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Dunlap Direzza Z1 star spec for SLk350

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Old Aug 22, 2008 | 04:40 PM
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Dunlap Direzza Z1 star spec for SLk350

hey guys,

I'm a bit of a newb so not the most knowledgeable. Many of my friends have been raving about these tires and I really want to dump my Pilot Primacy tires b/c they have the worst tire roar of any tire I've ever owned. I was thinking about upgrading to the D1 direzza b/c these pilot primacies just aren't very good performance based tire. My two options are:

option 1: 225/45/17 front , 245/40/17 rear
option 2: 225/45/17 front, 255/40/17 rear.

The cost difference is only like $10, but my concern is that the 255s weigh 2lbs more per tire which I don't like adding unsprung weight (26lbs for 245, 28lbs for 255).

My second concern is the fact that going with a wider rear tire will give me better straight line traction but I am afraid it may disrupt the handling behavior of the car. I really like the the way my car handles so I don't want to induce more understeer by upgrade to wider tire in rear. Which one would you recommend? thanks
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Old Aug 22, 2008 | 08:04 PM
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anyone?
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Old Aug 22, 2008 | 08:09 PM
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btw, my backup option is Kuhmo MX.

The kuhmos are roughly $20 cheaper per tire and they weigh 3 lbs less per corner (23lbs vs. 26lbs) but the drawback is that I hear Direzzas have superior handling characteristics.

I have had kuhmos in the past (the MX) and been very happy with them). can anyone compare the two and say which one is really better? To me the kuhmos appear to be a better deal but they aren't the prettiest tires ever although they do look meaty, the sidewalls are very square.

Any suggestions would help. thx
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Old Aug 23, 2008 | 09:12 AM
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depends on the weather
the Star Spec isa fantastic tire if you are doing alot of AutoX and track days. If you think that you are going to get great ride quality outof them you are mistaken. The Kumho you mentioned would also not be the direction to go either as both are in the extreme performance catagory. If you are looking for improved ride quality and an upgrade in performance look at the tires in the maximum performance catagory
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Old Aug 23, 2008 | 12:40 PM
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Hello Luke, thanks for your tip.

I was trying to classify the Direzza Z1 but on your survey section its not even listed yet under either catagory since its so new, thats why I was sort of thrown off a bit. I appreciate your input.

Between Kuhmo MX & Direzza Z1 which one is better in the wet? I had kuhmo MX and in extreme wet conditions they could have a tendancy to hydroplane, I heard Z1s are better in the wet (as your tests show). Thanks
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Old Aug 25, 2008 | 02:41 PM
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depends on the weather
the Dunlop is better in the wet ... and for more information you can find both of those tires in the 'EXTREME PERFORMANCE' catagory
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Old Aug 27, 2008 | 04:35 PM
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Thanks Luke, I went ahead and got the Direzza Z1s from you guys, You dropped the price a bit since your last batch and the rebate sealed the deal. Thanks again!
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