My impression is the Kumho Ecsta 4X
#1
My impression is the Kumho Ecsta 4X
I just installed a new set of shoes, (Kumho Ecsta 4x) and would like to share my impression on them.
My 2004 MSC has Koni FSD shocks w/ stock springs on all 4 corners and a 19mm H&R rear sway bar. My old wheels were Fuzion ZR1 215/40-17 mounted on stock s-lites 17x7-48ET. These lasted for 35K and were exellent tires. I would have gone with them again but that tire model was discontinued. I opted for the Kumho ECSTA 4x 215/45-17 because of the good reviews. I got the taller 45's instead of 40's to smooth out the harseness of the low profile 40's not mentioning a small bump in MPG. My new wheels include the Sparco RTT524 rims 17x7 w/42ET. Both setups were inflated to 36 PSI.
The mounted wheel fits perfect on the rears. It fits within the fenders wells with no rubbing at all or I haven't hit a bump severe enought to cause it to rub. The fronts looks great, the tire fits within the fenders. The tire sidewalls are about 1/2" inside the from the outer most edge of the fenders. On normal roads and bumps there is no problems but on deep bumps at higher speeds I do notice a slight fender rub. This can probably be cured with a pass or two with a dremel tool.
I noticed the ride is much more compliant than my previous setup. It is much quieter with a noticeable decrease in road noise. My sound system sounds a whole lot better especially at lower volumes. The handling is excellent I can still "feel" the road but don't get jarred with every bump or crevice in the road. This may be a savior for my new rims. The dry traction and road grip is on par with the Fuzions. It holds and tracks well dry pavement. I do notice that during cornering the response is not as crisp as the Fuzion's. This may be impart due to increase in sidewalls on the 45's. It hasn't rained for a while so I can't attest to it's wet performance. I also noticed a decrease in over-steer during tight hard cornering. It steers more near neutral during a hard turn which I find very pleasant.
Overall so far, I am pretty impressed with the Kumho Ecsta 4X, can't wait to see what they do in the rain.
BTW I got my wheels from Tire Rack. It was delivered the DAY after I ordered them. Not enough praises to them....
My 2004 MSC has Koni FSD shocks w/ stock springs on all 4 corners and a 19mm H&R rear sway bar. My old wheels were Fuzion ZR1 215/40-17 mounted on stock s-lites 17x7-48ET. These lasted for 35K and were exellent tires. I would have gone with them again but that tire model was discontinued. I opted for the Kumho ECSTA 4x 215/45-17 because of the good reviews. I got the taller 45's instead of 40's to smooth out the harseness of the low profile 40's not mentioning a small bump in MPG. My new wheels include the Sparco RTT524 rims 17x7 w/42ET. Both setups were inflated to 36 PSI.
The mounted wheel fits perfect on the rears. It fits within the fenders wells with no rubbing at all or I haven't hit a bump severe enought to cause it to rub. The fronts looks great, the tire fits within the fenders. The tire sidewalls are about 1/2" inside the from the outer most edge of the fenders. On normal roads and bumps there is no problems but on deep bumps at higher speeds I do notice a slight fender rub. This can probably be cured with a pass or two with a dremel tool.
I noticed the ride is much more compliant than my previous setup. It is much quieter with a noticeable decrease in road noise. My sound system sounds a whole lot better especially at lower volumes. The handling is excellent I can still "feel" the road but don't get jarred with every bump or crevice in the road. This may be a savior for my new rims. The dry traction and road grip is on par with the Fuzions. It holds and tracks well dry pavement. I do notice that during cornering the response is not as crisp as the Fuzion's. This may be impart due to increase in sidewalls on the 45's. It hasn't rained for a while so I can't attest to it's wet performance. I also noticed a decrease in over-steer during tight hard cornering. It steers more near neutral during a hard turn which I find very pleasant.
Overall so far, I am pretty impressed with the Kumho Ecsta 4X, can't wait to see what they do in the rain.
BTW I got my wheels from Tire Rack. It was delivered the DAY after I ordered them. Not enough praises to them....
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thanks
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My 2004 MSC has Koni FSD shocks w/ stock springs on all 4 corners and a 19mm H&R rear sway bar. My old wheels were Fuzion ZR1 215/40-17 mounted on stock s-lites 17x7-48ET. These lasted for 35K and were exellent tires. I would have gone with them again but that tire model was discontinued. I opted for the Kumho ECSTA 4x 215/45-17 because of the good reviews. I got the taller 45's instead of 40's to smooth out the harseness of the low profile 40's not mentioning a small bump in MPG. My new wheels include the Sparco RTT524 rims 17x7 w/42ET. Both setups were inflated to 36 PSI.
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Switching from the stock dampers to the Koni FSD makes a big difference in the ride. It is smooths out the ride to make it a very comfortable daily driver but not sacrificing the handling/performance. Note: Koni FSD dampers are not recommended if you plan lower you ride.
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I am considering these as well, mostly because my front run flats are almost done after 12,000 miles, and the rebate w/ good reviews on Tirerack.com. I am looking at the Kumho Ecsta 4x in the 215-45-17. If I go to 17's, I would have to get new wheels as well... I have my eye on the ALTA Performance Deceptions.
http://www.altaperformance.com/hardt...17-wheel-black
http://www.altaperformance.com/hardt...17-wheel-black
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I have had these tires on my r50 for a few months and so far so great! Dry they are quite grippy and when the do break away I find that they are quite linear and predictable/controllable with the throttle. In the wet, these things are sticky. I had an unfortunate incident where I could not avoid a deep puddle (4+ inches of water) mid corner, with oncoming traffic at a decent clip - only one wheel contacted the water and I feared the worst (pull me into the ditch). The steering wheel did not move, not even a little bit.
#23
Just confirming what others have said. I installed my Ecsta 4x's a few months back and they are very comfortable while maintaining a very sporty ride. I came from run flats and was considering buy the Koni FSD's before I got the Kuhmos since upstate NY roads are riddled with potholes, cracks and bumps. Glad I saved my money and didn't buy the new shocks. These tires took the harshness out of the road. Pretty darn sticky overall but I'd like a just little more crispness. I was talked out of buying summer tires by the guy at tire rack and I'm sure I could have got a tire that had that crispness, but the comfort would be lessened. I'm happy with my purchase.
#24
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Installed my Kumho Ecsta 4x this morning and what a night and day different. Notice the comfort in the ride right away and the noise is almost non-existing but still noisy on bad road. I will have to hold back on the performance until after the new tires break in period (500 miles).
I cannot believe I waited this long to switch from RFT and have never bought a set of performance tires under $400, most of the tires I bought for my other cars are in the $1000 range. Thanks to Alex at Tirerack for helping out with decision. There is a $50 rebate on the Kumho right now.
So far awesome tires and let see how thy hold up.
I cannot believe I waited this long to switch from RFT and have never bought a set of performance tires under $400, most of the tires I bought for my other cars are in the $1000 range. Thanks to Alex at Tirerack for helping out with decision. There is a $50 rebate on the Kumho right now.
So far awesome tires and let see how thy hold up.
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