Not good in the dry from today experience. Even though the 225/50-16 MX's I ran are at least 1/2" wider than the 205/55-16 Azenis they are not equal in grip. Not to mention the steering response, or lack of when compared to the Azenis. I guessed at tire pressures based off the Azenis settings that I know work for my truck. Knowing that the sidewalls were mentioned to be softer and requiring more air pressure I set the tires to 45psi front and 31psi rear for the first run (based off the Azenis warm/dry starting temps of 40psi front/29psi rear) and then proceded to drive like I had Falken Azenis on. That didn't go so well - I couldn't stay on the lines I wanted (read 4 wheel drifting with rubber band like cornering. After coming in and checking the tires the wear was actually perfect on the treads - right to the edge of the treads. The tires weren't the only variable that was different this autocross event however - I also adjusted the Roadmaster Active suspension softer and removed the load leaves entirely (less unsprung weight on the axle). This resulted in a lot better rear feel though...meaning I didn't spin the rears as much as normally (virtually zero rear wheel spin/slip coming out of corners) and it felt more planted. But still, tire grip is tire grip - no matter how your suspension feels. I just couldn't take corners like I could with the Azenis - I had to adopt a drift line strategy instead of a precision line strategy. And on my second run I looped it after I tried to keep from drifting into a pointer cone on a 'downhill' section - like I made a stupid decision to let off, then slightly brake, and try to counter steer to keep it from looping. As you know it didn't work...d'oah! I wouldn't have been put in this situation with my Azenis though as I would have been on line instead of drifting way to wide to the outside. Of course, maybe the changes to the rear suspension allowing the rear to remain more planted also played a part in not pointing the truck around like I was use to?

Anyways, today was kind of a letdown for me - especially since the Kumho MX's cost noticeably more than the Falken Azenis.

I guess I'll try the Azenis again next Regional event with the current rear suspension setup. That might clear things up... Currently I'm thinking of running the MX's at the upcoming Evolution autocross school since I was sliding a lot more than I was use to with the Azenis. Then after the Kumho MX's are worn out I'll probably switch to the 215/50-16 Azenis for more grip - or maybe spend the money and go with BFGoodrich KD's.

P.S. - The course was a fast sweeping type, very fun actually. Here's a link to the course layout map March 7, 04 event map I just wish I had the Azenis on today....

 

What strange timming of your post. I just drove an STS civic(heyward wagners) today with mx's after I've been driving mine with new falkens. Took me a few runs to get used to them again but once you remember how to drive them they performed very well as I remember from when I had them. Its tough to say if they are slower/faster as last time I drove my car was on concrete where the grip is sooo much more.

Once you get used to them and wear them in more you might be suprised with them.

 

Well April 1st I'll be attending an Evolution school and really break the Kumho MX's in... I think the Kumho MX is a good autocross tire, just not a Falken Azenis equal - I wanted an Azenis equal. I really want to try a wet autocross event with the MX's though (I love autocrossing in the wet...)

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Vracer111 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Well April 1st I'll be attending an Evolution school and really break the Kumho MX's in... I think the Kumho MX is a good autocross tire, just not a Falken Azenis equal - I wanted an Azenis equal. I really want to try a wet autocross event with the MX's though (I love autocrossing in the wet...)</TD></TR></TABLE>

azenis are better than the mx in the wet any day. the mx will be great for you in the hot TX summers.

 

I think it was the concensus that the MX is a performer when it gets hot, and doesn't grease up like the Azenis. So more of a winner over the Azenis in a roadcourse situation.

 

azenis do not get greasy in an auto X....and if they do it is really a road course that you are on.....

azenis don't get greasy until 20 minutes of hard driving!!!


if you are experiencing greasy tires lower pressure.....36-37 was what i wanted them to come off track at.....

auto x i'd start at 33

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by chad &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
auto x i'd start at 33</TD></TR></TABLE>

dayum.... OK, I'll try it...


Vracer, if your opinion of the MX's doesnt change after they are "broke in", WATER sqirted on Azenis is our friend in TX... I know you've seen this going on and our 7-month summer has begun!

 

On a roadcourse, you have several seconds of straights to cool the Azenis down after a turn. In autox, you do not. Trust me--Azenis get greasy in autox.

