First flat tire in my S :(
05-08-2012, 12:12 AM
#41
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I've driven with Sumis on AP2 OEM and on CR suspension, the Star Specs were noticeably better. Like WOWI
I've not yet driven with Star Specs on my CR suspension. I'm guessing even more WOW. My only baseline comparison is driving CR suspension on Sumi's!
05-09-2012, 08:48 AM
#43
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Im a tire tech at a big tire company. I can tell you that Americas Tire Co and Big O won't fix that flat for you because its too close to the sidewall. Pulling the nail and plugging it is not the problem, but the patch has to sit flat in the tread path, and since the patch is about 2 inches half of it would be on the sidewall. The patch could come off the sidewall when flexed also the sidewall is the weakest point of the tire, hence it not being a complete/safe fix. Some small shops may do it but im not sure how sound it would be. I'd have to see it from the inside. i guess they could cut the patch and use a ton of repair sealant...
also ask them to use the 5x114 finger plate when balancing. the cone works fine but the finger plate is the best fit when balancing.
goodluck, enjoy the new rubber
also ask them to use the 5x114 finger plate when balancing. the cone works fine but the finger plate is the best fit when balancing.
goodluck, enjoy the new rubber
05-09-2012, 09:01 AM
#44
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Im a tire tech at a big tire company. I can tell you that Americas Tire Co and Big O won't fix that flat for you because its too close to the sidewall. Pulling the nail and plugging it is not the problem, but the patch has to sit flat in the tread path, and since the patch is about 2 inches half of it would be on the sidewall. The patch could come off the sidewall when flexed also the sidewall is the weakest point of the tire, hence it not being a complete/safe fix. Some small shops may do it but im not sure how sound it would be. I'd have to see it from the inside. i guess they could cut the patch and use a ton of repair sealant...
I wouldn't go with those sumi's, the RS3 and star specs are actually really similar. The star specs get a bad rep sometimes but im not sure why, its a nice tread design, pretty inexpensive, GREAT grip. the only flaw is that it has kind of weak side walls, they flex quite a bit. Before they install them ask if you can squeeze the sidewall of the RS3's and Dunlops, see which one you like more. Americas tire co should have both in stock.
also ask them to use the 5x114 finger plate when balancing. the cone works fine but the finger plate is the best fit when balancing.
goodluck, enjoy the new rubber
I wouldn't go with those sumi's, the RS3 and star specs are actually really similar. The star specs get a bad rep sometimes but im not sure why, its a nice tread design, pretty inexpensive, GREAT grip. the only flaw is that it has kind of weak side walls, they flex quite a bit. Before they install them ask if you can squeeze the sidewall of the RS3's and Dunlops, see which one you like more. Americas tire co should have both in stock.
also ask them to use the 5x114 finger plate when balancing. the cone works fine but the finger plate is the best fit when balancing.
goodluck, enjoy the new rubber
I had worried that the proximity to the sidewall would prohibit them from patching. I definitely want the tire to be safe, given my driving style. Any idea what the market is for a single 50% used non-patched Sumitomo HTRZ-III would be. I imagine most potential buyers would want to buy two tires, not one.
America's tire does not stock the RS3's or Star Specs, or the Sumitomos (at least the Walnut Creek one doesn't). I've already purchased the Star Specs through Tire Rack and had them drop shipped, so I'm sticking with them this time around.
I'll make that special request for the balancing equipment. America's tire typically tries to charge extra for "lifetime balancing". I always say "no" and get a small discount because I've never had a tire come out of balance.
05-09-2012, 09:22 AM
#46
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Originally Posted by eklipz98' timestamp='1336582897' post='21683063
Any idea what the market is for a single 50% used non-patched Sumitomo HTRZ-III would be. I imagine most potential buyers would want to buy two tires, not one.
They are $120/each on tirerack.com new
LOL, so maybe $50?
05-09-2012, 09:26 AM
#47
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Originally Posted by tkeyyy' timestamp='1336583925' post='21683140
[quote name='eklipz98' timestamp='1336582897' post='21683063']
Any idea what the market is for a single 50% used non-patched Sumitomo HTRZ-III would be. I imagine most potential buyers would want to buy two tires, not one.
Any idea what the market is for a single 50% used non-patched Sumitomo HTRZ-III would be. I imagine most potential buyers would want to buy two tires, not one.
They are $120/each on tirerack.com new
LOL, so maybe $50?
[/quote]
yea i wasn't sure of what tires you had. had a feeling it was 255 haha.
05-09-2012, 09:59 AM
#50
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Im a tire tech at a big tire company. I can tell you that Americas Tire Co and Big O won't fix that flat for you because its too close to the sidewall. Pulling the nail and plugging it is not the problem, but the patch has to sit flat in the tread path, and since the patch is about 2 inches half of it would be on the sidewall. The patch could come off the sidewall when flexed also the sidewall is the weakest point of the tire, hence it not being a complete/safe fix. Some small shops may do it but im not sure how sound it would be. I'd have to see it from the inside. i guess they could cut the patch and use a ton of repair sealant...
I wouldn't go with those sumi's, the RS3 and star specs are actually really similar. The star specs get a bad rep sometimes but im not sure why, its a nice tread design, pretty inexpensive, GREAT grip. the only flaw is that it has kind of weak side walls, they flex quite a bit. Before they install them ask if you can squeeze the sidewall of the RS3's and Dunlops, see which one you like more. Americas tire co should have both in stock.
also ask them to use the 5x114 finger plate when balancing. the cone works fine but the finger plate is the best fit when balancing.
goodluck, enjoy the new rubber
I wouldn't go with those sumi's, the RS3 and star specs are actually really similar. The star specs get a bad rep sometimes but im not sure why, its a nice tread design, pretty inexpensive, GREAT grip. the only flaw is that it has kind of weak side walls, they flex quite a bit. Before they install them ask if you can squeeze the sidewall of the RS3's and Dunlops, see which one you like more. Americas tire co should have both in stock.
also ask them to use the 5x114 finger plate when balancing. the cone works fine but the finger plate is the best fit when balancing.
goodluck, enjoy the new rubber
Are you sure you are referring to the Z1 Star Specs and not the DZ101s?
Here's a review by Psychoazn he thinks the sidewalls are stiffer in the Z1's than the RS3's. I've never seen the RS3's though and so can't really comment.