I was debating between these two tires to go on my new wheels. Here are the specs:

Kumho Ecsta MX
Treadwear: 220
245/40/18 and 275/40/18
Weight: 24.7lbs and 28.8lbs
Diameter: 25.8 and 26.7
Price (tire rack): $160 and $173 ($666 for all 4)

Toyo T1S
Treadwear: 280
Same sizes
Weight: 24lbs and 28lbs.
Diameter: 25.7 and 26.5
Price (onlinetires.com): $194 and $235 ($858 for all 4)

Based on strong reviews for the Kumho's, combined with the almost $200 cost savings, I decided to give them a try. I've never actually driven either tire, so I'm excited to do so. I received them yesterday...the tread pattern looks great. Wide tread blocks on the outside, and deep channels that look to provide solid water evacuation. I'll be sure to post some impressions after driving them. Just thought I'd share, since these seem to be popular sizes/brands.

 

Great, I am debating on getting a set of the MX's for my 17's so I can track them, I hate to abuse the almost 900 I spent on the Toyo's for the 18's but they were awesome on the track last weekend, so much better than the stock, so I am hoping the MX's are good since R compound is a little out of the question since I don't have a trailer or way of carrying a second set of wheels to the track.

 

The only trade-offs I had read of with the MX's is the road noise, so if you can live with that, they're OK.

And the price is really good too.

 

Westpak,
If you want 17's that will work great on the street and track...then you should definitely go for the Falken Azenis Sport RS. You can get them in 225/45/17 and 245/45/17. If you want to lose a bit of your factory understeer, run 245 all around. These tires are only $106 or $113 each in those sizes! I used to run 205/15's on my Type R on the street/autoX/track. These were and are THE all-purpose tire to have among my old Type R people. They have awesome grip only a couple notches less than R compounds. They have great breakaway characteristics...they gradually squeal before letting go, and slowly release their grip...no silent snapping. They also handle light water pretty well...not great in standing water, but I never had any problems. They aren't terribly light, but not horribly heavy either. The 225 is around 25lbs, and the 245 around 28lbs. The best part is, you can beat the **** out of them time and time again...they wear extremely well. I used to get them for $60/tire on my R. I'll tell you, I've driven quite a few different makes and models of street and R compound. I have NEVER seen a tire that's as good as these tires for everything for so cheap. Obviously, you have to make a few compromises on a tire that does everything...but I would strongly recommend these. I used to get them from here: http://www.vulcantire.com/azenis_t.htm

It looks like the 225's are back ordered until late May. It's worth the wait...or you could just do the 245 all around as I mentioned above. You can do the whole car up for $450ish. If I don't get a separate set of wheels with R compounds, I'm definitely getting a set of these for my 17's. Seriously, you'll like these better than any other street tire if you want the total package without losing your shirt.

I really wish they made them in 18's.

 

I have the Kumho MX's on my 350Z and love them, I also had the Falkens on my Miata and they were very sticky. You just can't get the azenis in a big enough size for the 350Z.
I will be doing my first autocross with the Z and a first one on the MX's this sunday I'll give you more info after that autocross.

 

J Ritt

Thanks for info on tire and website, the Falken do seem to be the better choice you get almost R compound performance but with better wear and you are able to drive on the street which for me on those wheels will only to and from the track.

 

Are your running 285's on your stock 17's? Your sig says 285's in it. I was wondering what I could put on my stock 17's, but didn't think I could go above 255 in back.

 

My car has 5Zigen typhoons on it in 17X8" front and 17X9" rears
You are correct that the largest you can run is 245/45/17fronts and 255/45/17rears on your stock wheels.
I did run that combo on the aftermarket wheels I have on my car but wanted more traction so I swapped out the rears for 285/40/17's.
The 245+255 combo felt well balanced in the corners.

 

WESTPAK what track do you go to?

 

I have gone 3 times to Sebring and will be going June 14/15 again.

 

I've heard the Azenis Sport RS gets very greasy when they get hot, but I've not driven on them myself to confirm this. I've heard driving on them in the wet is scary, and heard that they wear faster than any other street tire out there. These are the things I've heard I don't know how much truth there is to them.

Also, Treadwear ratings (if anyone pays attention to those anymore) are proprietry, the manufacturer themselves assign them, not an outside agency. You can't compare treadwear ratings from company to company.

Check out www.treadepot.com for Toyo T1-s prices if you are interested, I got my T1-S for $33 less per tire than I'd seen them any other place.

I'm on my second set of T1-Ss now and I love them. I considered trying the MX but from all I read all the reviews on tirerack.com I decided the T1-S was still the way to go.

 

Treaddepot.com is working again and I looked up T1-S prices. $179 and $219 respectively. $796 total, plus shipping of course. MX is still alot cheaper.