Tire Choices - Input on Brands/Models Needed

[Fun Guy]

I will changing the present 17" wheels to more aggressive 20" wheels. As a result I will be also needing new tires. Does anyone have experience with the following tires, and if so, what has the experience been?

These are the only tires that will fit the new wheels:

Falken - Ziex S/TZ04
Goodyear - Eagle GT II
Kumho - Ecsta STX
Nitto - NT-404
Pirelli - Scorpion Zero
Toyo - Proxes S/T
Yokohama - Geolander HT-S G052

 

[rdtagd]

Got Eagle GT II 305/50R20s on mine. Only 4000 mi. so can't say how they wear. But can show you how they look. My son had Esctas on his car. Only got about 30000 mi. Was disappointed. Didn't last a year.

 

[rdtagd]

Here's another shot.

 

[frogsave]

Hello Fun Guy,
Here is my setup:
20" Centerlines w/ Goodyear Eagle GT II 285/50 r20

Definitely noticed the improved ride/handling characteristics right off the mark. No louder than the stock Firestones that it came with. Only have 2K miles on them but so far, so good.

 

[Fun Guy]

I had expected that the Goodyear Eagle GT II's would be the most popular, as they are the cheapest of the bunch, but I have heard horror stories about them seriously hydroplaning in the rain. Does anyone have any experience driving these in the rain?

 

[danlwil]

Since I live in Oregon... wet roads are the norm. I had mine siped and haven't noticed any hydroplaning. Am very pleased. as a matter of fact... my handling is 100% better than with the stock tires.

One thing about GTIIs is that they are a sticky tire so... their probable life expectancy is 30k. For the money... I like em a lot

 

[Fun Guy]

I had mine siped and haven't noticed any hydroplaning.

What does 'siped' mean?

 

[sparky]

I will changing the present 17" wheels to more aggressive 20" wheels. As a result I will be also needing new tires. Does anyone have experience with the following tires, and if so, what has the experience been?

These are the only tires that will fit the new wheels:

Falken - Ziex S/TZ04
Goodyear - Eagle GT II
Kumho - Ecsta STX
Nitto - NT-404
Pirelli - Scorpion Zero
Toyo - Proxes S/T
Yokohama - Geolander HT-S G052

Well I can add one to the list. I am running the Yokohama AVS S/T 295/45/20. Great for summer driving.
If I were to do it over, and when i replace mine I will be going with the Falken S/TZ-04

 

[sparky]

Geez, I know that one by heart. The 04 is an all season. Rated for mud and snow. Not so with the 01. The 01 is much more like the AVS's I'm running now.

 

[AV42Medics]

yeah geez Yak, even I knew that....LOL

 

[tiregod1]

Hey Fun Guy, Nitto makes an All-Terrain in a 20 if you are interested. The 305/55R20 should fit with minimal rubbing. I have test fitted these on my AV and they look awesome.

rdtagd, are those wheels the MBMotoring Precise? I just bought a set of 20x10 Chrome Precise for my truck and yours looks almost the same.

Tiregod1

 

[tpseabird]

What is the favorite tire without changing the wheel size? I have thought about changing wheel size, however, I have been disappointed with most aftermarket wheels; too jazzed up.

Should I change wheel size? Thanks.

TP

 

[rdtagd]

rdtagd, are those wheels the MBMotoring Precise? I just bought a set of 20x10 Chrome Precise for my truck and yours looks almost the same.



Work order listed them as MB Precise (199). I liked them because they had some machined finish to go along with the chrome. Yes, they are 20x10.

 

[sparky]

yeah geez Yak, even I knew that....LOL

I only knew this because I started checking into tires AFTER I let the shop slect my tires for me.
With my drop I can't afford to go bigger than stock. Drove poor Bob at Tire Trends nuts with my questions, including what the difference between the 01 and 04. The 04 is actually less money. By the way, Tire Trends is one of the few that will talk to you in Canadian money

 

[danlwil]

rdtagd, are those wheels the MBMotoring Precise? I just bought a set of 20x10 Chrome Precise for my truck and yours looks almost the same.

Just thought I'd pipe in... 'cause I have the same tires and wheels too... NICE CHOICE.... I went with the 18's and love them!

here's rdtagd's

here are mine

 

[Capecruis8der]

YOu missed one, in your choices

The Goodyear Fortera's 285x50x20
more agressive the the GT 2's
and designed for sport utilities loads
Ride is incredible
priced around $200 each

 

[Fun Guy]

My choices are limited because I am replacing the stock 17" wheels and tires (Z66 pkg), which means if I have a 20" wheel I need 305/50-20's in order to get the proper overall diameter of ~32" (required unless I want my ABS to fail, which I don't). So the Forteras aren't going to work for me since they don't come in that size, but thanks much anyway.

