Neal (or anyone else that has an opinion),

I've been all over the web, searched the site, and I can't come to a conclusion on a good fit for my needs.

Stock 2004 G35 Sedan on 215/55/R17s; Wife drives it most of the time, kid hauler, highway miles, in Southern California. When I slide behind the seat, I like to drive it hard, but I don't take this thing to the track.

Do I go Summer or All season? Though I'm in the SoCal climate, I live at an elevation of 2700' and in the "winter" it can hit freezing temps.

Ultra/High/ or just get touring? Touring tires, to me, sound like something that belongs on your grandma's buick. But knowing that this G is destined for lots of highway miles, should I tuck it between my legs and get a touring tire? Will the touring tire rip off the rim as I'm carving up the mountain roads?

I've also read that a 235/50/r17 is an acceptable substitute, so that opens up even more options.

Ofter the OEMs wore out, I went with some Hankook Ventus through a dealer promo package and I can't say that I'm thrilled with them. The wore extremely fast and felt like they gave a bunch when cornering.

 

I have had Yokohama S drives, Falken 452's, and a few other brands but I always go back to Kuhmo. I am currently running the Ecsta SPT's and really like them. Not the best tire available but really hard to beat for the price.

 

Thanks for the response...

I'm considering the Nitto nt850s... sound like a best of all worlds tire. Usually when you're good at a lot of things, your not great at any - but it sounds like this tire may fit the bill for my use.

 

tirerack.com and punch in your car for recommended suggestions. It will get you going at least.

 

Hankook ventus evo, or falken 452's.

 

Had a set of Falken 452's on one of my Trans-Ams. Fairly good ride, not bad in the corners, didn't stick like my Nitto 555's, but at the same time were not as rough. When you broke them loose they had nice drift characteristics.
I'm not saying you should get them, just trying to give you my impressions of them.

 

Maybe a mild sport all season would be a happy medium. Sort of a Jack Of All Trades type tire. Quiet for touring, good life, a/s good, but can handle a bit of spirited driving once you put the kid seat in the trunk.

Good tire in that case would be Bridgestone's G109 Grid. Has a little bit of everything for everyone. Those are available in both 215 and 235 sizes.

May also want to check out Dunlop's Sport Signature. Been quite popular lately and the price comes in a little lower than the B-Stone. Those are asymmetrical so it can be rotated any position.

Hope that helps!