OK, it's tire buying time for me again. 17x9" SSRs, autox use only. 710's are not available for a while. So it comes down to 3 choices for me:

1) Kumho Victoracer 255/40-17's that I have been using for years
2) Kumho Ecsta 700 245/40-17's
3) Hoosier A3S04 245/40-17's

Choice 1 is a safe bet, since it's what I have been using.
Choices 2 and 3 are new. Anyone run either of those yet at the autox and have feedback?

Chris

the 245/40/17 ecsta maybe a new size, but if it's the same compound and construction as the 235/40/17's I ran before then they will suck compared to the 255/40/17 victo. it does not have the stiff sidewall and the "better feel" as the victo. I have not run the hoosiers so I can't comment on that.

I've heard of some C4 corvette guys having success runing the Ecsta's in the rear and victos in the front. The softer sidewall is apparently helpful in putting down the power, it just sucks when you have them up front trying to make the car turn in. As for the hoosiers, well they are hoosiers. They stick like mad and burn off really fast. I wouldn't personally bother with Hoosiers unless it was for a regional or national event. It's just not cost-effective.

One of the B-Stock drivers in Houston picked up a set of 245 Hoosiers about a month or so ago, and has had nothing but glowing comments on the grip. However, the lifespan sucks. If you are running on concrete (which it looks like you are in your sig), then the lifespan issue will be even worse.

-Bret

When it comes down to choosing between Kumho and Hoosier, always go with Hoosier (cost is higher but the S04 is longer lasting than the S03)...a truly superior tire in every way! There is a reason why Hoosiers are so widely successful in Motorsports and Kumho tries (and fails) like every year to one up them!

When it comes down to choosing between Kumho and Hoosier, always go with Hoosier (cost is higher but the S04 is longer lasting than the S03)...a truly superior tire in every way! There is a reason why Hoosiers are so widely successful in Motorsports and Kumho tries (and fails) like every year to one up them!


you should add the caveat - "if money is not an issue"

Hoosiers are more expensive but the SO4's also last longer and keep their level of grip longer...both for prolonged life so then they may be worth the extra money...The Victos are the only decent Kumho out there...and those are not as good as Hoosiers (in my opinion)...but yes, I also wish hoosier would come down on their prices but I guess they can charge what they want because Kumho isn't exactly gonna threaten them with "new" tires that fall apart the first day a guy goes out on the track with 'em!

Only the Goodyear GSCS was comparative but from my understanding those are to be discontinued this season...

Hi Chris,

I too have 255/40/17 Victoracers on 17X9 Integrals. And I have 18X9 SSR's with 245/35/18 S04's. Been waiting for V-710's in either size but it's not gonna happen for a while.

On a 90 second course on asphalt the S04's are about 1 second faster. I know this for sure because I ran the same course back to back with (shaved and heat cycled) Victoracers then S04's.

The S04's ROCK but.........................I already have set #2 to be installed on Wednesday. The first set lasted for 39 runs and 5 AX's. They're not corded but the grip is almost gone. I also tryed a set of 245/35/18 S03's earlier this year and the S04's are definitely faster. The S04's are 1 pound heavier than the S03's F.Y.I.

This should answer your question and put a hurt on your AX budget.

Now if we could just get some V-710's.

Regards

Hoosiers are definately faster, but if you're on a budget the Victos are the way to go...

yeah, 1 second on a 90 second course is like .6 on most courses.

a nice advantage, but nothing some good driving can't get around in a pinch =)

if you are trying to win nationals though, hoosiers are the way to go

Definitely go with the Victos, BJ. I agree with the statement about the Ecstas in the rear - they put down the power really well because of the flexy sidewall. Still, you'd like to be able to rotate front to back, so just skip the Ecstas. You won't be happy with them.

I've been doing just fine locally with the 255/40 Victos. :stickoutt