Rear tires lasted 50k miles and cost $617 to replace

[Adam]

Originally Posted by kabel

I disagree, at least for street and autocross (not track). I really like the Pilot Sport PS2's on the boxster, (we also point out the Pilot Sports are not that same as the Pilot Sport PS2). The last three sets of rear tiers I bought have been right around 225$ per tire.

I recently put AD08 on the BMW to try something new, we'll see how they do next month when we start the new autocross season. I have heard great things about the Star-Specs too.

I know the PS2's have it's fans and I liked them 4 years ago when I picked up a set, but things have changed in the tire market dramatically in the last 3-4 years. They used to be one of best street tires you could buy back in th day, but the bottom line is they are simply not competitive in autocross these days. I also have the Star Specs for my other car and use them for autocross and some street driving and I love them. Best all around summer tire out there in my opinion. They don't have quite as much dry grip as the Kuhmo's but they are better in the rain.

Originally Posted by Topless

+1 on this. I ran off 2 sets of PS2s and they were a very good all around tire, street or track. .

As mentioned above I have a set of Star Specs for my Mazda 3 which I also use for autocross/street and they can do everything the PS2's can do and more. They are slightly noisier and harsher over the bumps, but the dry performance is significantly better while being right there in the wet. The Star Spec in my opinion is what the PS2 used to be four years ago, which is the best all around summer tire. And as a bonus it costs hundreds less.

Originally Posted by MikenOH

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I put Kumho XS tires on my track rims to replace a set of old PS2's used for the same purpose and have to say that strictly for auto-X and track use, the XS is a better tire.

Having said that, I think the PS2's mission is to provide a much broader range of superior performance than an XS type tire --wet performance, ride quality, noise. All the stuff that is important when you're not on the track, day after day. In that role, it does a very good job, albeit at a premium price.

When my street set was due for replacement I went with the GY F1 Asymmetrical, which when judged by the seat of the pants, is very close top what the PS2 feels like at about 2/3 the price. Not sure if I'll get 20K for the GY's but suspect it will be close.

I agree with you 100%. The Kuhmo is a street tire meant for the track, the PS2 is a street tire meant for the street. If someone has money to burn and wants a decent street tire then the PS2 is still a fine choice, just don't expect to be very competitive at your local autocross or track event. Like you said, there are tires out there with a similar mission as the PS2's that equal or outperform them for less money. Everybody has different expections and needs from their tires and compromises have to be made.

[Topless]

Agreed. All tires are a tradeoff. The Star Specs offer better max grip for less $$ than PS2s. They are somewhat noisier and a bit more harsh on the street due to sidewall stiffness. They are also less street friendly than the Sumitomos and 50% more $$. Always consider your driving goals when choosing tires. Once I run off my Sumi's I will consider the Star Specs.

[Perfectlap]

Originally Posted by Adam

The Kuhmo is a street tire meant for the track, the PS2 is a street tire meant for the street. .

i like the sound of that. I just noticed in my garage that there's a nickel size nick on the sidewall of my tire. Not nearly deep enough to get to the other side but my Goodyear F1's have been discontinued in 18" Boxster fit. hmmm....
Those F1's were quiet the bargain given the wet weather performance. So sticky..not nearly as sticky as my old RA-1's but not bad.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

i like the sound of that. I just noticed in my garage that there's a nickel size nick on the sidewall of my tire. Not nearly deep enough to get to the other side but my Goodyear F1's have been discontinued in 18" Boxster fit. hmmm....
Those F1's were quiet the bargain given the wet weather performance. So sticky..not nearly as sticky as my old RA-1's but not bad.

I hear the RA-1's were some awesome street tires and many people won national autocross titles on them. They've since been replaced by the RE-11's which are slightly faster, but not by much. Several people consider the RE-11's the top street tire to have right now in autocross.

[Lobo1186]

Does anyone have any experience with Nitto tires?