I'm looking for recommendations for the best ultra-performance tires folks have found out there. I have a 1972 240z with numerous performance upgrades, including 16x8 Panasport racing rims (4-3/4 backset). I'm looking at size 245/45ZR16.

This is a weekend-only vehicle so these tires will be used exclusively in dry conditions as I will rarely if ever be driving the car in the rain or on wet roads.

I'm strongly considering Michelin Pilot Sport, Dunlop SP Sport 9000, Bridgestone Potenza S-03, Goodyear Eagle F1, and Pirelli PZero.

Thanks in advance for any ideas.

J. Zorzy

If I were you though I would drop the Pirelli's off the list immediately. Never had a good set of Pirelli's

Heres a good tire you didnt mention also, BF Goodrich T/A KDW

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=BFGoodrich&tireModel=g-Force+T%2FA+KDW&vehicleSearch=false&partnum=445YR6GFTAKDW&fromCompare1=yes

After further research, I'm now leaning toward Bridgstone Potenza S-03 over Michelin Pilot Sport. All others have fallen off the list. Any feedback out there on these two tires?

I would look at the AVS ES100,Yokohama’s Ultra High Performance Summer @ $97 ea

or if money is tight the Sumitomo HTRZ @ $87 ea, both at tirerack.com

I've run both Bridgestone S-03s and Dunlop SP9000s (on current car). They're both great tyres. I would say that the S-03 would probably suit a Z better but there's probably not much in it. All comes down to price.

FYI I had the S-03s on a TVR Cerbera (~1100kg/2420lbs) and the Dunlops are on my Lotus Elise (~750kg/1650lbs). Whatever you get you'll need to play with pressures. I had to run the S-03s higher than OEM but the Dunlops I run lower.

Not applicable for your needs but they're both very good in wet conditions as well.

Cheers,

Rob

Why don't you just put Kumho Ecsta's or Victo's or Yoko A032R's on it? Forget that 'Ultra Performance' stuff they try to sell you! There is NOTHING 'ultra-performance' with a TW over 100. Here in CA......weekend cruiser.....not much rain (all these tires actually do quite well in the rain)..... get them unshaved and they will last on a street car forever.

steve

Iam wearing the the Sumitomo HTRZ's on my roadster. They are sticky. If I get into an oversteer situation and work my way throught it, They hop hard instead of give way, sort of bang,bang,bang in quick succession. Before that, I had my Victo's on full time. I was warned by a freind, Gordon Glasgow, that race tires on the weekend warrior may not be a good thing. His BFG R-1's on his 510, ended up cracking across the face, well before wearing out. Of course, I'm too smart to listen. That is, untill the Victo's cracked arcoss the face, well before wearing out!

But, It was very cool. besides the grip, there's the coolness factor of people tell you, "Hey! your tires are worn bald!" To which you reply, "I know. I paid extra for that!"

Oh, most of the DOT race tires have a VERY stiff inner sidewall that transfers the bump of every pothole and divit straight to your arse! To some that might be pleasnt. I didn't car for it much. If your just going to drive across town (or 100 miles) to the AutoX event. leaving your Victoracers on is good idea. Beats changing tires at the track!

Would I be correct in assuming you want a soft and sticky tire?

If so I too recommend the Yoko A032R (-S or -H) as they can be gotten with a soft or hard compound (the S and H).

Also I can't believe no one mentioned the Nitto NT-555RII, It'll get it done! check it out here.

Nate

Don't forget the Toyo Proxxes, they work well in the wet, and wear better than the Kumho's.