I'm running Kumho Ecsta XS tires now, after doing 2 DEs on crappy all-season tires. My laptimes improved by about 5 seconds a lap at Brainerd International Raceway. I'm sure some of that was just due to the additional seat time/experience, but I'll chalk most of it up to the tires. The Kumho tires are cheap enough that I don't really mind *too* much if I end up going through a set a year (3 DEs, maybe 1 autocross, and about 8,000 street miles per year).
The tread will be fine after a year, I'm sure. It's the outside edges that are going to get worn and show exposed cording from the DEs that will likely be the limiting factor in tire life. Especially since you're running a street alignment.
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