Porsche (and other high-end carmakers) experiencing record sales this year

[CR Williams]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-20691987

[bae]

I view my 911 as a great bargain over time. I've had it ~10 years now, it has never had any mechanical problems, my main maintenance item is tires. Best sports car I've ever had, from a reliability point of view - you can use it as a daily driver without concern. I'm really really glad I didn't go for the Ferrari instead.

I'll probably still have it 10 years from now.

[Pokeguyjai]

I have been lusting after a Cayman for a few years now. (I am a mid engine guy) Out of my price range though :sad:

[bae]

I have been lusting after a Cayman for a few years now. (I am a mid engine guy) Out of my price range though :sad:

The dealer gave me one as a loaner when I was in for service - it was really really decent. I suspect Porsche of deliberately detuning it somewhat, so that it doesn't compete too much with the flagship 911 model. Now that I'm not so concerned with being able to stuff my kid in the back seat, I'd be quite tempted by the Cayman if I were in the market for a new Porsche.

[strengverboten]

I have been lusting after a Cayman for a few years now. (I am a mid engine guy) Out of my price range though :sad:

My wife and I very seriously considered the Cayman. Ended up with a new BMW 335i sport coupe instead.

Wife said if felt more like a normal car than the cayman...needless to say I was disappointed but it is her car not mine :dunno:

[Pokeguyjai]

The dealer gave me one as a loaner when I was in for service - it was really really decent. I suspect Porsche of deliberately detuning it somewhat, so that it doesn't compete too much with the flagship 911 model. Now that I'm not so concerned with being able to stuff my kid in the back seat, I'd be quite tempted by the Cayman if I were in the market for a new Porsche.

That was an issue with the first generation of Caymans. They have to keep the model lines distinguished, and while that is sort of compromising, it is what it is.

Now they are just treating it like a Boxter with a roof, and that is paying off. The new Cayman is truly beautiful but sadly, I like cheap cars that I can take to the track and destroy. If I ever got $40k+ car, it would probably be a car that I would want to pass on to my kids.


My wife and I very seriously considered the Cayman. Ended up with a new BMW 335i sport coupe instead.

Wife said if felt more like a normal car than the cayman...needless to say I was disappointed but it is her car not mine :dunno:

BMWs are nice since they are still truly German. Since VW bought Porsche and outsourced the production to other countries, their reputation definitely took a hit.

Personally though, if I were to get a BMW it would be the 1M... yum.

[strengverboten]

That was an issue with the first generation of Caymans. They have to keep the model lines distinguished, and while that is sort of compromising, it is what it is


BMWs are nice since they are still truly German. Since VW bought Porsche and outsourced the production to other countries, their reputation definitely took a hit.

Personally though, if I were to get a BMW it would be the 1M... yum.

1 Series M is a wicked little guy...

[ewayte]

A coworker had his Boxster in for service at the local Porsche dealer, and his loaner was a Panamera. The service adviser said that practice really boosts Panamera sales!

[chad newton]

I have been lusting after a Cayman for a few years now. (I am a mid engine guy) Out of my price range though :sad:

I will trade you my 914 for two ptr's?

[chad newton]

What I really want is a bugatti veyron. One of the only super cars I would ever want, excluding a couple of vintage v12 ferraris I would love to have.

[chad newton]

I could have got a hold of a 08 cayman for about 40,000. Only had 16000 miles on it. I just don't need a payment for a toy I may drive to the track 2-3 times a month.

[bae]

Personally though, if I were to get a BMW it would be the 1M... yum.

That is a great choice, and on/near the top of my current lust-list as well.

[manco5]

Had a Noble a couple years ago. Beat Porsche all day, especially on turns and corners.
now an F250 diesel crew with cap, hitch and pusher. yep

[Pokeguyjai]

I will trade you my 914 for two ptr's?

I have my eyes on the Subbie BRZ for 2013. And I don't have any PTRs :(

[Pokeguyjai]

My brother just bought a 740 IL ( I think thats the number ) Very nice car. But it still doesn't turn my head like a 600 series Mercedes Benz. I also like the Audi S-5 series......... but think they screwed up since 2010. I understand they no longer have the V-8. (?) After that, no matter how much $$$ i had......... i'd still buy the Benz & Audi or trucks. For wind blistering speed and Incredible handling sitting upright......... it will continue to be Motorcycles for me. Big guys and low seats don't go together.

