Falken 502 tires

[Windecker]

Guys,
I am ordering Falken 502 tires. If anyone wants in we get 5% off if we order 16 and 6% if we get 24.
No big deal to me either way, just trying to pass along some savings.

I think it is $44.00 + shipping normal
and $41.80 + shipping @ 5% off

Windecker

P.S. getting friggen hard to find 14 inch tires hr rated.

[85_6mge]

For what it's worth....

I did a 'net search for Falkens and while there checked out a site for corvettes in which several owners expressed their experiences on these tires in the rain, scary!! Check it out. Also noted that Falken is advertizing their new 512 as " improved wet weather handling....

Since I live out here in the PacNW where in seems to rain 9 months out of the year I decided to steer away from them.

I agree it's getting harder everday to find performance tire in our size. Time to step up to 15", 16" or 17" wheels.

[Windecker]

Hey thanks for the info.
Of course a corvette weighing in pretty light with tires what, double the width (?) seems likely to have wet weather handling issues.

Personally, have not driven my Supra in the rain in about 5 years now, not to worried about wet weather handling. Something to consider for others though for sure.

Several on this site recommended the Falken 502's over the Pilots did'nt they?? I based my purchase on that input. I have never had or even heard of a Falken till this forum.

Thanks for the input, hey I don't want anyone buying something they don't want or can't use! Besides, I gain absolutly nothing from this group buy (if it happens), mine are already orderd.
Windecker

[BillyM]

Price vs effective quality. I have not seen any wet handling issues, and would not base my purchase on someone who owns michenlin pilots commenting on the falkens, or vice versa. I will say that those falkens did me very well.

If you can afford the pilots, go for it, but I personally cannot justify that price...

--billyM

[rumptis]

I just bought a set of FALKEN 512 255/50ZR16 for my Camaro and every thing i have read is they are a really good tire and alot cheaper for the same size of other tires. They are suppose to be here Monday and I will get them mounted next week so in a couple of weeks I should be able to give you a report on what I think.

I bought them from www.tirebox.com they seemed to have the best price I could find on the web.

[zank]

Price vs effective quality. I have not seen any wet handling issues, and would not base my purchase on someone who owns michenlin pilots commenting on the falkens, or vice versa. I will say that those falkens did me very well.

If you can afford the pilots, go for it, but I personally cannot justify that price...

--billyM

:imwithst: 110%

[Windecker]

Mixed bag answeres I guess. Oh well, we all have our own "thing".

I hear the Pilots are good HERE but on the Tirerack site the customer feedback is pretty bad. Not many positive responses. I generally like the Michelin tires but as pointed out, maybe overepriced for the quality.

Several here like the Falkens just under the Sumitomo's. I have Sumitomo's on my Celica and think they are great. Actually I think my Celica will out handle my Supra, of course my Supra has 20 year old tires on it still.

I bet we could argue tires, brakes, engines what ever all day. I don't want that, I just wanted to help out is all.

I will report back when they are installed and let you guys know what I think. To bad they don't have any 512's in the 14's
Windecker

[BillyM]

You can no longer get summitos...

...and that tirebox.com is more expensive than vulcantire.com, hands down.

Falkens aren't bad tires. They are half as expensive as the pilots, but much more than half as good as far as grip and life are concerned. I'm still convinced they are the best bang-for-buck for our cars at this point. The best place to order, if you are in the U.S., is www.vulcantire.com

--BillyM

[dynamic73]

I want to get new tires for my car. Went to the vulcantire site and they only have 3 in stock. :( Ok who bought the one tire for their spare. :lol:

[SupraWes]

Any tire with a 400+ treadwear is going to be nasty in the rain. The Falkens are a traction A temperature A tire. If you want dangerous in the rain buy General XP 2000's, those things are EVIL.

[supra_toy]

You can no longer get summitos...

--BillyM

Ah but you can... its just that tirerack can't seem to find them...

will (getting the sumo soon)

[Windecker]

I have been searching for the sumitomo tires and came up empty. Sumitomo claims to be out of production and everyone seems to be out of stock. I am sure, someone somewhere has a few but finding that guy has been difficult so far.

I got the last three Falkens but another shippment is coming this week. Somewhere around 18 more tires. They still show the three in the system for some reason? They are to ship me the other 3 (I ordered 6) Thursday. I pointed out the group buy idea because after these 18 more, who knows when or if they will get more, and we get better pricing.

These come over from Japan to a storage place out west somewhere and get distributed from there. According to Valcan, what comes over on the boat is not really known till it arrives. They also pointed out that many of the tire lines have been dropped.

