So what do we like for tire choices these days?

[narly1]

Looking at tire choices for my Speedstar.

Just cruising no tracking/racing in mostly warm & dry weather.

So far Nitto NT555G2's seem to meet my price/performance/size availabilty requirements but willing to look at other options.

Earl

[Sharris2]

I like the Micky Thompsons; street legal:)

[GoDadGo]

Earl,

I ran several sets of the Older Nitto 555's on my 1995 Corvette over the years.
I initially installed the same tires on my MK-4 Roadster and they drove and handled very well.
The Vette had a Horsepower to Weight Ratio of about 1-to-10 while the Cobra is actually closer to 1-to-5.
The big issue I had was running the same tires on my Cobra as the Vette was how easily I could over power them.
Currently I'm running Nitto NT-05's and am very happy with those tires; however, they aren't a very good tire when it rains.
Please keep in mind that where I live it is rather warm all year long, Compared To Ontario, and getting caught in the rain is our biggest issue.

Old Vette / 2017:
https://youtu.be/svZX2BMSDEs

MK-4 Roadster / 2024:
https://youtu.be/iwslgKJUaKc

Hope This Helps & Good Luck!

NOTE: With the 302 & AOD I think you will be fine since your Power To Weight Ratio will fall someplace in between my Old Vette and my Cobra.

Steve

[narly1]

Thanks Steve. As I was reading your post I was thinking that given my powertrain choices that I'd be fine with the 555's.

Your closing note confirms that.

Any other choices I should be looking at?

I also looked at the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S as it comes in the sizes I need but they are almost 2x the price. I get that they will last longer and probably perform better in colder/wetter conditions but that price....

Earl

[Jeff Kleiner]

Earl,
What sizes? The answer will help narrow down the choices.

Jeff

[narly1]

Hi Jeff,

235/45R-18 and 305/30R-20 on 18 x 8.5 and 20x10 rims respectively (Foose Legends).

I figure I'm going to need about a 1/4" spacer on the fronts and maybe 2" ones on the back.

Earl

[RoadRacer]

Thanks Steve. As I was reading your post I was thinking that given my powertrain choices that I'd be fine with the 555's.

Your closing note confirms that.

Any other choices I should be looking at?

I also looked at the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S as it comes in the sizes I need but they are almost 2x the price. I get that they will last longer and probably perform better in colder/wetter conditions but that price....

Earl

I use ps4s on the road - yes more expensive but last forever and are great in rain/sun (no snow here!). As a road tire they’re hard to beat.


The cost/miles thing comes up a lot in race tires too.. better tires cost more but last longer. It’s always worth the money, if you can afford it.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Hi Jeff,

235/45R-18 and 305/30R-20 on 18 x 8.5 and 20x10 rims respectively (Foose Legends).

I figure I'm going to need about a 1/4" spacer on the fronts and maybe 2" ones on the back.

Earl

The 555G2 is not available in your 235/45-18 size. Could you go to a 245/45? That would be approximately .3" taller and .3" wider than a 235/45. The Michelin has been mentioned. You might want to also take a look at Toyo Proxes Sport 2 and Yokohama Advan Apex V601. The Toyos are priced a little lower than the Nittos and the Yokes run about the same as the G2 (all of which are somewhat less than Michelins).

Jeff

[Dgc333]

I replaced the Pirelli P Zero summer tires on my Mustang with General G-Max AS06 ultra high performance all season tires. They were better in every way except ultimate dry traction. Since I didn't track the Mustang the trade off was a no brainer. The biggest advantage was the much superior wet traction. They were also, smoother, quieter and rode better than the Pirelli's.

My Speed star has 255/40-18s on the front and 305/35-20s on the back. So far in 2500 miles I have no regrets.

215785

[narly1]

The 555G2 is not available in your 235/45-18 size....
Jeff

I cold have sworn they were, but a second check confirms they're not. I'm trying to stick with the narrowest tires that will fit on the 8.5" rims.

Earl

[narly1]

I'm trying to stick with the narrowest tires that will fit on the 8.5" rims.

Considering the 225/45R18's instead.

Earl

[progmgr1]

I have the BFG G-Force Comp 2 A/S tires on my '33. 245/45-18 front, 305/35-20 rear. I'm not sure how they compare in price to the others mentioned above, but seemed to be only slightly more than tires for my DD's.

Keith HR #894