Kumho Ecsta MX's

[Shirl]

Anyone running this tire and if so, is it decent for handling and dry traction? (I don't care about wet/snow). How do you like them overall?? I'm looking into buying 18's in these... thanks!

[zlexiss]

Yes, I've run them both autocrossing and road racing, in 245/45-17 size.

Dry traction is great. Compared to the Falken Azenis Sports, they like to heat up a bit before max traction, but it's good cold.

They're a lot lighter than the Falkens (you will feel the difference in the straight line), and have much softer sidewalls. On my setup I'm running about 42/34 psi front/rear to keep them from rolling over, checked with a probe pyrometer. They're happy at higher slip angles and seem to give me the best times when they're giving me just a touch of squeal (if Azenis squeal, you're pushing them too hard).

For autocrossing and road racing on true street tires, I rank them about the best. I'd give the Falken Azenis a bit of an edge in pure handling, and rate the BFG KD just a little better than both, but the cost isn't worth it to me.

-Jeff

[Shirl]

Cool! Thanks for all of that info. The size I'm considering is 275/35/18 on Z06 wheels. I've heard that the sidewall is a little soft, but I also heard that for the price, they can't be beat. I can get them for $175 a piece.

[Vracer111]

I'll second zlexiss reccomendation of the Kumho MX. For a maximum performance street tire the Kumho Ecsta MX and Falken Azenis Sport (RT-215) are the tires when you care about price. I've run both on my Tacoma and liked the Azenis RT-215 beter when autocrossing (more direct response and a little better dry grip level) but for everyday driving and wet the Ecsta MX outclass the Azenis. The azenis have an incredibly stiff sidewall and are kind of uncomfortable daily driving on a stiff rear suspensioned truck. The Kumho MX sidewall is not as stiff but still provides plenty of support in the turns.

P.S. Is there any particular reason for the 18" diameter wheels? A 17" diameter would be much better for performance and racing reasons... not to mention cost of tires and wheels with 17" diameter is less. Only reason you should go for 18" wheels is if your brake calipers won't clear a 17" wheel...or you gotta have the bling.

[ March 13, 2005, 01:45 AM: Message edited by: Vracer111 ]

[Shirl]

P.S. Is there any particular reason for the 18" diameter wheels? A 17" diameter would be much better for performance and racing reasons... not to mention cost of tires and wheels with 17" diameter is less. Only reason you should go for 18" wheels is if your brake calipers won't clear a 17" wheel...or you gotta have the bling.

I have 15" Welds for the track with ET Streets for the rear and skinnies for the front. I also have 16" chrome salad shooters which look nice, but are a bit small. The 18's would be for shows and weekend cruising..in other words "the bling". I was wondering about the tires because I do some "performance" driving on the street, if ya know what I mean ;) So Kumho Ecstas it is... thanks for the info guys!