Street Tire Reommendation - 17x9 Roadster wheels

[Chopper]

Hi all,

It looks like it's about time for new tires. I'm looking for recommendations for street/cruising tires, I'm running 17x9 Halibrands on all four corners. The tire sizes I'm running today are the FFR recommended 245/45R17 front and 275/40R17 rear. Seems like there aren't too suitable many tires in these sizes today.

I was considering Falken RT660s, but I'm concerned that for street driving they may sandblast the car with pebbles and whatnot. Any experience with this, or recommendation of any tire for street use?

Thanks!
Brandon

[Jeff Kleiner]

Although the RT660 has a 200 treadwear rating that’s done with kind of a wink and nod; the reality is that it is is more like a 100 rated R compound and is primarily an autocross/track tire that can be used on the street. It will come with some compromises; less than ideal grip in cool or wet conditions and as you mentioned a tendency to kick sand and pebbles. For your described uses I recommend that you stick with the tried and true Nitto 555G2 in 255/40-17 and 275/40-17.

Heff

[CraigS]

What Jeff said. The RT660 is one of the 2 or 3 top autocross tires right now which is great for an autocross. For your only tire in Nova, not a great choice. We learned the hard way in Manassas when my wife bought a new 2015 Mustang GT w/ 'summer' tires. I was aware of them but not knowledgeable enough. Figured ok we won't get 30,000 miles out of them. She bought the car end of April no problem. It was her daily driver, great car until end of September. One day she said she thinks the tires are slipping more than they should be, can I drive it this weekend. OMG, she was right. I said we need new tires. She said she could just be sure to be easy on the gas. I said if it won't go, it won't stop either. She says oh crap. We had new tires on the car two weeks later. I recommend go to Tire Rack .com and look for tires. Read their tests, and their customer reviews. They are a tremendous resource. BTW they have a ton of local installers so, if you don't have a favorite tire store, buy your tires from them, they ship to the store you chose, and the store installs them.

[David Williamson]

I have the exact tires Jeff recommended on my Mkll and they have been good. This is the 3rd Summer with them.
David W

[Chopper]

Thanks all for the recommendations. I agree Tirerack has a excellent resource. I had been looking at the options in this size, but there really wasn't too much. Indy Firehawks were another one. I realize how that Tirerack doesn't seem to carry Nitto, I totally missed that. I'll be getting a set of 555G2 shortly!

[Jeff Kleiner]

…I realize how that Tirerack doesn't seem to carry Nitto, I totally missed that. I'll be getting a set of 555G2 shortly!

For Nittos go to discounttiredirect.com. Note that the price structure is different (i.e., lower) than the brick and mortar Discount Tire retailers.

Jeff

[Alan_C]

Tire Rack and Discount Tire (Direct) are now part of the same company, so don't sweat Tire Rack not carrying Nitto.
I have used the Tire Rack resources to evaluate tires, then buy where the best total delivered price was available.
It is cheaper, at least used to be, to have tires delivered to your home and mounted at a Discount Tire store. Instore pricing was higher but I have not purchased in a while.

[Chopper]

Thanks guys! I saw Summit had them, but the shipping at Discount is free ($10 per tire @ Summit), so I'll be checking that out. I don't think we have any Discount Tire around here, but I know a local place that is very reasonable.