Dunlap Direzza Star Spec Z1's...Stiff!

[Tim_M]

Installed a set of Dunlap Direzza Star Specs on my 04 STI...noticed right off they are loud and stiff!

Almost sounds like a wheel bearing has failed...and I need new shocks.

I'm a bit surprised as these are treadwear of 200 compared to another set of more track oriented tires (treadwear 100)...they didn't have either of these attributes.

Looking forward to trying them out on the autocross course come the 5th.

[buddy bodean]

Check your wheel bearings, I haven't found them to be loud at all.

[twistedwankel]

Ed hasn't heard his tires in a couple years now.

Mustangs are like that. Mustangs also have much looser new bearings than AWD cars. I agree you should check that.

I noticed the Hankook 140, RS-3's are noisy and thump when cold depending on the type of pavement. After 10 minutes they stop thumping but are noisier than some other tires I've used BUT nothing like a wheel bearing just road noise.

The new 140, Toyo R1R's I got are awesome. Quiet and no thumping. Stick great. Secret? Only one layer instead of two nylon in the tread like the Hankooks have. Otherwise same layer construction. They also weigh 3lbs less.

I too will be racing them for the first time Saturday now that I have the mold release compound worn off should be fun.

[Native]

The toyos grow dredlocks the first couple times out fyi

[twistedwankel]

The toyos grow dredlocks the first couple times out fyi

Tanks Mon.

Steve "The Frank" gives good advice. Oh and I saved $150 on the Toyo's delivered over RS-3's. AND I can use the dreadlocks to make a new rug Look at all those Buckeyes (hairless nuts) lining up at the Toyo store now.

Tanks Mon.

[Native]

dreadlocks

yah, mon.

[Tim_M]

They 'sound' like a wheel bearing...only change from my Continental's to these Dunlaps...unlikely a bearing failed overnight, but one never knows!

They do warm up and quiet down on a longer run...although still loud.

These Subaru's seem to have very little interior insulation...lots of road noise from day one-very tinny. Of course this car didn't come with floor mats or radio or any options for that matter. I like that.

Here is a shot of the rest of the goods-waited nearly 9 years to do anything to the car:



Thanks.

[twistedwankel]

My failing wheel bearings only make noise when turning a corner not in a straight line. AND you make a valid point with the tires being the only change.

Still your's are 9 years old and a simple test = jack up and wiggle the tire sides back and forth should be no clunking (like a Mustang has) (not top and bottom ever).

But you probably all ready did that.

Nice xmas collection. No radio? That's the tech fix for Subaru noise = turn up radio (copied from my Foxbody manual).

[Tim_M]

Spot on...the some three years ago the front did the whine in corners only-only indication there was a fault. They were freshened up then.

I've not had success with the "jack and check for looseness" approach on the Subaru. I'm guessing the AWD stuff connecting each corner has something to do with it. Disadvantage of the increased complexity.

Thanks for the assistance...

See you on Saturday!

[aparke]

Tim, How'd you like them at Sebring?

[Tim_M]

aparke: The Dunlaps did admirably. Certainly the best tire I've used on the car considering the previous were M+S rated!

A bit more camber up front, turning up the dampers, and more experience behind the wheel (and more HP!) will make a fun car on the track.

The exhaust really changed the demeanor on the street...I'm finding myself winding it up more and heel/toeing approaching stoplights...

Did you get more laps in with the Integra? Crazy, I recall looking at those car brand new (even test drove a GSR when they first came available with the 8000 rpm VTEC powerplant)...it was to be our first new car.

Good to see you out and about again...

[aparke]

Glad you got to shake out the Subie...

Yes, we were able to get back on track for the afternoon sessions after the car cooled down a bit. We still don't know what happened to it in the morning, but may have been a heat-related issue since is was fine later without any wrenching. Basically, ran great afterwards.

Yeah, I had a GSR for the street years ago...probably my favorite car so far. Despite it's Chumpiness, the race car is blast to drive on track. I even managed to get around a GT-R and Dave got around a few M3s.

(Although, I think that really has more to do with other drivers' lack of driving prowess than it does ours.)

Hope to see you out there again soon!

[Tim_M]

Doug...not wanting to repeat a half day loss at another track event ($299) nor destroy another set of rotors (DBA's @ $340)...I decided to install new front wheel bearings.

Surprise...noise from the Dunlaps is greatly reduced...a bit tighter steering as well although I can't quantify that...possibly just my imagination.

My guess is the stiff sidewalled tires accentuated the wheel bearing noise...which was confusing...obviously they were loose to begin.

My notes showed right at 50,000 on the fronts...well within acceptable change timeframe in my opinion.

Thanks for the suggestion!

Now if I could figure out the 'pushing coolant' out the overflow issue...

[twistedwankel]

Now if I could figure out the 'pushing coolant' out the overflow issue...

I was getting that in my RX8 because the guys in the shop keep slightly over filling the reservoir topping off at oil changes, the water pump in the rotary cavitates over 8500rpm causing temp increases in prolonged high revs, it spits. Even with my 1/3 larger all aluminum radiator it still happens on occasion.

I finally extended the hose down to the undertray to make it go away. (No more visible white mess on plastic.) If I tracked the car I'd have to put in a catch can or just run pure water and conditioner so no one would care? Or not worry about it and it will seek it's correct level after one day.

On a dismal note I had a highly boosted car that if I went over 20psi with the 50% bigger turbo it would actually lift the stock head and fill the water jug. 18psi and it wouldn't do it. But I still ran 20 on race day:)