After getting 2 punctures in each of the rear Michelin PS(previous gen) I started looking for something cheaper and more practical. After some internet search decided to get "cheap stuff"-Sumitomo HTR Z III in 245/40/18-for rear only. It happens that Sumitomo established Falken-should be some sharing of technology, right?
Anyway, I got them on the back on 8.5" rim, drove for about 1200 km.
Yesterday I hit the track-4km road course at Shannonville. I was extremely careful-different F/R tires, 300 UTOG rating.....
They held up extremely well. I ran without VDC, not a hint of oversteer, wheelspin or squeal. Michelins did nothing to confirm their halo status-got greasy, smelly and didn't inspire confidence.
Sumi's are great performers, very recommended. I do not plan to beat them on the track all the time, so cannot say if they're going to loose their grip after many heat cycles.

 

Great tire. They are really giving the upper brands a run for their money. Should be even better when you have all four matching.

 

I've heard nothing but good reviews on these tires, regardless of price.
I've run PS2s on two previous cars, but I'm going to give the HTR Z III a try this time.

 

I'll be looking at giving these a try too. Great to hear about your positive experience!

 

Do they have them in 19's?

 

Yup. Larger also

HTR-Z III Sizes

 

Good to know. I love my NT05's but some lower price, higher treadwear options would be nice.

On another note, I didn't know Tirerack was a sponsor on here. Good to have you! I have made my fair share of purchases over the years!

 

Obender66,

How are the sidewalls on those HTRs? I've never found a tire with a sidewall that was as stiff as the Michelin Pilots.

 

Most any runflat would be.

 

I cannot tell, they are on the rear. I may swap them for ****s and giggles for autocross and see...and do follow up review
My take is that stiff sidewalls are no use if tires do not grip and this is the case with PS after just moderate heating up(1 minute autocross run).

 

Ian.. must be the economy! I am also looking at these tires to replace my ps2

 

unfortunately, they don't make a 275/35, so I'm still looking

 

Just installed the Sumi HTR Z III on my lowered 05 G35x. I went up in size from the 245/40 R18 to the 245/45 R18s. The road here in the Northern Va/DC area were killing my rims. To many pot holes. Also, the Toyo T1Rs I had prior did not last long with the H&R sport springs. The left side was worn very uneven, down to the core in some spots. I have a rear cambers kit but nothing but stock up front. The front runs a -2% camber but in spec toe (.05L/.02R/.07 total). Initial feel is good on the Sumi's, less harshness over bumps and road imperfections. We'll see how they last. The tire guy said they were a lot harder rubber than the Toyos.

What would you do about the front camber issue?

1. Buy different springs ($250) for raise the front up 1/2".

or

2. Buy front Camber kit ($385) and get the car aligned (free, thank Merchants!!!).


Thanks-

 

I would choose #2