Tires, Tires, Tires, My kingdom for some tires.

[cf105arrow]

So last week I booked an appointment at Summit Ford to have some new tires put on my Mustang. Michelin has a $70 mail in rebate that ends on the 23rd so I decided to go with Michelin Pilot Super Sports. I went in yesterday to drop off my rims so they could install the tires and I would pick them up the next day. Everything was looking great until I asked to see the tires before I left. I like to check the date code to make sure I'm not getting old tires. So we go over to parts and they don't have a clue as to where the tires are and I later find out that they were never ordered. Well now I'm irritated that I had to drive all the way from Caledon to Woodbridge in rush hour traffic only to find out that I have wasted an 2 hours round trip. They call me back today to tell me that they don't have any in Ontario and that none are scheduled to be manufactured any time soon. Same story from Canadian Tire and a local Orangeville shop called Fred's tire. They are also a low volume tire so they won't be producing too many of them when they do.
I'm still on my winter tires and drive sparingly so I don't cook them in this warmer weather. What other options do I have. I really wanted Super Sports but may have to choose something else. Nitto could be an option.
What are your thoughts? I drive a 2009 Mustang GT the current summer tires are bf Goodrich 235/50ZR18 that are unusable. When I took them off for the winter, one was worn down to the belts (yikes!). This is the same size that I am looking for. Are there any cross-border tire places that might carry them? Other tire options?
Cheers!

[Ghost Rider]

you could try tirerack...says they have them in stock...


http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=Pilot+Super+Sport&sidewall=Blackwall&partnum=35YR8PSSXL&tab=Sizes

[Stephen06GT]

Matt you can't go wrong with the Nittos. That being said, if you really want the Michelins, try Discount tire. They will ship them to your door (Nittos are the only brand they won't deliver to Canada) As far as size, when my original 235/50/18 BFGs were done, I went with the 255/45/18 for the Nittos on my wheels, which are the same as yours.

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direct/filterTireProducts.do?pgTires=0&vid=014473&yr=2009&cs=255&ar=45&rd=18&counter=0&fl=&sortBy=prca&fqs=true

[r-model]

If you want NITTO's, contact autotraxinc.com, they have great prices and deal with high end vehicles all the time, their shop is very clean too

[KIDAGIN]

^ Just sent a PM with that info...treed

[Ghost Rider]

also agree with Stephen...go with something a little wider, 245, 255...345??? something

[RedSN]

...go with something a little wider, ...345???
http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt137/LX-Markham/TMC/Wider_zpsbea75ba3.jpg

[Ghost Rider]

^^^hahah, that's right baby...gotta get rid of that push somehow :shrug:



my tires are almost like that now in the front

http://www.torontomustangclub.ca/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=3039&d=1430629024

[tulowd]

If you want ultra sticky and aren't concerned about wear; Nitto NT01's are epic and not that expensive. Need skillset in the direction of Mssrs. A.Senna or M.Schumacher if it rains tho.

For sure go with the widest tires that are made for your wheels for optimal handling. The OEM tire choices are based on price and fuel economy only.

[fast Ed]

Factory wheels are likely 8.5" wide, do what Stephen did and go with 255/45R18 instead of the 235/50R18. Through Parkway Ford I can get you a good deal on a set of Continental Extreme Contact DW in that size, and bring them home to Caledon ... p.m. me if you want more info. Fantastic street tires for a reasonable price, one of our suppliers has them on special right now.


cheers
Ed

[cf105arrow]

Thanks all. Busy day and have just read posts and pm's. I'll figure things out tomorrow and get back to everyone. Anyone have any experience with the continentals?

[ZR]

Ed's review of them is 110% reliable.

[stangstevers]

Have Continentals on mine... great tires. Although I went with the Extreme Contact DWS (all seasons, rather than summers which are DW) for better cold and wet performance being that I drive this thing 100km a day starting in early spring up to late fall. Have to say, these tires do GREAT in water.

http://i.imgur.com/jD0dcdKl.jpg

[Parkway Ford Lincoln SVT]

Just sent you a p.m. with some info on the Michelins you were looking at originally, as well as the Continentals.


thanks,

Ed N.

