you should also look at the extreme contact continental (great deal on tirerack right now). very light and quiet. btw, you must go with the nitrofill (nitrogen) on whatever tire you choose. it is sick

 

Does anyone have a comparative lap time differential for a "light vs heavy" tire under similar conditions? Thanks,

 

Great question; wouldn't that be a great comparison? No test that I know of. However, read the following comments by professional drivers testing 2 cars and their comments. The result is even more telling considering the TPC Turbo has more aggressive suspension tuning (stiffer spring, stiffer link, etc.). In addition, even if the times are the same, people have reported feeling a subjective difference going to lighter wheels.

AWE 750 Turbo with Michelin Cup and PCCB (both components lighter than TPC Turbo's)
TPC 775 Turbo with Toyo R888 and Big Red

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
http://www.tpcracing.net/articles/a-...-super-powers/
Through the curves, AWE’s 750R displays a more agile character. It feels lighter (it’s not). Its steering feels faster (it isn’t). Interestingly, unlike the 775B’s custom-valved and proprietary-sprung Bil*stein Damp*tronic electronically adjustable suspension, the 750R is suspended by off-the-shelf Damptronics. Some difference in feel on the street may be attributable to the car’s much-lighter PCCB ceramic-composite brakes and, more likely, its Michelin Pilot Sport Cups versus the TPC 775B’s Toyo R888 tires.

 

I was just pricing out a new set of RE050As (the original tire is still on my car. Probably still has some tread but since they are 5 years old it's about time to change) and RE11s. The dealer suggested I consider the Pilot Super Sport. Oh right I thought, for double the money. Well it turns out that the intro price is actually very close to what the Bridgestone tires would cost me! I didn't even bother getting the quote from another dealer for Nitto Invos. I'll just order them. This local tire dealer also uses the same Hunter machine for tire change and balancing as Porsche uses. Whoo-hoo, no scuffed rims.

 

Great news. No scuffed rims has a lot to do with the experience of the installer and their attention to the work at hand.

 

What tire sizes did you get, stock?

 

I'm sure that's true. With the Hunter system (and at least one other) it takes installer skill out of the equation from what I can see since it's an automated process with a non-metallic "wheel" putting the pressure on the tire.

 

Yeah, I'll just stick with stock sizes for the stock rims.

 

I have them. 11,000 miles so far. I drive all year, in cold and wet conditions. No complaints. Quiet, comfortable, and handle well. I had the Pirelli P Zeros before. Loud and a lot of vibration as they wore. For a DD, the Hankooks are hard to beat. The price makes them a great value.