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Very different handling with Falken tires

I just replaced the no-name (wish I could remember. Four letters, Japanese, not Toyo or Yoko) tires with 185/60 14 Falken Ziex 512 tires. The ride is great, but they handle significantly differently than the old ones. There's a very slight lag, they seem to require more input and the car seems to understeer as compared to before. They feel as if they're underinflated. I haven't really pushed the car in turns as I only have about 20 miles on the new tires. I'm using 28psi in the Falkens, same as the others.

I'm guessing that the difference might be caused by differences in the casings which probably also explains the better ride, but should I consider increasing the pressure or should I adapt to the difference and trust in the Falken's great reputation?

By the way, When I picked the car up from the tire store, the tires were inflated to 35psi. Just to make sure, I did check my gauge for accuracy.

Thanks very much.

Reply to
Dave Smith
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Eh, due to a "tire emergency", I'm running the same tires, albeit in a different size, on my '95 M-edition. Yes, they ride great, but they do handle significantly different than the Toyo T1-Ss they replaced. Turn-in is brutally slow with these things, to the point that I'm considering having them removed with under 1k miles on them.

I've pushed them somewhat hard, and while they've held, they got a little squirrelly and squealy with the same understeer that you noticed. It's obvious they don't like being pushed like this. They do seem to be great in the rain--I've run the Miata at 85 or 90 miles per hour on wet roads and felt perfectly comfortable.

Reply to
tooloud

The Falken 'Azenis' have a great reputation for handling (not for 'ride') but I haven't heard any raves about the Ziex 512's. Before you give up on them, I'd try everything up to and including 35 psi. Adjustable suspension will help compensate if you have it. You can do some searches to find out about tire pressure balances between front and rear tires, with which you may be able to fix the understeering problem.

Chris

92BB&T

Reply to
Chris D'Agnolo

I've got Falken Azenis in 195/60-14. I wanted the lower profile of the T1S but figured I could live with the slightly higher profile since I'm about 1-1/2" lower than stock anyway. I actually noticed the increase in ride height, but the increase in steering response and tenacious grip enthused me to the point that I didn't really mind. I

*would* like them to offer the Azenis in 195/55-14, like the Toyos. If so, my tire replacement decision would be made. It's hard to beat their pricing, too. I paid $202 (including shipping) for a set from Vulcan tire.

D>I just replaced the no-name (wish I could remember. Four letters,

Reply to
DonB

Reply to
jimuntch

Keep in mind, Azenis will beat you to death at 35psi!

THANKS FOR THE NOTE ON SEARS!

Chris

92BB&T
Reply to
Chris D'Agnolo

The Ziex series is quite different from the Azenis. I haven't tried any different tire pressures, but I won't change the suspension to compensate for the tires. I might do that while replacing the tires, but I'm a firm believer that one should have the proper tires before he even considers the suspension.

Reply to
tooloud

I've got Ziex 512's in 195/60-14 on my '90 (Lanny's alignment) and find that they like 31-32 psi--the ride harshens buts it makes them handle better.

I would have liked to get Azenis' (my brother has them on his '93) however the Miata is my daily driver, 45K per year all over Florida, and they don't do well at higher speeds in the RAIN we get here. The 512's are quite good in the rain, better than the 502's I replaced.

-cliff-

Reply to
Cliff Knight

I'm finding exactly the same thing. I've played around with the pressure and have them at 31psi now and it's just as you say. They're quite sticky and still ride fairly well. I'm in San Diego, Ca. and rarely drive in the rain, so I'll probably try Azenis' next time.

Thanks

Reply to
Dave Smith

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