Down to 4 Tyre Options

[Removed user as requested]

335/35/ZR17s - Michelin Pilot

335/35/ZR17s - Pirelli PZero

345/35/ZR15s - Pirelli PZeros

335/35/VR15s - Michelin


Which of these will produce the best performance for cornering?

From all the reviews/surveys on Tire Rack, it seems the Michelins have more cornering ability, more dry traction, better comfort, longer life etc than the Pirellis. Basically I found on their that the Pilots beat the Pirellis in every aspect (especialy noise).

The Pilots (335/35/ZR17s) are $220 while the Pirelli equivalent are $505. Why on earth are they 300 more when the Pilots seem to be 'better' performing?

Anyone got experience here?

On the other note... given tall side walls means side wall flex and thus not as good and hence why people go 17"+ Wheels, the 345 and 335 offered by both Pirelli and Michelin are a low profile tire for 15" wheels. To me this means less weight in the wheel and low profile to not get the side wall flex. Yes it means less brake can fit but my car will be 800kg so I doubt it will need 13" brakes.

Can someone give me some feedback on these and what is the best performing option, not the best price option cause those 345 pirellis are 700 each so price is out the window.

If the 17s still end up being the best, who makes 17x12" wheels? I dont care what cost they are, I just want light weight wheels for performance in 17x12" sizes.

[Bryce]

I would suggest looking at slip angle graphs for all tires you are interested in. Then compare that to your suspension characteristics and body roll at different g-levels etc.....

Do any of those tires need to be warm or hot to work the best?

A larger outside diameter tire will have a larger footprint than a smaller outside diameter tire.

What diameter tire was you suspension and chassis designed for?

A lot of people make 17 x 12" wheels, especially if money is no object. New Gen, forgeline, fikse, hydyne, CCW, BBS etc... I know I missed a lot.

What do you conisder a light weight wheel? If 15lbs is light then you make need to look at a full on race wheel.

I also would suggest sizing the tire width to what you need not what fits. More is not always better. If you have a 40 pound 345 tire you might acutally be faster going to a 25 pound 275 tire. Unless you need all that tire for traction.

[Removed user as requested]

Thanks for the feedback, the GT40 needs to get built. So I assume it can be built to fit whatever I want. This is why I want to decide on my wheel/tyre package so the car can get built around it.

It will probbably run a small block motor for more weight saving than the 427ci BB. Also it will be 500HP. I assume 335s will be needed considering Dodge Vipers ran them with 420 hp + they look good.

I checked Forgeline but whatever shape I liked is only available 18-20. Same goes with CCW (305a wheel). I call under 20 lbs each light. May be 17-18-19, does not neccessarily have to be 15 especialy if that wont be streetable safely.

[BFG Man]

Alot of it might be just demand. Michelin is a french company but those tires are made in South Carolina. Not sure if Pirelli has any plants in the US but that will drive the cost up also. I work in a BFG plant and I've seen how these tires are built. They are extremely tight toleranced.

[AutoX_a_Truck?]

Have you considered the Kumho Ecsta XS?

I run their 335/35/17 and 315/35/17 on my truck. The XS has a bunch of grip and is reasonably priced.

[firebob]

I'd scratch the Michelin Sports off the list. I have a set that are still slightly above the wear bars. These things are like driving on ice. 245/40/17s on 8" rims. Very twitchy and virtually no grip. Really good drifting tires. There's many different Pilot Sport styles. I hate them. x2 on the Kuhmo XS even if they will wear out in a year. Or the Nitto nt555s if you want something a little longer lasting.

Robert