Buying Track tires & wheels ?? 05 GT
1st Gear Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 114
One more thing to note regarding your other thread. As others have stated, I wouldn't go to R-comps until you've learned to drive on street tires. You can tear up a set of R-comps in no time if you don't know what you're doing. There's lots of warning with street tires when things go bad. They from "screaming" to "howling" when they're about to let go of all their grip. When R-comps let go, it's a lot more about feeling them lose their grip.
-Edward
-Edward
Thread Starter
2nd Gear Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 349
From: webster, ny
Thanks ,My decision to stay with my 17 stock rims was strictly financial at this point. Figured id try the nitto 555 255/50 /17 based on some of what i read here. looks like the same diameter as my stock 235/55/17 pirellis ?
Will i notice a reasonable grip improvement for my $ 580 investment vs . Approx $ 1200 w new wheels ?
Thanks again
Will i notice a reasonable grip improvement for my $ 580 investment vs . Approx $ 1200 w new wheels ?
Thanks again
2nd Gear Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 162
From: Texas
Um...what is the question here?
You start this thread asking for advice on 18 in vs 17 in. Then later you state you will be staying with the stock 17s. whats up?
My 2 cents - having been down the 17 in road (17x9 with 275/40 rubber) I wouldn't do it again for several reasons: The overall diameter is too short, which leads to gearing issues (as noted) and lack of ground clearance (unless you ONLY run on the track, but then even on a track like Shenandoah you still scrape); you leave yourself few options on brakes - if and when you decide a BBK is needed. The rubber really isn't cheaper anymore IF you buy used. Many racing series are switching to 18 in rubber, this leads to lots of scubs being available, like R888s for 100 each. They are slightly lighter though. If I had to do it again, it would be 18" for me.
Couple more random thoughts: I know Sleeper likes his GT500 take-offs but most dedicated track junkies have a low opinion of them. They are bottom of the barrel Brembos. Both the NT05 and the XS are pretty new. Both are receiving very good press. Just so no one is confused: Nitto 555 and the 555RII are in completely different classes. The RIIs are treadwear 100 R-Compounds and, while not exactly R6s, are very sticky. I've used them and have been pretty impressed, the only drawback is they are directional.
You start this thread asking for advice on 18 in vs 17 in. Then later you state you will be staying with the stock 17s. whats up?
My 2 cents - having been down the 17 in road (17x9 with 275/40 rubber) I wouldn't do it again for several reasons: The overall diameter is too short, which leads to gearing issues (as noted) and lack of ground clearance (unless you ONLY run on the track, but then even on a track like Shenandoah you still scrape); you leave yourself few options on brakes - if and when you decide a BBK is needed. The rubber really isn't cheaper anymore IF you buy used. Many racing series are switching to 18 in rubber, this leads to lots of scubs being available, like R888s for 100 each. They are slightly lighter though. If I had to do it again, it would be 18" for me.
Couple more random thoughts: I know Sleeper likes his GT500 take-offs but most dedicated track junkies have a low opinion of them. They are bottom of the barrel Brembos. Both the NT05 and the XS are pretty new. Both are receiving very good press. Just so no one is confused: Nitto 555 and the 555RII are in completely different classes. The RIIs are treadwear 100 R-Compounds and, while not exactly R6s, are very sticky. I've used them and have been pretty impressed, the only drawback is they are directional.
4th Gear Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,778
From: Harrisburg PA
As noted by Argonaut, depends on what 555's your talking about. Based on the price you have on your last post i would say those are the regular 300 tread wear 555's. that means they look great, and will performe better then the stock 235's, but wont be anywhere near the 555rII's or even the NT05. i am not sure that anybody makes a 255/50r17 in a 200 or less tread wear. This is an expensive venture you are partacking in, prepare yourself. If you are going with the nitto 555's then just buy a set of sumitomos HTRIII's they are a great tire for the price and last forever. very comprable to the 555's. i expect the back lash for mentioning the Sumi's but oh...well. Good Luck!
4th Gear Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,692
From: Ontario, Canada
4th Gear Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,778
From: Harrisburg PA
Thats going to be a nice setup, good choice. Here is a link to a discussion thread on another forum regarding the NT-05. Some of the posts contain PSI info. NT-05 Discussion