a search on "tires" etc., but couldn't really find recommendations for this type of situation.

Thanks....appreciate any input or direction on this!

Andrew

 

[Dom426h]

here is a good one for you that is recent:

http://forums.viperclub.org/tire-wheel-brake-suspension/641106-new-tires.html

 

[Bird325]

First off, you say that they are '...the original tires that it is arriving with.' That being said, the one piece of advice that you will hear over and over again is ... REPLACE THOSE TIRES! The old PS1's will get you in trouble, if not killed. I pulled mine off of my '01 when I got it about a year ago and just finished giving them to the original owner to play with. That's all those 9 year old tires are good for.

You can get some cheaper tires, but I would suggest the PS2's for good all-around usage. Call Jon at PartsRack. I'm sure he can hook you up with some good tires at a great price.

 

[plumcrazy]

BFG if looking to save
PS2 if you want one of the best but they cost a few

 

[Red Snake]

I like Nittos. I have 2 set of wheels. I have factory rims set up with Nitto drag radials on the rear and Nitto NT 555s on the fronts. My IForged rims are set up with Nitto Invos. I like the ride and grip of both set ups.

 

[97GTS]

After running the BFGs for about 6 months now, I'm not convinced that the Michelins are any better. Just my opinion, but I won't buy Michs again.


Ron

 

[ZYellow01RT]

Thanks, guys...will give Jon a call!

 

[LifeIsGood]

The VPA also sells tires...I remember a thread where S&H was free at that time. Check out their tires before you buy anywhere else...

 

[cfiiman]

Hey I don't mean to highjack this thread, and I think this question is inline with the OP anyway, but any news on the Kumho XS'? I notice VPA and tirerack is still on backorder, with a quick search I see that this backorder has been going on since last March I have new PS2's on the rear and original 1994 PS1's(?) on the front and need them changed before spring. I was thinking about going with the Kumho's since the reviews on here are great and the PS2's are overkill for my granny drivin' ass, but I would like to know that I can eventually match the rears back up in the future. With all the stuff going on with Kumho (not giving eta's, staying on backorder seemingly forever) I think I'm going PS2's on the front to have a matching set all the way around. I found a post where Jon B. said that with the Kumho's wearing out faster the PS2's are a better deal in the longrun which makes since, but I'm still interested on the skinny about the Kumho's, what the heck is going on at the factory????

 

[Leslie]

Hands down, the PS2's...you will get every penny back in miles you will get out of them.

If I only did street driving, this would be the tire for me. I loved how long they lasted and the safety I felt when a rainstorm hit while driving.

Jonb/Tirerack has the best price I have found yet!

 

[JonB]

Hey I don't mean to highjack this thread, and I think this question is inline with the OP anyway, but any news on the Kumho XS'? ...... tirerack is still on backorder, with a quick search I see that this backorder has been going on since last March I have new PS2's on the rear and original 1994 PS1's(?) on the front and need them changed before spring. ........... I found a post where Jon B. said that with the Kumho's wearing out faster the PS2's are a better deal in the longrun which makes sence, but I'm still interested on the skinny about the Kumho's, what the heck is going on at the factory????

Before I reply, the RED letters above highlight a dangerous situation for you.......

PartsRack has had 7 x 17" sets on back-order since March. 2 sets came in, and both guys (one a VCA region Prez) got em from us before VOI. We DO have em on open order, but "nobody" has stock and "No Release Date" from Kumho on 17" Rears. SRT10 Sizes readily avail, wheras last spring and summer NO STOCK on Those !

$ per Mile / Handing and Performance matters, the BFG is a ****, rolling wagon wheel vs PS2.... and $ per mile, the PS2 is a good value that can save your life in an emergency avoidance or wet-weather scenario where others will hit the ditch.

Or, you can save $300 initial cost or so and buy BFGs. Anyone who says they cannot tell the diffrence is not taking their Viper even close to its cornering or other traction limits. Tire testers do that for many of us..... the facts are there to read about.

 

[Viper Parts of America]

After running the BFGs for about 6 months now, I'm not convinced that the Michelins are any better. Just my opinion, but I won't buy Michs again.

The facts are that there are different tires for different uses. The OEM tire, and unquestionably the best all-around tire for the Viper, is the Michelin PS2. It is designed to handle just about anything you can throw at it, whether it is track, autocross, wet conditions, etc. Others, like the Kumho XS, are more purpose-built with softer compounds for top dry traction. The BF Goodrich has a slightly harder compound that offers good wet traction but may not grip as well in track situations.

