Author Topic: Replacement tires for Acura 1.7EL - Fuzion HRI? (Read 4037 times)

compact · « **on:** April 03, 2007, 11:45:30 pm »

Hello,

I am looking for replacement tires for my 2002 Acura 1.7EL. The stock Firestone FR690s that came with the car were horrible. My tire supplier here in Toronto is recommending the following to me:

1. Fuzion HRI
2. Bridgestone G009
2. Michelin Harmony
2. Toyo Spectrum
3. Nexen CP 641

He stocks a multitude of difference brands and models, but narrowed it down to these 5. I am on a budget, and that is why for me he was particularly big on the Fuzion HRI. Indeed, it seems like a lot of tire (88H) for the price. Appreciate anything anyone can tell me about the HRI (e.g. how long do these last?), and also these other tires as well.

Thanks!

Compact

articsteve · « **Reply #1 on:** April 03, 2007, 11:58:17 pm »

The stock Firestone FR690s that came with the car were horrible.

Really sh*t for an "all season"

Bad on Acura for that one.

AVToller · « **Reply #2 on:** April 04, 2007, 12:43:59 am »

I have the Toyo Spectrums on my Yaris - 20k km, mainly "city" driving. It looks like they will last a LONG time. They handle fairly well, braking and wet weather cornering are very good. The weakest characteristic is acceleration - traction is not very good under any condition in my experience. For my application that is not much of an issue, but it might be for you. Generally, I'm quite happy with them.

random006 · « **Reply #3 on:** April 04, 2007, 11:32:59 am »

Quote from: AVToller on April 04, 2007, 12:43:59 am

I have the Toyo Spectrums on my Yaris - 20k km, mainly "city" driving. It looks like they will last a LONG time. They handle fairly well, braking and wet weather cornering are very good.

I had Spectrums on my Windstar. Almost no wear that I could see by the time I sold the beast. Amazing tire in that regard.

dr_spock · « **Reply #4 on:** April 04, 2007, 11:55:13 pm »

Interesting, Acura used the same Firestone tires as the 2002 Civic.

stock · « **Reply #5 on:** April 07, 2007, 05:04:03 pm »

I would suggest that you go with Japanese tires rather Korean made tires and to stay with same speed rating (H rated) as equipped with your car.

1. Fuzion HRI - Japanese made (Bridgestone/Firestone), H rated
2. Bridgestone G009 - Japanese, H rated, expensive, might as well get the Fuzion rather than these
2. Michelin Harmony - T rated, sidewalls will be too squirmy, very expensive
2. Toyo Spectrum - China made, S rated, sidewalls will be too squirmy
3. Nexen CP 641 - Korean made, unknown noname brand.

You can eliminate the Harmony and Spectrum as they are not H rated tires.

I would also look at the Falken (Sumitomo Tire - Gooodyear parent) ZE-512 H rated tire but they wear out fast. The Fuzion HRi would last longer than the Falkens.

You can also take a look at Canadian Tire Motomaster Touring AW/H (H rated tire). Buy 1 and get the seond 1/2 price. 100,000km tread life. Probably made by Goodyear or Michelin.

None of these tires will be any good in winter traction although they will be way better than those Firestone FR-690s.

Craig · « **Reply #6 on:** April 08, 2007, 09:13:29 pm »

Quote from: stock on April 07, 2007, 05:04:03 pm

I would suggest that you go with Japanese tires rather Korean made tires...

...because Korean tires have communication problems with Hondas?

Loudpedal · « **Reply #7 on:** April 08, 2007, 09:30:10 pm »

Quote from: stock on April 07, 2007, 05:04:03 pm

I would suggest that you go with Japanese tires rather Korean made tires...

Why is that?

stock · « **Reply #8 on:** April 09, 2007, 04:11:31 am »

Japanese tire technology is better than Korean. Bridgestone has been around for a long time. How long has Nexen been making tires? I'd even choose Motomaster tires over the Nexens.

HeliDriver · « **Reply #9 on:** April 09, 2007, 12:56:07 pm »

Quote from: stock on April 09, 2007, 04:11:31 am

Japanese tire technology is better than Korean. Bridgestone has been around for a long time. How long has Nexen been making tires? I'd even choose Motomaster tires over the Nexens.

Actually, they've been making tires since 1942. http://www.nexentire.co.kr/english/about_nexen/about_nexen_sub1_3_1.htm That's only 11 years less than Bridgestone has been in business. http://www.bridgestone.co.jp/english/info/profile/bscb_e1.html

Regardless, we're talking about tires for a Civic (well, OK, an Acura), not a Gallardo, M3, or 911.

