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.

[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.

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.

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.

[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.

[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.