275s vs 295s for traction? How much of factor is width?
12-11-2016, 12:18 PM
#1
275s vs 295s for traction? How much of factor is width? I've searched and seen plenty of threads stating tire width isn't as much of a factor for traction as most people think. However, what I'm after is how much of a factor for my choice?
I have an M6 98 Z28 with 18 inch Z06 replicas 9.5 inches wide in the front, 10.5 inches in the back. Currently, the rears have 305/45/18 Nitto 555Rs and I'm looking to get those off due to the freezing temperatures starting to hit here in SC. I'm wanting to use Nitto 555 G2s (non Rs). I'm looking at a narrower version so I could possibly rotate them to the front as the fronts are currently some no name All season tire from the previous owner.
But the car also has 460rwhp, SFCS, Founders torque arm, and Founders LCAs with relocation brackets. It is a street car and I know I'll never get a dead hook without slicks but I want the car to be safe nailing it at 30-40 mph in 2nd or 3rd on the street. Is the 20mm difference in width even a factor for this? Especially since I would lose the ability to rotate tires front to back? I also don't know how much of a problem a 40 series tire presents on the front wheel either. The offbrand all seasons on the front now are 295 but also only a 35 series. I don't know if the additional 5mm makes them a deal breaker for the fronts.
I have an M6 98 Z28 with 18 inch Z06 replicas 9.5 inches wide in the front, 10.5 inches in the back. Currently, the rears have 305/45/18 Nitto 555Rs and I'm looking to get those off due to the freezing temperatures starting to hit here in SC. I'm wanting to use Nitto 555 G2s (non Rs). I'm looking at a narrower version so I could possibly rotate them to the front as the fronts are currently some no name All season tire from the previous owner.
But the car also has 460rwhp, SFCS, Founders torque arm, and Founders LCAs with relocation brackets. It is a street car and I know I'll never get a dead hook without slicks but I want the car to be safe nailing it at 30-40 mph in 2nd or 3rd on the street. Is the 20mm difference in width even a factor for this? Especially since I would lose the ability to rotate tires front to back? I also don't know how much of a problem a 40 series tire presents on the front wheel either. The offbrand all seasons on the front now are 295 but also only a 35 series. I don't know if the additional 5mm makes them a deal breaker for the fronts.
12-14-2016, 12:37 AM
#4
Teching In
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: West KY
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The width isn't as much of a factor as the tire compound, in this case. If you're in the 200tw class, for instance, a RE-71R or Rival S in a smaller size typically hooks harder than a larger, older compound such as an NT05, for example. The catch is that you pay the premium for the better tires.