Another thread on tires

["Ron H." <rhakim@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Really quick, where can I get a SNELL 95 helmet for a decent price?

Okay guys, here it is: The SCCA is holding another autocross in Englishtown
NJ this Saturday (13).  I ran my first auto-x on the 30th of April with the
NJBMWCCA and I had a blast!  For those of you that made it, I was running
the silver automatic '98 323is with the M-technik body kit.  I was car #40
in "D" class and ran a best of 50.164  (AAARRGGH, I just couldn't break 49!)
Well, enough of the waste of time on the intro.

I ran a set of Nitto NT555 that were pretty much near bald and they are some
slippery suckers.  They get really greasy when they are hot and just plow
around the course.  I do not recommend these tires to anyone unless you want
to get 20,000+ miles on a 225/40ZR18 size tire.

Here is the question:  I'm buying new rubber and wondered if anyone had or
is currently running a set of B.F. Goodrich G-Force KD (not KDW) tires.  If
so, how was the wear?  Are they noisier then usual for a high performance
tire?  Do they really hold up under an autocross?  (I ask this 'cause at
$1,000 I don't want to buy two sets of tires and from what I remember,
Kumhos don't come in 18").  Speaking of Kumhos, has anyone tried the new
Kumho ECSTA Supra 712?  The price is too nice to over look.  The Tire Rack
is asking $123 each!  There has to be a catch, ie, lousy tire.

Well, thanks for listening,
Ron
rhakim@domain.elided
As always, anyone's $.02 is always welcome!

p.s.
For the gentleman in the blue 535is from W.O., thanks for both ride alongs,
I learned too much from your wisdom!

------------------------------