100 mile review: Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 225/50/17
#1
10-22-2005, 07:11 PM
100 mile review: Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 225/50/17
As the title indicates, I recently installed Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 225/50/17 tires on my 6MT Sedan. I just knocked the mold release compound off 'em and got the pressure where I want it, so here's a quick review.
I did upsize by one size...originals on this car were Bridgestone Turanzas, 215/55/17. The 225/50s are slightly shorter in the sidewall (0.982 of original circumference), the difference is visible, but subtle. Actually 235/50 is closer to the original circumference (0.998), and I'm not sure why I didn't order 235s except that I was away from home and away from my computer when I ordered them in sort of a rush/emergency situation.
Dry grip is outstanding. I have not tested the limits of this tire yet, and frankly, I don't know if I have the cojones to do so on public roads. They're that sticky.
Tire pressure...I've read on this board that some folks prefer 40 cold psi on this tire. I haven't tried 40 yet, but I'm very happy with 35 f/r. The install shop sent me home with 27 f/r...with 27 the tires felt grippy but a little sloppy. Bumped up to 35 today and everything feels much better--much more firm and positive road feel. A little dead on center at low speeds, but at higher speeds the response is very sharp and linear. Ride is a little more firm (which I like), yet increasing pressure introduced no vibration at highway speeds, which was not true of the Turanzas. I'm going to see how they wear, and will prob. stick with 35 psi unless I see problems developing.
Noise...I was a little concerned about noise from these tires and it may become an issue as they tires wear in. First time I got in the car with these tires on, I could just barely hear them give off a muted "whoosh" sound...but after 100 miles I can no longer discern it.
One tire took a full 2 oz of tape weights to balance, and I'm a little concerned about that. We'll see if it becomes a problem. The others took 1/2-3/4 oz.
Don't know anything about wet traction or hydroplane resistance yet, but I have high hopes.
Oh by the way, new tires reminded me: THIS CAR KICKS FREEKIN BOO-TAY.
I did upsize by one size...originals on this car were Bridgestone Turanzas, 215/55/17. The 225/50s are slightly shorter in the sidewall (0.982 of original circumference), the difference is visible, but subtle. Actually 235/50 is closer to the original circumference (0.998), and I'm not sure why I didn't order 235s except that I was away from home and away from my computer when I ordered them in sort of a rush/emergency situation.
Dry grip is outstanding. I have not tested the limits of this tire yet, and frankly, I don't know if I have the cojones to do so on public roads. They're that sticky.
Tire pressure...I've read on this board that some folks prefer 40 cold psi on this tire. I haven't tried 40 yet, but I'm very happy with 35 f/r. The install shop sent me home with 27 f/r...with 27 the tires felt grippy but a little sloppy. Bumped up to 35 today and everything feels much better--much more firm and positive road feel. A little dead on center at low speeds, but at higher speeds the response is very sharp and linear. Ride is a little more firm (which I like), yet increasing pressure introduced no vibration at highway speeds, which was not true of the Turanzas. I'm going to see how they wear, and will prob. stick with 35 psi unless I see problems developing.
Noise...I was a little concerned about noise from these tires and it may become an issue as they tires wear in. First time I got in the car with these tires on, I could just barely hear them give off a muted "whoosh" sound...but after 100 miles I can no longer discern it.
One tire took a full 2 oz of tape weights to balance, and I'm a little concerned about that. We'll see if it becomes a problem. The others took 1/2-3/4 oz.
Don't know anything about wet traction or hydroplane resistance yet, but I have high hopes.
Oh by the way, new tires reminded me: THIS CAR KICKS FREEKIN BOO-TAY.
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