Hey folks, I have limited my search of tires down to two final models to go on my 67 Firebird. The size is 4 tires at 255/45/17 and the two different tires are:

A) Kumho ECSTA MX Max Performance

B) Firestone Firehawk SZ50 EP Ultra High Performance

Which of these tires would you buy for your ride and why?

Thanks,
Jon

 

havn't used the kumhoes but i have the SZ50's right now and am VERY impressed with them...

they are phenominal in the rain and the dry traction is outstanding. where i use to get a chirp into 4th i can't even get a chirp into 3rd now...1-2 shifts only bark the tires.

and they have showed good tread wear over the year i've had them (no burnouts though)

 

Well, in the world of tires, you get what you pay for.

I would go with the Kumhos because they are cheap and have heard good things about them. In other words, they are decent for the money.

If you want a higher quality tire and cost is not a high priority, go with the Firehawks. They are proven and have a good reputation.

 

I have never run anything except Firestone/Bridgestone tires on any of my vehicles, and they have always been absolutely wonderful tires (maybe it's 'cause the old man works for them). Also check into Dayton tires. They are made by Firestone/Bridgestone, and they carry the EXACT same workmanship and warranties (in most cases), and they will give you the same durability. You will have to get ahold of a Tires Plus store or a Firestone to find them. My bro has Daytons on his 99 Roush Mustang and he absolutely loves them

 

Thanks for the heads up on the Daytons. I will be looking into it.

Jon

 

me got KUMHO 711 245/50/16......i got more than what i pay for....KUMHO tires rocks

 

The two tires you listed aren't really in the same league. The SZ50's are by far a better tire. Better tread design, better sidewall, traction (wet and dry). As I'm sure you know, they were inspired by the indy rain tire 5 or 6 years ago when they were made. I've NEVER heard a bad thing about SZ50's. But, I don't know what kind of price difference you are talking about and I'm sure the Kumho's are a decent tire.

I have the older SZ50's on my car, the non EP ones, so the treadwear is lower, ie. stickier rubber and love them. I'm sure the new EP's are what will be going on my car, either that or the G-Force TA KD.

 

Honestly, I don't think these tires are that different from each other. Check out these two comparisons from tirerack.com

Kumho ECSTA MX

SZ50 EP

The largest differences between these two tires is the price, speed ratings, and tire wear issue. Also, there are no charts comparing the two tires together directly resulting in different variations in environmental conditions on the days they were tested.

Jon

 

Check out this wab page: http://www.bridgestonetire.com/dpp/index.asp
It has the Firsteone/Bridgetone/Dayton Z rated tires. The Bridgestone RE730's have rated very high, and they are becoming extremely popular. The Dayton's are the one's that my little bro has, and they are very nice, especially for the price. I was quoted at 110 a piece at my local tires plus

 

Hmm...

After spending wasted money on different brands of tires, I have come to the realization that Khumos are the worst tires ever made. They are over-rated and not good for traction. They may be good on an import, or other front wheel drive. I have on my Beretta.

Now, for my Formula, Khumos were the worst. Firehawks were significantly better. Not the best for money spent. Check out the ratings of the tires. AAA is the best of course.

Try looking up the Toyo T1-S Tires and find the size your looking for. $300 per tire is what I ride on.

 

I dunno, had several people on this board say they were impressed with the traction they got out of their Khumos, and I think GMHTP did a road race test with a firebird one time with Khumos on it and they were pretty impressed for it being a street tire.

 

I am sure if GMHTP would have autoX with the Toyos on the firebird, they would not only be impressed but, more than satisfied.

Grant it, I do a heck of a lot more drag than autoX. You get what you pay for. If you do not want to spend the $$$ on tires, and left with only these two choices, go with the Firehawks. You will be happy you did. IMHO

I am also impressed with the fact that Khumo makes a somewhat decent tire being the worst/cheapest/store specific tire on the market after ten years. Hmmm.. the good 'ol days.

 

I had the firehawks on my car and they were really nice...

Currently I'm running the Nitto 555 extreme's and they seem to be just as good if not better for the way I drive. Not to mention almost 1/2 the price of the SZ50s.

The corner really well, I've had no issues wet or dry on the front of my car... The rear is a different story because I'm running Nitto DRs...

 

Thanks a lot guys. I think I will probably just go for it and buy the SZ50's. They seem to last a long time with good wear and traction throughout their lifetime.

 

If you can get them in the size you want i HIGHLY suggest the BF-Goodrich Ge-Force KDW tires. I have them in a 275-40-17 on my camaro and i couldnt be any happier with them. the dry and wet traction is amazing and the tires have a 35000 mile warranty. they are a great tire and they look mean as hell.

If you cant get the BFG KDW tires then i would suggest the SZ50ep's. I had them on my camaro before i got the bigger rims and they were a very good tire too.

To each his own good luck.