Book's vehicles thread: Now with Two Different Wheels-Post 339
- Thread starter TheBook
- 342 comments
- 55,941 views
- 3,948
- Sturgis, MI
- GTP_ty00123
I would know. I'll put it this way: I had to learn to like The Tank. Not that it was a bad vehicle, mind you, but me and it just didn't mesh right. Me and this one do mesh right... hopefully, nothing bad happens to it.
Quick question on tires, too: Stock, my tires are 185/65R14's. Could I get away with running a slightly wider/lower-profile tire, say, a 205/60R14?
- 8,480
- P_Balance
A 205/60/14 would be excessive, and would bulge out a lot. I would try a 195/60/14.
- 3,948
- Sturgis, MI
- GTP_ty00123
If I could afford it at the time, I'll probably go with Azure's idea. One, because I don't like the look of the steelies, and two, I'd get better handling. Unfortunately, going that route is probably more than twice as expensive as just getting a new set of tires. I'll look at my bank account and decide later.
Well, she got her first wash, ColorX-ing, and waxing under my hands today. Couple pics here from that.
The obligatory GTP sign-
On the roof after it was all said and done- (Yes, that's The Tank in the background; the buyer still hasn't picked it up...)
Oh gods, my face on teh interwebs...
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Well, she got her first wash, ColorX-ing, and waxing under my hands today. Couple pics here from that.
The obligatory GTP sign-
On the roof after it was all said and done- (Yes, that's The Tank in the background; the buyer still hasn't picked it up...)
Oh gods, my face on teh interwebs...
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- 2,185
- Indianapolis
- GTP_ranhammerR34
- RadCoronet5651
Congrats Ty for joining the joys of ZX2 ownership! 
If you want to know my opinion, you could keep the standard wheel size because there are a ton of great looking 14x6.5 wheels in the market today. For example, I have a set of Motegi MR7 Wheel (silver) on my car right now and they look pretty nice. As for tires, it depends on what you want to do. Everyday driving... I would just go to one of the Wal-Mart Tire and Lube Expresses in the area (btw I used to live in Angola, IN, so I know the area pretty well 
). Go buy the Goodyear Viva 2 P185/65/R14 Tires for 69.96 (includes get there road hazard warranty, too) per tire, and go from there. Good exhaust system? Ah the only one that was made for it was by Monza Exhaust.. of course you could make your own! 
Problems that I know about the car (I have had mine for 9 years)... parts for my black knight are expensive...
First off, this car is not an lemon. Thermostats are problematic (easiest solution: get it changed out and keep the coolant changed every two years). Then there is the timing and serpentine belts... you will not change them yourself unless 1) you have your own lift where you can lower the engine bay out and work on it... 2) a special tool that costs an arm and leg (I can't remember but people were shelling out close 200 big ones for one!).. 3) Time consuming as hell. Struts are expensive, big warning here, and oh its a 4 wheel independent suspension car, so it will need a 4-wheel alignment once in while. Other than those drawbacks, I can't see any others. Don't let the joyfulness bliss of the slushbox fool you! I think that trans axle/engine combo is underrated for being fun to drive. I love mine because I have driven it from Indianapolis to the Gulf Coast of Alabama, and back without any troubles. I love my car and I think you will love yours. Have fun with the car!
Later! 👍 Randy
If you want to know my opinion, you could keep the standard wheel size because there are a ton of great looking 14x6.5 wheels in the market today. For example, I have a set of Motegi MR7 Wheel (silver) on my car right now and they look pretty nice. As for tires, it depends on what you want to do. Everyday driving... I would just go to one of the Wal-Mart Tire and Lube Expresses in the area (btw I used to live in Angola, IN, so I know the area pretty well ). Go buy the Goodyear Viva 2 P185/65/R14 Tires for 69.96 (includes get there road hazard warranty, too) per tire, and go from there. Good exhaust system? Ah the only one that was made for it was by Monza Exhaust.. of course you could make your own! Problems that I know about the car (I have had mine for 9 years)... parts for my black knight are expensive...First off, this car is not an lemon. Thermostats are problematic (easiest solution: get it changed out and keep the coolant changed every two years). Then there is the timing and serpentine belts... you will not change them yourself unless 1) you have your own lift where you can lower the engine bay out and work on it... 2) a special tool that costs an arm and leg (I can't remember but people were shelling out close 200 big ones for one!).. 3) Time consuming as hell. Struts are expensive, big warning here, and oh its a 4 wheel independent suspension car, so it will need a 4-wheel alignment once in while. Other than those drawbacks, I can't see any others. Don't let the joyfulness bliss of the slushbox fool you! I think that trans axle/engine combo is underrated for being fun to drive. I love mine because I have driven it from Indianapolis to the Gulf Coast of Alabama, and back without any troubles. I love my car and I think you will love yours. Have fun with the car!