I figure, my original tires lasted till now, this should set me up for quite a while as I drive less now than I did when I first got the car. I got 6 to have 2 good spares as these tires surely won't be in production much longer and I will want a matched set.

Thanks for all the input guys.
Windecker

[rumptis]

I have had my Falken 512's on my Z28 alittle over a week now and I must sey they are nice tires. Super Quiet and lots of grip I am very pleased with them. I would recommed them to anybody that wanted a great tire and the best part is they are price very well.

[dynamic73]

I just ordered a full set of the 502's. They will be here Monday. I'll give my review of them. Once I get them installed.

[Windecker]

Thanks for the input guys. Got mine in yesterday and one is mounted. I have 4 rims out for refinishing so it will be another week or so before I get to drive them. They look just fine to me. Feel "rubbery" (yea I know it is rubber) not synthetic like the Michelins do.
We will see!
Windecker

[rwago]

I have Falken 502's on both of my cars. I have just completed an install of Eibach springs and tokico HP shocks on the red supra. with all the new goodies the red supra will fly through corners. I am very happy with the tires, I feel they have tons of grip for such an inexpensive tire.

Two thumbs up from me. :D

[Windecker]

Thanks Roger
Windecker

[dynamic73]

These tires say a max. 44 psi. What air pressure is best for the 502's?

[Windecker]

They will have a max pressure rating, and not a recommended running pressure on the tire.
I would recommend the book numbers 27 front and rear and just watch them to be sure they are wearing ok. I run a couple p.s.i. over to help with wearing in the center just a bit more to keep up with the edge wear from cornering.
Of course you could start out high and lower it till you like the "feel". Would not hurt anything.
They also recommend a higher pressure if running at consistant high speeds, don't remember the numbers right now.
best wishes.
Windecker

[dynamic73]

Ok I got the 502's on today and took it for a test drive. 1st thing I notice is the tires ride a bit smoother. Than the B F Goodridge radials. They track a lot straighter also. Feels like the sidewalls must be a lot stronger. Tractions is the biggest difference I can feel. They do have a lot of grip. Probly one of the best 60 series tires for aggresive driving. All and all I like them over the B F Goodridge radials. I put on modified front strut bar (Nissan 240sx) on the front of the car about a week ago. Which really made a huge difference in the way the car handles. So now with the front strut bar and the new 502's. The car is tracking very nice now. Should be even better. When I get the new Tokico's Illumina shocks and struts on it hopefully next week.

[Windecker]

Thanks for the update! Glad to hear you like them especially since mine are still awaiting my wheels to return before I get to try them.

The tires do look like there is a lot of tread on the ground which will help dry handling and wear, but as noted above most likely will hurt the wet road quality. Perfect for me!

The one I have mounted balanced up with very little weight, did you notice the same thing?

What pressure did you try them in?

Why the 240 stab bar, is it larger than the stock one?

Windecker

[dynamic73]

The one I have mounted balanced up with very little weight, did you notice the same thing?

What pressure did you try them in?

Why the 240 stab bar, is it larger than the stock one?

Windecker

Yes they did all balance out with less addon weigths than my old tires had.

I running 30 psi in them now. Probly go up to 32. Since most of my driving is just around town.

I modified a 240 strut bar. That goes on the front strut towers

[Windecker]

I finally got all the wheels rebuilt and they look great. No yellow in the clear and they look brand new. I must say I am extremely happy with them.

I got the Falcons on Tuesday night and have only been able to drive it a little so far (20 miles). I don't have enough time with them yet to make any statements of meaning yet other than to say they are quiet, smooth and what I expected. More time behind the wheel is needed though.

I did notice one of the 4 mounted tires took much more weight than the others. I also noticed a slight vibration above 90. I am wondering if that tire was balanced properly given the little weight the others took. I will balance that tire myself when able.

I know it is another forum BUT, Tell me about this strut bar. If someone either took it off or installed it ( you not knowing) and you drove the car would you know the difference---really? Just asking.

Thanks
Windecker

[dynamic73]

My car is a Celica GT-S. I don't think the front strut bar. Will work on your Celica/Supra. I've been driving a 3rd Gen Celica for over 14 years now. I really didn't think the strut bar would make a difference, that I could feel. But it really does make the front wheels track better. It's not a major difference. But it's definatly one you can feel. It's the best bang for the buck I've done so far. The 240sx bar cost me $26.