Honestly, if you want a fast SUV, look at the Cayenne. My mom drove a GL550 for a year and I got to play around with it. That this has TORQUE but it is like driving a ship. The Cayenne has a good mix of everything, with all the power you want as long as you are willing to pay more money :grin:

All the car companies are cutting down on engine sizes too, so expect big V8s/V12s to be replaced by turbo V6s/V8s. Which is not necessarily a bad thing

[Pokeguyjai]

http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/vehicles/model/class-S/model-S600V
I hear you brother......... but at this stage in life. ;-)

That car is just asking to be bulletproofed, especially if it is your car! You will also need two little jolly roger flags mounted to the sides of the hood.

[Pokeguyjai]

Rolling thru ChinaTown with you running shotgun with the turretts opened and armed .............

Yeah, that'll be priceless!

If were in Chinatown, the meat cleaver would be more my style :wink:

[chad newton]

I have my eyes on the Subbie BRZ for 2013. And I don't have any PTRs :(

Get a miata for the track bro. I think that's what I would do now. There isn't much that can keep up with it on the track, not even a boxster. I actually ran into a buddy of mine that has two stock cars, and said I can run one if I want. I going to try the dirt out, I will keep you informed.

[Pokeguyjai]

Get a miata for the track bro. I think that's what I would do now. There isn't much that can keep up with it on the track, not even a boxster. I actually ran into a buddy of mine that has two stock cars, and said I can run one if I want. I going to try the dirt out, I will keep you informed.

Yeh I'm still thinking about it and might hold off on it until I turn 25 next year (insurance rates go down) and also since I've been spending my money on other... things... I'm going to keep her bone simple. Just probably chip and tune her after break in and also drop in a cat back exhaust. Might add wider wheels if I need them but I think the designers knew what they were doing. Still thinking about automatic (flappy paddles!) versus manual though.
Stock cars on dirt?? Are you starting up a new NASCAR LOL. Running ammo instead of boot legged 'shine?! :firedevil:

[chad newton]

They are full cars not open wheel. If he had a sprint car or midget I would try that too.:)

[michael]

Get a miata for the track bro. I think that's what I would do now. There isn't much that can keep up with it on the track, not even a boxster. I actually ran into a buddy of mine that has two stock cars, and said I can run one if I want. I going to try the dirt out, I will keep you informed.

My next car may very well be a Miata. I really like them, and place a premium on handling over horsepower, though it has to have "enough". I do love horsepower and torque though.

The Cayman S is sweet. I like the looks of it even more than the 911, which was always my favorite. The Cayman S is what I would buy if money were no object.

[Chilicharger665]

Yeh I'm still thinking about it and might hold off on it until I turn 25 next year (insurance rates go down) and also since I've been spending my money on other... things... I'm going to keep her bone simple. Just probably chip and tune her after break in and also drop in a cat back exhaust. Might add wider wheels if I need them but I think the designers knew what they were doing. Still thinking about automatic (flappy paddles!) versus manual though.
Stock cars on dirt?? Are you starting up a new NASCAR LOL. Running ammo instead of boot legged 'shine?! :firedevil:
I currently own two miatas, a 2000 and a 2004 Mazdaspeed. If you are wanting a car to run at the track, then my 2000 is in rough shape but it is for sale and for cheap if all your wanting is a track car.

What year of miata are you looking for? The generations are broken down as follows:
NA6 90-93. 1.6 liter engine
NA8 94-97. 1.8 liter engine but same body style as above
NB1 99-00. Better looking exterior and slightly better engine
NB2 01-05. Slight styling change and slightly more powerful engine
NC1 06-08. Completely new chassis and 2.0 liter engine
NC2 09-12. Slight styling tweak and slightly better engine
NC3 13-? Slight styling tweak.

Dont even think about getting an automatic transmission if you plan on tracking the car, that makes no sense. The miata doesnt have a flappy paddle gearbox that you refer to anyways, just a torque-converter automatic that you can suggest to change gears with paddles. Also the stock rims on the NC generation are 17x7 with 205 width tires. Thats narrow so you will definitely want to upgrade those two items. If you have anymore questions about miatas, feel free to PM me or post them here.

