Firehawk Indy 500 tires - looking for reviews

[SteveYem]

I'm due for a new set of summer tires and the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500's have caught my eye. They are less than half the price of the Michelin PS4S that I was considering buying, and they have received good marks on average on TireRack. I am writing to see if any B8/B8.5 owners have first-hand experience with these tires on this car and could share their reviews.
I posted this question in the B8/B8.5 Wheel Fitment Discussion thread but did not get any traction (PUN VERY INTENDED)

[jpl500]

I had PS4S on my M3 and when it was time to get new ones I got the FI500 precisely because they were much less expensive. I'm not a good enough driver to notice the difference on the track and I can't notice a difference in street driving becaue I never get (usually) get anywhere near the traction limit on the M3 on the street. I'd buy the Firestones again because of the price and quality. I have all seasons on my S4 so my assessment is only based on the BMW.

pat

[SteveYem]

I had PS4S on my M3 and when it was time to get new ones I got the FI500 precisely because they were much less expensive. I'm not a good enough driver to notice the difference on the track and I can't notice a difference in street driving becaue I never get (usually) get anywhere near the traction limit on the M3 on the street. I'd buy the Firestones again because of the price and quality. I have all seasons on my S4 so my assessment is only based on the BMW.

pat

Thanks for the feedback. That's consistent with what I've been reading as well. Did you notice any appreciable decrease in acceleration rate with the FI500 vs. PS4S? I noticed that the FI500 weigh in 3 lbs heavier than PS4S in 255/35-19 sizing. I'm not sure that's enough to create a noticeable change, but then again people spend $$$$ on forged wheels to shave a few lbs off every corner so...

[Phil.Lmbrt]

I have just installed a set on my S4 and so far I like them ! However, the roads temps are still around 0* C here so they are not at optimal performance yet ! But they make no noticeable road noise and ride pretty good !

[jc_B8_A4]

I have just installed a set on my S4 and so far I like them ! However, the roads temps are still around 0* C here so they are not at optimal performance yet ! But they make no noticeable road noise and ride pretty good !

I put them on my A4 last summer and I will agree they have minimal road noise and ride nice. Most likely will buy them again when I burn through the ones I have


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[YotoWerks]

Just bought a second set for my A4 in 255/35-19 and they are friggin massive. LOVE em.

I have a 2013 Jetta Sportwagen TDI tuned making around 200hp/350tq and that car is tire spin on demand especially if its a little wet out side. Dry pavement is the same but cant really chirp em in 3rd gear. So I read a ton of FWD reviews on tire rack and forums and found out that the Mazda SPEED 3 guys love them because they can actually put down the power they make on these tires in wet weather... which i thought was a complete bullshit.... until I tried them myself.

So things to note. They are very quiet and have a nice soft sidewall so that tends to soften my super stiff coil over suspension a bit and makes it a very pleasant sporty feeling ride.
Grip... well I can say that I dont loose any at all in any weather as long as we are talking warm temps, Havent driven on them under 50F.
The other nice thing about them is they dont snap at the limit of grip but rather gently tell you that you are about to understeed and that is a lovely feature and I think its due to the soft sidewalls.
MPG etc.. havent notice any difference.

One thing I did discover is that they are actually Bridgestone Potenza RE-003 in europe and Bridgestone was trying to revive the brand by offering a top of the line tire for very low cost.

[YotoWerks]

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[SteveYem]

Just bought a second set for my A4 in 255/35-19 and they are friggin massive. LOVE em.

I have a 2013 Jetta Sportwagen TDI tuned making around 200hp/350tq and that car is tire spin on demand especially if its a little wet out side. Dry pavement is the same but cant really chirp em in 3rd gear. So I read a ton of FWD reviews on tire rack and forums and found out that the Mazda SPEED 3 guys love them because they can actually put down the power they make on these tires in wet weather... which i thought was a complete bullshit.... until I tried them myself.

So things to note. They are very quiet and have a nice soft sidewall so that tends to soften my super stiff coil over suspension a bit and makes it a very pleasant sporty feeling ride.
Grip... well I can say that I dont loose any at all in any weather as long as we are talking warm temps, Havent driven on them under 50F.
The other nice thing about them is they dont snap at the limit of grip but rather gently tell you that you are about to understeed and that is a lovely feature and I think its due to the soft sidewalls.
MPG etc.. havent notice any difference.

One thing I did discover is that they are actually Bridgestone Potenza RE-003 in europe and Bridgestone was trying to revive the brand by offering a top of the line tire for very low cost.

