I would buy the stock tires over and over again!

[Abyssul]

Originally Posted by billyk

I am one of the newest folks around here, so I'll throw that right out so I don't appear to be talking from years of experience - I know my place - I am an FRS noob.

So, the first thing I looked at is where the OP is from - Cali. These tires are not bad for drivers in that part of the country.

I too liked the stock tires on dry pavement, in warm weather. They were fun to drive on, for sure.

I bought my FRS in November, and here in MD, we start getting Wintery weather shortly after. The Primacy HDs, IMO, leave a lot to be desired when driving in cold and/or wet, and/or snow. Enter Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3's. These tires out-perform the HP's on absolutely every front, very substantially, and I believe they cost less than the HP's. The Michelin's grip is way beyond the HP's, and they are barely affected by wet conditions. In snow, they are way better than the HPs - no comparison - but still, they are A/S's, not to be compared with dedicated snows. On the down side, given what I've learned here, some Michelin PS A/S 3 owners are not getting near 45k mileage on them. I need to see what I get out of them.


So, IMO the Michelin's are so superior, they might be the best first choice for any FRS owner, regardless of where they live.

The Primacy HP and Pilot Sports are both Michelin tires.

[chaoskaze]

Stock tire is fun on small track/drift session. I like them but yes they have zero traction in wet/snow.

[ntron1]

Originally Posted by billyk

FRS + Autobahn =

I need to visit Germany.

You would never make it to the left lane.

[torqdork]

From driving my FR-S on three types of tires, OEM, high performance Summer and ultra-high performance Summer, I'm thinking product liability was a factor in Toyota's tire choice.

Realizing that the target market as a whole (certainly not the enthusists here representing a fraction of total owners) would have less high performance driving experience than, say, Cayman buyers, they spec'd a lower grip tire to cater to the lowest common denominator. That's what they did with MR2 Spyder and Celica that had performance oriented drivers changing out quickly.

For my use, the OEM price became useful. My local tire company gave a generous trade allowance for them toward a set of less expensive Michelin PSS 225/45-17 mounted and with lifetime balance and 30K replacement warranty. The PSS's net cost $200 OTD and made the car in stock form much closer to the GT experience I was looking for vs. the mushy OEM tires.

[fito68]

It really does go on opinion. I cant get rid of these stock wheels fast enough. It feels like I'm running on dummies and that's not cool with me haha

[Hoahao]

Bought a set of OEM wheels and put 225/45 Pilot A/S 3's on at Costco yesterday. Changed out the Primacy set of tires and wheels this morning. Just went for test drive; Yummy!! I'll put the Primacy tires back on in early April and, unless they really disappoint, wear them out. Then consider a summer tire for the April to November season.
I don't need horse power where I am. I need sticky tires. Narrow cart ways, short sight distances, sharp 90 degree turns... people coming the other way... I was going to get a Cayman but this FRS is really all I need.

[billyk]

Originally Posted by Abyssul

The Primacy HP and Pilot Sports are both Michelin tires.

Yeah - I know...
It was early today when I wrote that.
My bad.
-bk

[billyk]

Originally Posted by ntron1

You would never make it to the left lane.

Agreed.
But I'd have fun trying.

[ducky369]

Originally Posted by billyk

Agreed.

But I'd die trying.

Fixed

[EAGLE5]

I go through a set of tires in 10k miles because I drive on chip seal. I'm getting to the point where I don't really care what the tires are.

[ducky369]

As my car is in the shop right now for a repaint, the shop lend me their civic. I realize how good my tires are compared to these. Every time I brake or make a fast turn the tires screeches so loud. The police looks at me like "damn, you Honda driver!"

[Teseo]

Originally Posted by billyk

FRS + Autobahn =

I need to visit Germany.

Dont forget to stop at nurburgring

[DarkSunrise]

I think they're fine for driving on the street. Truthfully I'm not really picky about tires on the street and just go for whatever's cheap. Less grip is usually more exciting. I've been driving on MP summer tires in 30-40 F wet weather lately and it's good fun. I think too often enthusiasts get caught up using the stickiest and most expensive tires on the street when it's really the (controlled) loss of grip that's fun.

[LucidMomentum]

I wouldn't mind using them for drift or autocross practice, but I'm looking into 18*8.5 wheels so I'm not sure if I want them in that size. I do enjoy how they let me slip the tail out, even if it takes a bit more effort with the 15's new suspension and the TRD sway bar.