Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Wheels & Tires Yet another search for tires - options inside. Luke, any experience w/ the RE950?

I run the RE730 in 205/55R16 on E0 wheels. I am very happy with them. Road noise isn't excessive (meaning I can't hear it over my exhaust), they are very predictable as far as breaking loose. They are slightly worse in wet handling compared to my last set (Firehawk SZ-50), but I was running a lot less powerful motor at that time. Still, it isn't too hard to break them loose in the wet if I try, even with the Quaife. I only have about 7000 miles on this set, so I can't comment on wear. They also have rim guards on the sidewall.

this is the search i did in sept tire search

Before I can offer an opinion there are a few questions in order for me to determine which tire I would recommend you use because not everybodys needs are the same

1. location / weather ?
2. any competition use ?
3. aggressive driving is what to you ?
4. any additional mods that affect the tires?
5. budget ?

Luke

1. Charlotte, NC / not worried about snow

2. no competition use, that's what i have used KDWs for.

3. aggressive driving? hmm. I do a few hard launches here and there, take corners quick (I.E. as fast as I can) once in a while, but overall, I'm not a aggressive driver unless I'm in the mood. (couple of times a week, aggression lasts about 2 mins)

4. additional mods? 17x7 wheels, 40mm offset, car is lowered w/ Eibachs and Koni shocks

5. budget - I'd like to squeeze under $600 for the set, including shipping. ($150 a tire, shipped)

What I'm really looking for is a tire that has good wet and dry grip, will take the occasional abuse (no competition, auto-x), will last for a bit, and isn't too pricey.

So, my first choice is the RE950 if it can take the occasional abuse, if not, then I'm leaning towards the RE730.

EDIT: just read a lot of reviews on the RE730, and looks like a lot of people complain about how noisy they are. Some say it's it gets very bad when they start to wear... Arrggh... Lotsa complaints on that. I'm torn...

Any way you can get me those KDWs for the same price as the RE950s??? Or if the SZ50s go on sale any time soon for $139 again....

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks Luke.

John

JVT,

Recieved the 950's for my wifes 626 last night.....

She originally had some Potenza RE92's if I read the sidewall right they still have 85% tread on them but Hydroed and couldn't bite worth a poop.

I can tell i Like the 950's a lot better.
Even after the initial mounting and balancing, and the silcon "coating" on the wheel the gripped a hell of a lot better.

I took it on HWY 5 which has some nice Twisties....Well with the 92's the "@ss" would swing out (yes on a FWD vehicle) pretty hard.

With the 950's did a hell of a lot better at 10mph more then what i normally would take that turn at in her car.

The tread design looks pretty modern and nice. and HAD a REALLY quiet ride.
of course, I am deaf and don't think the KDW's are "that" loud.

Hope this helps with your search.
Over all I would reccommend them,
If i get Rims for my car, I am Really considering these if I can never get the S3's

my 2 cents

one other note, the only thing that may deter me is the H speed rating....

but this is a 626 so who are we kidding.

But on the SVT i don't know if i would with any thing less then a Y or Z

Just through on the Kumhos $78.00 each for 225-50-16. The are pretty good so far, quieter then KDW quicker turn in. A little taller side wall made my car ride a lot nicer, not sure if I like the looks as much. Wish I had went 225-45-16 $2.00 more but would had to have waited for them to ship.

Tires cost too damn much and wear too fast the Kumhos have a great wear rating and cost peanuts compared to the others.

BIGFISHE,

thanks for the update, I really appreciate it.

John

NP, looks like we may be getting some rain soon will give you wet performance impressions then.

I have the RE730's on mine and they were great at first(and still are) EXCEPT they are getting louder and louder. It's starting to get irritating but I decided to live with it by turning up the radio. :rolleyes: They sound like a monster truck coming down the road. They are an excellent performer in the dry and ok in the rain but I can't recommend them.