When you say they are "massive", do you mean in comparison to other 255/35-19 tires you have used, or relative to the OE tire size for your A4? I am running a 19x9 et33 wheel so tire-fender clearance is a concern. I get some rubbing as it is with my 255/35-19 Michelin PSS, so any bulkier of a sidewall and/or shoulder will be problematic for me.

[SteveYem]

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Off-topic, but which wheels are those? And what size/offset? Almost looks like a set of MRR that I was considering a couple years back.

[YotoWerks]

Alzor 084... they are 19x9.5 et40. I say massive because the 245 on the stock 18" rims look fairly skinny and I am coming from VW which ran 225s so looking at these 255s in my driveway they look absolutely massive to me. Extreemly wide.

[YotoWerks]

Always been a fan of OEM wheels but one day I saw an RS5 with massively concave rotor wheels and since that day I wanted to have a very concave wheels on my car and this was the best my budget could do! 500$/Wheels 540$/tires was A great budget set up that looks great!

I got one of those scratch n dent wheels for 40$ that’s why I have a rotor wheel to compare.


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[SteveYem]

Alzor 084... they are 19x9.5 et40. I say massive because the 245 on the stock 18" rims look fairly skinny and I am coming from VW which ran 225s so looking at these 255s in my driveway they look absolutely massive to me. Extreemly wide.

Always been a fan of OEM wheels but one day I saw an RS5 with massively concave rotor wheels and since that day I wanted to have a very concave wheels on my car and this was the best my budget could do! 500$/Wheels 540$/tires was A great budget set up that looks great!

I got one of those scratch n dent wheels for 40$ that’s why I have a rotor wheel to compare.


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Thanks for the clarification. Curious to see those Alzor 084's mounted up. Hard to complain about a fresh summer setup for $1040!

[jpl500]

Thanks for the feedback. That's consistent with what I've been reading as well. Did you notice any appreciable decrease in acceleration rate with the FI500 vs. PS4S? I noticed that the FI500 weigh in 3 lbs heavier than PS4S in 255/35-19 sizing. I'm not sure that's enough to create a noticeable change, but then again people spend $$$$ on forged wheels to shave a few lbs off every corner so...

I didn't do the proper control experiment since I installed them on new, lighter than factory, rims. It certainly handles better but I think that's just the reduced weight on the corners.

[fitzydude]

Total shit had a set that came on my miata, zero grip. I've seen many on the FB page that say they're great though.

Also they run narrow for a given size, so you might want to size up if you want a little lip protection.

[BlandySanderson]

Always been a fan of OEM wheels but one day I saw an RS5 with massively concave rotor wheels and since that day I wanted to have a very concave wheels on my car and this was the best my budget could do! 500$/Wheels 540$/tires was A great budget set up that looks great!

I got one of those scratch n dent wheels for 40$ that’s why I have a rotor wheel to compare.



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Please post a pick of these mounted please! So your set will be a 19x9.5 with a 255/35/19 firestone?

[A.C.]

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Not to hijack the thread. I have a 2015 TDI Golf Sportswagen DSG and contemplating on a tune. Can you pm me for more information?
Thanks
Gary


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[SteveYem]

Total shit had a set that came on my miata, zero grip. I've seen many on the FB page that say they're great though.

Also they run narrow for a given size, so you might want to size up if you want a little lip protection.

That's the interesting thing to me, how the majority seem to have a good experience while some people think they are total garbage. I wonder if their quality control just isn't consistent and allows some clunkers to get out?

[Ford Prefect]

That's the interesting thing to me, how the majority seem to have a good experience while some people think they are total garbage. I wonder if their quality control just isn't consistent and allows some clunkers to get out?

I dove right with these when I saw the price. Although they are sitting at a buddies on my S5 rotors waiting on me to finally install them on the car.

I wasn’t smart enough to ask anyoneX I just bought them size I over paid for the wheels lol


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[fitzydude]

That's the interesting thing to me, how the majority seem to have a good experience while some people think they are total garbage. I wonder if their quality control just isn't consistent and allows some clunkers to get out?

Perhaps there is an updated version that's better?

[SteveYem]

I dove right with these when I saw the price. Although they are sitting at a buddies on my S5 rotors waiting on me to finally install them on the car.

I wasn’t smart enough to ask anyoneX I just bought them size I over paid for the wheels lol


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For the price, I am tempted to do the same. Planning to buy through a good local tire shop so I have recourse in case they don't balance properly. If I only get 15k miles out of them but they are 15k enjoyable miles, I will feel like I got my $500 worth.

[Ford Prefect]

For the price, I am tempted to do the same. Planning to buy through a good local tire shop so I have recourse in case they don't balance properly. If I only get 15k miles out of them but they are 15k enjoyable miles, I will feel like I got my $500 worth.

