Advice on Bridgestone Potenza tires, please

[stargazer]

Well, I have recieved a major education in tires in the last week...mainly that our stock Goodyears suck. [:0] So I figure I'm gonna just go ahead and get new tires. The research that I've done comes up with the Bridgestone Potenza RE950 as exactly what I need. But I was wondering if anyone had any experience with these, or advice on other tires I should look at.

I'm trying to get away from the ultra-high performance or Z-rated. It's not like I'm racing or auto Xing. And I do have a slightly irrational fear of hydroplaning. The fact that z-rateds only last about 25,000-30,000 miles just seems silly to me. Also, Consumer Reports gave the RE950 a #3 rating for performance all seasons (right under the Falkens and Bridgestone Turanzas, which seem to be z rated)

So, any advice or past experience would be appreciated.

I also have a question on sizes. I have the stock 6" chrome rims (GT). Is it ok if I put 215/45/HR17 on? Is there a chance I can go wider without doing all kinds of mods or buying new wheels? I would just like to arm myself with good, solid PT advice before I talk to another salesperson.

Thanks again...

[budrzgt]

hi

i work for bridgestone/ firestone tires in cali. the re 950 is a great tire, but in extreme cold they do ride stiff. bridgestone just came out with a newer tire call G 009 that is better in colder weather.

yes you can run the 215 45 17 i have a set on my gt. but the ride is alittle stiffer.

pay close attention to the tire overall height. it make a differance in ride and handling.

tire rack.com is a great site for info.


hope i could help BUD

[BB]

When I bought my '03 GT it had Badyears in back and Potenzas up front. About 2 months later I finally got around to buying 2 more Potenzas so I'd have the same tires all the way around. Once I did that, I noticed that the car was quieter and I love the way the car handles. I'd recommend the Potenzas and Tire Rack.
BB

[stargazer]

Thanks so much y'all. Last week, I knew nothing abot tires...and I kinda proud that I figured this out. Thanks for the confirm on my choice.

I have actually found them cheaper at my local Costco than they are at Tire Rack. (Well, they're $10 more, but that includes install, disposal and all that jazz..) I'll get Discount Tire to price match, since they've been pretty helpful in my quest (plus, I trust them more! LOL!)

Oh, and BTW...I had an employee at a local tire place measure my rims. They showed to be 7". [:I] Weird, eh? Are the chromes bigger than the other ones?

[Cal Cruzer]

quote:Originally posted by stargazer

Thanks so much y'all. Last week, I knew nothing abot tires...and I kinda proud that I figured this out. Thanks for the confirm on my choice.

I have actually found them cheaper at my local Costco than they are at Tire Rack. (Well, they're $10 more, but that includes install, disposal and all that jazz..) I'll get Discount Tire to price match, since they've been pretty helpful in my quest (plus, I trust them more! LOL!)

Oh, and BTW...I had an employee at a local tire place measure my rims. They showed to be 7". [:I] Weird, eh? Are the chromes bigger than the other ones?

I had potenzas on another car and they did handle pretty nice but I wore them out faster too so they got a little expensive after a few sets. They are a good tire overall though.

[SteelBlueGT]

Be carefull, if you look at the tire specs for the Bridgestones U see the 6" stock rim is not wide enough for a 45 series 17" tire! The Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 comes in a stock size which is about as wide as those stock wheels will let U go!! The Goodyear is a summer tire good in dry and wet but not snow rated, if that matters to you. BTW my Daughters Neon has had Bridgestone RE950's on her 97 Neon for 35,000 miles and the look real good for around 60,000 miles or about 15,000 more than the stock Goodyear RSA or the Firestones Firehawks SH30's which got around 45,000 miles each but did not handle as well as the Bridgestones. The Firestones were far superior to the Goodyears and the Bridgestones are an upgrade to the Firestones.

[Mike Radowski]

I have always wondered why DC stuck us GT owners with a six inch wheel??? A seven inch would not have made that much of a difference in the price of our cars and would have been much better for the current tire selection.


Mike

[stargazer]

Well, I ended up getting Potenza G009...215/50/17. They look fantastic and drive great! We had some nasty rain the other day, and there was nary a slip even on corners. [8)] I guess we'll see how long they hold up, but if I can get 35,000-40,000 out of them, I'll be a very happy camper.

Unfortunately, I heard a rubbing noise this morning from the front end. [xx(] I haven't heard it before, so I don't think it's the tires (at least I hope not!). It looks like the bottom of the front springs is way closer to the inside of the tires...but I really have no idea. I'll keep you updated.

[SFsGT03]

Please keep us posted on how they work. Thinking on getting the same tire next month. Thanx.

[SteelBlueGT]

Yes,let us know how the tires handle in dry and wet and even snow if you have some! Keep us posted on how they fit and wear. Since I dont care about snow I am leaning toward the Goodyear F1!