Kuhmo Ecsta 712s vs Bridgestone RE750s?

[nhromyak]

I never thought I would be asking a tire question - but oh well.

I have Re750s (245/45 on 9 fuchs) with RE730s in front (7 Fuchs). The 730s haven't been very responsive in the last 3k miles or so... I am just now getting to the wear bars. It has a HORRIBLE front end push (still).

Should I get 750s in the front? Or Kuhmo 712s?

I see I can get the Kuhmo 712s in a 215/50

Thanks.

[steve911]

Nick--

How many miles have you put on the rear 750s? Do you expect them to last for 10,000 miles more or are you going to have to replace them sooner than that.

Consider:


PROS:
If you replace the fronts only with 750s, you'll have similar tires/tread front and back. Everything I'v read about P-car handling says this is a good thing.

CONS:
My limited experience is that I will get 2x the tire wear front to back (ie, I will need 2 sets of rears for every set of fronts). By replacing the fronts with the 750s, you're committed to the 750s for another rear tire cycle.

I have the 712s on my '85 and like them alot, though I've just about reached the wear bars on the rears, so I will be replacing them this spring. I'll likely stay with the 712s for another cycle and then look at 4 new tires on my next go round.

When I was initially looking at tires back in 2001, I was originally planning on the RE730s and had actually ordered them thru TireRack. I got a call from one of their reps, asking me if I was aware of the noise issue that they seem to experience at 10,000 miles. Said they had had reports of tire 'howling' once the tires were worn. Created enough doubt in my mind to change my order to the Kumho 712s.

My .02 -- and its your money, not mine...

[nhromyak]

That's where I am at too. The time it takes the fronts to wear, I will go through about 2 or 2 1/2 times the number of rears.

I had the 730s all around.

The 730s on the rear were SO LOUD, I thought I lost a bearing when they wore down.

I got about 3K on the rear 750s now.

I don't really hear the front 730s, but maybe I am used to them.

So I am still kinda' stuck with what to do.

What tires did you have BEFORE the Kuhmo 712s?

[porschenut]

I have the 712's on my 86 and they're ok. I will be replacing them with RE750's next.

[steve911]

The PO had Goodyear Eagle II's on the car when I bought it, so I didn't really have much to compare with. I thought the Eagle IIs were like bricks.

[stefang]

It's never a good idea to have different tires front and back, never mind what kind of car. My personal experience, not on a 911 though, was that the 712s sucked and the 750s were great.

Stef

[azasadny]

I like my RE950's better than the Dunlop Sport 9000's I had. Have you seen the Potenza RE950's?

[nhromyak]

Thanks for the responses. The 950s, are more of an all-weather tire, where the 750s are little more for dry handling.

The idea of running some Kuhmo 712s in the 215/50 size sound good though, even if they are the higher speed ratings W and V only.

The rear 750s seem good so far... They take a bit to heat up, but after they are heated up, they're fun - for sure!

*sigh* still on the fence. Either way, it looks like I will have to get them from Tire rack.

Tire Rack shows the 750s are ever so slightly better than the Kuhmo's 712, but they both get pretty good marks. The 712s seem like a better price/performance ratio.

I just don't want to be dissatified with the 712s on the front (I tried ebay without finding the size I want).

[htron435]

I've had very good luck with the Kumho street tires (712's and MX). The 712's wear pretty well with limited track duty and provide good response in the rain. If you do some DE's I'd consider upgrading to the MX. You'll sacrifice some longterm wear, but you'll gain loads of dry grip. I've run the MX at MidOhio and Beaverun on two different C5 Corvettes, and they grip like stink -- they pick up gravel and marbles just like a track tire when you pull back into the pits. I just ordered a set for my SC.

[KTL]

I'd recommend the MX as well (plus it's Lane Meyer Motorsports [.........don't listen to Stalin, kid. He's a punk!], who wouldn't take this guy's word! ) since it's a much more performance oriented tire than either the 712 or RE 750, with a much softer compound/treadwear index. One problem is, the only sizes in 16 in. diameter are 205/55 and 225/50. No 245/45 available. Too bad, since the MX is a solid tire that seems to have a good rep. so far as far as track performance is concerned.

[edward993]

Another vote for the MXs ...excellent tire with great grip, good wear, and good feel at the edge. I don't know if they come in the size you need, and it's got a lower tread-wear rating than the 712s, if that's a concern for you.

Edward

[htron435]

Kevin's right -- Stalin is a punk. And they may not make that tire in a 245/45/16. I'd call tirerack and ask before you dismiss the idea.

[nhromyak]

Yep, the MX are NOT avaialble in a 245/45 - 16.

I guess I better sell my 9's and get some 8's

Leaning towards the 712s with 215/50 - 16s

Anyone else think I should get the RE750s?

[KTL]

I think you should get the new Hankook R-S2-Z212. These things look like they rock!

http://www.hankooktireusa.com/pdf/uploads/Z212.pdf

I don't think i'd get the RE 750. Too hard a treadwear index. I think i'd try the new Avon Tech M500 before the 750's. There hasn't been a really good 7 series tire from Bridgestone ever since they discontinued the RE-71

[edward993]

For 245/45, the Yokohama ES100 is a great tire, too.

Edward

[nhromyak]

It looks like the Bridgestones are out of stock - EVERYWHERE!

I guess it's the Kuhmo's. My local P-mechanic said these are the ones he's been selling for a year now.

[golfnow]

Originally posted by nhromyak


Anyone else think I should get the RE750s?

I like my RE750s beats the mismatched setup that was on my car when I got it I plan to see how they work on the track this year. When I was shopping I wanted somthing that would wear longer and still had good performance. If it doesn't work out for the track I have a extra set of wheels I can put a good set of track tires on.

And Kevin don't call me a punk

[kslizzy]

Just an FYI. I've got the 712's on my VW Corrado, 205/40 17, very small side walls. This afternoon while traveling 70 mph on our beautiful winter stricken Interstate 25 I hit an unavoidable pothole, huge, I thought for sure would have blown the tire. I stopped and checked, not even a sidewall bulge. I've had a few 50 series tires on 16" wheels get a bulge on the sidewall with much less impact. I find this an extra advantage to the Kuhmo. I also like the ride, as much as can be expected from a rubber band size tire.

Kris