Kuhmo Ecsta Supra 712

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Brat4by4
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Kuhmo Ecsta Supra 712

Post by Brat4by4 »

I've had these on for about 2-3 months now. Overall, all I can say is BLAH. The ones I have are 205/55R16 on stock WRX rims. I got them to replace my RE-92's that were balding.

On dry pavement the grip is nominally better than bald RE-92's. I can tell the difference, but it isn't much. The bald 92's had a little more understeer when pushed but gripped well when in a good line and let loose later. The 712's have a little less understeer and give way earlier but very linear when in a good line. The thing that I hate about these Kuhmo's is that they are squeal pigs. They'll squeal sometimes for no reason other than to squeal for the heck of it.

On wet pavement, the Kuhmo's are absolutely awesome. I never really pushed my bald RE-92's in the rain (for obvious reasons), but the 712's have what can only be called excellent grip in the rain. They have unnatural handling abilities on wet pavement. Unfortunately they designed them that way, superior wet for mildly compromised dry handling (in the rain I EXPECT to slid more, so I don't like it)

On a side note, I also am leery of the fact that they are only V-rated (some 712 sizes are Z rated, though). Look up what a V rating means... 'nuff said :twisted: .

To be fair, I have 3 different people I know that have 712's on 17 inch rims. They all love their tires dearly. Maybe the extra sidewall makes these tires in this size sucky. So unless I move up to 17's (which won't happen unless there is a miracle and I get 17" at or under 16 lbs a piece for cheap) I will save up and get a different tire. I wanted BfGoodrich G-Force T/A's... but those are big $$$ and the Kuhmos were on sale... case closed.

Summary: Dry Pavement - Blah, similar to RE-92, sir squeals-a-lot (in 16" 55 series size). Wet Pavement - Awesome, unbelievable.
1993 WMP BC6 5MT EJ22T 9psi 3.9:1 213k 205/55R16

62.6 m/s @ 0.66 bar. Gotta love boost. :)
ciper
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Post by ciper »

I had the 712's, like them. However the yokohama's are an even better tire at the price! Check it out.

Avs es100 if I remember correctly.
eastbaysubaru
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Post by eastbaysubaru »

I think almost all of us have had the 712's at some point. They're on my fiancee's '00 RS right now although it's about time to replace them. I agree about the wet handling characteristics. They're also much better than the RE-92's in the dry. I'm not quite sure which tire we'll be getting on her car next.

-Brian
'04 PSM FXT
Brat4by4
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Post by Brat4by4 »

I think someone else here pointed out that RE-92's have uncanny dry handling ability when bald. I must have experienced this phenomenon cuz these 712's aren't doing anything for me.

And I hate the squealing :evil: !
1993 WMP BC6 5MT EJ22T 9psi 3.9:1 213k 205/55R16

62.6 m/s @ 0.66 bar. Gotta love boost. :)
Legacy777
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Post by Legacy777 »

they're squealing because the rubber compound is too hard. That or you're pushing them way too hard ;)
Josh

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Brat4by4
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Post by Brat4by4 »

I think it may be my suspension. Inside tire gets too light. But I still hate it.
1993 WMP BC6 5MT EJ22T 9psi 3.9:1 213k 205/55R16

62.6 m/s @ 0.66 bar. Gotta love boost. :)
georryan
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Post by georryan »

I really want to try the Falken Aznis or whatever they are called. I'm just not sure how well they do in the rain or how the wear on them is. After all they are pretty much a track tire for the most part, but a buddy of mine has them and says he loves them.
91 Pearl White Sport Sedan
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greg donovan
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Post by greg donovan »

i wanted to get the avs es100 from yokohama but they were on back order. got a set of 712 in the garage instead of on the car cuz my rear toe is so screwed up i will burn them up in a couple months.
970subaru
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Post by 970subaru »

greg donovan wrote:i wanted to get the avs es100 from yokohama but they were on back order. got a set of 712 in the garage instead of on the car cuz my rear toe is so screwed up i will burn them up in a couple months.
why throw tires away? spend the 70bux and get it aligned.
I love to case.
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