I am coming up on new tires. My Mustang is a daily commuter which means rain during the winter. I was looking at the Nitto 555's but they are a summer rated tire and no doubt do well on dry pavement. I routinely drive on the freeway in heavy rain so I do not want something that is going to be squirrely in wet weather. The KDWS's on now do fine in the rain and I have no complaints. However, I want to swap to the 255/45-18 size and they don't make that in the KDWS. From reading the BFG website, it looks to me like the Super Sport A/S is an upgrade to the KDWS as far as all-seaons high performance tires go. Has anyone tried the Super Sports?

 

Nobody has the Super Sports at all?

 

If they arent Z rated, most tire stores won't sell them to you or put them on. I think its a liability issue for tire business. I tried it with Sams club years ago on my 89 GT.

 

Um, they are actually W rated which means 168 mph max, higher than Z rated (149 mph). I don't have these tires, but have looked at them recently, might be getting them at some point, they look like a really good tire for those of us that use our Stangs as DD's in inclement weather.

 

I just put a set on my 07. They ride better than the KDWS. They did very well in the rain, specialy with the wet leaves. My car is getting a SC installed today, so I will let you know how they handle with the added power. So far they are better than the KDWS.

 

Excellent, thank you for the information. From the BFG website, it appeared that the SS's were an upgrade from the KDWS, but I wanted to be sure. I have been pretty happy with the KDWS so I can't imagine that the SS's would not be even better. I would love the Nitto's, but I want to be able to hustle to work on the freeway in the rain without worrying about a summer rated tire not handling as well in the wet weather.

 

BFG KDWs or KDWs2 are two other choices. I have the original KDWs. Excellent summer tire and they perform well in the rain.

 

My only worry on the KDW2 is the reviews on TireRack and other sites claim that they start to howl and make tons of noise fairly soon as they wear down. I thought I even read that on this forum. No problems for you?

 

Not sure about the the KDW2, but my KDWs have little road noise. I have about 15,000 miles and they are not showing any sign of wear. IMO, unless you plan on driving through any snow, don't get the KDWS. The KDWs are better in dry and wet weather, but the KDWS is supposed to be better in the snow

 

Read it again W is Up to 168 mph. Z is Over 149. Z is higher rated tire however It is Good news that dealers will install a tire rated less than the factory tire rating in your area. Mine won't.
www.discounttire.com

Speed RatingThe speed rating of a tire is based on U.S. Government standards for reaching and sustaining a specified speed. Typically, a tire with a higher speed rating results in better handling. Speed ratings are determined via laboratory tests that simulate road performance at various speeds. Below is a list of speed ratings along with the corresponding speeds they represent. Remember that the speeds listed are test speeds and not recommended speeds. Speed ratings apply only to the tire itself, and not to a particular vehicle. Putting a tire rated for a certain speed on a vehicle does not mean that the vehicle can be safely operated at the tire's rated speed. • Q Up to 100mph
• R Up to 106mph
• S Up to 112mph
• T Up to 118mph
• U Up to 124mph
• H Up to 130mph
• V Up to 149mph
• W Up to 168mph
• Y Up to 186mph
• Z 149mph and over

 

If I ever exceed 168 mph, I will be here online bragging my brains out. RockGT302 I am looking forward to hearing more about your experience. I think I am just a couple of months away from new tires and I am debating on not only tires, but rims as well. I really like the Shelby Razors but if I am doing rims too, then I have to decide between staying 18" or going 20".

 

I had the KDWS2 all around. Love them. Very sticky and handle great. They have just alittle bit more tread noise than some but not bad to me. I still have my fronts on with over 30000 miles on them. My backs wore out this year,so I thought I would try a Nitto tire in rear. Its a nice looking tire but does'nt hold the road as well in my opinion. I'll probably will go back to the KDWS2's when its time.

 

I've actually been looking for new tires myself. It seems the biggest difference between the two is comfort/noise level, and the fact that the SS is an all-season tire (under 40* wont be an issue).

What size(s) were you wanting to run?

 

I am looking at the 255/45-18's on either my existing Bullits or maybe some Shelby Razors, provided I don't go 20's. But, from the other thread I started about the difference between 18's and 20's, I am inclined now to stick with 18's.

 

I have the 245/45-18 fr, 275/40-18rr. With the blower (and a slipping clutch) the car does great. we had a rainy/icy day last Sunday and I had the car out in it to push it a little to get comfortable with the car. The tires are great. HIGHLY recommend them.

 

I've had the KDS-2's on (255's) for over 27K miles now, they are still running great, with lots of tread to spare. I don't drive it in rain much here though, we don't get any, so I wouldn't know how they handle the wet.

 

The new Super Sport T/A/s don't howl like the KDW 2's. Plus they aren't temp sensitive like the KDW 2's. My neighbor got a set of 18's SS T/A's for 06'GT and said he will get another set when its time.