The tire rack has BFG g-force KDWs in 245/45zr16 for $124 each. I know Andi Baritchi has the KDs on his 500hp Supra and really likes them. The added 'w' stands for wet traction. Are these tires as good as the KDs? I'm looking at Potenza S0s as well for $151 each. The BFG do come with a G-tech free w/a set of four, which is an added bonus.

So which to you guys think? What with my anticipated power gain (IC/mp) soon, I need some good rubber in the back...

 

I have also been considering the g-force KDWs but can't find a scrap of info on them other than the survey on the TireRack. The survey makes them look good but my guess is that most of the responces are from Ford Contour SVT owners and that is only one car and it comes with those tires so how are these people comparing them to other tires on the same car? I bet they aren't, so much of the survey in my mind might be the SVT compared to their other cars. My other options are the RE 730s or for a bit of all season performance, the P-7000 Super Sports.

 

the KD's and the KDW's are not the same... not even close as far as I can tell.... and now that I've said that, I completely forgot why I came to that conclusion (I was looking at the KDW's a few weeks ago - and comparing)... I believe that they are very different compounds, and the KD's have a stronger sidewall - but I could be (and probably am) mistaken.

And if you're looking at $151/tire on the S-02's, you might want to consider Perelli P-Zero's or Michilene Pilot Sport MXX3's - they are about the same price, and a damn stiff tire (read: non-flexy sidewall -> excellent response). I learned something this weekend: the higher the weight rating on the tire is (as in, the more weight that it can hold) - the stiffer the sidewall, and therefore, the quicker the response.

The Bridgestone RE-730's have weak sidewalls, and you'll wear down the shoulder super fast if you like going around corners at high speeds.

Stay away from Nitto. blech. granted, I haven't tried the 555's, but the 450's feel like you're driving on silly putty. Same thing with the Kumo Ecsta (I've had these on my MR2 - they're both horrible for cornering).

keep in mind that tires are your only point of contact with the road and will make a HUGE difference in the way your car feels & reacts - even on the straights & especially in the corners. I think a lot of people gloss over tire selection, or go for cosmetics. To me, this seems like this is the place for business only - who cares what it looks like - just make sure it performs.

edit: I wouldn't trust most of the survey results on the tire rack simply because most people that change tires do so because their old tires are worn out, hence poor performers. Of course a brand new tire will feel better than a tire with 2/32 tread left after 25K miles... notice that almost all the reposnses are positive? My guess is that, for the most part, they are positive for that reason.

 

without a doubt the S02's are the best affordable street tire out there