Planet 9

Mike_in OH · #1 06-08-2009, 08:34 AM

I finally had a chance to use these tires at an extended DE session--NNJR PCA at Mid-OH--for a 3 day event. Overall I like the tires.
Particulars:
Car: 06 Boxster 2.7L w/PASM
Tire sizes: 245/275--35-18
Brake Pads: carbotech XP8
Ambient temps: Mid 70's to low 80's

I started of cold at 33f/35r and when it was cool those were fine, but as the ambient temps came up the tires got pretty hot--+9deg in rear from cold temp.
Eventually I settled at 31f/33r cold which ended up at 38/40Hot during 30 minute session. These tires seem to like lower pressures compared to the PS2's they replaced.

When cool they had lots of grip and with the carbotech pads, I was braking way too early. As they warmed I started sliding in corners, but it was all controlled, even late into a session. Braking remained consistently good.

Steering response was good and the tire provided audible notice when approaching the limits, but never let go--sort of like a set of MX's I had on an earlier car.Again, I always had control and it felt like I could toss the car into a corner and use the throttle/brake to get the rear to rotate when i wanted.

Wear seemed excellent; my wife and I both drove, sometimes in back to back sessions and there was not chunking of any sort. wear seemd very even but I'll measure it today and post a few pictures.

All things considered I like the tire. I don't think they are as sticky as a set of new PS2's but then again they are a lot cheaper. I never timed myself with the PS2's but with these I ran a 1:53 and ran very competitively with my group (white).

Anyway, if you're looking for a tire you can drive on the street or to a track, providing competent overall performance at a reasonable price, these tires are definitely worth a look.

BTW, I like these tire sizes, especially on a "momentum car" like a 2.7L Boxster. It seemed like the smaller OD kept the rev range in a better spot to have a bit more power coming out of corners.

Kor · #2 06-08-2009, 05:31 PM

Some things to think about when buying budget tire brands -

- How much weight did your tire shop have to put on your rim to balance the tire?
- How frequently are customers coming in with flat tires, leaks, etc.

From some of the stories I've heard (unsubstantiated) one of the reasons that there are cheaper brands is just plain lower standard for quality control.

Of course when you buy Michellin (for example) you are also just paying money for the name, no question about it.

I used to run Kumhos on my last car and the performance was okay, although they squealed.

**fondueski** · #3 06-08-2009, 07:53 PM

I don't think I'd necessarily consider Kumho a budget brand. Less costly than Michelin for sure, but wouldn't say budget.

Mike_in OH · #4 06-09-2009, 04:09 PM

I made the mistake of not measuring tread depth before the DE--I did one auto-x with them along with 500 street miles before the DE.

When I took them off yesterday I looked them over and measured the tread depth. Assuming the stock tread depth was correct--10/32"--I lost nearly 3/32 at the DE on the fronts and 2/32" on the rears. right now I have 7/32 on the front and 6/32 on the rears--exactly what I have on any old set of PS2's in the basement that I used for track tires for 2 years.

At this pace, I'll be lucky to get through the season--I'm figuring 3 more 2 day DE's.

While the wear on the tires has been even, picture attached,I wasn't anticipating this kind of wear.I've got a fun day at nelsons in July coming up--a track much easier on tires and I'll see how they do there.