I need to replace the rubber on my '94 Z28. Somewhat quickly, I went through a set of Firehawk SZ50's and was very happy with the performance. However, these Kuhmo's have been recommended by some local autoX'ers, and they are almost 1/2 the price. Should I consider them?

 

Although I have never driven the Firehawks, I have autocrossed on a friend's 712's. They were about half worn and were pretty slick. I was used to F1's on the street and Yoko AVSi's at the autoX. The 712's had the least traction of the three IMO. But for cheap street tires, they're worth considering. It just depends on how hard you drive on the street.

If they're for autocrossing on, I'd choose another tire. But I race to win too. You could have fun on them and do well but a stickier tire will whoop up on the 712's.

 

Look at the Yokohama AVS ES100's. They're about the same price as the Kumho's but get better reviews.

 

I run the 712's and they are not as grippy as I had hoped. I would go with the Yoko's for just a little bit more money.

 

Good tire, for the $$$.. They seem to be as good as my Comp T/A's, and they are wearing alot better..


Unless I'm strapped for cash next time around, I'm going spend a bit more and try the MX's or another brand of tires..

 

I've been using the Ecsta 712's for the last 8K miles on the street. It is by far the worst tire I have had on my Z28. At first I liked them because they ride so smoothly over sharp bumps and they are so quiet, at all speeds.

I soon realized that I didn't want to drive my car just to enjoy driving it. The turn-in is so poor on those tires, that it makes the driving experience worse than with the totally stock suspension. The tire squirms so much that it feels completely imprecise in all low and high speed manuvers. Higher tire pressures don't seem to cure the problem.

Also, after the first 4K miles, I had to have them completely rebalanced because both fronts had developed a vibration. They were rebalanced on the same Hunter 9700 that was used the first time. The cords have evidently stabilized because they are totally vibration free still.

My previous street tires were Yokohama AVS's and Bridgestone RE71's. They were both true high performance tires. Wish those Bridgestones were still made. The Kumho's appear that they will last 2-3 times as long as the other tires, but then I don't push the Kumho's. I just drive the car as a transportation appliance with the lousy Kumho's.

Bob Bishop

 

I 2nd Bishop's thoughts - I think those tires are horrible, even for the money. No grip, they are hard as rocks and I got absolutely no traction.

The new Kumho MX tire is supposed to be a lot better - but I have no experience with them.

 

I just got back from a track event at Mid-Ohio....first one on my 712's.....They seemed to do real well.

My friend just got the Kumho MX, he was extremely impressed with them...you might want to check them out. I think I would have gotten them had they been around when I bought my 712's.

I have heard some good things (and bad things) about the Falken Avenis...they may be worth a look as well.

 

I have been running the Kumho 712s for about a year. They are not much more grippy than the stock GSCs the car came with, however, they are very predictable, quiet (good quality in a street tire) wear well and handle well in the rain. I think these are good qualities for a street tire, however, I have a set of Kumho Victoracers for autoxing. If your budget does not allow for a second stickier set of tires for playtime, then consider a grippier tire as other folks have suggested. I am personally interested in the Kumho MXs when it is time to replace the 712s.

 

thanks for the advice. i think i'll stick with the firehawks.

 

don't go with the kumho ecsta 712's
i've heard good things about the firehawks in dry and wet grip
yokohama avs es100's have excellent dry grip, wet is okay
i think you should stick with the firehawks

 

I agree with most of the above advice on the 712's. I've run the Firehawk SZ50's, the 712's and now the MX's. I like the MX's best and the 712's least.

JeffA

 

I have the 712's on two sets of wheels. I like them for a daily driver tire, and they are fairly cheap too. I use racing tires when I go racing. 'nuff said....

- Brent

 

i have heard that the bfgoodrich KD's were one of the best, that is what i have decided to go with on my car, what is everyone's thoughts on those tires?

 

The KDs are way overpriced compared to what else is available in that category. If I was you I'd surf on over to Tire Rack and check their comparos.