New Tyres ...... Again!!

[Maccas]

Hey everyone,

as we all know we go through tyres at a pretty quick rate!! The utes up for some new shoes and was wondering whether anyone had heard or had a set of Kumho Ecsta SPT KU31. I can get a $720 for me wheels. Any other tyre recommendations would be appreciated. I have maxxis ma-v1's on there atm and wasnt really a fan.

Any info would be great

Cheers Maccas

[XUV]

what size are you looking at ?

[Wonky]

$180 ea for Ecsta Spt seems pretty good value, but of course depends on size. I've used them for almost 4 years on my SSV sedan and now the ute. I'm probably not the best person to talk about handling as given my disabilities I can't push my car through corners anywhere near as hard as others but there are various tyre threads on here in which many say they find the handling capabilities as good as the OEM SSV Bridgies in wet and dry. My rears I think did 26,000km and now at 46,000km still have a fair bit on them (one was replaced at 31,000km after an accident) and the fronts have now done 46,000km. Again one front was replaced at 31,000km but when it was in for service last week all 4 still looked fine.

[PSI 364]

Just got a set of Kumho Ecsta SPT KU31 put on my daily ute, not a bad tyre for the price but damn are they noisy. Whether its a run down the highway or turning a corner they sound like 4WD tyres sometimes.

Apart from that not too bad so far, will be doing a long trip on them in a few weeks so heres hoping they do ok.

[A PSYCHO]

Just got a set of Kumho Ecsta SPT KU31 put on my daily ute, not a bad tyre for the price but damn are they noisy. Whether its a run down the highway or turning a corner they sound like 4WD tyres sometimes.

Apart from that not too bad so far, will be doing a long trip on them in a few weeks so heres hoping they do ok.

+1. Ive had them on my car for a while now. Personally wouldnt use them again. As said, they can be very noisy, the slightest bit fast in a bend and they howl like a bitch. They handle as well as a budget tyre should i spose, not terrible but no stand out performance either. Not too long on the mountain roads and they were showing their pain. Ill be spending the extra money when im up for a replacement and getting something better.

[Wonky]

Forgot to mention the noise, but for me it was only an issue once they were well over half way worn. My current four are still relatively quiet, another reason I think they've still got plenty of meat left.

[vicarious]

the khumos on my ute were noisy as and would make a howl type sound when turning corners, then went to the falken 452s and are far better

[VX2VESS]

yes they get noisier the more they wear, but still good value tyre great performance for the price.

[Maccas]

hey cheers for the info everyone. My rims are 18/235/45 so any other suggestions in that field would be greatly appreciated. Road noise isnt to much of an issue as the ute is pretty noisey as is 3inch cat back on a 5.0lt

Cheers Maccas

[PSI 364]

I use Toyo Proxes 4 in that size for my VZ and have found them to be a good all round tyre without breaking the bank. Handle very well in the dry and wet, my old man runs them on his BA GT and he likes them as well.

[***VX*R8***]

I like Maxxis MA-Z1. I had them on my 180sx and found them very grippy. My brother had them on his FTO and also found the same thing.
Not sure if it would make a difference on a heavier car though???

[Jamolad]

hey cheers for the info everyone. My rims are 18/235/45 so any other suggestions in that field would be greatly appreciated. Road noise isnt to much of an issue as the ute is pretty noisey as is 3inch cat back on a 5.0lt

Cheers Maccas

Is that the correct size for your ute? 45 profile on 18s is what a VE runs, and I thought pre-VE were meant to run 40 profile on an 18 inch rim (I am assuming your ute is pre-VE as it is a 5.0lt)?

I am looking at putting on a set of 18's and have been pricing them up on eBay. For 245-40-18, looking at $180 + shipping for either Kumho KU31, the Toyos, or Yokohoma Advans. Researching the numerous tyre threads on here all three seem to get about 5 good reviews to each bad review they receive, so not sure if there is much in it between them. Far more reviews for the Kumho's, but then not sure if I can take too much from reviews for 20's, nor those that run them on VEs, as what they experience on those rims/cars may not translate to 18's on a WH.

But then I am also not sure if 245 in 18s will definitely fit without scrubbing (Kings HD Lows), so may look at 235 again. Searched heaps on fitting 245 and most say they are fine on 18's with standard Holden offset, and only really trouble when you are seriously low, different offset, or when running 19's or 20s. But then there is the odd post that says 245 18 only just clears the front suspension or scrubs on the back with a full load, and I don't understand why a 245-40-18 would not scrub but a 245-35-19 would as there is stuff all difference in the rolling diameter (guess that "stuff all" difference is enough difference).

[etrocket]

Had them on for 4 months and not a bad tyre for the price. To be honest I don't really hear the noise but then again, my radio is never off. Will I buy these again, probably not. Would prefer to spend the extra $100-200 more for the extra grip.