Goodyear Eagle F1 or Yokohama Parada 2's

[MKH9130]

In the process of shopping for tyres for the MX5…

I need two new boots for the rear pretty soon, so thought I will probably replace all 4 at the same time for grip consistency and to get rid of the shocking P6000's that are on there currently.

The car is a weekend toy only and will be driven 'enthusiastically'. It is only ever out in the wet if I’m caught out. These tyres will also be taking me on a hoonage across France & Spain in the summer on some nice twisty roads. I only cover 4k a year or thereabouts in this car so longevity isn't really an issue. Most of the tyres I'm looking at are coming in around £50 per corner fitted.

One thing to bear in mind is that whilst the car only has 130bhp at the moment, if plans go ahead it will have nearer 200bhp at some point whilst these tyres are fitted.

My priorities are, in order:

1. Dry grip
2. Looks
3. Wet grip
4. Longevity
5. Price

My current two favourites from E-Tyres (Free mobile fitting) are

Goodyear Eagle F1 GSD3 @ £51.70each = £207.60 per set
Yokohama Parada 2 @ £47.20each = £188.80 per set

I am aware the F1 GSD3 is the older design but these tyres are only 15 inch so the new design is not available. I am also aware that this tyre is one of the ‘best’ all round tyres but as I’m not really too fussed about the wet grip I’m leaning towards the Parada’s.

Does anyone have any recommendations? Alternate tyre options will be considered!

[B19GRR]

Take a nosy at Falken FK452. Also check out http://www.camskill.co.uk for prices, they don't do fitment but I only paid £15 at my local place to fit two 18" tyres not long ago, so still worked out cheaper than Etyres.

Cheers,
Rob

[130R]

Toyo T1-R or a more expensive track tyre is the Toyo R888

[MKH9130]

B19GRR said:

Take a nosy at Falken FK452. Also check out http://www.camskill.co.uk for prices, they don't do fitment but I only paid £15 at my local place to fit two 18" tyres not long ago, so still worked out cheaper than Etyres.

Cheers,
Rob

I can't get the FK452's in that size unfortunately They only offer the 512's which aren't really what I'm after.

[Shropshiremike]

Out of the 2 you suggested the Yokos every time if predominantly dry use

[MKH9130]

130R said:

Toyo T1-R or a more expensive track tyre is the Toyo R888

I've looked at the T1-R and most people rave about it as a 'good budget tyre' if you don't want the expense of the Goodyear. Trouble is, in my size the Goodyears are only £4 more expensive for a set of 4!

As for the R888, they look fab but as I don't do trackdays are probably overkill. I don't think my driving ability warrants them over a good standard road tyre!

[otolith]

We couldn't find any F1s last time the MX-5 needed new tyres, so we bought T1-Rs. Very nice, although the tyres on it when we bought it were Firestone eco-tyres made of Teflon. The T1-Rs don't seem to be wearing as fast as I expected for what feels like a very soft compound.

[number2301]

Have you looked at the Michelin Pilot Exalto 2s? Meant to be a class above GSDs and not massively more expensive in the size I looked at (195/50/15)

[Red Firecracker]

If it's for everyday use, of the 2 you mention in the OP go for the Goodyears.

I have Parada 2's on my MX5 and I wouldn't really want to use them in inclement weather. They are rather amusing in the cold and wet........

In the warm and dry, they are astounding.

[MKH9130]

Red Firecracker said:

If it's for everyday use, of the 2 you mention in the OP go for the Goodyears.

I have Parada 2's on my MX5 and I wouldn't really want to use them in inclement weather. They are rather amusing in the cold and wet........

In the warm and dry, they are astounding.

Doesn't get used in the wet but sometimes on a sunny but cold weekend morning :P

[crolandc]

Camskill do fit tyres but it is by appointment only and being at Whitehaven is not very handy.
I live in Barrow-in-Furness and Camskills prices make it worth the 100mile round trip, plus the
road from Barrow to Whitehaven really do suit the mx5
P.S.i use TI-Rs they are excellent. Cliff.

Edited by crolandc on Saturday 29th March 13:47

[Red Firecracker]

MKH9130 said:

Doesn't get used in the wet but sometimes on a sunny but cold weekend morning :P

They should do you fine, then.

I've just checked my emails and I paid £168 all in for 4 x Parada 2 195/50 X 15's from http://www.tyre-shopper.co.uk/.

Not sure where you are in the South East, but I had mine fitted in Hassocks.

[MKH9130]

Red Firecracker said:

MKH9130 said:

Doesn't get used in the wet but sometimes on a sunny but cold weekend morning :P

They should do you fine, then.

I've just checked my emails and I paid £168 all in for 4 x Parada 2 195/50 X 15's from http://www.tyre-shopper.co.uk/.

Not sure where you are in the South East, but I had mine fitted in Hassocks.

Fab. I live in Hove so Hassocks is just up the road! Just looked, and thats £168 fitted! Wow. Thanks for the link!

[Red Firecracker]

MKH9130 said:

Fab. I live in Hove so Hassocks is just up the road! Just looked, and thats £168 fitted! Wow. Thanks for the link!

No probs. It's a fun B road jaunt over the Dyke and through Poynings on a nice Saturday morning upto Hassocks to get them fitted as well!

[MKH9130]

Red Firecracker said:

MKH9130 said:

Fab. I live in Hove so Hassocks is just up the road! Just looked, and thats £168 fitted! Wow. Thanks for the link!

No probs. It's a fun B road jaunt over the Dyke and through Poynings on a nice Saturday morning upto Hassocks to get them fitted as well!

Absolutely. I know the road well

I see you're in Brighton. If you see a Mk1 Merlot driving around that'll probably be me! (I haven't seen another Merlot in Brighton/Hove since I moved here!). Give me a wave if you see me!

[jazzybee]

Eagle F1 GSD3s are a must on the rear of a '5. I personally prefer Michelin Pilot Sports on the front.

The Goodyears have soft sidewalls and as a result, you lose some of the steering feel.

[MKH9130]

jazzybee said:

Eagle F1 GSD3s are a must on the rear of a '5. I personally prefer Michelin Pilot Sports on the front.

The Goodyears have soft sidewalls and as a result, you lose some of the steering feel.

Why so over the Paradas? I understand that for 'all round' use, the Goodyears would be better, but as the car will only see a wet road if I'm caught out on a hoon then from what I've read the Paradas will be a better buy due to their superior dry grip?

Have to admit this tyre choosing business is a bit of a minefield!

[jon-]

The GSD3s apparently suit the MX5 very well, the new F1-A doesn't seem to fare so well

http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Tyre/Goodyear/Eagle-F...

[Jonny671]

Thread from the dead.. 2nd result on Google though

I've just fitted 2 Parada2's to my car, got them for £40 a corner so not bad.. I've heard about them in the rain and cold though so will be going carefully!

[Lordbenny]

You put 'looks' before 'wet grip'.....