Which One : Kumho 225s OR Pirelli 235s

[Andy]

Ok, so who is sick and tired of all my tire questions? :D Sorry, guys for all the questions, but when I decide to buy my first set of competition tires I want to make sure I go with the absolute best possible setup.

Which would be the better setup for autocross?

Option A : Kumho Ecsta V700 225/40WR18 all around ($190 each)
Option B : Pirelli PZero Corsa 235/40YR18 all around ($265 each)

http://www.tirerack.com/images/tires/kumho/ku_ecsta_v700.jpg http://www.tirerack.com/images/tires/pirelli/pi_pzero_corsa_ci2_l.jpg

Now, based off all your prior advise, I've decided to go with a non staggered tire setup on my stock wheels (8 X 18 front and 8.5 X 18 rear). I also will most likely hold off on buying my tires until the start of next season.

Now, if money was no object, which would be the better setup? I would guess the Pirellis would be the better setup to have more rubber on the ground, however I hear that the Kumho brand is about the best competition tire you can buy. How much of a difference will 40 mm of rubber on the ground make (actually, it's more then 40 mm when you take in to account the entire contact area of the tire)?

Why can't Kumho just make an 18" diameter 235!! :mad:

Thanks,
Andy

[elbert]

Ok, so who is sick and tired of all my tire questions? :D Sorry, guys for all the questions, but when I decide to buy my first set of competition tires I want to make sure I go with the absolute best possible setup.

:confused: Maybe you should wait until the *end* of next season.

http://forums.bimmerfest.com/showpost.php?p=540189&postcount=5
http://forums.bimmerfest.com/showpost.php?p=540572&postcount=8
http://forums.bimmerfest.com/showpost.php?p=540642&postcount=11
http://forums.bimmerfest.com/showpost.php?p=540644&postcount=12

[Andy]

:confused: Maybe you should wait until the *end* of next season.

http://forums.bimmerfest.com/showpost.php?p=540189&postcount=5
http://forums.bimmerfest.com/showpost.php?p=540572&postcount=8
http://forums.bimmerfest.com/showpost.php?p=540642&postcount=11
http://forums.bimmerfest.com/showpost.php?p=540644&postcount=12

Regardless of WHEN I get them... do you have a preference on which setup would be better?

EDIT : Hey, you're from Columbus too!! :hi: Are you a member of the OVR SCCA? Are you going to the event this weekend?

[Nick325xiT 5spd]

Kumhos are better FOR THIS APPLICATION. Ecstas will fall apart on a dry track.

That said, if you insist on buying R tires for the next season, AT LEAST attend an EVO school first.

[Andy]

The Corsa's have better "wear" ratings. I believe their UTQG rating is either 60 or 80, while the Kumhos do not have UTQG rating. Reading the Roundel review of the Corsa, it sounds like a capable R-comp that you CAN drive to the track or autocross with, so you wouldn't have to swap them out at the track...Just put them on the day before.

Personally, I'm sure you (Andy) are probably sick and tired of people telling you that you should continue to run on Street tires...But I AM going to tell you this. From what I've read, it seems to me that EGO has started to creep into your head and you're starting to think you're BETTER than you really are as a driver. Be careful out there. This is the worst time and most likely time you'll make stupid mistakes. I didn't have the spectacular spin-out at Buttwillow because my car couldn't handle it. I spun out because I was too full of myself. I'm sure you probably won't want to hear this, but just be really careful out there with the R-comps and make sure you learn its limits before you push yours. :thumbup:

HACK,

I understand what you're trying to say and do appreciate the advise, however I think you're mistaking my excitement, competitiveness and eager to win for EGO. I'm the guy at the track who is asking all the questions, trying to learn absolutely as much as I can. In fact, I wanted to find out who the best drivers where that day so I could ask if I could ride along with them and maybe learn a thing or two. I ended up riding along with Nate Ellis (WRX) and Dennis Reamsnyder (M3) who finished 2nd and 3rd in the SM class two weeks ago. Now, those guys can drive!! Do I have a lot to learn? Absolutely! Do I think I have a big EGO? I honestly don't think I do. Do I want win my first autocross event as soon as I possibly can? Absolutely!! This is one of the most exhilarating sports that I have ever participated in and am having A LOT of fun doing it, however I'm also the type of guy that gives 110% in order to perform the best that I can.

Andy

[elbert]

Regardless of WHEN I get them... do you have a preference on which setup would be better?

EDIT : Hey, you're from Columbus too!! :hi: Are you a member of the OVR SCCA? Are you going to the event this weekend?

No, I quit going last year. They were running two cars at a time on a layout that pinched together in two spots, which potentially could have been disastrous. The problem is they let too many people sign up, and pushed for time, they resort to things like that just to give people three runs in 9 hours. :rolleyes: Needless to say, I'd rather do a school event but I might show up for an autox or two next year if I have a day to kill.

[TeamM3]

Well I hate to put a damper on the discussion but ...

the Pirelli's DOT-R tires are not SCCA Solo2 Stock legal, which also means they are not legal in the Street Prepared and Street Modified categories either since they both fall back on the Stock allowance. (last time I had looked they have not met the minimum requirements of Sect. 13.3, multiple sizes in four diameters) You would have to run in an appropriate Prepared or Modified class with the Pirelli DOT-R tire.

[elbert]

Guess that answers that question.