Buying Track tires & wheels ?? 05 GT
06-01-2009, 11:22 AM
#1
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Buying Track tires & wheels ?? 05 GT
So what would you guys do
a. 17 x 9 wheels with 275 / 40 / 17 Kumho XS tires 0R
b. 18 x 9 wheels with 275 / 40 / 18 Nitto NT 05 tires
use is road track only - Watkins Glen
cost is approx same ( around $ 1250 )
a. 17 x 9 wheels with 275 / 40 / 17 Kumho XS tires 0R
b. 18 x 9 wheels with 275 / 40 / 18 Nitto NT 05 tires
use is road track only - Watkins Glen
cost is approx same ( around $ 1250 )
Last edited by 14901490; 06-01-2009 at 11:24 AM. Reason: typo
06-01-2009, 12:25 PM
#3
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What's the weight difference on the different rim sizes? Also, keep in mind that the 275/40/17 tires are going to be a smaller diameter tire, so they will also cause your gearing to be shorter. If you liked your shift points last time you were out, try and keep the tire diameter diameter as close to stock as possible.
I don't know much about the Kumho, but I've heard nothing but good about the NT-05's.
I don't know much about the Kumho, but I've heard nothing but good about the NT-05's.
06-01-2009, 01:07 PM
#5
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The NT-05 is their top performance street tire. Compared to the NT555, it will grip better, but will not last as long and won't be quite as good in wet weather. I've never used the NT-05, but I've been more than pleased with my NT555's. If theNT-05's have the same characteristics at the limit, but with more grip, I'd say you couldn't go wrong.
Half a pound isn't enough to make a decision off of... I'd wait for a couple other opinions from people who have tried the tires.
Half a pound isn't enough to make a decision off of... I'd wait for a couple other opinions from people who have tried the tires.
06-01-2009, 01:22 PM
#6
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Even 275/40-18 is slightly shorter than the OE sizes. 275/40-17 is another inch shorter still.
I'd really rather see either of those sizes on 10" wide wheels, particularly for open-tracking where there aren't any class limits on wheel width. They'll fit on 11" wide, but might not work up front then.
NT05 is apparently a little better in the dry than the NT555. The NT555 is claimed to be a little better in the wet, a little quieter, and has a slightly better ride quality.
Maybe look around on SCCAForums.com, particularly in the Street Touring forum for information on the XS and perhaps also the NT05, as these tires are both ST-legal (>140 treadwear). I think I've seen some discussion over there.
Norm
I'd really rather see either of those sizes on 10" wide wheels, particularly for open-tracking where there aren't any class limits on wheel width. They'll fit on 11" wide, but might not work up front then.
NT05 is apparently a little better in the dry than the NT555. The NT555 is claimed to be a little better in the wet, a little quieter, and has a slightly better ride quality.
Maybe look around on SCCAForums.com, particularly in the Street Touring forum for information on the XS and perhaps also the NT05, as these tires are both ST-legal (>140 treadwear). I think I've seen some discussion over there.
Norm
Last edited by Norm Peterson; 06-01-2009 at 01:24 PM.
06-01-2009, 01:30 PM
#7
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If you are going to be getting bettter tires in the furture, like a set of R-Comps, the you will like the 275/40-17s. The price on them is so much more budget friendly for a very good amount of tire. And just about everyone makes a tire in that size, I havent checked but you might be cut down on your choices for the 18" rim on that size.
I do not know much about Nitto's just that everyone raves about the NT01 which is there R-Compound track tire.
The Glen is a vary fun track from everyone I have talked to, my brother has run that track a number of times in his E30. It will be even more fun with a high Hp car, like our cars he says. I never got beyond 4th gear when I ran Thunderbolt at NJMSP and that was 130+ mph, so I wouln't worry about running out of gear on the smaller tires. But the Glen is a completely different track so I do not know.
I do not know much about Nitto's just that everyone raves about the NT01 which is there R-Compound track tire.
The Glen is a vary fun track from everyone I have talked to, my brother has run that track a number of times in his E30. It will be even more fun with a high Hp car, like our cars he says. I never got beyond 4th gear when I ran Thunderbolt at NJMSP and that was 130+ mph, so I wouln't worry about running out of gear on the smaller tires. But the Glen is a completely different track so I do not know.
06-01-2009, 03:33 PM
#10
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