That’s a great point. Let me get some pics of the weights needed from mine.


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[s4matty]

I absolutely loved these tires.
I put 20k on them and at least 50 drag races and they still have 60% tred left when I got rid of them.
They were fantastic in the rain and great in the dry.
They do have a stiff sidewall and rode abit more rough compared to the pss they replaced.
There a great tire and would have bought again for my 20's but I found a good deal on ps4 tires.

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[GandalfTheIbis]

I dove right with these when I saw the price. Although they are sitting at a buddies on my S5 rotors waiting on me to finally install them on the car.

I wasn’t smart enough to ask anyoneX I just bought them size I over paid for the wheels lol


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I think it's just strong language and a difference in expectation. If somebody buys them thinking they will be on par with Michelin PSS they might end up calling them garbage. If somebody just bought their car and is replacing some sumimotos that the last owner got on the cheap then they're gonna sing praise as if they struck gold.

Expect an entry level performance tire that will feel good in most conditions, cause that's what you're getting.

[jpl500]

SteveYem,

Pretty comprehensive reviews on the M3 forum.

http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showt...Firestone+Indy

Pat

[JD S4]

Total shit had a set that came on my miata, zero grip. I've seen many on the FB page that say they're great though.

Also they run narrow for a given size, so you might want to size up if you want a little lip protection.

You’re such a ProbeTalker. If I got 10 guesses - I bet I could guess your SN there.


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[fitzydude]

You’re such a ProbeTalker. If I got 10 guesses - I bet I could guess your SN there.


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You can take the boy out of the Probe, but you can never take the Probe out of the boy.

My best thread was titled "Ask Alex Anything". Youre probably like a skechtec333 or a PSE95

[Ford Prefect]

Also they run narrow for a given size, so you might want to size up if you want a little lip protection.

@SteveYem mine balance up with less than one ounce per wheel except one, which took 2.5. Probably the wheel but I’ll see.

Took some photos and confirm what fitzydude is saying. The inner lip sticks out past the tire and outer lip is just barely protected, meaning it’s probably not protected at all. These are S5 wheels.

Image1523543227.508998.jpgImage1523543241.361770.jpgImage1523543250.211241.jpgImage1523543259.445730.jpgImage1523543271.181508.jpg


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[BlandySanderson]

@SteveYem mine balance up with less than one ounce per wheel except one, which took 2.5. Probably the wheel but I’ll see.

Took some photos and confirm what fitzydude is saying. The inner lip sticks out past the tire and putter lip is just barely protected, meaning it’s probably not protected at all. These are S5 wheels.

Image1523543227.508998.jpgImage1523543241.361770.jpgImage1523543250.211241.jpgImage1523543259.445730.jpgImage1523543271.181508.jpg


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So what is your rim width and tire size?

[Eh_4_Ben]

Just picked up a set of 255/35/19 Indy 500's and have driven about 1000km's on them. So far hard to give a review since its been pretty cold out. With that said the price point and the fact that they are made in Japan is huge deal. Great option instead of the PS4's and TireRack gave it a great review.

[Ford Prefect]

So what is your rim width and tire size?

19x9 , OEM S5 Rotors, tire size is 255/35-19

[SteveYem]

@SteveYem mine balance up with less than one ounce per wheel except one, which took 2.5. Probably the wheel but I’ll see.

Took some photos and confirm what fitzydude is saying. The inner lip sticks out past the tire and outer lip is just barely protected, meaning it’s probably not protected at all. These are S5 wheels.

Image1523543227.508998.jpgImage1523543241.361770.jpgImage1523543250.211241.jpgImage1523543259.445730.jpgImage1523543271.181508.jpg


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Thanks for the photos. While there isn't any lip protection, the sidewall/shoulder does appear to be pretty beefy when compared to the Conti DWS I am running on S5 peelers, as well as the Mich. PSS I am running on S5 Rotors, both 19x9, both 255/35-19. I get some bad rubbing at the rear passenger side as it is with those tires, so I bet I'm in for a problem if I run these. Damn.

[Ford Prefect]

Thanks for the photos. While there isn't any lip protection, the sidewall/shoulder does appear to be pretty beefy when compared to the Conti DWS I am running on S5 peelers, as well as the Mich. PSS I am running on S5 Rotors, both 19x9, both 255/35-19. I get some bad rubbing at the rear passenger side as it is with those tires, so I bet I'm in for a problem if I run these. Damn.

And stiff, they have 'extra load' on the sidewalls too, at least mine do.

[SteveYem]

And stiff, they have 'extra load' on the sidewalls too, at least mine do.