And I thought it was well known that the Azenis is still a faster tire than the MX. I'm not sure who said otherwise, but the Azenis is worth a few tenths or so on a 60 second course any day, even during the heat as long as they are ice-cold when you head out for the run.

The MX only does one thing better than the Azenis, and that's put up with the heat. The sidewall is not as stiff, the peak grip is not as good, the tire isn't as wide given the same size for both, etc.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by chad &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">azenis do not get greasy in an auto X....and if they do it is really a road course that you are on.....

azenis don't get greasy until 20 minutes of hard driving!!!</TD></TR></TABLE>

Azenis get greasy after a couple auto-x runs if they're not cooled down properly.

 

This is an interesting thread. I jsut went, participated in my first autocross yesterday. I have some pos hard tires on my car. All it did was spin, very little to no traction. I was trying to decide between these two tires!!!! I love the azenzas but last summer the guys taht did the mazda autocross show said that they tires were coming apart!!! have any of you guys experienced this?

 

The Azeni vs. MX topic has been discussed at length over on SCCAforums.com and the opinions there are definitely mixed, though for sure there are those like who believe the Azeni is better overall. I just got a new set of MXs after running on one set of Azenis for nearly 2 years, so I'll let you know how it goes.

Anyone recommend tire pressures for my '97 GSR with the new MXs?

 

I was thinking the 225/50-16 Ecsta MX's might be about equal to Falken Azenis in 205/55-16, since the MX's have a wider tread yet are a little less sticky. They felt too awkward compared to the Azenis and I learned that even a 1/2 wider tread can't keep up with the Azenis. They are nicer riding on the street than Azenis though...especially with a truck.

Neo (Casey) - up the fronts at least 5psi from Azenis. For my truck I upped the rear about 2psi, but I'm sure FWD will be different than RWD for the rear pressures.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by KC &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Azenis get greasy after a couple auto-x runs if they're not cooled down properly. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Especially on a 3300+ pound car!

 

.<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Neo &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The Azeni vs. MX topic has been discussed at length over on SCCAforums.com and the opinions there are definitely mixed, though for sure there are those like who believe the Azeni is better overall. I just got a new set of MXs after running on one set of Azenis for nearly 2 years, so I'll let you know how it goes.

Anyone recommend tire pressures for my '97 GSR with the new MXs?</TD></TR></TABLE>

55/12 should do about good for next weekend I'd say.

I used to run the mx at the EXACT same pressures as the azenis. My tire pressure theories aren't usually accepted by many but they work for me

 

The Kumho's are reported to have a softer sidewall than the Azenis, and I assume you used the same rim as well? Going to 225 from a 205 on the same rim would probably result in a pretty sloppy feel too...

Oh, and I'd say wait for the break-in too. My Azenis didn't really start gripping hard until my 2nd or 3rd event with them.

 

The Azenis are mounted on 16X7 Enkie RS-5 wheels. The Kumho MX's are mounted on 16x7.5 Kosei K-1s. I got the MX's because I just got a killer deal on the Kosei 16x7.5 K-1's off ebay and really wanted to see how they would compare with the Azenis for autocross. I'll definately get to know the MX better at the upcoming Evolution School...

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ryan12321 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">.
55/12 should do about good for next weekend I'd say.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

Sure, go ahead and pick on the old, slow guy who drives a big, heavy family truckster. As if you need more of an advantage....

Casey, who ain't fool enough to fall for THAT one

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Neo &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Casey, who ain't fool enough to fall for THAT one
</TD></TR></TABLE>

Nice catch! (BTW, it's actually 12/55... Ryan might've simply typed it wrong...)

Andy

 

Dammit now I REALLY can't decide what to get next...

 

i plan on buying the azenis for my first autox in a few weeks, so how do you cool them down bewteen runs??? thanx

 

Water in a spray bottle

 

thanx. that makes sense. i appreciate it.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by poSEuR &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Especially on a 3300+ pound car!</TD></TR></TABLE>

Or have two drivers in one car.

 

It's already been said enough times that a new MX will not keep up with an Azenis... Tall squirmy tread blocks and the tire needs a lengthy scrub-in before it really starts to stick.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nickgmiller04 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">i plan on buying the azenis for my first autox in a few weeks, so how do you cool them down bewteen runs??? thanx</TD></TR></TABLE>

&lt;-- bought a lawn sprayer from home depot for $10. works great.