[Pokeguyjai]

I currently own two miatas, a 2000 and a 2004 Mazdaspeed. If you are wanting a car to run at the track, then my 2000 is in rough shape but it is for sale and for cheap if all your wanting is a track car.

What year of miata are you looking for? The generations are broken down as follows:
NA6 90-93. 1.6 liter engine
NA8 94-97. 1.8 liter engine but same body style as above
NB1 99-00. Better looking exterior and slightly better engine
NB2 01-05. Slight styling change and slightly more powerful engine
NC1 06-08. Completely new chassis and 2.0 liter engine
NC2 09-12. Slight styling tweak and slightly better engine
NC3 13-? Slight styling tweak.

Dont even think about getting an automatic transmission if you plan on tracking the car, that makes no sense. The miata doesnt have a flappy paddle gearbox that you refer to anyways, just a torque-converter automatic that you can suggest to change gears with paddles. Also the stock rims on the NC generation are 17x7 with 205 width tires. Thats narrow so you will definitely want to upgrade those two items. If you have anymore questions about miatas, feel free to PM me or post them here.

I was talking about the Subaru BRZ in a previous post. The Miata is cool, I just prefer Subarus. Thanks for the offer!

[ERN]

My next car may very well be a Miata. I really like them, and place a premium on handling over horsepower, though it has to have "enough". I do love horsepower and torque though.

The Cayman S is sweet. I like the looks of it even more than the 911, which was always my favorite. The Cayman S is what I would buy if money were no object.

I have driven a lot of sports cars, and honestly, the Miata is one of the most fun. It is underpowered and a bit flimsy, but the handling is nearly ideal and you can have a lot of fun with it on the street without going dangerously fast. More capable cars are actually a bit boring on the road (but not the track;))

[chad newton]

If you want to step it up in the hp range and still have a good driver is to look at a used lotus. They are bad a$$ and the power will probably feel twice as much as a miata. That would be a better choice and a way more fun car.

[Pokeguyjai]

If you want to step it up in the hp range and still have a good driver is to look at a used lotus. They are bad a$$ and the power will probably feel twice as much as a miata. That would be a better choice and a way more fun car.

My uncle raced them on weekends at competitions in China. He had full team with pit crew. It was cool! I remember he took me in it and it had no AC and you could feel the heat coming in from the aluminum floor. I think he hit 120mph on a high way in Hong Kong lol.

[ERN]

If you want to step it up in the hp range and still have a good driver is to look at a used lotus. They are bad a$$ and the power will probably feel twice as much as a miata. That would be a better choice and a way more fun car.

I looked at them and the price was very reasonable for the performance. Very sweet dream cars if you like to drive. Pretty much zero luxury.

[50BMG]

Although not a track toy, the e39 M5 2000-2003 gets my pulse going. 400hp v8 that redlines at 7k and built so well. Hitting 150+ is a breeze. The only other car I've loved so much was my 06 Evo MR. Different approach, but evil in the turns.

27462

[bae]

More capable cars are actually a bit boring on the road (but not the track;))

There is a lot of truth to this. On the little country roads where I live, my most fun car of my wee collection is a completely stock, base-model, no-options Mini Cooper. It's like a go-cart, and I can't keep the grin off my face when I'm flogging it around corners. My highly-modified, supercharged Z3, which is 10x the car, is nowhere near as much fun at these low speeds - it's too capable, there's no drama or effort required, except the effort to not twitch your foot and get a speeding ticket.

[ReconScout]

Although not a track toy, the e39 M5 2000-2003 gets my pulse going. 400hp v8 that redlines at 7k and built so well. Hitting 150+ is a breeze. The only other car I've loved so much was my 06 Evo MR. Different approach, but evil in the turns.

27462

Ahhh... the E39 M5. One of my all time favorites. I would give up my 2012 335i sportline in a heartbeat for one of these things (even if the 335i is a tad faster than that old beast :tongue:).

[ERN]

You should be able to heel and toe a manual transmission, if not, get to a school. Driving will take on a whole new level of enjoyment.

I spent 15 years heel and toeing a 5.0 in all sorts of traffic conditions. After seven years now in minivan-land, it comes back instantly when necessary.

I love manuals, but have to admit that modern autos do as well or better in many ways. They still aren't as fun.

