[alfa] Kumho options

["Jon Inge" <joninge@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Chiming in a bit late on this one, I've run Ecsta 712s on my '93 164L for
over a year, rain or dry, no snow, inflated at 36-38psi, and have nothing
but praise for them.  Utterly reassuring, good life, excellent grip even
when more than enthusiastically provoked over back road twisties and
humpies.  Of course, maybe I'm just not a good enough driver to _really_
test them, but for any even borderline sane road use I'd recommend them
strongly, and would be happy to buy another set.

It's always surprised me just how much variation there is in people's
experiences with the same tires. Just check out the comments for any brand
on Tire Rack's Web site, and it seems like there's the full range from "love
'em" to "can't stand 'em" for just about everything.  My 164 came with 17"
wheels and Potenza Pole Position S03s on it, and the car felt very darty and
nervous no matter what pressure I tried in them.  Seemed like they had so
much grip that they'd  would follow every little road imperfection in an
instant, and would frequently take a set pulling to one side or the other
and then go back to normal a mile or so later. I replaced them with 16"
wheels and the Kumhos, and they transformed the L into a stable ride with
phenomenal grip and utterly reassuring handling.  I sold the 17" wheels and
tires to Mad Peter (Webb) in Chicago for his Milano, and he reports that
they work really well.  Another local chapter member has S03s on his 164 and
just loves them, no problems at all.

I've no idea how to account for the different perceptions, but quite truly,
YMMV.

Best to all

Jon Inge
Edmonds, WA
86 Spider
93 164L (for sale)
86 GTV-6 (for sale)
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