[cf105arrow]

Update: Still researching and pondering. I hate when an original plan falls apart. Anyhow, looking at Nitto 555's. The website says 50 psi on the spec sheet. Is that normal for a summer performance tire? All the tires I have had to date I've maxed at 38 psi and I've never had any problems. What tire pressure are you guys running in your Nitto's? I'm looking at getting the 255/45 18's if I decide to go with this tire. What main difference will I notice between the 255 and my current 235's? Better traction, more tugging over road crown, less fuel mileage, etc.?
Still thinking of the Michelin Pilot Super Sports as well but they're sized at 235/50 18 unless I want to go to a much bigger tire which I think might be excessive for my car. Your Thoughts.

[Parkway Ford Lincoln SVT]

The pressure spec showing by the tire maker is their max pressure for that particular tire ... regardless you should be using the spec shown on the label of your own vehicle to set the tires to. That can change slightly depending on your vehicle usage, and if the size is changed from original, but the number that the tire manufacturer shows is simply the maximum inflation that tire will withstand.

Typically with a Mustang it's not a bad idea to run a few more pounds in the front for sharper steering response, and to compensate for the front-heavy nature of the vehicle. 34F / 32R is a good starting point.

[Stephen06GT]

Matt, as you know I have the Nittos on Ol Paint, and I will buy them again. They are a great tire for our cars and their performance is hard to beat for the money spent. I have had no issues with the 255 size with regards to tramlining. Also, mine have seen a couple three track days as well as several thousand daily driving kms , again with no issues and the wear has been well within reasonable limits. As far as tire pressure, Ed nailed it with his post. I run in the 32-34 psi range on all four, and sometimes higher when I forget to air them down after a track day. :D

[KIDAGIN]

I got NITTOs 555 recntly
255/45/18 front
Heres's what the 285/40/18s rears look like on my car
http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/uu301/kidagin/May%2015%202015/May%2015%202015%20Photos%204.jpg (http://s658.photobucket.com/user/kidagin/media/May%2015%202015/May%2015%202015%20Photos%204.jpg.html)
http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/uu301/kidagin/4-17-2015%20photos/4-17-2015%20photos%208.jpg (http://s658.photobucket.com/user/kidagin/media/4-17-2015%20photos/4-17-2015%20photos%208.jpg.html)
http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/uu301/kidagin/May%2015%202015/May%2015%202015%20Photos%205.jpg (http://s658.photobucket.com/user/kidagin/media/May%2015%202015/May%2015%202015%20Photos%205.jpg.html)

[cf105arrow]

I got NITTOs 555 recntly
255/45/18 front
Heres's what the 285/40/18s rears look like on my car
http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/uu301/kidagin/May%2015%202015/May%2015%202015%20Photos%204.jpg (http://s658.photobucket.com/user/kidagin/media/May%2015%202015/May%2015%202015%20Photos%204.jpg.html)
http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/uu301/kidagin/4-17-2015%20photos/4-17-2015%20photos%208.jpg (http://s658.photobucket.com/user/kidagin/media/4-17-2015%20photos/4-17-2015%20photos%208.jpg.html)
http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/uu301/kidagin/May%2015%202015/May%2015%202015%20Photos%205.jpg (http://s658.photobucket.com/user/kidagin/media/May%2015%202015/May%2015%202015%20Photos%205.jpg.html)

How wide are your rear rims? Are they the same as the front?

[KIDAGIN]

Fronts are 18/9
Rears are 18/10

[stangstevers]

That looks great Doug!

[Scrape]

So there were two variations of 18" wheels in the day. 18 x 8" like what Stephen has or 18 x 8.5" like what I had on my old Stang. BTW I had Continental Extreme Contact DWS sized 255 45 18 and were excellent in dry and wet. Take a look at them as well.

Picture whoring for reference lol.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v456/Oettinger/682599add66a2b9f76d9c709d7ce1299_zpsdeb50790.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Oettinger/media/682599add66a2b9f76d9c709d7ce1299_zpsdeb50790.jpg.h tml)

[Stephen06GT]

Mine are also 18x8.5.

