Which tyres for my P1?

[Alex]

I am looking to replace all 4 tyres on my Impreza P1. My car has the optional 18" Prodrive alloys fitted with 225/35R18 tyres. It is currently shod with Falken FK-452s which aren't too shabby, TBH.

I am looking for good feel on the road (stiff sidewalls?), and the ability to withstand a couple of trackdays a year.

The original P-Zero Assimetrico is no longer available in this size, only the P-Zero Nero, whatever that is. Neither is the Michelin Pilot Sport 3 or Super Cup. Pilot Sport 2s were available, but seems to be on run out. Yokos are not available, and Continentals only come in the Sport Contact 3, not the new 5.

Some forum members swear by Hankook Ventus V12 Evos. Eagle F1s seem to get universally good reviews, but I found them "squishy" on previous cars. Maybe that won't be noticeable on such low profile?

What do the experts of PH think?

[Alex]

I was always impressed with SO2s on my Griff and RE010s on my Integra, but the S001s don't seem to get good reviews.

Edited by Alex on Thursday 9th May 12:46

[Podie]

Alex said:

I was always impressed with SO2s on my Griff and RE050s on my Integra, but the S001s don't seem to get good reviews.

Bloody hell, SO2s? Have they started making them again, or are they old?

[Alex]

Over 10 years ago!

[Podie]

Had Hankooks in the past and always been impressed. P-Zero Neros seem to get good reviews.

Have Toyos on the Griff and have been very happy. Shame Yoko don't do the Advan Sport in that size...

[GravelBen]

I like the Bridgestone RE001 and RE002 on the Legacy, much better (especially in sidewall strength) than the T1R and Eagle F1 GSD3 I had before them. Can't give a direct comparison to anything on your list though!

[Lefty]

I'm using 17" 215x40 Yoko Advan AD08's on my P1 and they are incredible.

Pretty good on wet roads although they don't like standing water too much. But they are fine...if you are sensible.

In the dry they are the best tyre I have ever used, on any car. Very grippy, awesome feel, crisp turn-in, predictable breakaway.

Cheers,
Lefty

[Alex]

Had AD08s on my Teg and they were great, but they're not available in the 18" size.

[rossub]

Don't think there's much difference between the Conti 3 and 5 to be honest. I love the 3s, used to have them on my WRX wagon and now have them on my CTR.

[bonesX]

For P1 - undoubtedly AD08 18" are available

The alternative you haven't polled are the Potenza S001

Both of these tyres have very stiff sidewalls and carcass, great for razor sharp steering and overall car response. Not to mention very good grip levels wet & dry and decent progression too.


I have the AD08 on my 330BHP Type R WRX V-Ltd, and the S001 on a 330/360 STi Forester.

[Alex]

bonesX said:

For P1 - undoubtedly AD08 18" are available

Not in 35 profile unless you know better.

I'm a big fan of Bridgestone tyres, so currently favouring S001. Or Continental Sport Contact 3.

Going to wear out my current Falken 452s at Bedford Autodrome on Monday, so will be ordering the new tyres after that.

[bonesX]

The Conti 3's have a soft wall, I'll post up a video link - labelled a luxury tyre (read comfort) in this vid

Edit: oops, it was the Assy 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rU_tJc2kfVo

Edited by bonesX on Friday 17th May 20:07

[bonesX]

Oh yes, contact Ears for all strange sized Yoko's

Edit: And also Chevron Motorsport

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QawxMjQZ58

Edited by bonesX on Saturday 18th May 11:23

[red997]

not on a scoob;
but Conti sport 3 rode well - especially for wet use
Toyo R888 - if you don't drive much in the wet
both on a GT3

Anyone tried Michelin Supersports ?

or Pilot sport 3's

the missus' sti needs new boots too....

[bonesX]

I had PS 2's on a 330bhp Impreza wagon and couldn't get to like them. They have very soft side walls so the wall needs to 'collapse' before it bites. Makes for a vague feel straight ahead, and when you turn there's nothing - quite strange.

Grip levels both wet & dry were up there amongst the best of any out there, and progression was very good. The Potenza are razor sharp by comparison.

[Alex]

Went for the Bridgestone Potenza S001s. Still scrubbing then in, but the steering feels sharper already. Always liked Bridgestones. I've also managed to acquire a spare set of 17" wheels for some trackday tyres. R888s or AD008s maybe.

[bonesX]

Good choice, you'll like them I'm sure.

Yes - razor sharp aren't they. Did you feel how stiff the carcass/sidewalls were before fitting?

Here's a pic of a Goodyear F1 and then the S001 with equal pressure. The F1 was very soft by comparison

[ScoobieWRX]

Stiff sidewalls are great for track driving but on UK roads they can be a bit harsh, rather like runflats. They'll give good feedback and you'll feel more of the road but they will be noisy and you'll feel every lump, bump, and nook and cranny. Couple that with stiff suspension, if you have that, and it will get pretty uncomfortable.

That may suit you in which case fill your boots but if you value a bit of comfort and compliancy and don't want to feel every pothole or stone in the road less stiff is better.

There are lots of high grip summer UHP tyres out there with more normal sidewalls that will be more comfortable to live with every day and work just as well.

[bonesX]

I take your point, but I think you're rather over-egging the pudding.

Mrs Bones says the Type R which has AD08's fitted - one of the stiffest sidewalled tyres you'll find - is the the most comfortable Impreza she's been in (and I've owned quite a few). That car has Bilstein dampers/P1 springs and has quite thick arb's fitted.

TBF, if you're wanting a comfort tyre for a DD, then sure go for something to suit, but the OP wanted tyres for a P1 and those cars don't usually get used every day, more a weekend hooning machine

[ScoobieWRX]

I already mentioned that if that's what the OP wants then he should go fill his boots.

I know of daily driven P1's, there are a fair few being used as they should be and IMHO stiff sidewalls can be too stiff for daily driven cars on our crappy roads hence the preference for a more compliant sidewall.

You said the magic word though...Bilstein. They are absolutely brilliant and i would recommend those for UK roads over and above anything else. Coupled with Eibach springs they make a fantastic combi and are very good at absorbing the bumps, holes and ruts on the worst UK roads as well as offering top notch body/steering control.