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Car Forum / Mazda / Mazda Miata / August 2008The dreaded oil/tire thread!
Which oil is best? Should I use Super Sewer Sludge 90w-250 Synthetic? Never mind, I don't have the heart to start an oil thread.... So what do people think of Kumho tires, specifically the AST? I'm still debating new tires because it upsets my natural cheapness. My existing tires have almost 60% tread remaining but they have the traction of greased ice due to drying out and becoming hard so.... Kumho's are available to me for a not too awful price, just under $600 mounted and balanced on white Rota Speed 5 Wheels, wheels are 15x6.5, tires are 195/50z/R15. Opinions? I've read reviews on Miata Net, Discount Tire, Tire Rack, etc. and learned that the tires are the absolute WORST/BEST tire ever, will last 5/900,000 miles, have FANTASTIC/NONEXISTENT wet traction, etc. Summary, I find the reviews aren't much help but what do you guys say?  SignatureXS11E, Killing all posts from Google Groups The Usenet Improvement Project: http://improve-usenet.org I've had good luck with Toyo tires and prices. My 99 came with Michelin Pilots--Thinnest tire I've ever had, and poor wet traction. Bridgestone Good tires for wear, and handling when new, but get hard after a couple of years. Toyo T1-S (2 sets) good tires, but they quit making them. Bought first set mounted on Rota Rims at an RSpeed open house. Not as stiff a sidewall as the Bridgestones. Too soon to tell on the new tires I just put on. (From TireRack) > Which oil is best? Should I use Super Sewer Sludge 90w-250 Synthetic? > [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > > Summary, I find the reviews aren't much help but what do you guys say? Are you saying the entire wheel / tire package is just $600? Or were you just mentioning your wheels 'FYI'? Chris 99bbb > I've had good luck with Toyo tires and prices. > My 99 came with Michelin Pilots--Thinnest tire I've ever had, and poor wet [quoted text clipped - 26 lines] >> >> Summary, I find the reviews aren't much help but what do you guys say? > Are you saying the entire wheel / tire package is just $600? Yes. SignatureXS11E, Killing all posts from Google Groups The Usenet Improvement Project: http://improve-usenet.org > I've had good luck with Toyo tires and prices. Thanks but I can get Toyo, etc. any time, the offer on the rims and Kumhos is for a few days only so I was asking specifically about them and hoping to get some thoughts. SignatureXS11E, Killing all posts from Google Groups The Usenet Improvement Project: http://improve-usenet.org > Opinions? I've read reviews on Miata Net, Discount Tire, Tire Rack, > etc. and learned that the tires are the absolute WORST/BEST tire ever, > will last 5/900,000 miles, have FANTASTIC/NONEXISTENT wet traction, > etc. > > Summary, I find the reviews aren't much help but what do you guys say? I find the tests of ADAC very good; they are in German, but their ranking tables are quite compact, one only needs to translate the main testing categories to make some use of them (ie "trocken" is dry, "nass" wet etc). http://www.adac.de/Tests/Reifentests/ > I find the tests of ADAC very good; they are in German, but their > ranking tables are quite compact, one only needs to translate the > main testing categories to make some use of them (ie "trocken" is > dry, "nass" wet etc). > > http://www.adac.de/Tests/Reifentests/ I can't make heads or tails of it, can't find any ranking tables? SignatureXS11E, Killing all posts from Google Groups The Usenet Improvement Project: http://improve-usenet.org > I can't make heads or tails of it, can't find any ranking tables? > Some detailed links: http://www.adac.de/Tests/Reifentests/Sommerreifen/175_65_R14/ http://www.adac.de/Tests/Reifentests/Sommerreifen/195_65_R15/ http://www.adac.de/Tests/Reifentests/Sommerreifen/185_60_R14H_2006/ http://www.adac.de/Tests/Reifentests/Sommerreifen/205_55_R16V/ http://www.adac.de/Tests/Reifentests/Sommerreifen/225_45_R17WY_2006/ http://www.adac.de/Tests/Reifentests/Winterreifen/205_55_R16H/ http://www.adac.de/Tests/Reifentests/Winterreifen/175_65_R14_T_10_2005/ http://www.adac.de/Tests/Reifentests/Winterreifen/195_65_R15_T_10_2005/ In each one of the above, follow the "Alle Testergebnisse im Uberblick" link, a couple of lines down the main/center page column. >> I can't make heads or tails of it, can't find any ranking tables? > [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > http://www.adac.de/Tests/Reifentests/Sommerreifen/225_45_R17WY_2006 > / Thanks, that makes it easy! Unfortunately they didn't test the tire I'm considering. SignatureXS11E, Killing all posts from Google Groups The Usenet Improvement Project: http://improve-usenet.org > Which oil is best? Should I use Super Sewer Sludge 90w-250 > Synthetic? > > Never mind, I don't have the heart to start an oil thread.... No, no, not the oil thread!!! > So what do people think of Kumho tires, specifically the AST? > [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > Summary, I find the reviews aren't much help but what do you guys > say? Reviews on Tire Rack are definitely Not Much Help. As you noted above, you get completely different results from different reviewers on the same tires. Some of our local club folks have used the Kumho and liked them. I'm looking for new summer shoes for Vixen right now too but I'm leaning more towards either the Falken ZE-912 or the Yokohama S.drive. The tires on