guys i need to get some new tires. i think i am gonna go with the SO3's. I am trying to decide wether or not to order them from tire rack. i called my local townfair tire and they want $189/tire as opposed to tirerack which wants i believe ~$162tire. Here are the questions:
1) Obvisoulsy i could save money by going thru tire rack but the problem is townfair tire will not mount a tire they dont sell. Is that unique to this place? how are you guys that are getting your tire from tire rack getting them mounted?
2) Can i trust a tire franchised place to mount these tires? i will be doing a few track events a year. Will they be balanced perfecty?
3) Lastly, where do i go to get a perfect alignment after the tires are put on? Can i trust the townfair tire (franchised nationaly?)

Thanks for the help.

matt

 

if you buy your tires from discounttiredirect.com you can take them to a discount tire store and they'll mount them free....

 

thanks..what do u mean a "discount tire store". Tire places outthere have arrangement with dicounttire.com?
The isnt a discounttire.com store around here.

 

Tire Rack has authorized dealers in various areas. I just had 2 sets sent to the dealer in my location. He charged $10 a piece to mount, balance, valve stems.
I don't think many shops would refuse to do an install, but may charge a greater amount than if you purchased the tires at their shop.

 

On the Tire Rack site there is an area you can click on that allows you to enter your zip code, and they will tell you the authorized installers in your area. You can even have your tires shipped right to the installer if you want, which is nice since it is tough to fit 4 tires in an FD!

 

thanks alot...what about having my car aligned..can i trust one of these authorized dealers..i will be getiing on the track with this set up

 

You'll have to find someone that does a 4-wheel performance alignment. Most "alignments" are just a front toe-in job.

If you've been to the track, or know people who do, or if theres a local porsche club or similar, find out where those guys go, theres probably a local place everyone goes. You want someone who caters to track/performance people, and may even let you sit in the car while they do it, and give you a print-out of all the actual static settings.

 

thanks

 

Check out my site, I have some info on tire buying. Most places will mount tires you bring in. Make sure you get a dynamic balance, not a static.