GeoC2cab

High,
Anyone ever try Khumo tires or are you running them, I need to replace my tires and I,ve heard these are good, but they're so damn cheap!, but then again I'm not made of $$$$$ either, is it possiable?, I,ve also heard they are made by Bridgestone. Any info on Performance, noise, and tread wear is apprieciated!, thanx,Geo.

If I go this route I will have 2 Bridgestone SO2's(for the rear) to sell if anyone needs them, I waited to long to put them on(2nd set) now the fronts(1st set) are gone.

joey bagadonuts

A couple weeks back, Christer announced he purchased some Kumho Ecsta 712's, if I'm not mistaken, and had some favorable comments regarding performance, noise, etc. Then the debate ensued and fortunately one insightful individual, not me, stated that you probably do not need the absolute best tires available for street use. Of course, if you are tracking your car or commuting on the Autobahn, then you probably want to go towards the high end. If not, the recommendation was to save the extra cash for other upgrades, dinners out, groceries, what have you. I'd tend to agree.

That's about the only discussion I recall on Kumho's. Good luck.

Christer

Yep, I have Ecsta 712's and purchased mine on the strength of surveys published on <a href="http://www.tirerack.com" target="_blank">www.tirerack.com</a> - they scored soemthing like 8.2 out of 10 as opposed to 8.6 for the SO3's. I have been very happy with them, they certainly have better grip and traction than the Conti's in both dry and wet. I have not yet tried them properly on the track, so I cannot really comment on that. Other than that they feel sure-footed and quite predictable.I haven't needed to lock up the ABS in the wet yet which I am quite impressed with seeing as I had to avoid a M25 pile-up the other day in one of the worst rains storms I have ever seen.

So to sum up - not sure if they are the best track tyre (although they may be pretty good) but I like them on the road (fast).

joey bagadonuts

Just to keep things interesting, here's a comment from the 993 board posted by Viken, Moderator/Guru, regarding late series "N" tires:

What is important to note, is the fact that these newer tires are designed to work with the newer and more sophisticated chassis. A tire approved for use on a late model 996 is not necessarily a good tire for the 993 or any older 911. In the past, sports car engineers relied heavily on sticky rubber to get the performance levels they needed. Nowadays, a maximum performance tire doesn't even come close in terms of stick. They are designed for longevity, comfort and low noise levels.

I'm not sure if I'm reading this right, but he seems to be suggesting that OEM-approved tires ARE NOT the best choice for 964's if handling is a priority.

Any thoughts?

GeoC2cab

High,
I think thats where the N ratings come into play,
there's N-3's and N-4's both Porsche approved(SO2's), it depends what car their going on to decide which ones to use, right?

Taj

Christer,

Are they easy to come by in the UK, and is it still worth it bearng in min micheldever's prices?

Taj.

Viken

[quote]Originally posted by joey bagadonuts:
<strong>I'm not sure if I'm reading this right, but he seems to be suggesting that OEM-approved tires ARE NOT the best choice for 964's if handling is a priority.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Yes, that is exactly what I was saying. If you can find an OEM approved tire for the 964 and compare it to one that's approved for a 996, you'll know what I mean. I had the 17" Bridgestone Expedia S-01's on my previous 964 and they were noisy as hell, rode like crap but stuck like glue. Today's tires are whisper quiet, they ride well but they don't stick.

joey bagadonuts

Thanks, Viken, for the clarification. <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

jrb964

I purchased Kuhmo 712's for my 964. Also upgraded to 18" wheels at the same time. I read all of the testimonial on the Tire Rack site, asked a few installers and received positive reports from all.

My main concern wasthe price. Have found that once the tires are warmed up they are quite, with smooth ride, and stick like glue. Prior to the tires warming up they tend to ride rough, but are fine once they reach temperature. Some of the best tires I've ever driven on. Have taken them on some pretty driveable roads in Northern Arizona.

I tried to get some for my '80 911SC. The sizes required were not available. Eventually purchased some Yoko AVS 100's these are new and after about 300 miles have great characteristics. Although the 911SC is totally different than my 964.

I trust this helps.

Targamike

I put on a set of the Kumhos about 3 months ago and love them. Huge improvement over the previous Comp TA's.....both on the street and at the track.
You will not regret buying them.

Christer

[quote]Originally posted by Taj:
<strong>Christer,

Are they easy to come by in the UK, and is it still worth it bearng in min micheldever's prices?

Taj.</strong><hr></blockquote>

I purchased mine in March from <a href="http://www.micheldever.co.uk" target="_blank">www.micheldever.co.uk</a> - they should still be available. They certainly have the best prices I have seen (on the whole), and if you can get down there with not too much trouble then I would give them a call.

DaveK

Taj,
Since you are in West London it may also be worth giving GT-One in Chertsey a call.

When I needed tyres I planned to go to Micheldever but asked GT-One what their prices were since I was there for something else anyway. I didn't really expect them to be anywhere near Micheldever prices but for 16" SO2s they were only about £2 per tyre more.

For that, it wasn't worth driving down the M3 for me - and I was also very impressed with the care they took balancing the wheels and re-fitting them (manually tightening the locknut etc.)


Dave
90 C4

GeoC2cab

High,
Thanx for info, I have decided to stick w/ the SO2's this time around and purchased a full set for only 675, not bad concidering my last set was close to a grand. I figured I can put the fronts on now, since the rears are fairly new and when they(the rears)are gone I will have them here, therefore not to worry about selling and losing on the rears I have now. However, I may consider the khumos next time I need a full set. thanx again.

Taj

Thanks for the tip Dave. Will do.

Taj.

DaveK

[quote] I have decided to stick w/ the SO2's this time around and purchased a full set for only 675, not bad concidering my last set was close to a grand. <hr></blockquote>

Wow - it's times like this I'm glad I have tiny little 16" wheels. SO2s all round on mine were about £420 I think.

Dave
90 C4