New ST Owner in Long Island NY Area

[rotation_nation]

I just placed an order for the OZ Superturismo GTs in 17x7 in gunmetal, and ended up calling an audible on tires and going with the General G-MAX AS-07. I was about to move forward with Pilot Sport 5s, which aren't CRAZY expensive (around $180/tire), but went down a rabbit hole of research and learned that they are actually a pretty numb feeling tire. To me, feel > absolute grip, as I like to enjoy cars at reasonably safe speeds. The reviews on the Generals are all very positive (shockingly so) and many comment on the responsiveness/steering feel from them. Separately, we have another couple months of sub 40* weather in NY, and I don't want to get stranded somewhere if it starts to snow. I told my wife that the Fiesta would be much better in the snow than the Cayman, and I wouldn't want to have to explain why I suddenly need her to pick me up from the train station when there is a light dusting of snow on the ground.

I am going to see how the Generals feel, and can always throw some summer rubber on the OZ wheels in April if I don't like them. But based on the reviews, it sounds like the Generals will be markedly better than the budget rubber I have on the car now.

I will post some pictures when I get the new wheels/tires on the car. Now I need to commit to a set of lowering springs - torn between the Swift and Mountune. I've always known Swift to make the best springs in the business, but I love that Mountune is a sort of extension of the Ford factory and has gone through significant testing to match the springs to our stock dampers. Open to any input from the group!

 

[Capri to ST]

I just placed an order for the OZ Superturismo GTs in 17x7 in gunmetal, and ended up calling an audible on tires and going with the General G-MAX AS-07. I was about to move forward with Pilot Sport 5s, which aren't CRAZY expensive (around $180/tire), but went down a rabbit hole of research and learned that they are actually a pretty numb feeling tire. To me, feel > absolute grip, as I like to enjoy cars at reasonably safe speeds. The reviews on the Generals are all very positive (shockingly so) and many comment on the responsiveness/steering feel from them. Separately, we have another couple months of sub 40* weather in NY, and I don't want to get stranded somewhere if it starts to snow. I told my wife that the Fiesta would be much better in the snow than the Cayman, and I wouldn't want to have to explain why I suddenly need her to pick me up from the train station when there is a light dusting of snow on the ground.

I am going to see how the Generals feel, and can always throw some summer rubber on the OZ wheels in April if I don't like them. But based on the reviews, it sounds like the Generals will be markedly better than the budget rubber I have on the car now.

I will post some pictures when I get the new wheels/tires on the car. Now I need to commit to a set of lowering springs - torn between the Swift and Mountune. I've always known Swift to make the best springs in the business, but I love that Mountune is a sort of extension of the Ford factory and has gone through significant testing to match the springs to our stock dampers. Open to any input from the group!

That's interesting that your research disclosed that the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 seems to be a bit numb on steering feel. In post number 18 on this thread which I started on them when they first became available, the Forum member said the handling and turn in were good and crisp-
https://www.fiestastforum.com/threads/new-tire-in-oem-size-michelin-pilot-sport-5.32524/

Hopefully as more members have them we'll get more opinions on them.

 

[rotation_nation]

It sounds like they are superb from a performance standpoint, but feel squishier than peers at that price point. I’m sure they are excellent, and will probably try them in the future on the fiesta or cayman.

any opinions on swift vs mountune springs if I’m going after a mild drop and crisp turn in/handling?

 

[M-Sport fan]

For the Cayman you would be able to get the much superior to the 5s, newest, latest and greatest Pilot SUPER Sport replacement, whatever that will be at that time.

We with this platform are 'stuck' with the plain old 5s since Michelin refuses to build any of their 'supercar' level tires in any diameters smaller than a 19" (maybe some select few 18s?) wheel anymore.
Actually, even in the PS5s, our size is the ONLY even 17" one made, and also the smallest size offered in that tire.

The AS-07s are a great tire, and at times I am sorry I did not get them over the Conti DWS-06es in the 205/50-16 size for my 3 season, 16" Dekagram daily driver wheels, but I had to find out if all of the positive raves/praise about/of the Contis was true or not.

Most likely I will try them (or their successors) next time around on those wheels.

If I ever get around to doing the suspension on this car, and go for an 'off the shelf' type option if/when I do, I will most likely go for the Spec Rs, but will pair them with Bilstein B6es.

IF you are worried about static ride height ground clearance, speed bumps, driveways, road craters, etc. the Swifts do not lower the car quite as much as the Mountunes.

Plus, they are linear rate (even though they do not look like it due to the built-in lower coil 'tender' spring section), so even though the steady state ride is not quite as 'cushy' as the Mountunes, you are less likely to bottom out the dampers, and arguably/possibly will have a much better steering response and initial turn-in.

 

[rotation_nation]

Very helpful feedback! I’m quite happy with my decision to go with the generals. I had never heard of general tires until this week, but was quite taken aback by the reviews everywhere online. And the value seems to be excellent.

on the swift springs, it sounds like they are the better spring in every way other than comfort. Do you know if they are excessively punishing compared to stock? I don’t want an “extreme” ride, but really value turn in response.

 

[rotation_nation]

Update - went ahead and ordered the swift springs based on a lot of searching on this forum and the advice of Ron at Whoosh (via his older posts). Also ordered the whoosh rear spring pads, their symposer delete, and new reverse lockout. Ordered new bolts/hardware for the installation.

Separately, grabbed rokblokz mud flaps and an alcantara steering wheel wrap from east detailing. I will report back on the installation process and end result. If I don’t like it, can always go with the whoosh wheel.

thank you all for your help as I get my fiesta dialed in!