[Parkway Ford Lincoln SVT]

The "fanblade" wheels above and the "Bullitt" wheels that Stephen has are 8.5" wide, it's the other later 18" wheels that are only 8" wide.

[Scrape]

Cool. Didn't know that. I always saw them on the web as 18 x 8 my bad.
Mine are also 18x8.5.

[cf105arrow]

Anybody running Mickey Thompson Tires? What do you think? Comments? Pros? Cons?

[cf105arrow]

What would you choose? Nitto 555 255/45 18 or michelin Pilot Super Sports 235/50
18.

[Stephen06GT]

I chose the Nittos, but I think it's an apples to oranges comparison. By that I mean the Nitto 555 is a Mustang tire and the Micelins are a Corvette, Porsche, Viper tire.

[cf105arrow]

Matt you can't go wrong with the Nittos. That being said, if you really want the Michelins, try Discount tire. They will ship them to your door (Nittos are the only brand they won't deliver to Canada) As far as size, when my original 235/50/18 BFGs were done, I went with the 255/45/18 for the Nittos on my wheels, which are the same as yours.

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direct/filterTireProducts.do?pgTires=0&vid=014473&yr=2009&cs=255&ar=45&rd=18&counter=0&fl=&sortBy=prca&fqs=true

Is this where you got yours Steven? Did you also get a tire warranty because I didn't see that option on the site?

[cf105arrow]

Thanks to everyone who has been giving me asvice and opinions. I've pretty much explored most options. I talked to Frank at autotraxinc and was set to make a purchase when he told me he doesn't take visa. I have to use my visa in order to get close to $200 in drivers rewards towards these tires. Thanks to those who recommend him. Super nice guy and his shop looks great and clean. Ed has been great too offering help but I've been too indecisive and missed out on the Michelins. I've had a little medical issue come up that has been taking up a good deal of my time which is another reason why I haven't committed to anything yet. The real victim here are my winter tires. I'm sure they are not happy with me. Does anyone know if driving in this weather just wears them out more quickly and/or change the traction compound are they going to have less grip)? So thanks again to everyone for their help. Cheers!

[Ghost Rider]

Fuck man...you better start looking for winter tires soon by the time you decide LOL

:D


:ghost:

[ZR]

Ok not just me thinking that.

[KIDAGIN]

Me too...lol

[Stephen06GT]

Is this where you got yours Steven? Did you also get a tire warranty because I didn't see that option on the site?

Yes and yes. Ordered the tires and had them shipped to Soo Michigan (free shipping) as I was heading to Soo Ont. for my annual summer visit. SVOMACH1 and I made the trip across the river and picked them up. The next day, over to the local Ford deal, a neighbour to SVOMACH1, and had them installed. Zero issues. As far as the warranty it works great. I know because about four weeks later, returning home from a fall track day I got a puncture in the shoulder of the tire, not repairable. So I call Discount Tire to enquire about the warranty. Sure no problem, where do you want it shipped? As they can't ship Nittos to Canada, they shipped it to our PO Box in Buffalo. I only had to pay another $20 for the new warranty.

[cf105arrow]

Fuck man...you better start looking for winter tires soon by the time you decide LOL

:D


:ghost:

When I'm spending a considerable sum of money on something I'm going to have for a while I like to do my due diligence though it is getting kind of ridiculous. Everytime I make a decision the tires are no longer available or some other reason pops up. I'll probably go Stevens route.

[newbiestangowner]

i was the same way but remember- maybe if u wait too long u may have to replace your winter tires too ( just teasing):)

[fast Ed]

Warm weather won't change the compound on your winter boots, but it will wear them out in a hurry.


cheers
Ed

[cf105arrow]

So the saga has finally come to an end. A week ago Tuesday I ordered some Nitto 555's from discount tire and had them shipped to my dad's mailbox just across the border on Niagara Falls. I purchased the 255/45 18's for $696 which included the tire warranty (exchange on the visa came to $876). The mailbox charged $6 per tire. Taxes at the border were $116. Install cost about $80 at Summit Ford ( I had a $38 dollar credit there). The total comes to approximately $1100 installed minus the $250 visa drivers rewards points that I applied to the purchase so at the end of f the day it cost me $850 out of pocket. Not bad!

