Hey guys, i need only 2 new tires (front) but can seem to find available matching kumho ecsta SPTs in my area (SoCal) .... only kumho ASTs...

Would it be stupid to install 2 different tires weather they are all kumho or even different brands (2 of each)?

I have an 05 MCS and drive a lot (freeway mainly) never track, only occasionally spirited driving

Lastly, if it is ok to have different tires, where would the new tires go, front or back? (the rear has slight cupping as well)

-and yes i missed my rotation and will get an alignment..

thanks a lot!!

 

Generally you want the new or best grip tires on the rears.

Since the advantage is mainly to prevent hydroplaning the better wet handling tire on the rear makes the most sense.

If your older tires are quite worn lets say 50% tread worn down then just put the new tires on the rears.

Rotate tires front to back, both fronts go on the back after 5000 miles.

It's not the best to mix different class tires but if both are Ultra High performance Summer vs All Seasons then it's not the worst combo.
Kumho SPT is Ultra High Performance Summer tire
Kumho ASX is Ultra High Performance All Season tire
Kumho AST is High Performance All Season tire

Just don't mix runflats with non runflats if you can help it.

Don't drive too wildly with a mixed set of tires, make sure they are all the same size and keep the tire pressure up about 34-37 psi front and rears.

Check with Alex@tirerack.com, looks like they have all Kumho SPT sizes for non runflats at closeout prices- shipping is not bad for california-
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Sizes....odel=Ecsta+SPT

 

thanks a lot!.. however my current rear SPTs are 205/45-17.. i dont see them on that link ... i think they have been sold out and discontinued?

Only discount tire has the exact size/tire... but limited stock, which makes me believe they dont have it.. also, they are very expensive if bought through discount tire....

 

A search of all Kumho tires at tirerack.com in 205/45-17 shows-
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Compar...rk=1&x=18&y=10

Kumho Ecsta SPT XRP (Runflat) $139 each 340 treadwear
Kumho Ecsta AST $64 each 400 treadwear

Both are instock but SPT is not the same as SPT XRP.

So you could buy four-
Kumho AST at $64 each

Or consider 215/45-17 and get four-
Kumho SPT $89 each 320 treadwear (UHP summer tire non runflat)
Kumho ASX $91 each 420 treadwear (UHP All season tire)
Kumho AST $71 each 400 treadwear (HP All season tire)

It sounds like you have runflats and need to pick up two more Kumho SPT XRP runflats to match.

 

I see what you mean.. but i have the SPT non-run flat model.. i guess the runflats replaced these (which i currently have):

http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/fin...d=009138&ar=45

I was considering buying two of the ASTs since they're so inexpensive and slapping them on with the two SPTs. Id rather not get a set of four because of low funds.

sucks tirerack doesnt have em anymore



EDIT: i just noticed that you already know what im talking about..right?...lol..sorry

 

I do recall seeing that tirerack used to have Kumho SPT non runflats in 205/45-17. If that size is not listed then tirerack doesn't have them anymore. Usually backordered sizes still available will be listed.

So yes you can get Kumho AST and use them.

I checked tirerack for tires under $90 in that size but there weren't many that would work.

I did find at edgeracing.com
In Ultra High Performance summer tires-
Hankook Ventus Sport K104 $75 each 280 treadwear 19.5 lbs
In Ultra High Performance All Season tires-
Falken Ziex Ze-912 $79 each 360 treadwear 22.1 lbs

 

thanks so much! I wish i had your train of thought when it comes to things like this.. Guess im still learning.. I will consider the other tires you have found for me from edgeracing.com. Thanks again.

 

Discount Tire will price match. I was really happy with their after sales service - when I got new wheels, they dismounted, remounted, and rebalanced the tires I had bought from them for a total of $32 out the door. Also they found a nail in one of my tires that I didn't know about, and patched it at the same time. Consider yourself lucky if you have a Discount location near you.