I have NT555 and they are pretty nice tires (car is a DD). I have the same all round - 255/45-18. They have some noise to them at first, but it goes away in time. Plus the radio/exhaust keeps everything at bay

 

I was thinking about the NT05's

 

The NT05's would work and they are a sweet looking tread pattern that grips well from what I have read. You should be able to fit a 285-295 on a 9.5 inch rim but mine is a 10 inch wide rim and I know I can go up to 305. So being there is a 1/2 inch difference in width of the rim I would still look for a 295/40 tire...thats some beef on the back and it doesn't have to be a DR....BFGoodrich which I am running now (KDW2's) is a great tire but the smaller the sidewall height the more you have to warm them up to get great traction at the track. You should have no issues like me as I have a 20 inch rim and you have 18's so the side wall can be taller. I would not worry about factory height tire as you enter the REV's per mile on the tuner when changing to different tires anyway so the speedo wont be off. Let us know what your thinking

 

I've taken what you said into great consideration. I think I will go with the NT05's. I currently have a 305 drag radial on my rears. If that fits, then for sure any size smaller will fit too, correct? Also, what size side wall do you recommend? 35, 40, 45? I am running the Steeda lowering springs. I think they are the sport of the Ultra-Lite ones. And one last thing, the revs per mile, that's very crucial. My car stands out; cops would have a field day pulling me over. What exactly would need to be changed when going with a different size tire, smaller or bigger? I would obviously have to have the install done somewhere else because I don't have the mounting machine to put the rubber on my wheels. What exactly should I be looking for?

Thanks in advance,
yc420

 

I purchased my 305 Nitto DR's after seeing your setup yc420. You're right, they don't last long at all.

I'm also considering either the KDW's or NT05's and leaning VERY toward the NT05's. They are 200 treadwear as opposed to the 100 TW of the DR's and the 300 TW of the KDW's. Sticky rubber but durable.

I'll probably go with NT05's when my DR's wear out.

 

The NT05 comes in a 295/45-18 (hmmmmmm.. ZR) fitment (rear?) which is PERFECT for our steeda ultralite 9.5'' rims. I'll swap to a 275/40-18 front and 295/45-18 rear on the steeda ultralites.

 

It's good to hear that I inspired someone The tread on the DR's doesn't last but they do grip. When they were at 100% tread I could take off in the rain and not slide. I don't know how you feel about the way they grip but they gripped great for me. However, my car is a DD and it's not necessary for me to run drag radials.

Also, may I ask why you're considering the 295/45/18's as opposed to the 295/35/18's?

 

The NT555R's work great for me as well. Great traction but at $300 a pop they're expensive to replace.

I'm condering the 45 series for two reasons. They have more sidewall which will help close my fender gap since I'm lowered with Steeda comp springs which don't bring the car down that much. And secondly, the extra sidewall will help greatly with traction.

I'm going to have to see some more pics of the 45 series on cars though. I've seen a few in the past and they looked great. I think they will match well with 275/40's up front but will have to dig up some pics of that combo on the car.

 

Those were the reasons that had been brought up before. They're good reasons. If you are able to dig up any pics could you please let me know?

 

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