Any tire recommendations, 205/50r15?

[Larry C Leung]

I'd be able to second the Kumho 712's. I'm not sure if the contingency
program still exists for Kumho (probably does, but since BFG stopped full
force competing in the DOT "R" wars, it's probably not as easy to
obtain). Most contingency programs required competing in National Level
competition (Solo Tour, Solo Nationals, selected National Club racing
events and of course the Run-Offs) in National recognized organizations
(like SCCA). Regional and even Divisional competitions don't apparently
warrant contingency prizes. The Kumhos are progressive, quiet, grippy in
the dry and wet and wear well, even in competition type driving. But, not
the equal of their R-rubber. Very similar overall performance to the
Bridgestone RE-71, but with a harder edge and better wear. Both about the
same price (cheap!). Have heard good things about SP8000s. BTW, the Yoko
A032R's are probably stronger dry/wet performers than any of the other
tires mentioned, but they will not wear for very long, as they are a
cross between a summer tire and a full on R-rubber DOT race tire. So they
are neither of each, not competive (if you are racing for time or
position) to true R-rubber (though still LOTS of fun!) but won't wear
nearly as well as street summer/wet tires. 

The street versions of A008s have one very redeeming characteristic.
Besides better than average grip (though at the tail end of newer summer
tires such as the SP8/9K group), they are extremely progressive,
predictable and forgiving. However, due to their rather old design, they
do not do well in standing water (the RE-71's at least brake very well in
this), something the newer (more $$) tires are much better at. 

Note, BFG came out with a reasonable priced high perf tire, the g-Force
KDW (dry/wet) and the KDWS (dry/wet/snow) which hasn't been apparently
"tested" by a lister yet. Grassroots Motorsports thinks highly of them
though. I "tested" the Kumho 712's, any one is welcome to report on the
new BFG series......

Just my $0.02

LL - NY


On Sat, 31 Mar 2001 06:39:40 EST JMGarciaJr at aol.com writes:
>My 2 cents:
>
>I'd get (and have gotten) for street use, Dunlop SP8000 tires. They 
>have 
>these on special at the Tire Rack and Discount Tires Direct. IME, 
>fabulous 
>grip wet or dry and also I was VERY pleasantly surprised by their wear 
>
>characteristics.
>
>I'd get (and have gotten) for motorsports use, Yokohama A032R tires. 
>They 
>also have these at Tire Rack and Discount Tires Direct. IME, excellent 
>
>turn-in, grip, great all-around performance.
>
>For a tire to handle both situations, consider the Kumho 712. I also 
>*believe* (but am open to correction) that Kumho offers some sort of 
>contingency awards for motorsports usage. I also had great (well, for 
>*me* 
>anyway) success with Yokohama A008 tires as an "all purpose" set up. 
>Howver, 
>I do not believe these tires are quite as available as any others I 
>have 
>mentioned.
>
>HTH,
>
>-Joe in SoFla
>1992 urS4, ~68K mi.