Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Wheels & Tires Opinions needed: BFGoodrich KDWS vs. KDW

With spring approaching, I need new summer rubber. I really liked the performance of the stock BFG KDW's but hated the noise and TOTAL lack of grip on any snow covered road (got Michelin Arctic Alpin's for that).

I am thinking about the BFG KDWS for the following reasons:
1) Snow grip should be good enough to get me home the few times at the beginning & end of winter when I don't have Arctic Alpin's on.
2) I was very impressed with performance of the stock KDW's

What I want to know from those of you who have KDWS's:
1) Do you like them?
2) How is the performance compared to KDW's?
3) How is the noise?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

I haven't had KDW tire on my car since it came with Goodyears, but I have the KDWS in size 225/50R16 on it now and can report that you will give up little or nothing in performance to gain all season capability. They are also very quiet. I think it is a fabulous tire.

Thanks Jim. Another quick question for you:

Do you have any rubbing problems with the 225/50R16 size?

No rubbing problems at all. I still have the stock suspension and do not intend to lower the car. This tire size is a frequent topic and you would learn wonders by just looking back in the tire forum or by doing a search.

bump

I just put new KDWS tires on the '00 SVT last weekend - 225/50/16. No rubbing. Much less noise than the KDW. Same clumpity clumpity highway feel until the tires warm up. Feel great at high speed (100+). Have not had the opportunity for high cornering speeds yet, but they feel great. No snow yet.

Hmmm, replies are sparse but the ones that did are good.

Thanks guys!

That IS good to know. My next tires will probably be 225/50/16 KDWS. Can't stand the noise of the KDW tires. They sure stick good though!

I really wish Ford supplied the SVT Contour with 16x7 wheels to bring the wheels/tires out to the edge of the fender. Would look a bit better.

Kerry

I've been reading some of the replies. Thanks for the advice. My tour needs new rubber, which has to get purchased this week.

I am thinking about going up to 225 on the stock rim. Would there be any big problems if I went any wider?

Are the KDWS tires Z rated like the KDW's?

Dumb questions which I need answers for.

Help

The KDWS is a W speed rated tire. W is a subset of Z. KDW is Y rated which is also a subset of Z. Y is a higher speed rating the W. W is 168 MPH and Y is 186 MPH. KDW has a slight edge there but I'll never have my car fast enough to worry about it. The 225/50R16 fits my car, but there is no room for anything any wider.