Tire Review

[FordNut]

I just replaced my rear tires this week and thought I'd make a report on my impression so far.

Background/history:

I put Goodyear F1 GS tires in 295/45-18 on widened rims over a year ago. During that year I've tried the OEM fronts, the KDW2 fronts, and the Nitto 555 fronts. OEM fronts we all know about, they're an ok tire. KDW2 I didn't like and replaced with the Nittos. The KDW2 felt like they were on the verge of sliding in corners, especially in the rain. The Nittos were put on last October and have about 25k on them. They were re-balanced when these new rears were installed. Tread looks great, deep and even wear. VERY pleased with these front tires.

The new rear tires are Nitto 555 in 295/45-18. Now I have matching front/rear tires so I like that better already. So I drove over 300 miles in the rain Friday and they grip quite well. Sure, with a supercharged car you can get it out of shape in the rain very easily, but at highway speeds and going through standing water I didn't have any issues with hydroplaning at all. I haven't tried them at the track and probably won't since I have a set of 555R drag radials in 305/45-18 mounted on a spare set of rims and can't see much sense in wearing out my street tires. The car is smooth and handles good, much better traction than the Goodyears had. The main difference I have noticed is a little road noise, I guess from the more aggressive tread pattern.

I'd say this is the best street tire combination I've had on my Marauder.

[Marauderjack]

I have tried to get this across to everyone here for over a year!!:(

These Nitto tires are light years ahead of BFG's......THE END!!:bows:

Marauderjack:D

[RUSTY]

Did you put Nitto 555R 255 45/18 in the front and if so are there any concerns? I want to go that size and also cut a half coil but i am concerned about clearance
Thanks for the review.

[FordNut]

Did you put Nitto 555R 255 45/18 in the front and if so are there any concerns? I want to go that size and also cut a half coil but i am concerned about clearance
Thanks for the review.

Yes, that's the size I used in the fronts. I have stock front springs. No clearance issues. With non-widened rims it may be possible to use the 255/45-18 on the rear and 245/45-18 or 245/40-18 on the front. A little smaller than OEM but still has a size offset which would work for ABS and T/C.

[RUSTY]

Yes, that's the size I used in the fronts. I have stock front springs. No clearance issues. With non-widened rims it may be possible to use the 255/45-18 on the rear and 245/45-18 or 245/40-18 on the front. A little smaller than OEM but still has a size offset which would work for ABS and T/C.


I wanted to go with nittos on the front because the tread pattern looked similar to my back 255 55/18 continental sport contact. The price for front continentals is 411.00 plus tax CDN. From the reviews the Nittos look to be a great tire for a great price

[Zack]

The KDW2 tires are hands down the worst, harsh riding, loudest tire Ive ever owned.

[Hotrauder]

I don't have enough miles yet to give any indication of mileage on the Nitto 555's but the handling and corner grip is first class. 245/45-18 front 295/45-18 on widened rims rear. The left rear would not road force balance to specs and Nitto replaced it instantly, no questions, no charge.:2thumbs: I could not detect any problem on the road with that tire and they did not want it returned. :rolleyes: I have had no problems in the rain or the twisties and I do drive in a spirited manner. I will say that the ride is firm but that is expected with front and rear Addco bars and Metco control arms and Watts Linkage and 40# tire pressures. . No question I can run a lot faster at Sebring this next time. We will soon see how they perform at the 1320 as they are headed "North to Atlanta" Dennis

[Marauderjack]

Don't hold back...Zack!!!:lol:

They can't be worse than the OEM BFG's....can they??:confused:

Marauderjack:cool:

[FordNut]

Don't hold back...Zack!!!:lol:

They can't be worse than the OEM BFG's....can they??:confused:

Marauderjack:cool:

Yes.......

[Marauderman]

The new rear tires are Nitto 555 in 295/45-18. Now I have matching front/rear tires so I like that better already. So I drove over 300 miles in the rain Friday and they grip quite well. Sure, with a supercharged car you can get it out of shape in the rain very easily, but at highway speeds and going through standing water I didn't have any issues with hydroplaning at all. I haven't tried them at the track and probably won't since I have a set of 555R drag radials in 305/45-18 mounted on a spare set of rims and can't see much sense in wearing out my street tires. The car is smooth and handles good, much better traction than the Goodyears had. The main difference I have noticed is a little road noise, I guess from the more aggressive tread pattern.

I'd say this is the best street tire combination I've had on my Marauder.

Way to go Brian-this is what I have posted before and I am running as well---all for the same reasons as you have described........yes--they are a great set --and handle great----seems to be what I will stay with too......

[merc]

IWe will soon see how they perform at the 1320 as they are headed "North to Atlanta" Dennis


Are you saying you are going to race with 295/45/18 Nitto street radials? If the answer is yes, you will need to seek a rear tire solution quickly. :burnout:
You will be very disappointed with that setup on the 1320.

[Hotrauder]

Are you saying you are going to race with 295/45/18 Nitto street radials? If the answer is yes, you will need to seek a rear tire solution quickly. :burnout:
You will be very disappointed with that setup on the 1320.

They can't possibly be worse the the Original OEM BFG's that I ran on the only time I have ever been to the strip to drive can they? I only want to have fun and try to better my last time. I am sure that Drag Radials would help me a lot especially with no experience but I don't want to run on the street with them. I will run my car just as it arrives from home. Last time the weekend luggage and 3/4 tank of gas. I had a blast and did 4 runs with a best of 12.8. Beginers luck and coaching from by good friend Smokie.

Merc, any downside other than traction? Any info deeply appreciated. :) Thanks Dennis

[merc]

Merc, any downside other than traction? Any info deeply appreciated. :) Thanks Dennis

I love the Nitto Street tires and found they grip better then the O.E.M. BFG. Zack summed it up nicely. The tread is deep and under heavy rain my confidence level was high and handling is very good. In a supercharged world these tires give up quickly. I put most of my driving mile on Nitto Street tires and will be replacing BFG fronts next year. Nitto on all fours is a good combination. :up: I look forward to seeing you in ATL soon.

[eric jones]

how about 20" front and rear with 20" x 10" rear are there any fitment issues with that wide a tire? Go easy on me guys

[MCAT]

I keep reading about "nitto" tires on here, I have to say my experience with them was limited to my buddy having a set on his 03 mach 1,
the ride was ok, but they gabbed every little crack & crevis in the road,
he replaced them after ony a few thousand miles with bfg's
the car now rides better & handles better, just my 2 cent's worth