3293
3294
3295

Thanks again for everyone's input and help. So far I am loving these tires. The ride is quiet; traction is superior; handling is awesome and they look good too. Time will tell how they affect mileage and how well they wear.

[KIDAGIN]

Glad you got the NITTOS you will love them

[newbiestangowner]

:thumbsup: nice!

[RedSN]

When I'm spending a considerable sum of money on something I'm going to have for a while

you're not driving hard enough.

[BOOOSTD]

I'm running the 555's; you'll like them!

[Ghost Rider]

When I'm spending a considerable sum of money on something I'm going to have for a while I like to do my due diligence though it is getting kind of ridiculous. Everytime I make a decision the tires are no longer available or some other reason pops up. I'll probably go Stevens route.

just yank'n ya

glad you finally got a set and are enjoying them

[cf105arrow]

you're not driving hard enough.

All in good time. Helmet next and a track day to follow to put some heavy duty miles on them.

[Quicksilver]

I took Fast Ed's advice and got a pair of Continental extreme DW's for the back of the car: 285/35/19. Very happy so far. Quietr and smoother than the original Goodyears.

[newbiestangowner]

I took Fast Ed's advice and got a pair of Continental extreme DW's for the back of the car: 285/35/19. Very happy so far. Quietr and smoother than the original Goodyears.

i ordered them as well- I really like them.

[Gr8Stang]

Just got the Michelin Pilot Super Sports. Very impressed over the stock Pirelli Pzero's that came on my 12 Boss. Very smooth, great straight line and cornering grip. Turn in response is quick. Will assess these again after putting more km's on them, but for now I'm very happy with them.

My Pirelli's were cracking, with only 12K kms. on them. Age about 4 yrs. Tried to place a warranty claim, but was given little hope of getting anything substantial, and the real kicker was; you have to pay for a new set of Pirelli's to be installed, and then Pirelli would assess the tires and given you $ back on the newly installed set. So you had no idea whether you were getting some money back or not. No thanks.

[fast Ed]

PSS is a great choice. We had a customer at Parkway with a Boss that need a new set of skins, we put the Michelins on and he loved them. Stood up well to some track days too.


cheers
Ed

[Gr8Stang]

PSS is a great choice. We had a customer at Parkway with a Boss that need a new set of skins, we put the Michelins on and he loved them. Stood up well to some track days too.


cheers
Ed

THanks Ed. The reviews I read on the Bossmustangsonline.com site seem to say the same. Great for street and track, though I had an instructor during the Mosport lapping day say he knew of at least one car where they "chunked". But who knows how long they had been used/abused??

[fast Ed]

If you are going to go lapping on them, good idea to get some more negative camber in the front to reduce the chance of that happening.


Also want to add, finally had the chance today at Mosport DDC to run my 07 with the Conti DW in the wet. I knew they were good on the street, and have friends that tracked them in the wet, but my own first-hand experience didn't happen until today. They are absolutely stellar on a wet track, braking grip especially, extremely predictable and easy to drive to the limit. Mild understeer when entering a corner too quickly, very easy to control tail-happiness when being too eager with the throttle on corner exit (TC turned off).


cheers
Ed

[newbiestangowner]

If you are going to go lapping on them, good idea to get some more negative camber in the front to reduce the chance of that happening.


Also want to add, finally had the chance today at Mosport DDC to run my 07 with the Conti DW in the wet. I knew they were good on the street, and have friends that tracked them in the wet, but my own first-hand experience didn't happen until today. They are absolutely stellar on a wet track, braking grip especially, extremely predictable and easy to drive to the limit. Mild understeer when entering a corner too quickly, very easy to control tail-happiness when being too eager with the throttle on corner exit (TC turned off).


cheers
Ed

good to hear thanks for posting - soon as I get my suspension/brake upgrades plan on doing the occasional track days with DW- may even just use them as a track only tire

[Stephen06GT]

Thanks for the review Ed.