How to choose tires?

[broku518]

Hello,

I am planning on purchasing my tires on black Friday sales. The question I have, how do I go out choosing one? I want the same brand for all 4 (17"/ front 9"/ back 10.5").

My expected driving conditions:
- mostly work commute and weekends drive for fun
- no driving in the rain or snow
- may take it on race track once in a while
- what else to consider?
(would different tire make a different sound?)

I started looking at some tire sites, reading reviews and looking at pictures. The more I read about it the more I am unsure. Maybe I am just over analyzing it.

Thanks,
Martin

[Jeff Kleiner]

For your stated uses I'd recommend Nitto 555-G2 in 255/40-17 and 315/35-17.

See how easy that was :)

Jeff

[Jim Doak]

I'm running the tires Jeff recommended, except my fronts are 245/45-17. They've worked well for me.

[GKindle]

Martin,
I plan to run the Nitto 555 G2 on my build with 245/457-17 on the front and 315/35-17 on the rear if that helps any. They have great reviews, look cool, and aren't extremely pricey.

[Avalanche325]

The 555-G2 are good all around street tires.

If you want to bump it up a notch, the NT05 will give you more grip. They are still plenty streetable, but will not last as long as the G2. I would do that if you want to autocross, and not change your tires for race day.

You really won't hear much tire noise in a Cobra. Wind and exhaust note you'll get plenty of.

[phileas_fogg]

Like you, I plan to drive almost exclusively on the street (the only track time I anticipate is a high performance driving school with perhaps an autocross before that). I went with Nitto 555 G2s: 275/40ZR17 front, 315/35ZR17 rear. The 275s up front definitely rub on the F-panels when turning sharply. I'm going to drive a bit before deciding whether to install rack limiters.


John

[broku518]

Thanks guys! Looks like Nitto 555 G2 is the winner :)
I feel much better knowing that you actually used them and feel comfortable to recommend them.

Thanks,
Martin

[BEAR-AvHistory]

I have run NITTO-555R for 7000+ miles so far. Much better on the street than I though they would be. Just about the best dry traction tire you can buy to harness the power & light weight.

The G-2 might be a better choice for IL if you drive in sub 40* temps unless its a summer car for you.

[Mike N]

Unless you drive more than 10K miles a year or track the car your tires will probably age out before they wear out. The NT-05 is a good choice for less than 10K a year use. For 1K to 2K a year use the NT-01 is a decent step up in performance. My NT-01's are holding up pretty well.

[broku518]

Hi Kevin and Mike!

Glad to see a folks from Raleigh area here. I moved to Chicago from Garner (job relocation)! Hoping that stars align so we can move someplace warmer :) perhaps NC area? haha

[Avalanche325]

I would like to go to NT01s, but I drive about 5000 miles a year and do a dozen autocrosses. I wonder what they would be worth time wise? I don't think my wife would understand a new set of tires every year.

It seems that can just get away with every other.:p

[Mike N]

I would like to go to NT01s, but I drive about 5000 miles a year and do a dozen autocrosses. I wonder what they would be worth time wise? I don't think my wife would understand a new set of tires every year.

It seems that can just get away with every other.:p

NT-05's will give you 20K plus miles unless you really abuse them.

[Mike N]

Hi Kevin and Mike!

Glad to see a folks from Raleigh area here. I moved to Chicago from Garner (job relocation)! Hoping that stars align so we can move someplace warmer :) perhaps NC area? haha

Come on back to NC. ;)

[Jeff Kleiner]

I would like to go to NT01s, but I drive about 5000 miles a year and do a dozen autocrosses. I wonder what they would be worth time wise? I don't think my wife would understand a new set of tires every year.

It seems that can just get away with every other.:p

I've been running NT01s---40-50 auto-x runs and around 5K street miles pretty well uses them up.

Jeff

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Hi Kevin and Mike!

Glad to see a folks from Raleigh area here. I moved to Chicago from Garner (job relocation)! Hoping that stars align so we can move someplace warmer :) perhaps NC area? haha

Pretty good size group of FFR owners here. We meet once a month on the first Saturday. Give us a yell if you come back.:D

[Dave Howard]

I think you got some good answers. You might even find some NITTO triple 5s, first gen at a really good blow out price. Still a great tire for your stated use. I've got 4 summers and over 20,000 miles on mine.

[Avalanche325]

NT-05's will give you 20K plus miles unless you really abuse them.

Well, maybe the FRONT ones would last that long.:p

[Mike N]

I've been running NT01s---40-50 auto-x runs and around 5K street miles pretty well uses them up.

Jeff

Pretty consistent with my experience. Nothing like a Hoosier but it's still a fun tire when you get a little heat in them.

[steno]

555 G2's on mine too! Love them!

[broku518]

well well, looking at the ebay and see $100 coupon off for tires, plus free shipping.
Wanted to wait for black Friday deals, but this is pretty darn good.