tire size question

[easytoremember]

Hi folks . I need some new tires I think for the mustang (07GT with a Novi 1200). The traction on these are terrible. The size is a 255/45/18. I think I want to go wider.

I have never put the throttle more than half as I just spin the tires... even driving at 60... hit the gas... tires break loose

How wide should I go, what size should I get, and anyone recommend a good tire?

car Will see rain on occasion but no snow

[Old Guy]

Tires with that many years on them are very hard. New tires are a world of difference both in traction, ride and handling. Look at the rating of the tires and then compare. But bigger is always better.

[brotherbenn83]

I'm sure that higher quality tires will probably be much better than what you have, I don't think it would be necessary to go wider. However, a p275/40r18 would probably still fit on your rim and only be about 1/3" shorter so your speedometer wouldn't be affected much.

[spooln30]

Although going wider will help some you need to get a tire with a better compound. The problem is driving in the rain and that can be an issue. Most street tires will lose traction with higher HP so my suggestion would be a set of drag radials like BFGs, MT ET Street and I've heard good things about Nitto 555s. The down side is they're crap in the rain but not undriveable, just a little dicey if you apply too much throttle. What is the width of the wheels you have? I've heard some good things about Supra guys running Michelin Pilot Sport Cup with higher power.

[animal]

yeah I think the 275/40/18 above would be a decent size to look to. The nitto street 555's or the NT-05 (not R models) are regular street tires you could drive in rain, but only the latter will do much for stickiness. The triple nickels are a nice high wear street tire, but I easily baked them in a lightning so something like that isn't going to help you much even with a 275 if you're blowing off 255's at 60. Heard good things about the NT-05 though as far as a nice street tire that has some traction to it. Find a drag radial if you want it stickier but be aware you may only get 10-15k on them. Love my NT-05Rs I got (or stole depending how you look at the price) from a bcm guy last summer. Would never think of driving them in the rain though.

[Old Guy]

If your looking at a DR the the Nitto are your best choice for milage and price and they stick very well. Ran a set for two seasons (79 miles round trip to the track) every weekend of the season (21 races per year and Division Championship) Like any DR they are a little dice in the rain but perform very well. Last year I went to a M/T DR and they have been better in the 60ft but not by much. Both are a good choice if your looking for a DR.

[95 TA - The Beast]

Yeah the 555DRs and even the 555DR2s are decent, but there is better.

Sucks that you have 18" wheels, since you are in expensive territory. I am in the same boat as I have 18x10.5 rear wheels and I run Toyo R888 tires in 315/30ZR18s. They hold AMAZINGLY well with 680rwhp. These are on my Z28 convertible. The R888 are classified as not only a road race tire, but a WET road race tire as well, and I can confirm they do great in the wet, even standing water doesn't make them hydroplane.

I run Toyo Proxes R1R road race tires on the front (again, classified by some as a wet tire) in a 255/35ZR18 on 18x9 wheels and the R888 in the back and it is hands down the best handling setup I have ever run. Expensive as hell (the R888s were $350 each about 2+ years ago), but well worth the performance.

[USMARINE1108]

I have Nitto 555 315/35-17s on a 17x11 rim. I think they're a great balance of street/track tire. They also provide a decent cushion on the road if you have a tight suspension setup. I don't like to get caught in the rain, but it's doable if you're careful. They also warm up fairly quickly under any conditions and will pick up any gravel or sand from the road and sandblast your inside fenders and throw that crap over any exposed paint on the outside of the wheel well if the tire sticks out. I have Goodyear Eagle Sports (275s on 17x9 wheels) on the front.

We need to get this fundraiser going!!!!!!!!!!!

[Irish]

We need to get this fundraiser going!!!!!!!!!!!

Huh?

[USMARINE1108]

Huh?

The fundraiser (poker run) a few of us talked about setting up for: http://www.kyleskorner.org/

The discussion started in a thread started by easytoremember a few months ago.

[WhatsADSM]

A little small and likely old and a bad compound... a new set of slightly wider tires with a better compound will make a world a difference.

We can't give you a good suggestion without knowing what your expectations are for a tire. Focusing on straight line or twisties? How much life (in miles) are you expecting? Cost important? Do they need to deal with rain? Etc..

[2006wrxtr]

Yep, this is what I had on my 97' Cobra and 275's on the front..

[DNT H8]

555dr's are only good on a very well preped surface imo, on the street they are ok... I did notice some sidewall rolling in corners as well.

I just bought R888's for my other car so I'm looking forward to seeing what they can handle while being a more well rounded tire (no pun).

[DNT H8]

I do have a nitto 555r II for sale 285/35/18 . Brand new (0 miles) and cheap, you would just have to buy one more.

[easytoremember]

Yes yes we do!!!!

Ps. Not worried about cost. Under 300 a tire preferred. I have another car for rain driving.

[Irish]

315's :)