P.S. Love your Monte Carlo, what year is it? I had a white '71 with a black vinyl roof back in '81. One of my fantasies is to get another one and drop a new LS1 crate motor in it....

 

[gthomas]

in order to get the proper overall diameter of ~32" (required unless I want my ABS to fail, which I don't).

OK, help me out here. Why does ABS require a fixed tire diameter?

 

[rreidAV03]

My choices are limited because I am replacing the stock 17" wheels and tires (Z66 pkg), which means if I have a 20" wheel I need 305/50-20's in order to get the proper overall diameter of ~32" (required unless I want my ABS to fail, which I don't). So the Forteras aren't going to work for me since they don't come in that size, but thanks much anyway.

I thought the 295-50-20 matched up to the 265-70-17 exactly

 

[ygmn]

265/70-17 = 31.6 unloaded OD

295/50-20 = 31.6 unloaded OD

305/50-20 = 32.0 unloaded OD

3/8" difference before putting weight of truck on it....I think air pressure could change the ODs to match when loaded....

HTH

 

[Fun Guy]

Yes, Yakmar, your numbers sound correct. There is very little difference between the 295/50's and the 305/50's. For some reason when I read your post, I saw 285/50, and I knew that to be outside the specs for ABS requirements. I apologize for my misreading. Both the 295's and 305's should be fine....I picked the 305's because the are bigger (!!!) and the Tire Rack recommended them for my wheels.

Now regarding why ABS has the specific requirements it does (I think it is 1-2% leeway maximum), I am unclear. I remember reading where it has something to do with how it calculates applying pulses to the brakes, which is the name of the game with ABS. If the tire diameter is more than a couple of percent off, then this calculation will be off, and ABS will not work properly. What consequences befall someone who does this, I don't know, but I would rather not be the one to find out.

I have also heard that you can change tire diameter within the computer if you like, reprogramming it, which if you do this to correspond with the new wheel/tire combo, will send the ABS proper information and there will be no problems. You can have whatever wheel/tire size you like this way.

EDIT
After some researching, I found that the OD of a 285/50-20 is 31.2", which actually might be okay, as will the 295/50's and 305/50's. However, I will be going with the 305/50's regardless.

Thanks again for all of your input, I learned something.

 

[tblaze30]

Hey RDTAGD...you are the first one I have found that went with the same tire style and size I am looking at for my 20's. DO you find that the 305/50/20 Goodyear GT II's rub or have any problems at all? Also, do you have any more pics from the side or anything? Thanks!

 

[tblaze30]

Didn't mean to change the subject....sorry!

 

[Capecruis8der]

Fun guy
I wouldn't get hung up on tire diamter as a standard because different manufacurer of tires that have the same numerical size, will have different diameters as well as if you put it on a 8" w rim or 10"

Also. it is not just the diameter that will effect ABS, but the weight of the wheel

My Fortera's on 20x8.5 is less than 1/4 in less in height, than factory
meaining 1/8 on each side

Check out the thread>>>> Got my 20's on [pg 3]
I show a nice pic of the difference

BTW
mine was a '70>> have had 2 of them
ultimate luxury and performance rolled in one

 

[Fun Guy]

As you may recall, I have a choice to make as far as tires. This thread got off onto a number of other topics, which is fine, but the day has arrived and I will be ordering tires TOMORROW. So please give me your input or experience, if you would, on the choices available to me.

What I had done is ranked them in the order I am considering them, based upon input from others, including tire people. I also give those comments underneath the tire brand that people have made regarding them. If you have any additional input, I would welcome it. Thanks.

Kumho - Ecsta STX
- No one had anything bad to say about the Kumhos
- Not as cheap as Goodyears, but still only $222 each
- Seen as both sticky and wearing well
Toyo - Proxes S/T
- Lots of people loved this tire, a favorite of many
- Expensive at $323 each
Falken - Ziex S/TZ04
- Anyone who experienced this tire really liked it
- However, not many people commented on this tire
- Fairly cheap at $242 each
Goodyear - Eagle GT II
- Cheapest of all choices at $169 each
- Recommended by every Discount Tire, etc.
- Numerous complaints about hydroplaning
Nitto - NT-404
- Sticky but very soft, reports of only 20-30,000 miles
- Priced at $239
Pirelli - Scorpion Zero
- Nothing good heard about this tire
- Noisy and uneven wear reported by many
Yokohama - Geolander HT-S G052
- Only one person reported having seen this tire
- Limited experience, priced at $323 each