Later! 👍 Randy
- 3,948
- Sturgis, MI
- GTP_ty00123
Thanks for the congratulations... and for the warning.
This one needs a serpentine belt (it's starting to crack)... why do I get a feeling that could turn really expensive?
And as for wheels, if I do get a new set, I'll probably go with the 15'' size. It won't cost me much more, anyway, if I'm going that route.
And minor update: It's only a sensor that went out... unfortunately, said sensor is for the radiator fan.
(Or not... light went off today. False alarm...)
This one needs a serpentine belt (it's starting to crack)... why do I get a feeling that could turn really expensive?
And as for wheels, if I do get a new set, I'll probably go with the 15'' size. It won't cost me much more, anyway, if I'm going that route.
And minor update: It's only a sensor that went out... unfortunately, said sensor is for the radiator fan.
(Or not... light went off today. False alarm...)
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- 27,219
- United Kingdom
- 3,948
- Sturgis, MI
- GTP_ty00123
I'm seriously thinking about a set of BF Goodrich Traction T/A's. I've driven with them before (there's a set on the family car), and they seem to be pretty good tires. Only thing is that they're fairly expensive, and that would be compounded by a new set of wheels. If I have the money, though, that will probably be the way I'll go.
- 3,948
- Sturgis, MI
- GTP_ty00123
Find the cheapest tires that last longest. Don't get caught up in names and numbers, especially if you only have experience with one tire..
Well, I don't exactly have experience with one tire, more like eight (two driver's training cars, two sets on the PT, one on The Tank, and three on the Escort...yes, the Escort has three different sets of tires on it right now).
In all seriousness, though, i see it as a bit of a triangle, where if the tire is x and y, it can't be z.
Cheap+long lasting=no grip
Cheap+grippy=not long lasting
Grippy+long lasting=not cheap (I'd rather have a set of these)
I understand where you're coming from, but it's just not really what I'm looking for.
- 3,948
- Sturgis, MI
- GTP_ty00123
Ownership update...
In a nutshell, still love it. Seats are still comfy, still drives very well, and has enough guts for me to still have a bit of fun.
Got the belt replaced at the shop I work at. Cost me about 50 dollars and half an hour-and I got to watch. CEL was a false alarm, too.
Noticed today that I only have 3 of 4 lugnuts on one wheel. No idea how the other one came off, but I'm stopping by the parts store tomorrow for another one.
Other little niggles: heat kinda sucks, stereo sounds like crap/no CD player, and the brakes fade easily (is this common, or a real problem?)
Things I need to do:
Couple more pics to come later, when I get around to uploading them.
In a nutshell, still love it. Seats are still comfy, still drives very well, and has enough guts for me to still have a bit of fun.
Got the belt replaced at the shop I work at. Cost me about 50 dollars and half an hour-and I got to watch. CEL was a false alarm, too.
Noticed today that I only have 3 of 4 lugnuts on one wheel. No idea how the other one came off, but I'm stopping by the parts store tomorrow for another one.
Other little niggles: heat kinda sucks, stereo sounds like crap/no CD player, and the brakes fade easily (is this common, or a real problem?)
Things I need to do:
- buy new lugnut and get on there
- flush transmission fluid/change filter
- new tires/wheels
- pretty sure new brake pads (and maybe rotors) will be needed soon
- upgrade the audio system (new head unit and speakers)
Couple more pics to come later, when I get around to uploading them.
- 2,235
- Norway
I think the GTi might have a bit fewer miles. Just maybe. First cars are generally older, thus the issues with them. The GTi is practically new.