[michael]

I currently own two miatas, a 2000 and a 2004 Mazdaspeed. If you are wanting a car to run at the track, then my 2000 is in rough shape but it is for sale and for cheap if all your wanting is a track car.

What year of miata are you looking for? The generations are broken down as follows:
NA6 90-93. 1.6 liter engine
NA8 94-97. 1.8 liter engine but same body style as above
NB1 99-00. Better looking exterior and slightly better engine
NB2 01-05. Slight styling change and slightly more powerful engine
NC1 06-08. Completely new chassis and 2.0 liter engine
NC2 09-12. Slight styling tweak and slightly better engine
NC3 13-? Slight styling tweak.

Dont even think about getting an automatic transmission if you plan on tracking the car, that makes no sense. The miata doesnt have a flappy paddle gearbox that you refer to anyways, just a torque-converter automatic that you can suggest to change gears with paddles. Also the stock rims on the NC generation are 17x7 with 205 width tires. Thats narrow so you will definitely want to upgrade those two items. If you have anymore questions about miatas, feel free to PM me or post them here.

So if I was buying used, a 2009+ would be my best bet? I have heard some purists prefer the older models, but they are much more underpowered compared to the later models, and I like the newer body styles better as well.


I have driven a lot of sports cars, and honestly, the Miata is one of the most fun. It is underpowered and a bit flimsy, but the handling is nearly ideal and you can have a lot of fun with it on the street without going dangerously fast. More capable cars are actually a bit boring on the road (but not the track;))

I've driven a few, and they are certainly fun. You're right, the more capable cars can be boring because they are so easy to drive well.

[michael]

If you can't afford a German sports car, then an MX-5 ("Miata" conjures up visions of a hair dresser) is the best bang for the buck in terms of handling. They have fairly neutral handling with a few suspension mods and don't oversteer as much as a Porsche. Either way, get your arse to a racing school. I don't give a shit about necklace wearing permed hair middle aged men name dropping cars until they prove to me they can get to the limit on a track.

I know many of you have the skills, but the car is just the platform. Same concept as SI, spend money on training first.

Oh, and don't get an MX-5 with the auto and paddle shift, it is not a racing transmission sequential gearbox. You will be disappointed. You should be able to heel and toe a manual transmission, if not, get to a school. Driving will take on a whole new level of enjoyment.

I agree completely. I haven't made it to a "professional" driving school, but I have spent a TON of hours on police driving tracks. That is about as much fun as one can have with your clothes on.

[Greg Nichols]

Mom has a Mini S and a restored 74' Alpha Romeo Spider. you wanna talk about quick little cars. Even at 74 she still wears out the sides of the rubber before the centers, that girl can corner and drift better than any 20 something in a honda.

[chad newton]

Lol.... That's pretty funny.

[Chilicharger665]

So if I was buying used, a 2009+ would be my best bet? I have heard some purists prefer the older models, but they are much more underpowered compared to the later models, and I like the newer body styles better as well..
It completely depends on the mission of the car. Define the mission and the choice will become clearer. For instance, my 2000 has no mission because its waiting to be sold.:tongue:
On my 2004 mazdaspeed, it is currently my daily driver AND track car. It is the only factory turbo Miata that was ever sold. I got it because turbo cars are easy to upgrade HP. I have a downpipe, exhaust, and intake. I am right under 200 whp. 2500 pounds and 200 whp is a fun car. PM me and I'll help you out with any questions you have. In closing, miatas are the perfect track cars because they are lightweight, relatively cheap, and just FUN TO DRIVE!

[michael]

It completely depends on the mission of the car. Define the mission and the choice will become clearer. For instance, my 2000 has no mission because its waiting to be sold.:tongue:
On my 2004 mazdaspeed, it is currently my daily driver AND track car. It is the only factory turbo Miata that was ever sold. I got it because turbo cars are easy to upgrade HP. I have a downpipe, exhaust, and intake. I am right under 200 whp. 2500 pounds and 200 whp is a fun car. PM me and I'll help you out with any questions you have. In closing, miatas are the perfect track cars because they are lightweight, relatively cheap, and just FUN TO DRIVE!

Mine would be a daily driver, with weekend time carving mountain roads.

The Mazdaspeed's are nice. I've owned several Mazdas, just not a Miata. All of them have handled well.

