Kumho Ecsta's on GTV-6: results

["Jim Boniface" <jeboniface@domain.elided>]

I just got back from a track event at Waterford Hills and tested
the new Kumho's in a variety of conditions from standing water to
damp, then dry track conditions.
The car is a 83 GTV-6  3.0L with regrind cams, Sperry Stage two heads and
modified brain.
Tranny is a limited slip tightened up 4:10 and Shankle
supersport springs and bars and yellow Koni's.
The event was what I call "time trials".
Forty or so drivers divided into 4 groups according to experience and car
performance.
Twenty min. sessions with passing limited to the front and back straight.
The first session was run in a steady rain with standing water in several
places, both on line
and off, in braking zones and high speed corners.  Just the type of
conditions
that scare everyone (except Michael S.) The tires are 225/50's and purchased
shaved.
The wet performance was outstanding. The tires had great grip even when
shaved.  Each lap
I was able to push harder and harder until I began to approach the limits of
adhesion.
These tire on the limits are very forgiving and gave way gradually giving
plenty of time to correct.
I was taking the fastest corner in third gear at about 3700 RPM (speedo not
working) with standing water at the exit.
When the front would start to push under corner exit acceleration, a little
lift off the gas and
the front would gently come in. The slow corners were a no brainer.  The tires
were so predicable
at the limit that  steering with the throttle was a breeze.
The rain stopped before the second session so the track was beginning to dry.
Again the tires performed
great on a track with areas of wet and dry. By the third session the track was
completely dry and the tires
were about the same as the old Kumho's.  Overall the tires were very
confidence inspiring, I would highly recommend
them to anyone participating in these events, but I don't know how they
compare to more expensive race tires.
I didn't have a pyrometer to take temps so I used the same pressures as the
old tires.
In the wet,  31 PSI all around, and bumped the front to 33 in the dry.
Jim Boniface
jeboniface@domain.elided
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