88GT

but also note the KD is a "Max Performance Dry Summer Tire" so "*** in the wet" would be correct. It's not meant to be a Max Performance Wet Tire(huh). So the comparo is Apples to Oranges. Those tires shouldn't be listed together. Tire Rack is very helpful in helping determine which tire may be best for you but take it all with a grain of salt. Driving conditions, styles etc etc.. will be different from yours in the end. I'm not certain what you mean by "then they shouldn't be comparing them to the bald ones they just had removed" Anyway trial and error is the way to go. Whichever fits your budget and/or driving style. Opinions vary so who's to say who is wrong. Peace!

SleepR1

Yeah, those Tire Rack results are based on owner's accounts which may not be scientifically derived, nor statistically sound.

ptrhahn

iTrader: (9)

The KDW is basically a dual purpose tire, and all of those are compromised to some degree IMHO.

The KD is a summer tire that is really only for one purpose: dry grip. Beyond the owners survey, the Rack does track test tires, and I believe the KD ran the quickest lap times of any street tire by at least 2/10s over a roughy 30-sec. lap. That would be almost a full second over the best rival street tire over a two-minute lap.

I have heard estimates though that figure that an "R" compount tire like an A032 might be upwards of 4-secs per lap quicker than the average street tire over a 2-minute lap, so that might still suggest upwards of a 3-sec per/lap gap to the KD. I'd like to see this put to the test, but the rack doesn't directly compare tires of different categories

SleepR1

I'd still like to get a weight on a 255/40-17 BFG KD tire.

BFGRX7

iTrader: (2)

Sorry about the delay. I'm in training 7:30am-6pm. I'll contact one of the engineers Fri. for info on that size.

~M

88GT

I'm not right on but I would guess a 255/40/17 tire would be about 27-29 pounds.

SleepR1

Yeah, that's heavy for a 2750-lb car. I guess that's why Vettes and Cobra Rs run these tires?

ptrhahn

iTrader: (9)

Most R-compound 255/40/17 are around 26 lbs. For the ****-retentives on this forum (self included) the difference between 27 and 29 lbs is big... especially after you just paid $600 per/wheel to save a pound and a half. :-)

BFGRX7

iTrader: (2)

Here are some of the sizes I was able to get on break.

KDs
245/45-17 - 26.02lbs
255/40-17 - 27.03
265/35-18 - 28.45
285/30-18 - 27.70
KDWs
245/45-17 - 26.92lbs
255/40/17 - 27.15
265/35-18 - 25.36
285/30-18 - 27.70

Getting back to the issue of unsprung weight, I think you'd have to consider the application. For example, if you're autocrossing, chances are the event will most likely take place in a parking lot which tend to be smooth thus making making compression/rebound frequency less a factor. On the other hand, if you tend to do lapping days on a less than well maintained race track, I could see and understand your concerns. I'm actually placing 265/35-18s on my FD in about 2 weeks (waiting on the rims to get here). They may be a little heavier than A FEW the competitions but I can expect a slightly softer ride around town. This is where more unsprung weight can be a friend to the backside! Please do not think that I'm trying to push anything-by all means go for what you like. I just wanted to contribute. Hope this helps.

~M

ArcWelder

Thanks for the info, but some of the weights don't make sense.

ex. KD 265/35-18 - 28.45 >>>KD 285/30-18 - 27.70
KDW 265/35-18 - 25.36>>>KDW 285/30-18 - 27.70

Mark

SleepR1

BFGRX7, thanks for taking the time to list those weights! We appreciate it! Size 255/40-17....BFG KDs @ 27 lbs, P-Zeros Asimmetricos @ 23 lbs. Choice is pretty clear for me

SleepR1

Must be a sidewall thing, Mark. I'm amazed the 255/40-17 Asimmetrico actually weigh less than the 225/50-16 size (by 0.4 lbs!) LOL

BFGRX7

iTrader: (2)

Arc, some of the weights didn't make sense to me either! The info I was told was that some tires have specific applications, say for heavier cars. There are certain adjustments made to the casing to sustain sidewall intergrity. Those standards are a bit higher than the competitions. SleepR1, you still didn't answer my question-about how you plan on using your tires!

~M

SleepR1

M, daily driving 4 seasons-per-year (Indy), open track, autocross FWIW, I've had the P-Zeros before in 225/50-16. Best tire I've experienced, at least in that size. Have yet to have an ace tire in 255/40-17. Thought I'd go with what I know...P-Zero Asimmetricos LOL Was willing to give the BFG KDs a shot, in light of the price decrease though (Tire Rack $211 for $255/40-17).

BFGRX7

iTrader: (2)

Totally understand! KDs are definately a NO WAY in those circumstances. Well maybe we'll catch up at one of the national events, NJ if it's still on, and you can see for yourself what the KDs are like in 265/35-18!

~Mike

Sleep R1, I PM'ed you.

SleepR1

Got it. I've saved the PM for future reference

ptrhahn

iTrader: (9)

What part of Manny's driving regimine are the KDs a no go for? The "4th" season (winter?)

SleepR1

I can drive up to an 1-inch of snow with full tread-depth 225/50-16 Pirelli P-Zeros, probably b/c the tread block-to-void ratio is a bit lower than KDs. Not sure how I'd do with the KDs in an inch of snow LOL The tread block-to-void ratio is so high on the KDs (not much void space for rain or snow to go), Mike is probably right that the KDs would be ill suited for any snow. Of course high tread block-to-void is exactly what you want in the dry, so maybe the KDs would be a good open track tire that's streetable...which is what BFG is marketing them as LOL

BFGRX7

iTrader: (2)

PTR, the tires are very good for three seasons and quite frankly, better in the wet than expected. Ultimately, the KDs ARE NOT a tire for snow conditions. Sleep is correct in saying that the low void ratio (higher rubber% to water grooves) is a part of the problem. In addition, there's no siping or the zig zaggy cuts that you would find on say a P7000SS. This siping helps to spit out snow allowing for better bite. Couple that to wide footprints and you've got a recipe for disaster!

ptrhahn

iTrader: (9)

Sleep... you shouldn't drive you regular tires in snow... for goodnedd sake, at least buy $300 worth of stock wheels and put some blizzacks on em in leau of a 2nd beater car!

SleepR1

Pete, 16-inch stockers don't fit over my Type RS brake rotors/calipers LOL

SleepR1

I'm considering the BFG KDs in 255/40-17 for 2005, now that my FD is relegated to opentrack/autocross use only. Despite the KDs 27 lb tire weight compared with 22.6 lb P-Zero Asimmetrics, if the KDs stick better and yield faster laptimes--weight be damned. Would be great if I could test the KDs first dammit LOL