I recently bought as et of S-lites for my MCS conv, and am having a hard time deciding whether to puchase Kumho-ECSTA or AVON Tech M550. I would like to get a good summer tire that is quiet on the road, will have good tread life, and a t a good cost. Does anyone have any suggestions. Also, I do like spirited driving, but I do not go on the track.

 

Might want to look into Falcon Azenis Rt615 great tires and the price is pretty good too.

 

Mhend,

I don't know about the Kumhos, but I am very happy with the Avon Tech 550's that I am using. I am using 16" Avons for summer street use and I find them to be responsive, inexpensive and quiet. You might talk to Alex, at the Tirerack for a comparison. He's the one xho steered me towards the Avon. I gave him the same basic driver profile. I only have 6000 miles on mine, but so far so good!

 

S-lyte wheels are 17x7.

Your tire options are:
205/45-17 (stock size)
215/45-17 (a little larger than stock but will fit OK)
215/40-17 (slightly stiffer ride, sometimes higher priced)
225/45-17 (largest of these listed sizes)

Good summer/all season tire with good street manners and long treadlife:
In 205/45-17
Avon Tech M550 A/S (Ultra High Performance All Season) $101 each
360 Treadwear AA traction W speed rated
Kumho Ecsta AST (High Performance All Season) $70 each
400 Treadwear A traction H speed rated

Of these two the M550 is a better tire but costs more. You didn't mention a budget. If I were to stay with stock sized tires then I'd consider the M550 but for the price the Kumho is not bad.

If we look at Ultra High Performance All Season tires (Not summer tires) then we get longer treadlife and slightly more comfortable ride qualities for moderate prices. You do give up a little performance handling but overall wet and dry traction is very decent.

In Ultra High Perf All Season tires-
Bridgestone Potenza RE960 AS $139 each in 215/45-17
400 Treadwear AA traction W speed rated 25 pounds
Continental ContiExtreme Contact $90 each in 215/45-17
400 Treadwear AA traction W speed rated 20 pounds
Pirelli PZero Nero M+S $118 each in 215/45-17
400 Treadwear A traction W speed rated 21 pounds

In High Performance All Season tires-
Bridgestone Potenza G009 $131 each in 215/45-17
460 Treadwear A traction H speed rated 23 pounds

Note- H rated High Performance tires still do function fine for street use but with less performance/handling capabilities.

Another option is to consider Ultra High Performance Summer tires (Not All Season)
Generally they might cost more, wear faster and offer more performance with very good wet or dry traction and very poor snow performance.

In this class but still with moderate price and good treadwear for street use is-
General Exclaim UHP $71 each in Ultra High Perf Summer class tires in 215/45-17
380 Treadwear AA traction W speed rated 18 pounds
Firestone Firehawk Wide Oval $125 each in 215/45-17
320 Treadwear AA traction W speed rated 22 pounds
Kumho Ecsta SPT $87 each in 215/45-17
320 Treadwear AA traction W speed rated 22 pounds
BF Goodrich g-Force Sport $101 each in 215/45-17
340 Treadwear AA traction V speed rated 21 pounds

There are many options in Summer tires but some are costly and do wear fast.

 

These won't give you good tread life. I like Flaken's and based on what you are saying I would reccomend the Falken Ziex 512.

Otherwise, the Kuhmo SPT's, BF Goodrich g-Force Sport, and Yoko AVS 100 all have good reps. I'm going to try the General Exclaim UHP's next.

 

I put in my order for some Avon Techs. Now I have to choose an installer to put the tires on. Does anyone know of a tire installer in the Washington-Maryland area who can install tires ona set of rims for under $20?