Just looking for some thoughts on the BFG Radial T/A!? I'm not looking for too much performance and I live in Canada so snow traction is a big issue (will get snow tires later in life). Just some thoughts?? Side note...I love reading everyone's posts...I am really considering installing a new intake and new exhaust...keep posting and I'll keep planning!

 

Hey guys, what's wrong with Parada's. I heard they're pretty good. Is there something someone is not telling me. Any info/advice is appreciated...

Chuck

 

Toyo FZ4

Pe@ce

 

If you're talking about the Radial T/A, I assume you're talking about 14" tires. If so, I would get Dunlop SP Sport A2's. If you need something a little cheaper, I would get Pirelli P400's. I don't like the Radial T/A, their handling is too mushy for my taste. The SP Sports will outhandle them in just about every way; the P400's may not have much more grip, but they're more predictable and easy to control.

However, I can't comment on snow traction because of where I live- the only time I've driven in snow during the last 5 years is while I was visiting Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

 

The original Parada's were very slippery at the limit. They were made with a fairly hard, long-lasting rubber compound because they were aimed at the show car set. I know a couple of people who bought them and were VERY dissapointed- they look like race tires but grip like mediocre H-rated all-seasons. I have put them on the same list as the Nitto NoTraction 450.

However, Yokohama has replaced the original Parada with the new Parada Spec-2, which is supposedly a lot stickier; Yoko press literature and a recent Grassroots Motorsports test says that it's about equal to the AVS ES100 on dry pavement- not outstanding, but very good for a cheap tire. I cannot comment on the Spec-2 because I don't know anyone who's tried them.

 

After having the Yokohama AVS ES100's on for about 2500 miles, my opinion is they're fantastic for the money spent. I ended up going with 205/50/ZR16's on 16x7 Rota Slipstreams. I figured they wouldn't be much larger diameter than OE, and I was right. Just enough to kill the harshness I felt with the stock wheel / tire combo.

Took a bit getting used to, but they seem loads better that the stock Dunlops in the wet/dry. Far superior lateral grip, just as quiet (if not quieter,) smoother ride, what can I say. I love them! I have no intention of using them in the snow, so I'll not even go there.

These in combination with AWR's 19mm rear sway, and soon to be installed MazdaSpeed springs will sufice for this kid (no autox'ing, just daily commute and weekend twistie adventures.) Hopefully Tokico will release Illumina's for our cars in the not too distant future, as this would be the last step for me.

For $78 a tire, I don't think you'll find anything else that's this "well rounded" so to speak.

Jim

 

You guys are prolly gonna laugh and mock me (and tell me that "im lying" or, "Even if they do handle Ill never buy those tires!") but here goes....

I just purchased a set of MasterCraft ZHP's (i think its the ZHP) last Friday as stock replacements for the Dunlop SP's that come on the Pro5 and they are absolutely AWESOME!! Tehy are quieter than the Dunlop's, and stick like no other. The dry traction is simply amazing and the wet is absolutely mind-blowing! Im not exaggerating either!

Here in Atlanta, its rained about 5 inches in 2.5 days and the only time I even slightly hydroplaned was in standing water (that wouldve hydrolocked the engine on any of you CAI guys!) and this totalled twice. Even then, its was only a quick jerk in the wheel and was totally controllable.

I was originally going to have the kumho ecsta 712's put on but they didnt get them in. They showed me the MasterCraft tire and at first I was not going for it. But I like the tread pattern better than the Toyo Proxes FZP and even the Kumho 712's. Then I found out that the tire is actually made by Cooper Tire and after researching a little, the tread pattern is actually the exact same as an Avon ZZ3. Cooper owns both Avon and MasterCraft. Here is the pics and info about both "tyres"! All in all, I love this "tyre"!

For MasterCraft tire go here: http://www.mastercrafttires.com/imag...avengerZHP.jpg


For the Avon tyre go here: http://www.avontyres.com/images/tires/large/zz3.jpg

 

i have mastercraft tires right now (still on 13's) and while they dont wear out fast and take quite a beating, they are NOT handling tires

i am fairly certain anything is better than a set of Toyo Proxes, i have had 2 friends who bought them, while the tires did OK in the turns, if you like to drag they wont hook for ****.