sorry for the noobness. i tried searching but there is so much information to tread through that i'm getting myself confused. not to mention everyone's application is different.

so i gave up trying to find 245/45/16 tires for the rear since the selection is dismal. i'm looking for the stock sizes. my driving will be consist of spirted driving and will be participating in a few track days (1-2 events a year). my main concern will be rain performance as i'm located in seattle and this is my daily driver. i'm hoping they will last a bit longer as well.

choices are:
dunlop sport maxx
Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec
BF Goodrich g-Force T/A KDW
Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2
anything else you guys recommend

 

Hello.
I've been looking for tires with your same specification since I live in tropical area and weather changes alot.

Jim @ tirerack.com helped me out suggesting hankook Ventus, which, after searching around here, seems a pretty decent tire for /wet/dry condition and price is very acceptable, considering I bought 18"

 

I would look at the Dunlop Star Spec for how the car is going to be used. They are a couple steps ahead of the other tires you mention. There are other options with better wet traction but they are not going to give the same level of handling. The Bridgestone RE050A Pole Position is going to give you the best combination of wet and dry performance.
If I can help with the tires let me know.

 

Forget the stickie regarding the supposed "need" for 245/45-16 tires. Oh, you already did

I'm on StarSpecs now, and I have to say they give the greatest raining/wet performance I've ever experienced at the track. That said, hydroplaning resistance probably isn't going to be as good as some other tires. But I've never had any problems with this throughout the ~5000 street miles (and one very wet track day!) or so I put on mine this past Spring-Fall.

If $$$ is at all a factor, I think they're your best bet.

If you want some more insurance against hydroplaning, for more miles, RE050A PP or Goodyear F1 GS-D3. More $$$ though...

 

Continental extremecontact DW are also an option.

 

hmm for now i think i'm going to go with the star specs. we'll see if i change my mind.

 

Hi, I have the Kumho KU31 as a daily tire on my AP1. These tire are very cheap to own and last forever. Due to the deep tread and aggressive pattern, I found them very good at heavy rain. However I don't attend any track day, can't comment on that. When I were purchasing these tires, my goal was to use it daily. My previous set was the RE 01R, they were amazing on dry and took the car to another level. RE01R out do my driving skills, created many scary moment. If the tail starts to break lose with the RE01R, quick reaction needed to correct the car. As the car and I aged, I do enjoy the KU31 with quieter and softer ride than RE01R.