So you then have to ask yourself what your own personal driving style is. Many of us will never see the track outside of parade laps, nor do we push the traction limits on our weekend cruises. After that it comes down to your budget and how long you want a set of tires to last. The softer the compound the less likely they will last even 15,000 miles.

There are some great deals on tires out there right now including Kumho, BF Goodrich, and the vaunted Michelin PS2. As Jon pointed out, you should never run with mismatched tires (like wearing a different brand of sneaker on each foot), nor those that are six years or older - even if they have minimal miles. Now is a great time to be contacting your club sponsors to see how they can help.

 

[vipergtsinnova]

My vote is BFG KDW's, I'm impressed with them. The only downside is they don't talk to you, if you here them squealing, it's probably too late.

 

[97GTS]

Before I reply, the RED letters above highlight a dangerous situation for you.......

PartsRack has had 7 x 17" sets on back-order since March. 2 sets came in, and both guys (one a VCA region Prez) got em from us before VOI. We DO have em on open order, but "nobody" has stock and "No Release Date" from Kumho on 17" Rears. SRT10 Sizes readily avail, wheras last spring and summer NO STOCK on Those !

$ per Mile / Handing and Performance matters, the BFG is a ****, rolling wagon wheel vs PS2.... and $ per mile, the PS2 is a good value that can save your life in an emergency avoidance or wet-weather scenario where others will hit the ditch.

Or, you can save $300 initial cost or so and buy BFGs. Anyone who says they cannot tell the diffrence is not taking their Viper even close to its cornering or other traction limits. Tire testers do that for many of us..... the facts are there to read about.

So Jon, you have a complete set of Michs that you can ship to my door for $1,300? If so ship them to me today. If not, then post your BEST price shipped to area code 33880 and we will all find out that there is a LOT BIGGER DIFFERENCE than $300.

Oh, and most of the time, I DON'T take my Viper to the cornering or traction limits and when I do it is in a controlled environment where nothing will get hurt.

I don't mind you posting your opinion, but please, lets keep it somewhat factual.



Ron

 

[LifeIsGood]

So Jon, you have a complete set of Michs that you can ship to my door for $1,300? If so ship them to me today. If not, then post your BEST price shipped to area code 33880 and we will all find out that there is a LOT BIGGER DIFFERENCE than $300.

I was quoted $1,800 back in March (2010)...and I'm sure that didn't include S&H...then again, I'm not on his good buddy list.

 

[Roy]

please guys, don't complain about them tireprices, here in the Netherlands I've paid over 1000 bucks....only for the front two tires!! (PS2, and I love them, much more safe than the old PS1's

 

[01 RT SNAKE]

Andrew,

I have PS2's on my RT/10 and love them. I changed them out after almost losing the car on a 1-2 shift on the original PS1's back in 2006. If you want to go for a ride in mine to see if you can live with them, let me know. We basically have the same car.

ps - I know you say you won't track the car, however, if you plan on doing any spirited driving in the mountains, etc..., don't compromise for a few bucks and get cheepo tires. It's not worth it.

 

[Bill Pemberton Woodhouse]

We have quite a few Hurst Challengers on the lot and they are all wearing BFG KDWs. Great tire for those who are just driving their car in a normal fashion and frankly they do still corner quite well. Great tire in the rain, but the ironic item to me, whenever a debate like this comes up is....................................who owns BFG? The answer for those that will never buy Michelin tires, is............Michelin.

Pretty hard to believe they don't share technology!

 

[ZYellow01RT]

Andrew,

I have PS2's on my RT/10 and love them. I changed them out after almost losing the car on a 1-2 shift on the original PS1's back in 2006. If you want to go for a ride in mine to see if you can live with them, let me know. We basically have the same car.

ps - I know you say you won't track the car, however, if you plan on doing any spirited driving in the mountains, etc..., don't compromise for a few bucks and get cheepo tires. It's not worth it.

Thanks, Mike - I may take you up on that. I am being told now that the transport company won't even be able to provide an estimate for pickup from GA to AZ until Monday, due to the storms in GA and the Barrett Jackson, etc. overload.

This is good discussion related to tires. Am still learning about them and am leaning toward the PS2's...no one seems to have anything BAD to say about them, which is a GOOD thing. For a few hundred extra bucks, it may be worth the piece of mind when cornering at 265 MPH (or thereabouts)

 

[97GTS]

Thanks, Mike - I may take you up on that. I am being told now that the transport company won't even be able to provide an estimate for pickup from GA to AZ until Monday, due to the storms in GA and the Barrett Jackson, etc. overload.