[michael]

To answer Michael, any of the NC series are fine. They have side airbags, roll hoops aft OD the seats and a ton of aftermarket, bolt on enhancements (many from Mazdaspeed itself).

The only negatives are no spare tire (a pump and tire goop is included) and if you are 6'4" or above, you will have difficultly fitting. I lowered my seat and modified my throttle to get a little more room.

Thanks. I am 5'10", so being too tall isn't an issue. How comfortable are the seats for my crappy back, especially if taking an all day trip?

[DaveJames]

Back in the 70's between wifes and foot loose and heavily in debt due to my 4 wheel love Lotus Élan it was some thing else

Motorcycles and quality sport cars, hard to get over!!!!

[BGY]

Mom has a Mini S and a restored 74' Alpha Romeo Spider. you wanna talk about quick little cars. Even at 74 she still wears out the sides of the rubber before the centers, that girl can corner and drift better than any 20 something in a honda.

ANY woman who drives an Alfa of any kind(especially a Spider) is very cool, let alone your mom...

[Texican_gal]

The Cayman S is sweet. I like the looks of it even more than the 911, which was always my favorite. The Cayman S is what I would buy if money were no object.

The 911 was, and remains my favorite. If I could get another one, I'd get a pre-98, as that's when they went water-cooled, and messed with the timeless design.

I haven't sat in or driven a Cayman.

An older 911 can be quite affordable. And they are very sturdy and reliable.

[Chilicharger665]

Mine would be a daily driver, with weekend time carving mountain roads.

The Mazdaspeed's are nice. I've owned several Mazdas, just not a Miata. All of them have handled well.In that case a 2006+ Miata would be perfect for you. The chassis is waaay stiffer, the top design is better and the engine is much torquier. I test drove a 2008 and the Mazdaspeed and I was super impressed with the chassis of the 2008. I chose the Mazdaspeed because I eventually plan on turning it into a full track car and there is a much, much larger aftermarket for the NA/NB chassis cars. Check out Flyinmiata.com for some good NC parts. A daily driver with weekend canyon carving would be the perfect mission for an NC.

[michael]

The 911 was, and remains my favorite. If I could get another one, I'd get a pre-98, as that's when they went water-cooled, and messed with the timeless design.

I haven't sat in or driven a Cayman.

An older 911 can be quite affordable. And they are very sturdy and reliable.

They are sweet, that's for sure! My dream was always a 911 AWD Turbo. It is amazing they are so fast and reliable at the same time.


The Grand Touring version has comfy, heated, leather seats with lumbar support. No worries there, but it is a roadster and doesn't glide like Mr C's Lincoln Limousine, especially if you change the anti-roll bars and springs and stiffen the chassis to get that last few tenths at the track!

Go to a dealership and drive one. Mazda should treat you to at least a 20 minute demo drive that includes a handling and high speed section. They are all about fun driving and should have a standard route that includes various types of corners.

This is NOT me, but you get the idea-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncOscrLC37g

I don't have to have the cushy ride. I actually prefer a firm riding car that handles. I've driven a few of the older models, but nothing as new as a 2006 or newer. I do need to go take a test drive soon.



In that case a 2006+ Miata would be perfect for you. The chassis is waaay stiffer, the top design is better and the engine is much torquier. I test drove a 2008 and the Mazdaspeed and I was super impressed with the chassis of the 2008. I chose the Mazdaspeed because I eventually plan on turning it into a full track car and there is a much, much larger aftermarket for the NA/NB chassis cars. Check out Flyinmiata.com for some good NC parts. A daily driver with weekend canyon carving would be the perfect mission for an NC.

Cool, stiffer and more torque is always better!

[Gary1911A1]

Anybody have any thoughts on the Nissan 350 or 370?

[Winchester67]

Another Lotus vote. I was in college in the 80's and used to run one. They are light, nimble and make all the right sounds. At 5'5 it fit me like a bespoke Bond Street Shotgun. (or Savile Row suit). Taller driver's need not apply back then, but I understand the newer models are much more suitable for the typical American frame. It was a toy car, but did make a run from Missouri to Texas for Spring Break my Senior Year before I bought it from a good friend. Certainly more refined than both my MG and 1966 Mustang that served yeomen duty as my daily transport back then. (discounting my Triumph Bonneville 650, which was also in the stable)

[michael]

Update:

On Sunday, I purchased a one-owner and very slick 2006 MX-5 Miata. Titanium color, black interior, 6 speed auto. It will be a daily driver, so I chose an auto over the stick. This thing is WAY faster than I thought it would be, and after driving several, this newer body style is much quicker than the 2004 I found. It handles like a go-cart, and I love the way it is connected to the road. I know I haven't had it long, but this is the car I've been wanting for a LONG time. I've always loved vehicles that handle, and this thing is amazing! I can see a lot of fun times ahead.

