Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Wheels & Tires Firestone/Bridgestone

OK. I, like many, am looking to replace a set of worn-out, rough-ass KDWs on my '99 SVT with stock rims. I've done my search, read everything everyone's saying, taken a look through Tirerack, etc, etc, etc. There are a lot of people who are preaching the Yoko A520/Kumho Ecsta/Sumitomo HTR/etc performance level and price range, and then some going on about the Bridgestone S-03 and the Firestone SZ50 EPs, which according to tirerack.com surveys are a bit higher performance and certainly a higher price point, and very highly recommended (about equal marks) for their handling, wear, comfort, etc. I drive hard, but don't get on track much, and have no interest in dragging. I know you get what you pay for, but am I going to be able to use the grip offered by the higher-end tires, or would the others suffice for the street (and cloverleaf)? I don't want to downgrade. I do love the stickiness of the KDWs, and they seem to compete with the Stones. Does anyone actually *have* a set of them, or something comparable, to tell me about? The more opinions, the merrier.

thanks...

Kristuphir

You've probably read a few of my responses preaching about the S-03s. I upgraded to 17s at the same time, but the S-03s are available for the 16s too. My KDWs were in need of replacement anyway and were getting pretty noisy. That was my main complaint about them. It seemed like a no-brainer when upgrading to gain as much as possible. The S-03s were actually cheaper than the 17" KDWs and the SZ-50EP. I had a hard enough time convincing my Dad that Bridgestone made a better tire these days and didn't want to even attempt to convince him that the Firestones were comparable. Especially after the controversay with the Explorers.

That said, I have heard many good reviews of the SZ-50EP and love my S-03s. I would definately buy them again if I had the oppurtunity. How are they on price compared to the KDWs in 16s?

Virtually the same on tirerack.com, if you go for the stock 215/50 size; cheaper if you go for the 225/50.

I've been pricing dealers today, too...ouch! The best price I found for the SZ50s was 50 bucks more () than tirerack's, shipping included in the latter.

Tirerack will consistently be cheaper than most places, I think primarily because it doesn't include instllation and that bs lifetime balance and rotation thing most local places (like the local tire sellers here or Dis Tires) do.

I've ordered from them before, been very happy. BUT, when I got a flat, it was a pain, because it was irepairable, and I had to fight with Tirerack to get a replacement at Discount since it was a month since I had bought them.

eh. . .?

I have the SZ50 non-EPs. They rock. The handling is better than the KDW's, they are much quieter and with a 340+ treadwear rating the EP's will last longer! S 03s have a low tread wear rating, but handle like no other. Some sizes are back ordered! I'm getting another set of SZ50's for my 17's. After having the SZ50 I'll never get another pair of KDWs, they are worth the money!

-Andy

I am on my second set of SZ 50 EP's. Great wet and dry performance tires! Not too noisey and not too harsh. These tires go from the dry to the wet without skipping a beat, even when it just starts to rain these tires are solid!

no complaints on my re730's. i havnt been able to make them break loose or even squeal around a turn. they seem to be wearing well and are quite quiet.

Tirerack doesn't recommend any other size for my stock 99 SVT wheels but the 215 KDW's. Has anyone ran the 225-50-16 bridgestones on stock 99 SVT rims. Have you had any clearance problems? What does it do to speedo and gearing?

There are a good amount of people around here with 225/50's and don't have any problems, and a few who have rubbing issues. On a 99 you have the updated fender well liners, so you should be fine. The stock tire size on 98 SVT's is 205/55, and that will definately fit without issue.

What does putting the 225-50X16's do to your speedometer reading and gear ratio? Are they taller than the 215's or same diameter just fatter? Again these will be mounted on my stock 99 svt rims. Will that make any diff?