RENNtech-er

I've owned a RENNtech E60RS (full-house RENNtech makeover of a '97 E420: 6 litre motor, Alcons, wide body kit, lowered, etc. etc.) for 7 years now. When the original Pirelli P-Zero Rossos wore about four years ago I replaced them with Goodyear F1 D3 purchased from a Gemini Goodyear store. What a nightmare! Four different shops couldn't get the damn things balanced properly ("excessive road force" issues said a shop with the Hunter 9700 balancer), and Goodyear wasn't interested in making good. I had an identical problem with the F1 D3 tires on a stock '97 C36/AMG. I didn't drive the E60 much so lived with the problem but am now driving it every day and am FED UP with the lousy ride. I hate to scrap tires with plenty of tread left but see no other choice. The car has 18" OZ F1 2-piece wheels, 8-1/2" front and 10" rear. I also have a set of RENNtech Monolite 18" wheels (8-1/2" and 9-1/2"). Tire sizes are currently 245/40ZR18 and 275/35ZR18. I would appreciate advice on whether to try another set of the Goodyear F1 D3--although I feel totally snake bit by these--if the quality issue has been solved by Goodyear, or go with Bridgestone Potenza RE050A Pole Position that rank #1 in the Tire Rack ratings chart. I'm thinking of doing a +1 in the rear with a 285/35, as the 10" wheel will carry it. I want good wet weather traction and water drainage, which both the Goodyear and Bridgestone have. Thoughts and comments will be appreciated. BTW, I had a very good experience buying tires from Tire Rack for my RENNtech ML60 in Dec. '05.

vraa

Why not Michelin PS2's?
Or Dunlop SP9000's?

NitrogenBalance

Please post some pictures and info about your car. Sounds really nice and rare!!!

RENNtech-er

I picked the Bridgestones and Goodyears because they are the #1 and #2 rated tires off the Tire Rack chart for 285/35-18. The Bridgestones are also a good price. But I will check out the Michelin and Dunlop you suggested. Thanx!

Luke@tirerack

a couple of things ...

you did not get a set of Eagle F1 GS-D3's four years ago nor, did they come OE on your 1997 C36. They didn'e even exist back then


the Bridgstone mention is very good as is the PS2 and even though you had issues with older model Goodyears don't rule out the F1 GS-D3

RENNtech-er

Thank you for your comments on the F1s. The tires on the RENNtech E60RS are labeled "Goodyear Eagle F1" in large letters, and "GS-D3" in small letters. The DOT code on one tire is "DMBL 2JJR" and "3202" in a small oval. I interpret the "3202" as showing that the tire was made in the 32nd week of 2002. Another tire is "DM2P 2JJR" and "2602" in the oval, indicating as I understand it manufacture in the 26th week of 2002. Both date codes would be consistent with my recollection of getting these tires around 4 years ago, as the tires were made over 5 years ago. I will have to dig out the invoice for confirmation, however. Regarding F1 tires on the 1997 C36/AMG, I should have been more clear: I replaced the original tires (Bridgestone?) with the Goodyear F1 GS-D3. Yes, the F1s were not original equipment on that car.

I will look at reviews on Tire Rack again and probably flip a coin unless something really jumps out at me showing which tire to get, or not to get.