JohnR

iTrader: (1)

I just discovered this board yesterday and had trouble staying away from it today while I was at work! This is my 1st. post on this board so I hope you guys can help.
After reading all the great raves about Nittos I called my local tire dealer today about ordering a pair and he strongly suggested that I go with the "KD's". My '99 Firehawk with Firestone Firehawk tires are slippery as hell! I have an M6, with 4.10 gears and Metco LCA's w/ the relocation brackets. The LS1 is mostly stock except for a few SLP bolt ons like a lid, pulley, and y-pipe. Should I get the Nittos or the KD's?
Also, I never drive this car in the rain.
Thanks,
John

ChrisB

Straight line, or cornering - what would be your primary considerations? (note that the nittos are still pretty good in corners, and the KD's pretty good in straight line).

I would say you may need to address your suspension also if you found the SZ50's slippery though - they are a pretty good tire.

Chris

JohnR

iTrader: (1)

I'm mostly looking for straight line performance. WOT in 1st. gear is pretty much worthless, especially if I'm turning even a little. I have the SLP installed Auburn posi.

The suspension mods I've done are the Metco LCA's, SLP sub frame connectors, and a BMR shock tower brace. I'm considering a Global West torque arm but not sure if it will be more effective than the tires.
Thanks for the reply.
John

timelord

A friend of mine picked up some KDs this summer[tire rack was having a sale]to replace BFG DRs on his VIPER.He was disappointed with the results
and said he made a mistake,sidewall too stiff.Hope this helps? <img src="images/icons/smile.gif" border="0"> <img src="images/icons/smile.gif" border="0">

ChrisB

I would definitely go with the nittos then - make sure to keep the air pressure under 30psi - 26-28 is better (or you will wear out the center rather quickly). I would also probably throw a set of LCA lowering brackets in there - for the price they are almost impossible to beat for traction improvement.

Note: I had my best traction for ~2 weeks after I put on the nittos (after an initial break in). If you plan on any racing, it's it might be to your benefit to schedule it in that time frame - not that they didn't hook good later - they did - but for the first week or so the traction was insane!

Chris

BIGBOS

I got the auburn posi too installed from SLP...does that hinder performance in the quarter mile??

XTrooper

[quote]Originally posted by BIGBOS:
<strong>I got the auburn posi too installed from SLP...does that hinder performance in the quarter mile??</strong><hr></blockquote>

Absolutely not! That's a damn good rear for drag racing.

As far as the tires are concerned. There's no comparison between drag radials and ANY regular street tire, KDs or otherwise, for straight line racing. The Nitto DRs win hands down.

JohnR

iTrader: (1)

Hey thanks for all the advice!

Now I know that I will be buying the Nittos, are there any choices of Nitto tires. My tire dealer didn't have any literature. My size is 275-40ZR17. I saw some guys post that they use #555R while others may have shortened it to just 55. I just want to get the right tire.

Thanks again for all your help,
John

So Slow

iTrader: (2)

[quote]Originally posted by JohnR:
<strong>
I saw some guys post that they use #555R while others may have shortened it to just 55. I just want to get the right tire.

</strong><hr></blockquote>

I use the 555R's and I'm sure that's what everyone is talking about..I've got almost 6000 miles on mine now with over 35 passes at the track on them and there about 1/2 worn..Some people have gotten alomost 15000 miles on them before replacing..

XTrooper

The 555s are regular street tires and good tires in their own right from all I've heard. The drag radials are designated 555Rs and are their "Extreme Drag" tire.

Steve

Jake99SS

I would guess that the KDs have a stiffer sidewall than the Nittos since one is made for cornering and the other is made for dragging. I sure as hell wouldn't wanna do a burnout out with $270-a-piece tires either. <img src="images/icons/smile.gif" border="0">

Holes02

[quote]Originally posted by BIGBOS:
<strong>I got the auburn posi too installed from SLP...does that hinder performance in the quarter mile??</strong><hr></blockquote>

Auburn Posi's a good rear. It's the lowered suspension and springs that caues the 'Hawks to not "squat" as hard as the regular F-Bod's...

BIGBOS

Interesting...

WeatherGuy

I have to add a note here -

I have the Nitto drags on the rear 315/35/17s and Nitto extremes on the fronts 275/40/17s

The Nittos have phenomenal traction in wet weather - I did not even come close to slipping today in a 3 inch Houston downpour under moderately hard acceleration. They seem to corner well also and hook very well - well enough that you might have to worry about wheel hop if your suspension is not up to par.

Great great tire. The price you pay for them is you will have to replace them about every 8-15 thousand miles, depending upon how you drive and how many trips you take to the track.

blackhawk2000

[quote]Originally posted by Holes02:
<strong>

Auburn Posi's a good rear. It's the lowered suspension and springs that caues the 'Hawks to not "squat" as hard as the regular F-Bod's...</strong><hr></blockquote>

The base Firehawk suspension is NOT the same as the optional Bilstein suspension that you are thinking of. There is a big difference between the base suspension and the Bilstein suspension.

Black LS1 T/A

[quote]Originally posted by WeatherGuy:
[QB]I have to add a note here -

I have the Nitto drags on the rear 315/35/17s and Nitto extremes on the fronts 275/40/17s
QB]<hr></blockquote>

What rim you got those 315's on?
Thanks!