johnsopa

I am looking to buy a set of 18" tires for track days. Does anyone have experience with the new Kumho Ecsta V700 and/or the BFGoodrich g-Force T/A R1A?

The Kumhos seem attractive with 6/32" vs. the BFGs 3/32" tread depth.

Links to info on both at TireRack:


Kumhos

BFGs

Thanks,

John

DCLee

Neither tire is perfect. From what I hear, the G-Force is to be avoided at all costs. Racers are universally down on the tire compared to the old R-1. The Kumho would probably be OK, but the biggest front size is 225--too small for my 993 application. The ideal setup is 245/285-18. Try finding a set of the rare and expensive Pirelli P-Zero-Cs. They come in the proper size and have a shaved tread.

Lee in D.C.

Martin S.

I have the Victoracers mounted on 17" wheels on my 993. They absoultely kick some major ***. I ran them without heat cycling or shaving in the Porsche Owners Club Short Track Series at the Streets of Willow (SOW)track in Rosamond, CA. I got 5 hours of track time out of them before some cord popped up on the outer edges. Had I dialed in more negative camber (which I will do before I mount up my next set) I am sertain I could get even more time on them.

The SOW track has lots of twisty turns and tends to eat tires. I have been very pleased with the performance of the Victoracers.

The ECSTA V700s look like very interesting tires. I am curious as to what their trade "hardness" rating is. I believe the Victoracrers have a rating of 50.

I ran the 225s in front and the 255's in the rear. This was a great set up. I speculate that the 225/40 18 and the 285/30 18 would be ideal. This is the stock tire set up on the Porsche factory Turbo wheels. How bad can it be?

Dial in about 2 1/2 degrees of negative camber in the rear and 1 1/2 in the fron, and you'll be there. This setup could be a little spooky on the street, especially if it got wet.

If you get the Kuhmos, let us know how you like them.

Greg Fishman

John,
I don't think the Khumos are available in 18" sizes yet. When you do get tires get 245's for the front and 285's for the rear. If you go smaller up front your car will push. I drove on some Khumo 17" and would highly recommend them, similar feel to the Hoosiers but with less overall stick. I haven't heard good things about the early BFG G-force R-1A's but they improved the tire as production increased. If you need some I know a guy that ran them in the World Challenge last year that may have a couple sets laying around. Just let me know and I will get you his name, number.
Greg

johnsopa

Greg, are you running the 245's on 8" rims up front?

Thanks!

John

Greg Fishman

I have a set of BBS that are 9" up front that I am trying out 275's on, if that doesn't work well I will go to 245's. My Kinesis wheels I have are 8" and I have had no trouble with a 245 Hoosier. I bought these used so I had no say in their widths.
Stock wheels on the C2S should be a 8" front and a 245 street tire should have no problems being fitted on that wheel.

I would suggest you go with 8.5" in front if you are ordering new wheels though.