Andy13186

Im going to buy some nitto 555s and cant decide on the size, my rims are 17x 8 inch wide

nitto says the ideal for 245/45/r17 is 7.5-9 inches wide

the ideal rim size for 255/50/r17 is 7-9 inches wide

ideal for 255/45/r17 is 8-9.5 inches wide

which would get the most traction and handle the best? Is a taller sidewall better for straight line traction than a shorter?

Baddog

You're going to want a taller tire that will "sit down and crinkle a bit" if you're looking for prime launches. I had 245/45/16 runflats on my car when I bought it. It hooked like shvit. The lower the profile the flatter and less impounding the contact patch. Mine were expensive tires that would just powder the road with rub' leaving no footprints and no traction, they were hard compound wanting repeated abuse to make them effective. Step up in profile, go more narrow and drop the pressure. She'll hook better. Save low pro for road racing...

Jazzer The Cat

^ The above description is going to be fine for launching, but as stated, not so good for corners.

You are really looking two different directions, so you need to decide what you want most OR get a second set of wheels for drag only.

Jazzer

Baddog

255/50/16's are a very nice compromise if you're looking at an all rounder....that is speaking of rear tires of course...

Andy13186

those are 255/50s on stock rims