Star spec vs. AD08
 

Time to buy new tires, I am staying with a 205/50 on 15x8s for this season. No R-comps yet or anything, so that leaves me a few options...Star specs, AD08, or RE-11s. I am not interested in the RE-11s at this time, but I am curious to hear what people have to say about the AD08 compared to the star specs.

From what I have heard, better response, same grip, $4 more.

I can't speak to either of those, but I know Braineack likes his Kumho XS.

Also: are you not interested in 225/45-15 RS3s?

silly and stupid, but I am not.

I want to stay with 205/50s as it will keep me on the same "playing" field as spec miatas. Also allows me to compare my laptimes this year, with the lap times from 2011. I will know that I am improving, rather than hiding mistakes with extra traction.

they dont use an 8 inch wheel, do they?

I really really really love Star Specs. Never used or heard anything about ad08's. I've also heard really good things about re-11's.

Don't forget about NT-01's. I haven't ran them but a few friends have them and they love them.

they run an x7. I am running the x8 because of the better response and steering feel. I know its faster, but I am more so trying to learn.

I also don't run R-comps. I think overall, an x8 won't give me nearly an advantage as a 225

I had the Kuhmo MX back when and loved them. Never got to the XS. Running RS2's now and they have had a really long lifespan and are starting to harden. Never tried the RS3's or the others you are looking at. I have nothing to say...

OMG my RS2s are HORRIBLE after 4 years. They're not even near the wear bars yet but if I goose it in 3rd, the car goes sideways instantly.

Fun...

but scary as F on the freeway.

Yeah, they are like bricks on my car, too. I think I bought them in late '08 or early '09. I'll get them worn out soon enough with a couple of track days on the calendar.

what are you going to get afterwards?

flat spots from the first track day will make you want new tires.

Heh, they've got a couple of flat spots from Road Atlanta and they are still on the car! You don't know just how cheap I am, lol. I put tires on my spare wheels just before going to RA and they were used all season tires I picked up for $60.


That is $60 for all four tires.


Mounted and balanced.


They actually have fantastic tread on them, too. I just keep shopping the world for the deals. I don't have to be the fastest or best looking car on the track to have a good time. Any track time that doesn't involve a tow truck or an amberlamps is a good time.

make you a sweet deal on some half-tread rs2s...

I'm listening...

I ran *spec on my miata in 205/50 on a 15x8 it felt pretty good up until the last 1k miles or so. I got about 2 trackdays 2 autoxs countless canyon runs and daily driving out of them for one year(13k total miles).

I had bridgestone RE01s on my WRX and they lasted like 25k with similar use... no joke, they just would not die. I hear the RE11 is even better than the RE01. you get what you pay for with bridgestone.

I now use RA1 205/50 take offs for track driving from my buddys team, but if i were to buy "street" tires again I would have to try these RS3s that are being hyped up.

I know your not interested but the 225 RS3 is $107 a tire at tire rack right now while the *spec is 119 for a 205. RS3=clear winner for wallet and track performance.

yea, it makes no sense. I am pretty sure I will be going through these 205s before the end of the year, but seriously guys I am not even at 9/10th of the traction available in the 205 star specs.

I will venture out of the comfort zone and get the AD08s, I will let you guys know what I think compared to the star specs, but it will mostly be speculation.

i've got 205 50 star specs on the msm, no track days under it's belt yet though so i'm not much help... all i know is my level of fun on the tail of the dragon drastically increased with them compared to the original Toyos.

Looking forward to it Joe. I'll be in the market for tires pretty soon

ok here's two options:

1. $100 when they come off (whenever that is.. spring?)

2. $9500 for the tires and I'll throw in the rest of the car and whatever parts I have for it. totally daily driveable.

Give me a shout when they come off and maybe we can try to work something out.

you got it. I'm sure the SCS can help us out.



(Shuiend Courier Service)

I haven't seen many Miatas running the AD08s, and never driven on them myself. But the star specs are great, good grip in the dry, responsive, good in the rain. I used them for autox/daily driving. Not sure how they are on the track.

Trust me, they are just as amazing on track as they are on the Ax course. If anything, they might do better than you would expect since Autocross the tires don't get enough heat in them until you are halfway through (depends on course length of course!...course course!)

Love my Kumho XS's

just got some star specs dropped off a few days ago.. just waiting for new lugnuts and wheels

I have a set of Star Specs on TR 15x7.5 wheels and a set of AD 08's on a set of 15x7.5 Konigs. The weight difference is roughly 1 pound difference and the AD 08's are the better tire for ride quality. They are softer over broken pavement and road seams.