[Herbert West]

'A Miata is NOT a sports car'...Peter Griffin.

[PERVADER1]

Update:

On Sunday, I purchased a one-owner and very slick 2006 MX-5 Miata. Titanium color, black interior, 6 speed auto. It will be a daily driver, so I chose an auto over the stick. This thing is WAY faster than I thought it would be, and after driving several, this newer body style is much quicker than the 2004 I found. It handles like a go-cart, and I love the way it is connected to the road. I know I haven't had it long, but this is the car I've been wanting for a LONG time. I've always loved vehicles that handle, and this thing is amazing! I can see a lot of fun times ahead.

Congrats, Michael! Mazda may be my favorite maker of all. Pretty much cross the board, given each vehicle's catagory, they are just about the simplest things to drive fast on public roads, due to their handling/chassis/weight to power formulas, for the price. Mazda makes more race cars than any other brand, too, so they say. I'm sure none of this is anything you don't already know, but what can I say, I just like em!!

[michael]

Most bang for the buck you will see in the US. Lots of aftermarket chassis upgrades if you like to dink around. I'm not a fan of auto transmissions, but you won't find a car that handles as well for so little investment. Adding coil overs that will allow you to lower the ride height and perhaps an ARB will help it turn in even better.

Of course Americans tend to be straight line drag strip horsepower addicts, but for those who know what it is to take a late apex, know that you have done well.

I'll probably keep the suspension stock, but may add some horsepower/torque boosting items at some point. My years of police driver's training serve me pretty well when it comes to car control, and I have always appreciated being able to get the absolute most out of a vehicle. I would take handling over pure speed any day.


Congrats, Michael! Mazda may be my favorite maker of all. Pretty much cross the board, given each vehicle's catagory, they are just about the simplest things to drive fast on public roads, due to their handling/chassis/weight to power formulas, for the price. Mazda makes more race cars than any other brand, too, so they say. I'm sure none of this is anything you don't already know, but what can I say, I just like em!!

I love Mazda's too, and have always appreciated that just about anything they makes handles well. I've had a 626 and then a Mazda6 over the years, and wife had 3 different MPV's when we had need for a van. The Mazda6 is now driven by my 19 year old. They have all been pretty bulletproof.

[michael]

Here are a few photos:

28284

28285

28286

[ReconScout]

I did my part in helping those tier 1 auto makers hit their numbers :cool:
28288

[michael]

Looks like it is in great shape!

See those giant gaps between the tires and fender wells? Lots of potential to pick up time of you can lower the ride height.

Good stuff here

http://forum.miata.net

and here!

http://www.good-win-racing.com/Mazda/MX5-Performance-Parts.html

Very much so, thanks for the links!

[Gary1911A1]

Had a Ford Probe GT which was the Mazda 6. It was a great car so I'm thinking of giving a Miata or Toyota's new sports car a try.

[michael]

It is still early, but I like ths Miata better than any car I have ever had, including a BMW and Z28. It is a blast, and I may never buy anything else, unless it is another one. You wear this car, and the connection to the road is unreal.

[michael]

Got the Zoom-Zoom Grin, eh?

Pay attention to tire pressures. From your images, it appears that your rears are low.

The low profile makes them sensitive to temp changes. I can feel the difference in understeer with a half pound changes. You can feel the squirm on corner exit if you go too low on the rears. Most recommend beginning with 29 psi all around, then tweak from there.

It's the only car I have ever owned that I drive just for fun.

Thanks, it does look like it in the photos, but they aren't. What I have noticed is they feel out of balance when extremely cold, but smooth out quickly and completely once they are heated. I'm guessing the stiff chassis makes them feel extremely sensitive to variations in temperature, but then again, the tires on it are not the greatest and will be replaced when I get the extra $$. Good tread, just not a good brand. I'll set them at 29 and experiment with that, thanks!