her now are the OEMs and they're definitely at the end of their useful life - not to mention that they're starting to get cracks in them. I've got some extra MSUs coming in the middle of August so I've got some time to do more research. Iva & Vixen 2004 Classic Red No more winkin' Miata > Reviews on Tire Rack are definitely Not Much Help. As you noted > above, you get completely different results from different > reviewers on the same tires. Ditto on Discount Tire's site. > Some of our local club folks have used the Kumho and liked them. Thanks, that's what I was hoping to hear. > I'm looking for new summer shoes for Vixen right now too but I'm > leaning more towards either the Falken ZE-912 or the Yokohama > S.drive. The tires on her now are the OEMs and they're definitely > at the end of their useful life - not to mention that they're > starting to get cracks in them. I've got some extra MSUs coming > in the middle of August so I've got some time to do more research. I'd be waiting awhile myself if this deal hadn't come along but I may pass on it. The price is good, changing from the original 14" wheels to 15" wheels will make more tire choices available but I can spend a total of $0.00 including tax, mounting and balancing to keep what I have with a LOT of tread remaining and OK traction if it doesn't rain. If it rains, I just drive carefully or don't drive the Miata. There's other things I could do with the money but who knows. Right now, my decision is a very firm, definite maybe..... SignatureXS11E, Killing all posts from Google Groups The Usenet Improvement Project: http://improve-usenet.org I've heard good things about the price / quality ratio for Kuhmos, from performance related folks. If you're as cheap as me, you'll try to get as close to the full wear out of what's on there while you can and start watching for a similar great deal a month or two before they give up the ghost. Another alternative would be to grab the deal while you can and throw them in the garage while you use up the existing rubber. Chris 99BBB >> Reviews on Tire Rack are definitely Not Much Help. As you noted >> above, you get completely different results from different [quoted text clipped - 22 lines] > There's other things I could do with the money but who knows. Right > now, my decision is a very firm, definite maybe..... > So what do people think of Kumho tires, specifically the AST? > Kumho's are available to me for a not too awful price, just under > $600 mounted and balanced on white Rota Speed 5 Wheels, wheels are > 15x6.5, tires are 195/50z/R15. I done did it. I asked about the price which is about $150 or so less than the regular price and got this: "This is the last set we have in stock, Just want to sell it fast, nothing wrong with it." If it turns out OK I'll be VERY happy.... Oh, lug nuts are included... SignatureXS11E, Killing all posts from Google Groups The Usenet Improvement Project: http://improve-usenet.org I don't think you'll be disappointed but would love to hear a follow up! Chris 99BBB >> So what do people think of Kumho tires, specifically the AST? >> Kumho's are available to me for a not too awful price, just under [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > > Oh, lug nuts are included... > I don't think you'll be disappointed but would love to hear a > follow up! I can follow up a little bit already, I clicked on the PayPal button to pay now and got shipping information in less than half an hour. That's pretty fast in my opinion..... UPS confirms the tracking numbers as having received the shipping info but they haven't picked them up yet so I figure Monday will be the soonest they'll get picked up, they I might have them by the end of the week, maybe? Pulling the rear wheels will FINALLY allow me to see what's wrong with the emergency brake. It's been adjusted but won't hold the car from rolling. SignatureXS11E, Killing all posts from Google Groups The Usenet Improvement Project: http://improve-usenet.org > I can follow up a little bit already, I clicked on the PayPal > button to pay now and got shipping information in less than half > an hour. And more, UPS has them, delivery is scheduled for Wednesday. I'm afraid they'll have to wait since Thursday is new top day, the wheels/tires will have to keep until the weekend. SignatureXS11E, Killing all posts from Google Groups The Usenet Improvement Project: http://improve-usenet.org >> I can follow up a little bit already, I clicked on the PayPal button to >> pay now and got shipping information in less than half an hour. [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > I'm afraid they'll have to wait since Thursday is new top day, the > wheels/tires will have to keep until the weekend. They're here! I won't get the car back until this afternoon so the tires will probably get installed this weekend. >>> I can follow up a little bit already, I clicked on the PayPal >>> button to [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > tires > will probably get installed this weekend. Isn't it nice to be pleasantly surprised by a vendor for a change? <g> Iva & Vixen 2004 Classic Red No more winkin' Miata >>>> I can follow up a little bit already, I clicked on the PayPal >>>> button to [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > Isn't it nice to be pleasantly surprised by a vendor for a change? > <g> Yes, but Mike's Place wasn't able to finish the top today since I had to ask for a couple of other