Nitto NT555 or Kumho Ecsta MX?

Adam94GT · 02-12-2004

I'm looking for a grippy 275/35-18 tire without going with the most exotic/expensive. Tread life doesn't matter much as long as I can get about 15000 miles from them.

So far it's boiled down to the Kumho's from Tire Rack (Who I've done business with on several occasions and I love them.) or Nitto NT555s from Discount Tire Direct.

Can anyone vouch for these tires? I know Nitto's are proven but Kumhos are quickly getting fame. So what's the deal?

Bad experiences are just as helpful as good ones.

5literChevyEatr · 02-12-2004

i ahve the kumho's on front there ok noticed a lot of bumpsteer when i installed those, the nittos suck my car produces 320 at the wheels with 12.80 and 2.00 60ft times, and those tires get roasted they dont grip for **** I tried all summer to get them to hook up but they dont work, tire pressure etc. ive tried everything, they look really cool, both of these tires thats y i mainly got em.

Adam94GT · 02-13-2004

Which nittos were you using? Are you using Nittos on the back and Kumhos on the front? That 2.00 60' isn't bad the best I could get on Michelins is 2.20 with 270 rwhp.

5literChevyEatr · 02-13-2004

yea but its bad when all u hear is screeching and ur fishtailing for the first 30 feet down the track, and still clip a high 12 time, that 60 ft is real bad. its fun though when a honda beets u out of the hole and when its over ur half the quater mile in front of him.

Adam94GT · 02-13-2004

At least they screech, with Michelins or Goodyears they're so far beyond grip that all you hear is the tire rubbing the pavement, if that.

We're talking street tires though

Can you expect better grip from anything other than drag radials or "competition" tires?

5literChevyEatr · 02-13-2004

actually my stock goodyears give me the same amount of grip, thats y i say the nittos are a junk, they offered me no improvement

Adam94GT · 02-14-2004

Definitely cause for concern. I'm leaning toward the Kumhos now.

5literChevyEatr · 02-15-2004

i would go BF goodrich or something, I've never heard anybody say anything spectacular about kumhos either, im gonna get Mickey tompsons in the summer a race slick i think these dot slicks are'nt really for a real track use.

kit · 02-15-2004

I ran the first time in my car on Kumho's. 2.4 60' now I have BF G'sI haven't run them at the track yet, but they kill on the street.

Adam94GT · 02-15-2004

BFG doesn't make the proper sizes for an 18" wheel. Unless I'm willing to fall back on the 245/40-18 size. Do you think I'd be better off with a 245/40-18 BFG than a 275/35-18 Kumho MX? They're going on an 18x9 wheel.

Adam94GT · 02-15-2004

Quote:

Originally posted by kit
I ran the first time in my car on Kumho's. 2.4 60' now I have BF G'sI haven't run them at the track yet, but they kill on the street.

Which Kumhos were you using?

kit · 02-15-2004

ecsta 711, But the Kumho's would probably be better in your case.Just because of the size.

Adam94GT · 02-16-2004

The Ecsta 711 is the predecessor to the 712 which is known to be a more budget minded tire. The MXes supposedly give a lot more grip.

Julian Moore · 02-16-2004

Nitto's here..love them. Great wet/dry performance, look agressive and seem to perform well. I dont' waste my time running them at the track..find a nice set of used Nitto DR's or BF Good rich DR's...don't mess around..your missing a huge improvement in 60'ft times and quarter mile. I sawp on a set of 17's with them. I found the 17's used for $100, and th eNittos used for $150..with a ton of miles left..you just have to look around.

Adam94GT · 02-17-2004

I definitely plan on getting a set of 555R2s for my autocrossing wheels.