Which tyres are the best for SCs on 16" rims?

[bones]

What's the current favourite 16" tyre set up for SCs I just received an enquiry from a member regarding 16" tyre choices. He's tried Michelin Pilot Sport and Continental Conti Sport and wants a change. I thought maybe a set of Dunlops might serve him well.

 

[Guest]

I'm loving those bargain Kumhos, seriously. They give as much confidence and hang on just as well as the Pirelli P7's, Michelin Primacy & Contisports I have on other stuff, even in greasy conditions. Came home from Cotswolds on Sunday giving it some on very mucky roads and never a bother on the car.

 

[engleflick]

Hi Bones,

I suppose the it depends weather the choice is down to cost or not. If on a budget I would definately agree with John and recommend the Kumho Ecstas (Which I know you run on your 17's) they are a very good price especially compared with dunlops or pirellis and seem just as well made in my opinion.

On my car the handling and grip is much better with the Kumhos than with the Dunlop SP sports that were previously on the car (although they were quite old - not totally worn but possibly not a fair comparison?[8|])

With an entire set of Kumhos costing nearly same as just rears for Pirellis - For me there is no competition I would have no hesitation in recommending these to any other SC owner (& most other cars for that matter)

I just hope all the praise we put on here about them doesn't stick the price up!!!![]

 

[AirCooledExcellence]

Yep, another thumbs up for the Kumho's!

Great on the road and on the track!

Cheers,

Tim.

 

[Martin Perry]

And another...

Fitted Kumohs to my SC, then sold it. Trying hard to wear out the Continentals on my 3.2 and plan to replace with Kumohs.

Martin

 

[Guest]

Thumbs up for Kumhos then and thumbs up for Martin's car too, saw it in the metal a few weeks ago and it is lovely. []

 

[Richard Moore]

I've just replaced my 22K mile Eagle F1's with another rear pair of er, Eagle F1's. Mainly because I've been very happy with them and cos they got a good write up recently in a comparative test in Autocar.

Shame then that it's really messed with the handling. Feels like I'm on stilts. I suspect they've really pumped them up. My rears were running at 36 and the tyre fitter was saying 40+ so I think I'll have a word with Dave at JZ tomorrow and see what he thinks. I should have had a clue when the fitter said that they were worn in the middle because they were under inflated...

I figured how far wrong can you go fitting a pair of tyres...

 

[bones]

Richard if you haven't already tomorrow buy yourself a cheap Halfords battery powered air pump and inflate your tyres to the correct COLD pressures. An SC should have as a base 32 rear 28 front. Experiment a little around that area. The tyre guy should have an air line inserted where the sun don't shine. In my opinion your car is unsafe to drive with 40psi+ at the rear and I'm not given to overstatement.

 

[Richard Moore]

Thanks for the advice. That hissing sound ? Er that's my tyres going down to the right pressure.[8|]

 

[Guest]

I think Mel was saying on another tyre thread that he recommends 36 in the back, mine runs at 36 rear and hangs on forever.

 

[Guest]

I agree with the 36, but definitely check when cold (not difficult at this time of year).
As for Michelin Pilot Sports, I think they are now unavailable in 16" and Primacy are the closest.

Anyone had a chance to compare Kumhos with Toyo Proxys, since they are of a similar price range?

 

[Guest]

Sorry to go a little against the grain here, but I have Conti Sport Contacts fitted all round, they are a little more expensive but having a brother in law who was in the tyre business did help!! Amazing what the mark up is!!! They are Porsche recommended, last well and appear to grip well. If I have to pay full price I may also go Kumho, we'll see

 

[bones]

712
ECSTA SUPRA

 

[engleflick]

Hi Shirish,

The Kumho site you have listed is the North American Kumho site and as such I don't think the entire range of tyres are avaiable in the UK (Not when I was buying them anyway).

On my car I have Kumho 712 Ecsta Supra's (see attached image) which I would recommend as they look good and perform well, as for others in the Kumho range - not used them so can't really comment[]

 

[Diver944]

I also switched to 16" Kumho Ecsta Supra 712's this summer, primarily after reading good reports on this forum. I am very impressed with their performance for such a budget price (I had 245/45's fitted at £75 each fully inclusive of Vat/ balancing etc). After circa 5000 road miles, a trip round the Ring and a wet trackday they still have 6mm of tread so I am very happy that they are not too soft either.

 

[bruceb]

I am still with the Bridgestone S02, These are still available new in the Porsche "N3" rating. I baught 2 rears about a year ago 225/50 16 for £75 each fitted. They go great on track days with plenty of grip and acceptable wear