Interesting. Are you lowered? I'm wondering if you'll have any rubbing issues with these.

I'm currently running 255/35-19 Mich.PSS on my S5 Rotors and they appear to have more "slope" to the sidewall than your Indy 500's, and I am getting moderate rubbing at the rear passenger corner as it is. Photo of my current setup for reference:


Seems like without running a lot of negative camber or somehow modifying the fenders, the Indy's will cause a lot of rubbing.

[Tidi0x]

I recently ordered these tires with some advanti 19x8.5s and I regretted not spending the extra money. I pretty much avoid driving my car on cold days now.

Here is why, From day one these tires have had a very bad flat spotting issue, anytime the temperature is less than say 60 degrees out or even 70 for the first 5-10 mins of driving the whole car is shaking while the flat spots rotate out from the tire warming up. The flat spotting is so bad that I am pretty positive it caused one of my wheels to bend, I went through the whole re-balance the wheels and the tech found the bent wheel (you couldn't even see it); Tirerack sent me a new wheel. but even after getting the new wheel of course the flat spotting issue still persist, at this point I just want to sell my wheels that I just purchased a month or two ago.

Wheel and tire size 19x8.5 255-35-r19

Just fyi stock wheel and tire setup is 18x8.5 with PS A/S 3's and they perform well, and offer better comfort.

[Ford Prefect]

Interesting. Are you lowered? I'm wondering if you'll have any rubbing issues with these.

I'm currently running 255/35-19 Mich.PSS on my S5 Rotors and they appear to have more "slope" to the sidewall than your Indy 500's, and I am getting moderate rubbing at the rear passenger corner as it is. Photo of my current setup for reference:

Seems like without running a lot of negative camber or somehow modifying the fenders, the Indy's will cause a lot of rubbing.

Not lowered, in fact it's getting to be that time of the year for me to resurrect the other thread where we were discussing suspension setups and whether or not I can get the S5 rotor into my fender well. Although i'm sure the car is somewhat lower than stock cause everything is original with 110k miles. I won't be able to get them on until May too, I'm in Florida for the next two weeks.

Your tires definitely have more slope, the Indy's are damn near vertical sidewalls.

On a side note, I do always enjoy pics of your car, lol

[SteveYem]

Not lowered, in fact it's getting to be that time of the year for me to resurrect the other thread where we were discussing suspension setups and whether or not I can get the S5 rotor into my fender well. Although i'm sure the car is somewhat lower than stock cause everything is original with 110k miles. I won't be able to get them on until May too, I'm in Florida for the next two weeks.

Your tires definitely have more slope, the Indy's are damn near vertical sidewalls.

On a side note, I do always enjoy pics of your car, lol

Yeah, damn, I think those square shoulders are a deal killer for me. As it is, I had to file down the little nub / pinch weld on the inside of the rear passenger fender right above where the bumper connects to it because it was rubbing pretty severely on that tire. I still get some rubbing so I think i'll need to whittle it down even further. I could run more negative camber to avoid the issue but I'd prefer not to. FWIW, my passenger side rear wheel sits closer to the fender than the driver side, by 5+ mm I would say. Seems like the rear subframe is shifted to that side for whatever reason.....but anyway, that's why I only had the rubbing issue on that one corner.

- - - Updated - - -

You can take the boy out of the Probe, but you can never take the Probe out of the boy.

My best thread was titled "Ask Alex Anything". Youre probably like a skechtec333 or a PSE95

Ooof.

[seandon_792]

A lot of good information here. I will definitely be considering these whenever I get Around to powdercoating my wheels and mounting them.


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[GandalfTheIbis]

Not lowered, in fact it's getting to be that time of the year for me to resurrect the other thread where we were discussing suspension setups and whether or not I can get the S5 rotor into my fender well. Although i'm sure the car is somewhat lower than stock cause everything is original with 110k miles. I won't be able to get them on until May too, I'm in Florida for the next two weeks.

Your tires definitely have more slope, the Indy's are damn near vertical sidewalls.

On a side note, I do always enjoy pics of your car, lol

I'll save you the time. The specs on factory 19's for an S5 are 19x9 et33. I'm running them on an aggressively lowered car and only rub the fender a tiny little bit in the back over bumps.

[Low Orbit]

If you live in areas that have temperature drops outside winter and want a serious performance tire, I highly suggest the Michelin PS4S per the youtube test below. Often you really do get what you pay for.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0Y7...ddm4JFgYg&t=0s

I just ordered the 4S to replace the subpar OEM Conti's and can't wait to use them.

[YotoWerks]

Got em mounted now onto the car.


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