Tires (Again)

[Redcoupe864+3]

Anybody have direct experience with Kumho's ECSTA 712's? Studying the Tire Rack's ratings lead me to think these may be a tremendous bang-for-the-buck deal. I'll need to replace the ratty set of brand mismatches on my '86 (stock Z51 wheels), but can't pony up megabucks for (understandably) mega-tires. Opinions appreciated. Thanks!

 

[vette1985]

Take a look at the Sumitomo HTR-Z. I hear they are good as well. Price is good too. A 275/40-17 is priced around $120.

 

[taegdh]

Tires Again

I earlier today did enter, that I'd purchased Kumho's they ride just fine, cost about a buck and a quarter each, aren't as loud as the original's, and wet traction is good, they use a softer compound, and inverted tractor tread.

I figure if they last half the distance as the big buck brands, I've still saved half a buck per corner.

taegdh

 

[AStockVette]

I bought a set for my 96 LT4 about two years/12,000 miles ago, still no noticeable wear and good traction for street tires with minimal noise. They get my vote.

 

[Midnite 88]

I'm on my 2nd set of 712's. I got about 25,000mi out of the first set. Wife's Aurora is on her 2nd set also.

I would have to agree with the "Best bang for the Buck" also.

Mike

 

[compyelc4]

I have those on my '95. I think they are a steal. Wet/Dry Traction +, Quiet +.

First time I pulled up in them to meet my Vette Club I got quite a few "what the crap are those"!! When I told them the price they just shook their heads in awe. They are a hit! That center ridge is da bomb. Don't know how they can make them so inexpensively.

 

[Redcoupe864+3]

Thanks for relating your experiences, guys. Hey Midnite, 25,000 miles? Just wondering how hard you hammered 'em. Regular rotation and stuff? Thanks!

 

[Midnite 88]

Thanks for relating your experiences, guys. Hey Midnite, 25,000 miles? Just wondering how hard you hammered 'em. Regular rotation and stuff? Thanks!

I am not a smokem' from every light kinda driver but, I like to get where I'm going. I think I rotated them twice or 3 times over the life of the tire. For some reason on my car I get really even tire wear.

My wife's car is another story. I have to rotate hers at least every 3,000-5,000 miles. She wears the outside edge of the fronts like you wouldn't believe. We had a mechanic tell her "Ma'am, you have to slow down around corners." BTW, her car is a '96 Olds Aurora 4.0L V-8 FWD. For as heavy as the car is, it'll scoot right along.

Hope this helps.

Mike.

 

[rrubel]

I've got a set of the 712's on my 86 with 96 wheels. First time I really used them was at the track in the rain. I was quite impressed. Now they've got a couple K on them, and are still very good in the rain. Grip at the dragstrip isn't quite what I would wish for, but it's not really BAD. Just not GREAT. And even with a bunch of runs at the strip, plus that day at the track, they still have a lot of tread on.
[RICHR]

 

[c4cruiser]

Unfortunately, it's getting pretty hard to find ultra high-performance Z-rated tires in the 255/50-16 sizes. The 712 is an excellent entry-level high performance tire for the bucks. The Tire Rack is a great place to shop, good prices, and the delivery is most always quicker that what is shown.

BTW, if you check out eBay, AFS will have complete sets of Kuhmo 712 tires in 275/40ZR-17 and 17" wheels in the proper offset (38mm) for 84-87 Vettes. They put togethet sets with chrome, polished, black or silver wheels. Every once in awhile a set will go for less that $1000!! That is a tremendous deal on a set of wheels and tires. Once you go to a 17" wheel, there is a much wider selection of ultra high performance tires available.

I have Kuhmo Ecsta MX's on my 87 with AFS 17' wheels. Very stick grip in the dry and I use them for both autocross and track days.