[Z06] Kumho vs Firestone
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 876
Likes: 23
From: Prescott Valley, AZ
Kumho vs Firestone
I'm going to need tires soon for my '04 Z06. Looking to save some cash so I'm looking at alternatives to F1s. I figured I'd go with either Firehawks or EXCTA MXs. Just need a good street tire. My Z is my everyday driver. Opinions on the two? One better than the other? I put Kumhos on my wife's Infiniti G35 and they have been great tires.
Looking to some feedback from folks who have used either of these tires on their Zs.
thanks
Looking to some feedback from folks who have used either of these tires on their Zs.
thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 20,054
Likes: 44
From: Swansea IL
Here's a review I did after installing the FSWO - http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...04&forum_id=49
This was back in mid Nov. After 2 months of daily winter driving, I'm more convinced these are fantastic tires I would buy again. They out grip the GY F1's when the temps are below 40 degree's by leaps and bounds and in the rain I have no fear of running the posted speed limit (65 MPH) on my way to work.
As I said in my original, they may give of a 10th on the track but then if I tracked mine I'd probably have dedicated track tires. And out on the street the limit's are so high that you'll never find them (unless performing illegal stunts) so any advantage the GY's have is meaningless.
Tom
This was back in mid Nov. After 2 months of daily winter driving, I'm more convinced these are fantastic tires I would buy again. They out grip the GY F1's when the temps are below 40 degree's by leaps and bounds and in the rain I have no fear of running the posted speed limit (65 MPH) on my way to work.
As I said in my original, they may give of a 10th on the track but then if I tracked mine I'd probably have dedicated track tires. And out on the street the limit's are so high that you'll never find them (unless performing illegal stunts) so any advantage the GY's have is meaningless.
Tom
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 6,098
Likes: 43
From: ABQ NM
Cruise-In II Veteran
Originally Posted by mmorse
Kumho doesn't make a 265/40/17. So I trust their 255/40/17 fits on the stock rim for the fronts.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 532
Likes: 0
From: Chino Valley AZ
Originally Posted by mmorse
. . .Just need a good street tire. My Z is my everyday driver. Opinions on the two? One better than the other? I put Kumhos on my wife's Infiniti G35 and they have been great tires. . .
http://www.z06vette.com/forums/showthread.php?t=93748
Buy the Kumho's (in 275 front).
Firestone's ? Good tire for the Vette. SHxTTY company corporate policy.
I'm waiting for PS2/s to arrive, which I chose over Kumho's. But, Kumho's are fine.
So, my dog is HUNTING Firestone/Bridgestone.
May they rot in corporate hell with Enron and other bastions of corporate ethics.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 876
Likes: 23
From: Prescott Valley, AZ
Seems it's a toss up. Guess I'll go with what ever one is the best deal. I don't track the car. Just want a good everyday tire and save some coin if I can. Thanks for the responses guys. 
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,037
Likes: 9,801
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Originally Posted by QwickerRon
Firehawk Wide Oval is the only way to go on the track or highway. Good tires, wear very well and quiet.
They are a great tire.
Bill
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
Love the Firestones!!!!
Just got a new set on the car yesterday. Drove it yesterday in the dry and they were great. Drove it in the pouring rain today and I couldn't ask for anything better. I got the set with 17s in the front and 18s in the rear from a local Firestone store---after tax, mounting, balancing, road warranty, and even dressing them out----$758 total. Thought I got a pretty good deal.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 876
Likes: 23
From: Prescott Valley, AZ
Originally Posted by EAST_TX
Just got a new set on the car yesterday. Drove it yesterday in the dry and they were great. Drove it in the pouring rain today and I couldn't ask for anything better. I got the set with 17s in the front and 18s in the rear from a local Firestone store---after tax, mounting, balancing, road warranty, and even dressing them out----$758 total. Thought I got a pretty good deal.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 580
Likes: 0
From: Reston VA
I have a set of MXs on my MINI S. They're noisy and rough, and while I know a lot of guys think they're OK on a ZO6, I just don't think they have the quality required for a Corvette. I'd go with the FSWOs.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 5,362
Likes: 3
From: Delray Beach FL
Wide Ovals here. Handle great in the rain (South Florida...rains almost as much as the sun shines). Great grip and they last. When these wear out, Wide Ovals will be put back on! 
May even go with Wide Ovals on my 86 Monte Carlo SS and get rid of the BFGs on it now.
May even go with Wide Ovals on my 86 Monte Carlo SS and get rid of the BFGs on it now.
Instructor
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: Euless Texas
Originally Posted by mmorse
I'm going to need tires soon for my '04 Z06. Looking to save some cash so I'm looking at alternatives to F1s. I figured I'd go with either Firehawks or EXCTA MXs. Just need a good street tire. My Z is my everyday driver. Opinions on the two? One better than the other? I put Kumhos on my wife's Infiniti G35 and they have been great tires.
Looking to some feedback from folks who have used either of these tires on their Zs.
thanks
Looking to some feedback from folks who have used either of these tires on their Zs.
thanks
The Kumhos didn't fare well in the test, it came in 11'th out of 13. The reason was poor wet and dry grip.
Now, I happen to like my Kumho Ecsta Mx's, I am on my second set. I mostly like them for their looks and price. But there are lot's of other tires with better grip (for more money).
Ciao,
Rick
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 25,889
Likes: 7
From: Virginia Beach
CI 3-5-6-7-8 Veteran
I love my Kumho Ecsta MXs... they are leaps and bounds better in the rain, perform amazing during HPDE use, and get stickey quickly for auto-xing. I'm on my second set.