things that needed to be done so I'll get it back tomorrow AM. Not a problem, I shall spend the morning like I do the first of every month, dividing my total net worth between the electric company, the phone company, the water company, etc. etc. etc. <sigh> Saturday is now the day I re-tire! <-WOW, really bad pun alert! SignatureXS11E, Killing all posts from Google Groups The Usenet Improvement Project: http://improve-usenet.org > So what do people think of Kumho tires, specifically the AST? I'm a Kuhmo fan: good cheap tires. I have ASTs (195/50/15 on 15x7 wheels) on both Miatas and I'm pretty happy with them. We're not autocrossers or track drivers but I've been known to do some spirited driving around town and on the back roads. The ASTs haven't given me any nervous UH OH moments and seem to be wearing well, although they're still pretty new. They're good in the dry and suprisingly good in the wet (our 500-mile ride home from Myrtle Beach last March was pretty much all in rainstorms). Unless they wind up going bald in 15,000 miles, I'll get more. ...... 1996 Montego Blue base model rear-ended and killed 7/17/08 (sigh) 1999 Brilliant Black Sport Pkg http://www.claffie.com >> So what do people think of Kumho tires, specifically the AST? > [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > all in rainstorms). Unless they wind up going bald in 15,000 > miles, I'll get more. Thanks, Alan, EXACTLY what I wanted to know! I've already ordered the tires and rims, they'll be here Wednesday according to UPS. SignatureXS11E, Killing all posts from Google Groups The Usenet Improvement Project: http://improve-usenet.org Initial impressions yet? Chris 99BBB I just put 2 Yokohama Prada Spec2's on the front of my Miata and after 2300 mile road trip (not great roads), I'm very impressed with their grip / ride. Will have to do some research on 'good roads' soon :-) >>> So what do people think of Kumho tires, specifically the AST? >> [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > Thanks, Alan, EXACTLY what I wanted to know! I've already ordered the > tires and rims, they'll be here Wednesday according to UPS. > Initial impressions yet? > [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > 2300 mile road trip (not great roads), I'm very impressed with their > grip / ride. Will have to do some research on 'good roads' soon :-) It's Prolific Chris, spreading life into r.a.m.m. I am thinking about flying to California in October, but I have heard that Austin to Big Bear Lake is a fun road trip. First, the car needs tires, a full tune-up, and front brakes. (like a sliver of pad material left, oops). I hate it when several things hit at once. Even doing my own labor when possible, it adds up, especially decent tires in 215/45/16. IIRC you have 16's. What tire size did you go with and what was the cost? Pat Hey Pat, Wow, 215's work on your car? I don't know if they would work on my car / wheels (I don't remember the width spec of my wheels but 6-1/2" comes to mind). I like the 205/45/16's. I've tried 205/40/16's but I believe that little extra sidewall helps ride quite a bit and actually looks better too. 215's would really look good though, hmmmm. The Yoko's ended up costing me $125 ea mounted / balanced. Not cheep by any means but they are super grippy AND have DOT ratings of 300 /AA/A so, I'm expecting them to last 30k or so (the Goodyear F1 DS G3 had the same ratings and lasted well past 30k. IIRC they cost ~$150 ea). Later, cd 99BBB >> Initial impressions yet? >> [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] > > Pat > Initial impressions yet? Last night I drove to dinner and back, you want impressions based on 12 miles? Well, they seem to hold air, they're not noisy, they handle gentle curves very nicely at extremely slow speeds.... SignatureXS11E, Killing all posts from Google Groups The Usenet Improvement Project: http://improve-usenet.org Well, I guess that's something but hey, get out there and drive that thing my friend! We need to know! Chris 99BBB >> Initial impressions yet? > > Last night I drove to dinner and back, you want impressions based on 12 > miles? Well, they seem to hold air, they're not noisy, they handle > gentle curves very nicely at extremely slow speeds.... > Well, I guess that's something but hey, get out there and drive > that thing my friend! We need to know! Can't, it's in the shop. Remember it's a white 1992? That means like most cars of that era the paint fell off, my white 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee did the same thing. I got a couple of bucks and decided to get the wheels and tires to go with my new top (back window is still in place!) and get it re-painted before I blew the money on worthless crap like food, utilities, etc. Besides, a couple of months w/o eating should improve acceleration, I think, due to weight reduction. I'm having it done with a special low photon drag white paint and it'll be home again in about 6 days. BTW, I had the Jeep done at Earl Scheib, it was cheap and I was VERY happy with the job they did but I wanted better for the Miata, I hope I chose the right place? I'll know soon, I asked if they'd guarantee the paint job until the Cardinals won the Superbowl but they wouldn't even guarantee the universe would last that long..... <sigh> SignatureXS11E, Killing all posts from Google Groups The Usenet Improvement Project: http://improve-usenet.org |
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