[Windecker]

I was asking because of the group buy going on for $165.00 Not sure I am in for that as I am unclear of the whole thing. I was actually thinking of putting it on my Convertible (85GTS) cause I was assuming they were the same other than engine height and placement?

What exact model and year car did you remove the bar from? How much modifications did you have to do to get it in there?

Thanks for the input.
Windecker

[dynamic73]

I got it off ebay. There are a lot of these strut bars on there to chose from. It fits a 89-94 Nissan 240sx. The one I got was $26 shipped. It will work on all 3rd gen Celica's. With a few modifications done to it.

1st off you have to use a grinder. To make the center hole on the strut tower mount, about an 1/8" larger. Then you'll need to cut about a 1/2 off each side of the the strut bar. Then retread the end links back into the bar. Some guys have had to cut the end links. To get them to tread all the way back in. I got mine to go all the way back in. After that just bolt it on. The one I bought hit the hood frame. So used a hammer to bend the strut mounts downward. Till the bar no longer hit the hood. I really like mine. I had to mod almost everything I put on my car. Seems like nothing just bolts on the 3rd gens. But that gives me bragging rights. :P

[Windecker]

Cool, thanks.
Any pics?
Windecker

[supra_toy]

Argh!!!

A extesnsive search of the local are has yeilded no acceptable tire in my size 225/60/14...

I knew I was going to need to buy them off the net and have them shipped... grr

oh and this is my email from someone at Sumitomo

------------------------------original-------------------------------
I've herd that the HTR 4 is discontinued is this true?

Best regards
William S M

> From: <Bob.Smith@treadwayscorp.com>
> To: "Will McArdle" &lt;willber@xprt.net>
> Sent: Thursday, April 29, 2004 6:01 AM
> Subject: Re: HTR 4 discontinued?
>> >
> > Will,
> > This is incorrect , we still make this line.


From "Will McArdle"
To:Bob.Smith@treadwayscorp.com>
Subject: Re: HTR 4 discontinued?

Tire rack told me they no longer have the HTR 4 for my car (85' toyota
celica supra 225.60.14). Is their somewhere else that I can find them?
Do you sell direct?

Thanks

Best regards
Will McArdle
willber@xprt.net


From: <Bob.Smith@treadwayscorp.com>
To: "Will McArdle" &lt;willber@xprt.net>
Sent: Thursday, April 29, 2004 1:19 PM
Subject: Re: HTR 4 discontinued?

> Mr McArdle,
> I don't know why Tire Rack says they can't get this size because we
>show it available in our warehouse. Let me know what city your near >and I can refer you to the closest dealer. Thank you for your interest in
>Sumitomo tires.

I'm closest to Hillsboro Oregon. Portland Oregon would do as well (west
side)

Thanks

Will

>Mr. McArdle,
> Please contact Northwest Tire Factory @503-283-6494 or Superior Tire
>Service @503-585-1955 they can both help you. If they don't have the >tire in stock they can get it for you. Thank you again for your interest in
>Sumitomo Tires.
-------------------------------------end-----------------------------------------

Well both NW tire factory and Superior tire were of no help. I'm going to email Bob Smith and see if he can help. my tire choices are down to:
225/60/14
Sumitomo HTR 4
Falkin 502
Yokhama avids

I was hoping to be able to get a set of 5 tire for under $300.

[85TurboMKII]

Just remember.....I used to have 502's on my car....just remember dont autox on them...they melt and blister pretty quickly in the front lol...I destroyed mine autoxing in about 2 weekends.

[BillyM]

I'm going to have to say nay on that one...

I have a season on mine, and they are still at half tread. I hit somewhere about 20+ autocrosses in the 3 surrounding regions...

Given, it does kick the front outside edge's ass, thats what they make walmart for... "uhm yes... I would like to have my tires flipped... ...yes really..."

I also normally run on grainy tracks. I did hit a freshly sealed high-speed course in nashville a couple times, and they did heat my falk's up pretty badly. I was pushing 40ish out of a slalom exiting into an appreciable straight, passing 2nd's redline by a bit more than I should have been comfortable with... then came the sweeping u-turn. Heh... The supra refused to enter that corner with any sort of control. After the finish, I could pull rubber off my front corners with my fingers...

hot shit.

--billyM

[Windecker]

I got the same thing while looking for the HTR4's. They claim you can still get them but everywhere they told me to look says NO! Something screwy there for sure.
I do like the Sumitomo over the 502's overall though.
If you do find that "supply" be sure to let us know. Even though I have plenty of 502's now, I would like some HTR-4's for another car.
Windecker