I think it comes back down that funny looking badge on the front
For real, plus new electronic crap that goes wrong doesn't really help on reliability either.. The older the car, the less can go wrong
- 3,948
- Sturgis, MI
- GTP_ty00123
For real, plus new electronic crap that goes wrong doesn't really help on reliability either.. The older the car, the less can go wrong
I know; unfortunately, old usually equals tons of miles.
Temp gauge has been showing some goofy things... it runs a bit like you would expect an air-cooled to be. Sitting at a light for a while, the gauge goes to about the middle. When I'm running at 55 MPH, though, it's down very close to the "cold" mark. Would a thermostat have anything to do with that?
A) Nor is mine. I really don't mind though.
B) I got lucky and scored one with fairly low miles, only 81,9xx when I bought it.
C) Same with mine. Although I know where mine are.
D) Mine at least work, although all I have is a cassette player and really bad speakers.
I really don't care; I'm driving, and that's all that really matters.
On The Tank, it was the switch to the blower motor not working. There was hot air coming out of the vents, but it wasn't being blown out.
- 3,948
- Sturgis, MI
- GTP_ty00123
Dunno if I can really double post at this point, but it's not too worrisome.
Anywho, I might have made a decision on a wheel/tire combination. 205/55R15 Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S tires mounted on 15x7 Kosei K1 Racing wheels. The total: $1,097.28. Owie.
Is this good, or are there similar quality tires for a bit less money?
Anywho, I might have made a decision on a wheel/tire combination. 205/55R15 Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S tires mounted on 15x7 Kosei K1 Racing wheels. The total: $1,097.28. Owie.
Is this good, or are there similar quality tires for a bit less money?
Joey D
Premium
- 47,534
- Lakes of the North, MI
- GTP_Joey
- GTP Joey
Exalto's are pricey as hell, you probably should look at something else. I mean they are what $140 a tire or something?
What about Continental ContiExtremeContact's?
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes&place=0
The MINI crowd swears by them and I'm considering a set myself.
What about Continental ContiExtremeContact's?
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes&place=0
The MINI crowd swears by them and I'm considering a set myself.
- 3,948
- Sturgis, MI
- GTP_ty00123
Hm. Look to be about the same as what I'm considering.
I went to Discount Tire's website (Dad swears by them, I dunno why), and found another halfway decent combo for about $250 less. 205/50R15 Yokohama S.Drive tires ($91 a piece) on Drag DR-17 wheels ($95 a piece). Grand total, out-the-door: $872.98. Once I get the money together, should be worth a shot.
I went to Discount Tire's website (Dad swears by them, I dunno why), and found another halfway decent combo for about $250 less. 205/50R15 Yokohama S.Drive tires ($91 a piece) on Drag DR-17 wheels ($95 a piece). Grand total, out-the-door: $872.98. Once I get the money together, should be worth a shot.
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- 17,865
- 509
Wow, those are way too much for way too little tire. Also, what is the OEM size, because honestly, you'll find way more selection in 205/50/15. Which, seeing as Tire rack recommends 195/55/15, the 205/50 makes much more sense.
Now, what do you need these tires to do. What weather do you plan to drive them in? And are you keeping your old wheels for snow tires?
The Autocross/Street tires I have on the Spyder are $89 each at Tire Rack. The Kosei K1's are $115 each. Total from Tire Rack is $816 before shipping.
Now, what do you need these tires to do. What weather do you plan to drive them in? And are you keeping your old wheels for snow tires?
The Autocross/Street tires I have on the Spyder are $89 each at Tire Rack. The Kosei K1's are $115 each. Total from Tire Rack is $816 before shipping.
- 3,948
- Sturgis, MI
- GTP_ty00123
- 3,948
- Sturgis, MI
- GTP_ty00123
Unfortunately, the only thing that Discount carries (and I can't order from Tire Rack) is the Azenis. They're the same price (although the Yokohamas have a $40 rebate when you buy a set of 4), and have a treadwear rating of 200. They don't even have the XS or RE-11R in my area.
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- 17,865
- 509
Why can't you order from Tire Rack? I just had them ship me my XS and then had them mounted by a local shop. The RT-615 isn't bad, but it does suffer from heat over extended periods of extreme driving as they were designed more for short auto-cross type runs rather than sustained hard driving like the XS or RE-11R