This is good discussion related to tires. Am still learning about them and am leaning toward the PS2's...no one seems to have anything BAD to say about them, which is a GOOD thing. For a few hundred extra bucks, it may be worth the piece of mind when cornering at 265 MPH (or thereabouts)

My point was that it will be more than "just a few hundred bucks". The real difference is about $800.



Ron

 

[JonB]

So Jon, you have a complete set of Michs that you can ship to my door for $1,300? If so ship them to me today. If not, then post your BEST price shipped to area code 33880 and we will all find out that there is a LOT BIGGER DIFFERENCE than $300.

Oh, and most of the time, I DON'T take my Viper to the cornering or traction limits and when I do it is in a controlled environment where nothing will get hurt.

I don't mind you posting your opinion, but please, lets keep it somewhat factual.

Ron

My point was that it will be more than "just a few hundred bucks". The real difference is about $800.
Ron

Vendors are no longer allowed to post prices, even if you ask.

But for 2002 Gen 2 tires [as Andrew's thread began,] when you consider $ per mile, the difference is about $300/set. In gross $ about $500. CONSIDER: even if you dont go to the track, you WILL exceed the limits of BFGs even in a highway emergency, whereas the PS2 would provide much better transitional response and control. Or wet. And maybe save you from the ditch. Note: We make almost exactly the same profit on a set of BFGs or PS2s, so i dont care what you choose here........I just want YOU to have the facts ! Buy your choice. But dont delude yourself that cheap is great. It Ain't. Its just cheap, but better than old-hard-hockey pucks.

And rolly-poly Challengers cannot corner like a Viper. Apples-Pommegranites.

 

[JonB]

I was quoted $1,800 back in March (2010)...and I'm sure that didn't include S&H...........

News Flash: 19-20" tires cost more than 18" .....but not THAT high for SRT, not even SPort Cups. Truth-Test: We sold SRTs last spring under $1600/set, and they have gone down since then.

 

[97GTS]

Vendors are no longer allowed to post prices, even if you ask.

But for 2002 Gen 2 tires [as Andrew's thread began,] when you consider $ per mile, the difference is about $300/set. In gross $ about $500. CONSIDER: even if you dont go to the track, you WILL exceed the limits of BFGs even in a highway emergency, whereas the PS2 would provide much better transitional response and control. Or wet. And maybe save you from the ditch. Note: We make almost exactly the same profit on a set of BFGs or PS2s, so i dont care what you choose here........I just want YOU to have the facts ! Buy your choice. But dont delude yourself that cheap is great. It Ain't. Its just cheap, but better than old-hard-hockey pucks.

And rolly-poly Challengers cannot corner like a Viper. Apples-Pommegranites.

No delusions here. And as far as "cheap" I guess everyone has an opinion. $1k for a set of 4 tires really isn't cheap either. There is a lot more data on the Michs vs the BFGs as far as the Viper goes.
Bottom line is I am REALLY happy with the performance of the BFGs and I am not deluding myself in any way. I just don't believe that the extra $$ for the Michs is justified. The great thing about this is we all have a choice.I have my opinion and I respect yours.



Ron

 

[pdmracing]

News Flash: 19-20" tires cost more than 18" .....but not THAT high for SRT, not even SPort Cups. Truth-Test: We sold SRTs last spring under $1600/set, and they have gone down since then.

Jon I havent been around in a while, I LOVE thos Khumo exsta you sold me last year, they are great on the strip & on the road to about 30 degrees. Are they no longer being made?

 

[JonB]

Jon I havent been around in a while, I LOVE thos Khumo exsta you sold me last year, they are great on the strip & on the road to about 30 degrees. Are they no longer being made?

We do NOT show the 18" rears are discontinued, can still be back-ordered, but we have 'no release date' from Kumho, and they did not make enuf for last season. Ran Out. SRT10 guys have rubber, but Not Gen 1-2 right now unless for dedicated track-slicks.

"90+ days" is the word we got on 1/13/11

Good to see/hear from you!

 

[01sapphirebob]

So, while I am waiting for my '02 RT/10 to arrive from icy Georgia, I am researching tires to replace the original tires that it is arriving with. I don't plan to track this car at all (well, not yet, anyway..?), and am looking for a dependable, reasonable set of tires for street use only. I did a search on "tires" etc., but couldn't really find recommendations for this type of situation.

Thanks....appreciate any input or direction on this!

Andrew

I went with The PS2's for my '01 RT/10 for a couple of reasons. As silly as this sounds the first reason is I wanted to keep my car stock and since the PS2's are the current stock (OEM) tire, thats what I went with. Secondly, I have heard nothing but GREAT things about these tires. Once I got them put on it was like night and day difference. Glad I made the switch.