Falken ZE-329’s

[chucksl2]

Happy New Year,

Anyone running the Falken ZE-329’s tires? I'm considering a set for my 97 SL2. I live in Florida, driving in snow not important. Looking for quiet ride, long lasting, traction/handling.

Chuck

[eRic 02sc2]

if I lived in Florida, I'd run on the Falken Azenis RT-615 year round. however I'm in Michigan so I'd suggest the Ziex ZE-912 for all-season performance. I used a set of Ziex ZE-512 in the past and the -912 is their replacement.

Consumer Reports also tested a group of 15 different all-season, ultra-high performance tires for the same issue. In that group, CR rated the Falken Ziex ZE-912 and Nitto Neo Gen ZR best overall—again with “Excellent” scores. There was a near-tie, too, in CR's tests of the all-season ultra-high performance tires. A fraction of a point separates the Falken Ziex ZE-912 from the Nitto Neo Gen ZR. After scores were rounded, both finished with 85 points overall. The Falken and the Nitto offered impressive wet and dry braking. While only fair in snow, these all-season tires still are far better on wintry roads than those models made specifically for summer use.

[chucksl2]

After spending most of the evening researching, the Falken appeared to be the best value/tire. I want to buy at a local tire store or Walmart. I don't want to mess around shopping / ordering tires on the internet. These are the tires I'm considering from local store:

YP00318655H PAS HP259 52.99
TN15918655H PAS TBC Tempest Touring Plus HR 64.99
FK03918655H PAS Falken ZE-329 75.99
SU05518655T PAS Sumitomo Touring LST 86.99
GY12118655VD PAS Gdyr Integrity 88.99
YH16718655H PAS Yoko AS430 92.99
CG05718655H PAS Conti Pro Contact 98.99
YH03718655T PAS Yoko Avid TRZ 110.99

[chucksl2]

Ummm...can anyone recommend a good tire for my SL2?

[OldNuc]

I have used Falken tires since they first came into this country and they do live up to the claims that they make. I have not used the tire you are mentioning, ZE-329, but it should be fine in Florida as it rarely snows there. It looks like its designed for good performance on both dry and wet pavement.

[hholbein]

I haven't tried these particular Falkens, but I see that these have an identical tread pattern for my old Dunlops (also made by Sumitomo Rubber). I would bet from the description I read that these will prove very sticky (handling, superb wet & dry braking) and quiet. I'd be surprised if you get more than 30K miles out of them in stop and go conditions.

But I'd recommend them highly for value.

Right now I'm running some ContiPro Contacts I got at Sears for $55/tire mounted & balanced. They seem almost as sticky, and perhaps they'll last a bit longer.

[OnDaGround]

Originally Posted by eRic 02sc2

if I lived in Florida, I'd run on the Falken Azenis RT-615 year round. however I'm in Michigan so I'd suggest the Ziex ZE-912 for all-season performance. I used a set of Ziex ZE-512 in the past and the -912 is their replacement.

No sir... The 912's blow nuts I have them on now on my chevy... junk tires I hate them... get a set of firestone fire hawk gts (more all year but still great for handling and traction) they are just a good street tire... And I get them turns so... those are good tires. Or get michelins.

You want sport get ZR1's

[OnDaGround]

My bad... dunlop z1 not zr1.

[PurdueGuy]

The average person doesn't really need to shell out for dunlop z1's on their DD. The z1 is a good tire for autox, but I'm going to venture a guess that most people would sacrifice some performance for more tire longevity, ride quality, and/or lower price.

Not everyone, though. Chucksl2, if you want one of the best handling (holds in corners) tires, then go with the dunlop z1s. The Falken Azenis are also among the top 3-4 autox tires (for STS, which excludes R compound tires, which most people should also exclude for a DD), and cost a little less. I forget the other top tire(s).

If you're more interested in tire longevity and/or ride "quality" (a little more comfortable), then you will probably want to research some other tires.

I'll also note that I have the Falken Ziex's on my Saturn currently, and I personally feel they do a more than adequate job of holding the road in daily driving (even if they do royally stink in autox, as you would expect of any all-season tire). I also have some bridgestones of some sort on the other car, and they've been fine for the last 4 years. The biggest decision is all-season vs summer performance. If you will never or only very rarely be driving outside of florida, and have an extremely low risk of being on ice or snow, then you'd probably be best off getting a summer tire.