Tyre choices on 350Z Roadster

NeilMH

Forum User
I have spent the last couple of days scouring the web for alternatives to the Bridgestone 040s currently fitted to my car. The rears are on the legal limit and I don't fancy mixing so I'm changing them all. I thought I would put the list on here just in case it helps anyone else.

From what I can see, assuming you are running reasonably standard wheels the preferred choices seem to be:

Toyo T1R
Falken 452
Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta
Bridgestone RE050A
Michelin PS2

The Falkens are quite a bit cheaper and attract a lot of good comment. The PS2s seem to be the most highly regarded but are expensive. I have played it a bit safe and managed to source 050As (atz) for £140 each. The consensus seems to be that they will be significantly better than the 040s in terms of wet weather performance, ride quality and road noise. We will see! :unsure:
 
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Arkwright

Inactive
I haven't needed tyres on my 350 yet but I would have no problem with Falkens as I've used them on other cars including my 300 with no problems.

There will always be someone who knows better and swears by another make. At the end of the day it depends how much you want to spend and if you really think that others go around checking the names on your tyrewalls for whatever twisted reason.
 

Paul_S

Club Member
I put Falkens on my 350Z - they worked well for me. The RE050's weren't an option back then but seem to work well on the 370Z.
 

Rob Gaskin

Treasurer
Staff member
Site Administrator
Yes I think Falkens are ok and in fact I advised my mate to fit some to his Mondeo, However I still stick with Continetals as a first class tyre - they perform consistently well in tyre tests.

I've had summer Contis on the front of my 350 and winter Contis on the rear (not at the same time) and couldn't fault them. Also had winter Vredestein very good allrounder.

As Derek says people have favourites and dislikes.
My dislikes: Pirelli atrocious wet weather grip.

I have 050s on my 370 - very noisey.
 
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NeilMH

Forum User
Thanks for all the comments. Although the Continentals didn't particularly feature in the threads I looked at, they always come out very well (mostly top or thereabouts) in general tyre tests etc.

It will be interesting to see what these 050As are like - I was told that the A and the ATZ markings are the significant thing to look out for.

As Arkwright says its quite subjective. There is a particular tyre I used to love on my Caterham not because of its ultimate grip but because of its progressive nature and you could feel what was happening - other people regarded them as the spawn of the devil.

I think that part of it is allowing yourself time to get used to the characteristics of the tyre you have and driving accordingly (anyway that would be the theory!).
 

Rob Gaskin

Treasurer
Staff member
Site Administrator
It will be interesting to see what these 050As are like - I was told that the A and the ATZ markings are the significant thing to look out for.

Yep Bridgestone make 050 (and the 040) for specific cars and they are quite different not just in compund but tread pattern too. 050 are a better tyre than the 040 :thumbs:

For road use I reckon wet wether grip/braking is THE most important thing. Noise and wear-rate are not dangerous and dry weather grip is usually adequate - if you are drifting a 350Z in the dry then it's a good job you aren't going any quicker.
 

NeilMH

Forum User
Yes - because the noise is a relative thing.

Compared with overall noise from a cross-flow engined Caterham with a competition exhaust and two twin choke webbers, the 350z is like a Silver Ghost! I used to arrive at the end of the journey in a strangely spaced out state (my wife says this is normal).

Anyway I like some noise :driving:

Neil
 

martinmac

Inactive
I have a bit of a thing with wheels and change them quite often. As such I have had a fair few different tyre, Falkens, pilot sports, sports max. They are all fine, the 040s were scary though.

If you want a bit of noise stick a Nismo exhaust and some HFCs on it, who needs a stereo.
 

NeilMH

Forum User
I had the 2nd pair of 050As fitted this morning and the tracking checked.

I could feel a difference even on the way back from the tyre place. They seem more planted, the cars seems less "bouncy" and it may be my imagination but they seemed quieter as well.

Neil :)
 
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