Michelin PS2 or Toyo R1R?
 

I'm set on running 245/40s and 275/40s on 17 inch rims, and it's down to these two tires.

PS2s weigh a bit less, but have higher treadwear. Also a little bit more expensive.

Basically, PS2s will be total 4 pounds lighter, 200 bucks more, and with a 220 treadwear vs the R1R's 140.

For street use on my FD, plan to run 450-500 rwhp with my new motor setup.

There's a wealth of info on the PS2s on tirerack, but the R1Rs are a bit of a newcomer. I've read reviews on other car sites about them (BMW, evo, miata).

Any FD guys have any input?

EDIT: I should've mentioned that I'm not terribly concerned with tread life, moreso with grip. I *am* concerned with wet weather streetability, thus the need for a street-'ish' tire.

PERSONALLY, I've run the ps2 on my ///M3 with nice results. My only complaint is they wear out faster than you want them to. I now run the Nitto Invo 275/35/18 all around. It's the same tire Active Autowerke and GMG Porsche use on all their cars.
see the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwKHuYJtS7c

R1R's have more grip and will hold your power down much better than the PS2's, but will obviously not last as long.

I put over 15K miles of street driving on a set of PS2s in my 300whp FD, and they still have about half the tread depth, so I'd say they wear very well, unless you're abusing them all the time. I was running 275/40-17 all around, the shoulders are fairly round so they fit much better under the fenders than some other tires.

Keep in mind tread wear numbers from company to company is not an accurate comparison, only within a companies tire line. This is because tread wear ratings are not DOT approved, its simply what the company has rated their tire. That has been preached to me by many reputable sources.

In other words, don't compare the UTQG rating from Michelin to Toyo, it may 'seem' one way but in fact be much different. The Michelin may actually be softer...

Check it (one source): http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete....jsp?techid=48

Just an FYI...not trying to start a debate between the two tires. I have heard great about both.

You are correct sir, i was aware of this but thanks for bringing it up :)

I've not heard great things about the toyo T1R, but love my current RA1s. I was pretty much decided on the PS2 but if the R1R offer more straight line grip I may swing towards them.

Only reason I'm still up in the air is b/c the Fikses haven't been constructed yet (should be done any day) so I have a bit of time.

If you're already running R compounds (RA1), you'll be stepping down going to PS2s.