Anyone looking for excellent tires and a great value would be crazy not to consider the offerings from Kumho and Hankook (maybe even Nexen, as well, but I really haven't heard anything about those

).

morty · « **Reply #10 on:** April 10, 2007, 11:40:07 pm »

You have different types of tires on your list...Some are H-Rated and others are S-Rated. What are you wanting from the tires?

stock · « **Reply #11 on:** April 11, 2007, 01:50:02 am »

I would not put S-rated tires on your Acura El that comes equipped with H-rated tires. You must put H-rated tires on. Some places won't even see you tires unless they are the correct speed ratings.

rrocket · « **Reply #12 on:** April 11, 2007, 01:57:56 am »

Not true. There is no rule that says you MUST. And S rating is safe to operate at speeds up to 180 km/h for EXTENDED PERIODS, while an H rating is safe to 210km/h. So unless you plan on regularly driving that fast....you do not have to have the same rating...

HeliDriver · « **Reply #13 on:** April 11, 2007, 02:12:43 am »

Quote from: rrocket on April 11, 2007, 01:57:56 am

Not true. There is no rule that says you MUST. And S rating is safe to operate at speeds up to 180 km/h for EXTENDED PERIODS, while an H rating is safe to 210km/h. So unless you plan on regularly driving that fast....you do not have to have the same rating...

True enough, but you forgot to mention that the car will handle differently with the S-rated tires, even at normal highway speeds. Acura spec'd H-rated tires on the car for a reason.

rrocket · « **Reply #14 on:** April 11, 2007, 02:28:04 am »

I disagree about the normal highway speeds observation...but the rest..about handling suffering I agree with. I've put on tires with a lesser speed rating before and regular driving there was no difference...

Loudpedal · « **Reply #15 on:** April 11, 2007, 07:38:06 am »

Quote from: SiRCivic on April 11, 2007, 02:12:43 am

Quote from: rrocket on April 11, 2007, 01:57:56 am
Not true. There is no rule that says you MUST. And S rating is safe to operate at speeds up to 180 km/h for EXTENDED PERIODS, while an H rating is safe to 210km/h. So unless you plan on regularly driving that fast....you do not have to have the same rating...

True enough, but you forgot to mention that the car will handle differently with the S-rated tires, even at normal highway speeds. Acura spec'd H-rated tires on the car for a reason.

But while the EL was equipped with H rated, it's identical stablemate the Civic was not. I suspect that given the tire size tires that most EL's (if not all) came on, H was the predominant speed rating with that size and aspect ratio.

compact · « **Reply #16 on:** April 11, 2007, 10:13:13 am »

Hello Morty,

Wow, it's great to see all these replies here, although it would be nice to see if anyone has an opinion on the Fuzion HRIs (!). All I can say is that I am no tire expert: I am simply looking for a good-performing tire that will last for a long time at a good price. I am fully aware that the higher performing (and hence safer, stopping distance- and cornering-wise) the tire, the softer it will be, and the less a time it will last. I am prepared to accept that tradeoff to a point. I like to do some spirited driving from time to time, but for the most part, I drive as smooth as possible for the sake of fuel economy and tire wear.

Hope that helps!

Compact

morty · « **Reply #17 on:** April 15, 2007, 12:15:49 pm »

The car actually came with V-Rated tires. Putting S-rated on totally defeats the purpose of the suspension and braking as you are downgrading them both by putting on an S-rated tire. We have been through this many times on the forum and speed rating has nothing to do with the max speed. It is the construction of the tire that allows it to sustain those speeds for a preiod without damage. It is the characteristics of that construction that is important. Does anyone even do 150km/h for a sustained time? It's important in emergency situations when you are trying to avoid an accident. The vehicle will also drive completely different. Steering response will be diminished and if you like the way the car drives the changes will be noticeable.

HRi is not one of my tires...hideously ugly tread pattern. First impression is loud and obnoxious. If you are looking for cheap there are other options. This tire looks like it is a design from 20 years ago...I think it could be made from one of the first radial molds.

stock · « **Reply #18 on:** April 15, 2007, 04:54:14 pm »

The 2001-2005 Acura 1.7 ELs come with H-rated tires not V-rated.
The 2001-2005 Honda Civics 1.7 (EX, Canadian LX) come with H-rated tires. Both stock tires sizes are P185/65R15 86H. At some point in 2003-2005, Honda decided to put on P195/60R15.

Base models Civics (DX, US LX) came with P185/70/R14 87S

The Fuzion Hri with UNI-T has the same tire technology as the Bridgestone G009. This is a brand new tire. How can it be a design from 20 years ago? Just because you don't sell them, don't knock them.

morty · « **Reply #19 on:** April 15, 2007, 05:44:23 pm »

I actually sell the tire just not a fan of the tread design. As many know on this forum I knock very few tires. Tire is very chunky and aggressive and not something that I favour recommending. Just my opinion.

I was thinking of the previous generation that came with 195/55/15. However, my reasoning stil applies.