Sumitomo HTR ZIII vs. Kumho MX for Auto-x
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
Sumitomo HTR ZIII vs. Kumho MX for Auto-x
Anyone autocrossed on either of these? I think my choice is going to be between these two. There are several tires I can't get in the stock rear size (Direzzas, Kumho XS, etc.), and I don't want to spend a grand on a set of tires because I'm not super competitive anyway. Any comments you could provide on these would be appreciated.
#2
I ran a season on MX's. I really liked the tire once it warmed up, but that took 2-3 runs on a hot day. Forget about grip when it's cold out. I would seriously consider looking at the Nitto NT-05's for your use.
The NT-05's will come up to temp faster and have higher overall grip compared to the MX's.
The NT-05's will come up to temp faster and have higher overall grip compared to the MX's.
#3
Team Owner
I have run Kumho MX tires for a few events and while they do need some heat, they do hook up very well and also work fine for track days and street use. It might take some playing around with tire pressures to get the MX to stick, but they do work.
I would definitely pick the MX over the Sumitomo tires.
Do you drive the car as a DD? Some of the sticky street tires don't work well in rain and most all of those types (what Tire Rack calls an "ultra high performance tire) don't work at all in freezing temps or on ice or snow.
Are you limited to stock tire sizes in your class or by association rules?
I would definitely pick the MX over the Sumitomo tires.
Do you drive the car as a DD? Some of the sticky street tires don't work well in rain and most all of those types (what Tire Rack calls an "ultra high performance tire) don't work at all in freezing temps or on ice or snow.
Are you limited to stock tire sizes in your class or by association rules?
#4
Racer
Thread Starter
I do use the car as a daily driver, but after tearing up my tires and flatspotting one (which is about shot anyway), I have decided to get a dedicated set of auto-x tires on my extra set of wheels. So it doesn't really matter if they aren't so good in the rain/cold, as long as they won't kill me carefully driving home should that be the case.
I can use any tire size, but they have to be on the stock wheel sizes. The Z06 guys have some good choices but my rears have proven to be a problem somewhat.
The other problem is that even the MX's are being phased out, so if I'm going to get those I have to act fast.
I see the Nitto NT-05 in the rear size, but not the front! What do you use on the front?
I can use any tire size, but they have to be on the stock wheel sizes. The Z06 guys have some good choices but my rears have proven to be a problem somewhat.
The other problem is that even the MX's are being phased out, so if I'm going to get those I have to act fast.
I see the Nitto NT-05 in the rear size, but not the front! What do you use on the front?
#5
fwiw... the Sumitomo HTZ R is by far the stickiest of their stable.
It has the lowest thread wear/heat (UTQG) rating #160
Not to mention, they are only $94 on tirerack.com
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Spec.j...mo&model=HTR+Z
good luck
not sure what car you have (a c4, c5 or c6????) but... if they have your size, this would be my choice
It has the lowest thread wear/heat (UTQG) rating #160
Not to mention, they are only $94 on tirerack.com
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Spec.j...mo&model=HTR+Z
good luck
not sure what car you have (a c4, c5 or c6????) but... if they have your size, this would be my choice
#6
Safety Car
fwiw... the Sumitomo HTZ R is by far the stickiest of their stable.
It has the lowest thread wear/heat (UTQG) rating #160
Not to mention, they are only $94 on tirerack.com
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Spec.j...mo&model=HTR+Z
good luck
not sure what car you have (a c4, c5 or c6????) but... if they have your size, this would be my choice
It has the lowest thread wear/heat (UTQG) rating #160
Not to mention, they are only $94 on tirerack.com
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Spec.j...mo&model=HTR+Z
good luck
not sure what car you have (a c4, c5 or c6????) but... if they have your size, this would be my choice
#7
Le Mans Master
HTR ZIII is Sumitomo's least sticky tire; you want to look at the HTR Z tires. Kinda strange branding logic, but there 'ya go. BTW, I wouldn't put much weight on Tire Rack's reviews, I've found little correlation between those reviews and my own experience.
Have a good one,
Mike
Have a good one,
Mike