Tires Pirelli or DUNLOP

So a few weeks back I opted for Pirelli's P7 tires in lieu of the OEM. I wanted some more traction for dry and wet weather. With OEM tires I was usually between 4.6 kW and 4.4 kW depending on streets or freeway, now I'm about 4.4 kW on streets and 4.2 kW. And there is better traction and control. They are also more comfortable to ride on and quieter too. These tires are 100% worth it.

Last two tires I ran were GPR300s. The traction was good in the corners, only negative for me was the lifetime, only 3,000mi each before having to replace.

Dunlop is a fine brand and the Sportmax is perfectly good tire. You will be fine.

So I came to event day on my normal Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tyres. In practice, I found that on the R-spec I could do an 89 second lap, but consistently run at 92 seconds (I could do consecutive 90 second laps, but brakes would become the weak link after about 4 consecutive laps). On the street tyres I could do a 93 second lap, but due to brakes again, nominated at 95 second lap.

Went with the **Pirelli P7 All Season Plus 3** tires. Reasons were simple. Cheaper than OEM, better grip in wet and dry, quieter and not too big a hit on economy.

After a few hundred miles of mixed highway and city driving, I can say they are better in every way. The best part is the quiet nature of the tires. Softer hum on the highway, barely noticeable on the streets.

Overall, extremely happy with the tires.

Tires: Pirelli $1.1k. Car is just perfect and I love it! So far I haven’t found any issues with this car.

I got myself the Grantrek AT5s. For me they have a good compromise between traction offroad and road noise on tarmac. I also fitted a full spare with one of those AT5s on it. Fits perfectly where the 3/4 sits.

I used VCDS to recalibrate the speedo after swapping tires from Dunlop SP Sport 225/40R18 to Pirelli Pzero 235/40R18 rubber. Best I could achieve was with Distance Impulse Number 7 (stock was 6). Couldn't select a higher number, VCDS reported 8 as out of range and that was the highest option available. The difference over an extended period of testing was only about 0.5 MPH closer to what two GPS units were reporting. Meh.

The last set of Dunlop’s were ass. Doubt these are much better.

I immediately took them off my STI and swapped to pilot sports. Sold the tires for 150$ to some kid in college. Put 75 miles on them I think. Horrible tire, horrible handling, horrible tread wear. HORRIBLE