falken zeix ze512

[severous01]

just got some falkens. i'm not too happy i couldnt find a better deal on better tires but i must admit that i am impressed with them so far.

i got 195/60/15 because i didnt want 'eco-tires'. and they were better priced since there's more options.

any way, they are much more quiet than the stock potenza's. they seem squishy but that may be the fact that they're just a little bit taller. they handle well, are predictable, quiet, very good treadwear rating, good traction rating, and they're summer tires. here in S.E. TX we dont need all-seasons....we only have 3 seasons any way. i need tires for high amounts of rain, and these seem to do the job well.

i'll do another review i suppose in a few months after i get some miles on them. i hope they stay quiet. i generally do about 60mph at max unless i'm passing or getting on the freeway. but the potenza's were absolute trash...loud, hard as a rock, and did not last very long.

[Klink10]

Got some on my Honda rims. I like them.

[enviri]

i love the 512s. they handle beautifully and very predictable when at the limits. Every pair i had i loved. Just dont get the 912s lol. those are baad.

[severous01]

well, they were cheap. an i'm happy with them now, i hope they keep up. but i found some junkyard rims on a total'd saturn. yay me. 100 bucks in 15" only bad thin is they have some goofy center caps. i may have to do something about that.

[Thirty-Nine]

I had 512s and liked 'em. I've got 912s on now, and they've worn very fast. I'd say I've got about 20,000 miles on them and I'm down to about 3/32 of tread. Decent tire, just don't expect tons of miles out of them.

[SeriousBlack]

Are the 912's really that brutal. I'm looking for a 195/50/16 or 205/50/16 tire in a tire with the Hankook Ventus V12's performance, but they only come in 17" or higher sizes. I'd have gone for the Falken 912's but have read several reviews about their premature wear. This true? Anything else wrong with them? How are they on wet roads/heavy rain?

Any suggestions on a similar tire that comes in the above sizing?

[Thirty-Nine]

Are the 912's really that brutal. I'm looking for a 195/50/16 or 205/50/16 tire in a tire with the Hankook Ventus V12's performance, but they only come in 17" or higher sizes. I'd have gone for the Falken 912's but have read several reviews about their premature wear. This true? Anything else wrong with them? How are they on wet roads/heavy rain?

Any suggestions on a similar tire that comes in the above sizing?

Well, I can tell you they wear fast for sure.

As far as traction, I live in the ultra-rainy Pacific Northwest, and bought them because they're supposed to be decent in the rain--and they are. Honestly, if they lasted longer, I'd get another set. Probably move to a summer tire next, though since I have a set of winter tires for the cold months.

[SeriousBlack]

I can get some 512s in the 195/50/16 size - seems the ideal size to avoid rub with my 16X7 (40 offset) rims and 1.4" drop. Question, though:

Will this size offer sufficient traction or is a 205/45/16 a better option (w/o rub, that is)? I believe the 205/45/16 has a smaller diameter but it's the width that concerns me.

I'd love to hear from anyone with the 205/45/16 fitment and the above offset/drop.

[SeriousBlack]

I believe the following dimensions (inches) for these tire sizes apply (Width/Diameter/Sidewall Height):

195/50/16: (7.68 / 23.68 / 3.84)

205/45/16: (8.07 / 23.26 / 3.63)

205/50/16: (8.07 / 24.07 / 4.04)

Many threads suggest a 205/50/16 will rub with some drop, back seat or cargo load, or on a bumpy road. I understand the 195/50/16 is the "ideal" size, but both tire choice and prices become an issue.

I like the look and traction of a wider tire on our car. I'm not into hub spacers or rolling my fenders. That's why I'd go for the 205/45/16. I guess the $10 question is whether an 8.07" wide tire on a ET40 rim will rub? Comments? :help:

[enviri]

im on 195/50/16s on 16x7+40 on MI springs and i get rub action. :/

i have to install my camber bolts in the near future...I always put them off..

[SeriousBlack]

I believe the MI springs have a 1.8 drop so I'm hoping I won't have the same issues. :iono:

[severous01]

well, you'll get more traction the wider you go. you'll also notice more steering effort, shorter braking distances (assuming you dont go too heavy on the wheels), less mileage per gallon because of scrubbing/weight, and likely better slalom times due to traction.

but, it's all dependant on what you're doing with the car. i wouldnt put racing wheels/tires on the street because it's just pointless unless you're street racing. i always have stuff in the trunk so it sliding around and destroying itself just isnt worth the price to me. i'd rather have a good medium of all than high traction and low mileage all the time. i drive, i dont race so mileage is more important than traction to me

on another note, the tires themselves are much more expensive than a normal v or h rated tire...or even an r rated tire. again it all depends on what you want, what you're doing with it, and how much money you have.