Mocky

Was shopping for replacement fronts (225/40-18) for my wife's S2000 and noticed that the Kumho Ecsta Supra 712s are discontinued in that size. We purchased the rears from Tire Rack last year so ideally, I'd like to purchase just a set of fronts but wasn't sure what the best route to go would be.

A) Is there a replacement tire that would be suitable for the fronts (SPT? Tread looks different though)

B) Is there a safety and/or performance concern by having mismatched fronts and rears

C) Do I need to just bite the bullet and replace all 4 (I'd really like to avoid going this route)

froggie

I'd say bite the bullet, and replace all 4 with the SPT's; they are a vast improvement over the 712's.
Trust me, I've had both.

AP2

Yes go with the SPTs....i think they are a better tire then most people give them credit for....

Triple-H

I had Kumho 712's on my S for half a season, they are indeed really lousy tires! If it were me, I would go Hankook RS-2 Z212 over the SPT Kumho, and that is based upon throwing the 712's away and buying 4 of the Hankooks, the 712's, I'm sorry, actually belong in the trash.


#1005942, 225/40ZR18, Z212, $156.00, www.frisbyracetire.com
You might find better pricing, this was just my 1st google hit to give you an idea.

Also, as I have the Z212's on my S, you might find this thread of interest
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=493764

raymo19

So Doug, how do you really feel about the 712s?

Triple-H

Sorry, I should have been more clear...

mic_crispy

Ive had SPT's and they are great, but dont come close to my RS-2's for sure... id get the RS-2's...

FIrst set of tires that i have bought twice.

Triple-H

I have gone through lots of S-02s, and I decided to give the Hankooks a try. Now that I have had them for a while I'm giving away my old and extra S-02s because I just don't see myself buying them anymore, I'll be rolling on the RS-2s from now on.

Triple-H

SPT= Price: $87.00 - www.tirerack.com
RS-2= Price: $139.00 - www.edgeracing.com

Clearly more money, but well worth it. I mean affter all, a 225/40-18 is a serious tire size, and I suspect it might be on a serious vehicle.

Project22a

Not that this helps your situation...

But I MUST say that I also had 712's and they are complete crap.