Help With Tires

[Guest]

Hi,

Have just bought a set of R34 GTR wheels, which I think are: 18x9+30

Am after some tires, and am interested in a set that would cost me around $1000.

Looking for low profiles, long wearing, and reasonable grip for general driving.

They'll be going on a R34 GTT

I was looking at a set of Kumho KU31's 255/35/18, but not sure how much they would be, and if they would be suitable.

Thanks,

Jacob

[The Bogan]

Have a look around locally then have a look at importing your own, I've used www.tirerack.com in the states, for under $1000 you can have delivered to your door tyres which if purchased in Australia would cost nearly twice as much.

My last lot were Dunlop Direzza 245/45 17 which cost me $145 a tyre( $450 each here) or $930 for 4 delivered to my door, I'm in the process of getting some more tyres at the moment, I'm looking at Hankook RS 3 (?)$120 a tyre at the moment, worth $310 here, even with the $350 delivery and fitting costs I save about $300.

Shipping takes about 5 days.

The only people who will tell you importing you own tyres is a bad idea are Australian tyre distributors for some reason.

Shop smart.

[The Bogan]

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSearchResults.jsp?customSizeSearch=&width=255%2F&ratio=35&diameter=18

[Guest]

Would 255/35/18's be suitable for my wheels though?

[On Edge]

yes,

will they scrub? i dunno

[GTSBoy]

You can get KU31s from Option 1 in Brisbane sent to you for approx the same money as buying from tirerack, without the extra hassle of having to go to the bank and do an overseas money transfer. At the $1000 price point there's not enough in it to make tirerack the convincing choice.

I bought wheels and tyres from tirerack, and because it all added up to a lot of $$, it was well worthwhile. But I bought my last 2 sets of KU36s from Option 1 because it's just that much easier and the extra $50 or so is not worth the hassle.

That said, after you pay to get tires that you've bought at a distance ($15-$20 each) fitted, you start to wonder about the sense. My next set of KU36s I'm just going to buy from TyrePower on Sir Donald Bradman Drive, Mile End. They've promised to match what I would pay in total sourcing them from elsewhere and fitting there. GI'd suggest perhaps you get a price from Option 1, and ring up TyrePower and ask them to match/beat it. I prefer to support the local guys any time I can make it make $$ sense.

By the way, the KU31 will be a good choice for you. They work well, last well, reasonably quiet and comfortable. I'm not suggesting that there aren't other tyres in that space which might not be better, but they are definitely good value. If you move up to the KU36, you will love the extra grip, but not having to replace them twice as often!

[ichi-go]

You can get KU31s from Option 1 in Brisbane sent to you for approx the same money as buying from tirerack, without the extra hassle of having to go to the bank and do an overseas money transfer. At the $1000 price point there's not enough in it to make tirerack the convincing choice.

LOL @ not enough in it to make tirerack the convincing choice

Dude KU31s are budget tyres whereas the dunlop is the top of line Z1 star spec which is the difference between heaven and earth. KU31 will provide no where near the grip the Z1 star spec provides.

[GTSBoy]

LOL @ not enough in it to make tirerack the convincing choice

Dude KU31s are budget tyres whereas the dunlop is the top of line Z1 star spec which is the difference between heaven and earth. KU31 will provide no where near the grip the Z1 star spec provides.

Why are you laughing? It's because he is looking at cheaper tyres that it's not worth going to tirerack. If you'd read my post you would see that I clearly said that when spending a LOT of money, it IS worth going to tirerack. But if you're only saving $50 or so, I'd rather save myself some hassle and just buy locally.

By the way, how long do the star specs last? Their wear rating is 200, the KU31 is at 320. So he'll get many more miles to his $ even if he buys KU31s here at the same total cost to getting the star specs in from the US. And if you read his post, he did ask about long wearing.

[jjman]

KU31's ftw in this scenario.

N im sure more than enough grip for your purposes as stated, particularly in 255 profile form.

[satellite]

I know of beaurepaires.com.au/tyres , where you have the option of inputting some preferences on your tyre needs (e.g. wet braking, dry braking, mileage, etc). They have a collection of tyres you can choose from once the search results/recommendations have been given. On the other hand, you can just directly browse over their car tyre selections. From their car tyres page, there are descriptions as to which each tyre is best used for. Hope that helps!