Leroycruiser

Hey Guys,

I have a 1997 Z28 sitting at 325 hp, and I need new tires. Currently running 17 X 9 up front, and 17X 10.5 in the back. (looking for 245/45R17 and 275/40R17 tires) budget is $700.

What brand/type of tire is best? I'm not taking it to the track, just want to hook up with the street well. Suggestions? Thanks!

LS1again

iTrader: (4)

If you have 10.5's out back, go with at least a 295 tire, if not 305-315. 275 is going to stretch too much and look funny, and you're losing out on grip another 40-80mm is going to get you over a pair of 275's.

As far as actual tire makes and models, that I'm not sure of. I see everything from KDW's to Nittos of varying models being mentioned.

JD_AMG

Why would you want to put such a narrow tire on?
17x9" wheels = 275/40/17 tires
17x10.5" wheels you can fit 315/35/17s on.

nascarnate326

iTrader: (1)

Im rocking some Nexen N3000 and love them. They are now two seasons old and have more than half tread left. Ill admit they are not the first tire I would pick if you drag race a lot but they have done quite well for street duty. Oh, and they are cheap as hell. Ill never buy pricy tires again.

wssickk

I like the nitto 555s

Leroycruiser

Because I'm ignorant. That's why I'm asking for suggestions! thanks!

smitty2919

What season are you looking to get tires for? Summer? Winter? All season?

This starts to narrow down your tire selection and thus your price point.

Keep in mind that it's not the brakes that stop the car...it's the tires. Tires and brakes are 2 things I don't skimp on and buy cheapest parts.

I have Nitto NT555's on my car now in 275's and 315's. SUCK when cold but are decent summer tire.

Leroycruiser

Summer only. I keep the car in the garage all winter.
yea I'm going to be upgrading the brakes next winter. Currently I have the OEM brakes with Hawk HPS pads.

z-maro

iTrader: (18)

I'm looking to pick up a set of nitto NT05's in the spring, I have read many positive reviews on them.

why87

Same here. Was going to go with NT05s but they're both still street tires and the triple nickels are cheaper. Stock m6 fbody will still toast them in 2nd gear if it's cold but whatever.

whytryz28

iTrader: (28)

I have them on my 93, not impressed at all.

FormulaJoe

iTrader: (5)

A little explanation as to why your not impressed is extremely useful.... WHY are you not impressed? Obviously you have a bit more HP and oomph then the OP has. At 325 HP I would be seriously surprised if the OP considered the NT05s to not "hook well on the street". They may not seem very impressive when your cammed stalled and geared 93 cant hook perfectly. But it's all pretty subjective.

So can you see why a little info on why you don't like them would help?

Kingc8r

iTrader: (21)

I rock the Toyo Proxes TQ DRs for street tires. 14k miles out of them so far and could easily get another 2-5k depending on how hard I push them.

FormulaJoe

iTrader: (5)

I wouldn't expect a high/max performance summer tires to be very grippy when it's cold out. Most of these types of high perf. summer tires even say do not use under 40-45 degrees. Even on a nice summer day 75ish out don't expect the tires to just hook like they can right away, gotta warm them up.

JDEP162

I have 555R in rear and 555 in front all 275, all delivered for around 650 from ws6store, they hook good on street. And decent at track. Only had for 1 season so early yet, but no wear so far, fronts handle well in curves when its warm out.

z-maro

iTrader: (18)

I also would like to hear what you didn't like about them. I am at 350 RWHP with an M6 LS1.

whytryz28

iTrader: (28)

My bad, I just cannot get any sort of decent traction with them at anything under 40mph. They're 315/35/17 so its got plenty of width. My 4.11 gears do not help obviously. Great tread life though.

I want to try these out so bad.


See above. You might find them to your liking.

JD_AMG

They're a handling/street tire, not a drag tire. If you bought them expecting drag tire performance then you should have got the NT05R.
The NT05s do a great job of what they are designed to do, handling.

MI-Z/28

Any opinions on the BFG KDW2? I've heard they're a pretty good all around summer only tire.

JoshuaGrooms83

iTrader: (2)

I myself have had kumhos. the XS are pretty good. mind you, Kumhos don't like long smoky burnouts due to their silicon impregnated construction. But They hook well. I've also had Sumitomo which are very cheap, but handle pretty well and they are all seasons M&S rated tire. don't expect stellar 60ft times or anything, but for everyday street driving and under 350hp, they do ok. I'm going to step up to the NT05s for the rear and think ill stick to the kumho spt's.