Tangoman

Anyone have Kumho Ecsta SPT summer tires?

I am looking into getting a set, and I am wondering about the sidewall stiffness.
The reviews on Tirerack go both ways...

Anyone have these things?

micvog

I put Kumho Ecsta SPTs on my '06 TSX about a month ago. After 35K miles the OEM tires were unbearably noisy and the tread was such that it wasn't going to get me through the end of my lease. The handling/grip is dramatically improved with the Kumhos and the ride/noise seems comparable to my TSX when it was new. The only downside I have noted is about a 5% drop in MPG that occurred exactly when I replaced the tires. It doesn't make sense, but I am assuming it is the tires. For the price, I couldn't find anything better.

AamirCWITR

I have these tires in 225/40-18 on my 18x8.5 wheels. I've only put about 1000 miles on them.

So far they have been extremely quiet, smooth and surprisingly comfortable considering the short sidewall. They are also attractive looking tires.

Handling is much better than OEM and the tires are very affordable. They get a very good rating in my book.

CGTSX07

your wheels are 18x8.5 or 18x7.5?

Tangoman

Alright, does anyone know how the stiffness of the sidewall compares to high performance all-season tires? The only reason I am going with the summer tires is 1) because I have another set with all seasons on it. and 2) I want a stiffer sidewall so I have better steering response.

Any input?

AamirCWITR

18x8.5

Acurasrule

225 seems a little small to be on a 8.5 rim... You're happy with it though?

AamirCWITR

Extremely happy with the 225's on my 8.5" wide wheels. Here is some tire info from the manufacturer.

225/40ZR18 92Y XL

Rim Width Range: 7.5-9"

Measuring Rim Width: 8"

I've seen a tendency for people to over tire their cars on this forum.

Big Pimpin

I have 225/35/19 and the handling is pretty good even in the rain but thats probably because they are new i had them for a month

peter_bigblock

One clue to steering response is the load rating -- XL tires will have a stiffer sidewall than SL. With tires of the same sidewall height, the higher the load index, generally the stiffer the sidewall. Sidewall stiffness isn't the only thing that determines sterring response (tread design and compound, sidewall construction, and tire pressure are others), but it can be a clue. The OEM tires are XL load rated with a 93 load index. The Kumhos are XL and 95, I would bet they'll give better steering response.