[TA-71]

It is time to replace the original Firestones on a 02 Firehawk. There are so many choices out there these days, what does everyone recommend? I dont need an all out performance tire as this is primarily a street car. But I would like something fitting the car. I like the look and price of the Nexen N3000's, but I have heard mixed reviews. Any other suggestions?

[David Holmberg]

For an inexpensive tire with good looks, I have Riken Raptors on my 99 WS6.
They look good, wear very well and do well in the rain the couple of times I've been caught out.

That said, thanks to the taxing on tires there is no cheap tire anymore.

[TA-71]

I saw the Riken's on the Discount Tire site, but didnt know anything about them.

[David Holmberg]

They have been on my TA for well over a year, I don't race this car but they handle well.

[TA-71]

Anyone running the BFG Sport Comp 2's?

[Cammer-6]

Ive run the G force TAs with good luck KDW and KDWS
if you run the KDs they are as they say "killer" but will last 10 K or less.
be prepared to throw $1k at it tho

[TA-71]

I sure like the look of the KDW's but I have heard the life of the tire is not a long one.

[Cammer-6]

part of the formula for tire life is the softness of rubber.
to get one you must give up the other
we could go on and on about this and opinions ......
the best wear is the KDWS,then the KDW then KD
also same for increase in grip

[Sirrotica]

I've had 2 sets of KDWs on my 05 GTO and have run BFG tires for a long time, not satisfied with them I asked one of the managers at Discount if he could recommend another tire and he told me that they had went to a trade meeting and got to drive a late model Mustang with Hankook tires and he was impressed with them. Long story short I bought a set and was given the like'm or we'll replace them warranty. Just short of 20,000 miles on them and I'm happy with my purchase. Much better than the 2 sets of KDWs I had, first set only got 17,000 miles before they were down to the cords.

These: http://www.discounttiredirect.com/di...;2FPerformance

[TA-71]

I have heard a lot of good things about the new Hankook tires. I wish those were available in the size I need.

[Cammer-6]

if youre concerned about wear go to the KDWS

[eric_cspan]

Originally Posted by TA-71

I have heard a lot of good things about the new Hankook tires. I wish those were available in the size I need.

Ive got the Hankooks on my 94. No complaints here.

[Sirrotica]

Originally Posted by TA-71

I have heard a lot of good things about the new Hankook tires. I wish those were available in the size I need.

275/40/17 is the size Hankook lists for your car. Unless your only buying 2 and you want to match them to another size these are the optional H/P size listed for 2002 T/A in their Ventus V4 line.

[red1975pacer]

Dont want to hijack this thread , but are the factory original tires out there anywhere?

[TA-71]

Originally Posted by red1975pacer

Dont want to hijack this thread , but are the factory original tires out there anywhere?

Firestone doesnt make the Firehawk SZ any more. It has been replaced by the Firehawk Wide Oval.

[red1975pacer]

And heres a stupid question! My 2000 ws6 has factory 275 40 17 {right?] is the Firehawk original tires the same? Does Goodyear make the exact tire still thats on my car? If not are any around anymore, and if so are they safe if nos ones are found?

[TA-71]

No such thing as a stupid question. Here is my problem, the Firehawk runs 275/40/17's and the original Firestones only have about 7500 miles on them. They look great and still have good traction. But they are hard as rocks and dont handle very well. Run over a paper clip and they wander from side to side. So for me 12 year old tires are not what I want to run on. I like the fact that they are still the original tires, but from a safety perspective, it is time to pull these off and set them aside. If this was going to be a pure numbers matching show car I would leave them on, but I like to drive my cars. I do know that Discount Tire will not touch a tire more than 6 years old, they dont want the liability exposure if it goes bad.
Sorry got a little wordy.

[Captainofiron]

Originally Posted by Cammer-6

if youre concerned about wear go to the KDWS

I had a lot of trouble with the G-force KDWS

had to take them back 2-3 times to get tires replaced because balls forming

they also wore out really fast compared to the old BFG Comp T/A that I had on it for years

Finally went to a Continental and I have been really happy with those

[Cammer-6]

Originally Posted by Captainofiron

I had a lot of trouble with the G-force KDWS

had to take them back 2-3 times to get tires replaced because balls forming

they also wore out really fast compared to the old BFG Comp T/A that I had on it for years

Finally went to a Continental and I have been really happy with those

I have 3 cars with them on and zero probs. what do you mean by "balls forming"?

[Captainofiron]

Originally Posted by Cammer-6

I have 3 cars with them on and zero probs. what do you mean by "balls forming"?

I bought them back in 03 or 04

the "balls" that form in the side walls and under the tread when there is a defect in the tire