zer0matrix

I've narrowed myself down to 2 brands for my IS350.

1. Continental ContiExtemeContact
2. Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS Pole Position

Going by the ratings, the Potenza's are ranked higher than all the Conti's. But with 1/10th of total miles reported (278,525 vs 25,517,298), the range of reviews aren't probably as widespread.

So to sum it all up, has anyone had any memorable experiences with any of these tires that are worth mentioning?

Also, if I do go with the Potenza's, they don't come in the same size as the stock tires. I was considering going non-staggered with 225/40 all around. If I were to go with a staggered setup would 265/35 on the rears fit?

I live in NJ and it snows a few times a year, but I'm not so concerned with that because I live/drive in mostly city environments.

mitsuguy

iTrader: (2)

have you looked into the pilot sport a/s?

tcho82

iTrader: (1)

I'm going with the Avon Tech 550's

Getting them in soon. I'm hoping they are as good as the ratings...

mitsuguy

iTrader: (2)

nope, they aren't, but good luck anyways...

pvo

iTrader: (2)

Continental ContiExtemeContact seems to be back ordered everywhere.

tcho82

iTrader: (1)

Actually ended up changing the whole package alltogether. Went with a 17" and blizzaks

zer0matrix

I was looking into them too, but I'd say more than 1/3rd of the reviews on tire rack complain about unbearable noise after 10k. I mean, I'd chalk it up to people having over-sensitive hearing or just being picky about it. But when you have that many people complaining about the same thing, there's gotta be some truth to it.

zer0matrix

yea i took a look at the pilots, I had them on my old car (LS400). Great tire, but not so good on light snow IMO. Plus, it's about $300-400 more for a set compared to the other brands I was considering.

tcho82

iTrader: (1)

I actually have the pilot sport a/s on my LS400, and they worked LIKE A CHAMP. Of course I had to drive carefully being rear wheel drive and blizzard like conditions, but a few weeks ago when Chicago got hit with that snow storm. I had to drive about 50 miles to the airport at 6 am when the streets were barely plowed, and the a/s's held up nicely. Now I know blizzaks probably would have been just awesome(haven't tried the IS in snow yet), but for a high performance tire, the pilot sports did great in the snow. But it also depends on how well you can control the car in snow.

tcho82

iTrader: (1)

I've also got the 17's mounted on gs430 rims on the LS, if that makes any difference.

BklynJay

iTrader: (3)

I don't think you should get them. I had them 245/45/17 for about 5k and I hated them. Flat spot gallore. If you let it sit for 6-8 hours, normal sleeping hours. When you wake up it looks flat. So it is hard to balance and always shaking until the flat spot goes away. Not as quiet and performance as expected.

tcho82

iTrader: (1)

Should update this that I ended up getting 17's and mounted blizzak lm25's on them. Just wanted a dedicated set of winter tires instead.... BUT WE'VE GOTTEN NO SNOW! what a waste.... I want some snow to try this out on.

Jace7

narrower, 17 inch Blizzak's are best winter, then get a nice 19 inch PS2 for the summer.
my setup<<<<