Need Recommendation: KDW, 712, or what?

[Lucky]

I need to replace the tires on my '86. I currently have Pilot SX which have been excellent, but a bit slippery in the wet (which my car rarely sees). I'm willing to give up a small amount of the responsiveness of the Pilots for improved ride and reduced noise, but still want a sticky tire.

No real budget, mostly after good value in a tire that can stand up to 3 to 4 DE days, 2 or 3 autoX, and about 5000 miles of aggressive street driving per year for 2 to 3 years.

Leading candidates are:

- Kuhmo ECSTA 712
- BF Goodrich g-Force KDW
- Bridgestone Potenza S-03

Sizes will be 205/55R16 and 245/45R16 on 7" & 9" Fuchs.

Please give me specific suggestions. I'm having a really tough time deciding -- too many tires out there, too many price points, and not enough quality information.

Thanks!

[silverc4s]

No experience with the other two, but I have similar sized Potenza S-02s on my 73 Targa / 3.2 Carrera powered street car. Love them, esp when its wet and I still have some traction, unlike most of my previous HI Perf selections..
Bill
'73 3.2 Carrera Targa
'70 2.2 S Coupe

[Lucky]

One of the tires I'm looking at comes only in different speed ratings for the sizes I'm after. I think fronts would be V, rears W.

Is it OK to do this? Or will it cause stability or braking problems?

[s2per]

I'm having good success with the Kumho Ecstas as my street tires for both my 911 and the wife's Boxster. I ran her car once at a DE w/ the Kumhos, and they were fine--very linear and sticky enough for a dual purpose tire. They're also fine rain tires.

I've switched from BFG R1s (may they RIP...) to Kumho Ecsta 700 track tires for the 911. Ran them at Sebring for the first time this weekend, and I'm VERY pleased. I run 15s for the track (shorter, less weight) and Kumho makes a 225/45 x 15 for the rear that makes the car pull revs faster and has enough grip for most sane people. Hmmm....sounds like I'm supporting the Korean economy...