My S-03's are finally dead. They were awesome tires and I would suggest them to anyone. Due to all the other crap I need to buy, I can't spend another 800 bucks on my next set tires. So I've heard a lot of good things about Kumho Ecsta MX, and the Toyo Proxes T1-S, both of which can be had for around 500 bucks. (235-40-18) Anyone got any opinions on either tire? I'm primarily concerned with performance.

 

No question. MX for performance. Between 20%-40% of national drivers who trophied in autocross chose the MX. Only the Azenis was better. Of 97 total drivers not even one ran the Proxes.

http://ww2.scca.com/soloresults.php?ID=68

http://ww2.scca.com/soloresults.php?ID=43

 

^^^ Interesting stuff.

I haven't run any of those tires, but I believe that the MX is probably the best thing in your case, since it is intended to be in a similar category as the Azenis (quasi-competition), but I don't think it has as many issues with noise or wet weather performance (at the expense of some grip I imagine). T1-S is a better all-round tire I think, that people seem to like for its good grip and comfort level, but they say the steering response isn't as sharp.

 

Man, you are just a fountain of amateur racing knowledge. As always I appreciate the info.

I'd like to come watch you compete some time at an AutoX event next summer.

 

Even better, signup to run in Milwaukee, Burlington, etc. next season with everyone. That way you can do ride alongs and have people ride with you to make yourself a better driver! Big Nissan family exists with Wes, JP, Justin, Jason, John, Paul, etc. all willing to help each other out.

 

What the heck? I posted in this thread last night, and now my post is gone?

Anyways, Brian do you know what the wear rate is like on the MXs, and about their performance in the wet? I loved my T1-S but if MXs are better in the dry, wear decently, and are not deathtraps in the wet, I may get MXs this spring instead of T1-S (or the new T1-R coming out).

 

I have not run the T1-S but I do have some exp with the MXs..... I can't comment on wear.... except to say.... I got less than 2,000 miles on my set .... but that included about 20 autoX/track events.... I have them on my 300ZX... it spends most of its time in the garage unless it is out for car shows/ car club events/ or SCCA solo II.... the MXs were great in the dry or wet.... only draw back is they do not like the cold... very slick at low temps.... so for a summer performance tire I would give the MXs a big thumbs up.... I have a few friends on the Toyos... they are happy with the overall performance ...however they do give up performance in the dry and I'm sure they would be seconds slower in a autoX

 

If it's for your daily driver, go T1-S. The MX is not good for rain.

 

At 220 wear the MX's are softer than the Proxes 280. Reviews at Tirerack seem to confirm they wear quick too. Neal - If you're talking tracking then why not 2 set's, one street, one track dedicated. Unless you want a tire more predictable when it let's go at the limit I suppose.