bbond105

I am going to buy new rear tires for my 2002 TA in an effort to get better traction. The car is making around 400 to 425 rwhp with a 3200 stall TC. The tires that are on it now give me almost zero traction. The current tire size is 245/35R20 on a 20X8.5 wheel, I think a wider tire will fit this wheel. What would be a good sticky tire that can be driven every day and give a somewhat reasonable tread life, I don’t want to have to buy new tires every other month? I know the sticker the tire the shorter the life, something with a good balance between the two. I am looking at a Nitto NT05 but I’m not sure if this would be the best tire for traction and tread life.

blackandgold

iTrader: (2)

I really don't think you can go wider than a 255 on that wheel...And IMHO a 255 width tire isn't near enough for 400rwhp especially with that small of a sidewall. Might be time for some wider wheels.

bbond105

What size wheel and tire brand and size would you recommend?

blackandgold

iTrader: (2)

It depends on what you want from the car. Since it's an auto, I'd guess you're after straight line traction. If you're interested in the track you could just keep your current set up and pick up some 15" back wheels and you'll have all the traction you need. Else I'd drop down to an 18 or 19 and get some 305 or 295 width drag radials.

bbond105

Yes I am after straight line traction on the street. How will a drag radial hold up to every day driving?

blackandgold

iTrader: (2)

Depends on the DR you want, the 555r seems to hold up a little better than the ET streets, but doesn't offer as much traction. It depends how much you drive your car. If driving in the rain is a concern at all, I'd stay away from radials though and just go with a wide street tire like comp 2's or NT05's. Either way though you will need to go wider than a 255 tire.

98CayenneT/A

This is just my opinion but I would go with a 17x9.5 rim all around
275/40/17 street tires up front and a 275 drag radial in the back

JD_AMG

Ditch the 20s all together and get something 17" or 18" (ideally even smaller than that if you want even more traction). The 20s are not doing you any favors in any aspects, they are too tall and too narrow for anything performance related, and will ride way worse as well compared to a smaller wheel.

scotty2000ss

iTrader: (2)

I think you're limited with the drag radial selection. The nittos wear pretty well but i think you're going to have traction issues with whatever tire you choose.

Are you on stock suspension?

bbond105

Tubular lower control arms and panhard rod with poly bushings in both ends, bolt-on control arm relocation brackets and Bilstein heavy duty shocks on all 4 corners. Stock ride height.

JDEP162

This is what I run works great for me

high n dry

iTrader: (18)

I have nitto's... I cut 1.6 60's with them with a good burn out! Mine r 275 40 17... I always used them n had great luck, cheaper the ET's!!!

bbond105

high n dry were you using the Nitto NT05 and how do they hold up on the street?

98CayenneT/A

The nt05 is a street tire
The nt05r is a drag radial and a good all around tire

Latch

iTrader: (8)

As others have said, traction on a 20" wheel is gonna be hard to come by regardless of tire choice.

scotty2000ss

iTrader: (2)

I think if you're serious about drag racing, you're best bet is to pick up a used wheel tire set up for the track. On the street the nittos will be "ok" but usless at the track on your current wheel set up.