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Why must you mount them at Sam's? I've spot checked Sam's tire prices and was underwhelmed, as they don't seem to cater to the high-performance market. I saw no Bridgestone, Firestone, or Kumho on their list, which is about the extent of my interests now. I was quoted $205 for the Michelin "Sport," whatever that is, which is about $60 more than tires that I know can outperform it. That was all I saw that even looked close to interesting.
Unless you're 100% committed to a Sam's deal, check out the Tire Rack and their tire surveys. There you will find the Bridgestone S03PP (max performance category), Firestone SZ-50EP and Kumho ECSTA Supra 712 (ultra-high performance). I can testify to the excellence of the Firestones, as I'm on my third set and am still amazed at their competence, especially in the wet. The Bridgestones use the same technology (Uni-T) but use softer rubber, which should translate into a higher wear rate. OTOH I don't know how they could possibly be stickier. Both are #1 in their respective surveys.
BTW, I mounted four sets of 205-55-16's (different brands/models) on my '91 9KT without having any problems with fender scraping. Others report minor contact, but some have solved this by filing the offending fender bolts or replacing them with a lower-profile variety.
The Kumhos do well in the Tire Rack survey (#3 at last check) and are an absolute bargain at the price offered ($75 for 205-55ZR-16, I think)--not to mention being available in many more sizes than either the FS or BS. They are even available in the hard-to-find 215-55-16 size.
As enamored as I am with the FS's, especially in their wet performance, I am very impressed with the pricing on the Kumhos and their position in the survey (based on owner responses). For this reason I may have to pry myself away from my religious ties and try these tires next time around.
But if you want a super-sticky, quiet, relatively smooth-riding tire that wears well, look closely at the FS SZ50EP.
Bob Davis
'95 Aero
posted by 68.11.18...
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