Time to shop for tires.

[Sully008]

Greetings, everyone!

It’s finally time for me to shop for tires. I’ve been able to get by with the stock BF Goodrich tires on the front and MT ET Street IIs on the back for the last few years, but they are now down to the wear bars. At the same time, I might as well replace the fronts since they are still original.

With a 10 month old son now here, my track days are pretty much over. So I’m looking for a set of rears that are more street than strip, without sacrificing too much in terms of grip. Wet weather will be a concern although I had no problems with the MTs in the city. I would prefer they fit on my widened wheels. We are also planning on attending Marauderville this year so long life will be important too.

I am not opposed to running drag radials again, as the Marauder is my daily in 3 of the 4 seasons we get here. The only problem with those are I wouldn’t go long distance driving with them, nor travel highway speeds in the rain.

I have traction control even though I turn it off, so the stagger front/rear has to remain.

With that said, here’s what I’ve come up with for options:

Rear size:
305-45-18:

MT ET Street II
Nitto NT555R
Nitto NT05R

The above are drag radials, so they’re no longer ideal.

Rear size:
295-45-18:

Nitto NT05
Nitto NT555
Hankook Ventus ST RH06 - Truck tire
Toyo Proxes S-T II - Truck tire

These above are considered high performance street tires.

Front size:

235-50-18:

Lots of options for tires in this size, but the few that caught my eye:

Nitto NT555
Nitto Motivo
Hankook Ventus V4 ES H105

My thoughts:

If I want to go pure street tire, then the Nitto NT555 is my first choice. It can be had in both front/rear sizes.

Hankook would be second, but I’m not sure about running a truck tire on the rear.

I can always mix/match tires like I have with the BFGs and MTs.

I have read positive things about the Motivos on here so this could be an option:

Nitto Motivo for front and Nitto NT05/555 for back. There is no size in the Motivo to fit the widened wheels.

Firestone Wide Oval AS also has good press here, but I can't find a size for the widened wheels either.

So as of now I’m leaning towards the Nitto NT555, 235-50-18/295-45-18 front/rear. A close second would be the Hankook setup. Searching the forum I’ve noticed quite a few different size combos out there. Any other ones I should be considering?

[fastblackmerc]

I love my Hankooks.............

[camelgrundle]

I love my nt555 but I would go a little wider in the fronts.

[Sully008]

I love my Hankooks.............

Are you running this combo front/rear?

Hankook Ventus V4 ES H105
Hankook Ventus ST RH06 - Truck tire

[Comin' in Hot]

I'm running Hankook Ventus V12 evo K110 245/45 18s up front and Hankook Ventus ST RH06 295/45 18s in the rear

but next time I'll be going 255/45 in the front


no complaints at all

[Sully008]

I'm running Hankook Ventus V12 evo K110 245/45 18s up front and Hankook Ventus ST RH06 295/45 18s in the rear

but next time I'll be going 255/45 in the front


no complaints at all

Good info, the V12s have gotten good comments on one of the local forums I'm on. I might go with this.

[knine]

Thanks for starting the thread. I'm going to be looking again soon as the Goodyear Eagle FS1's are no longer being made.

[fastblackmerc]

Are you running this combo front/rear?

Hankook Ventus V4 ES H105
Hankook Ventus ST RH06 - Truck tire

Have the Hankook Ventus ST RH06 on the rear. They wear like iron. Will be getting new ones eventhough they still have tread on them they are starting to dry rot.

Will be going with the Hankook combination above.

[WPG_Merc]

On the MM I use Nitto 555 front & Nitto 420 rear.

[jimbok1951]

After research and other's comments decided on Nitto Motivos front & back within the next month, is a definite before Carlisle, with carfixers alignment. Can't beat the 60,000 mile warranty and tread depth. No hijack intended but tires have decent tread but dry rotted on sidewalls & would pass inspection, anyway, want to have some fun & burn them up prior to disposal, stock with tune & so does not do good, if any, burnouts. What does all suggest to smoke them ? Straight bleach/bleach & water combo ? Any way to limit the rubber residue in wheel wells & rear fenders with something ?

Thanks

[Sully008]

On the MM I use Nitto 555 front & Nitto 420 rear.

Hey Gord,

I forget, what size are you running front/rear?

[Mr. Man]

After research and other's comments decided on Nitto Motivos front & back within the next month, is a definite before Carlisle, with carfixers alignment. Can't beat the 60,000 mile warranty and tread depth. No hijack intended but tires have decent tread but dry rotted on sidewalls & would pass inspection, anyway, want to have some fun & burn them up prior to disposal, stock with tune & so does not do good, if any, burnouts. What does all suggest to smoke them ? Straight bleach/bleach & water combo ? Any way to limit the rubber residue in wheel wells & rear fenders with something ?

ThanksTurn off the TC if you have it, press down brake and mash the gas. Stock motor has enough ummf to smoke the tires.

Take a video while your at it too. :burnout:

[WPG_Merc]

Hey Gord,

I forget, what size are you running front/rear?

Fronts are 235/50/ZR18 XL101W NITTO NT 555

Rears are 255/55/R18 109V NITTO NT 420s

From http://1010tires.com/
Richmond BC Canada

There is still a lot of meat on the rears but with Mo's tune & Cams,The tires are losing traction all over the place :eek: & I need something that will grip better.

[Sully008]

Fronts are 235/50/ZR18 XL101W NITTO NT 555

Rears are 255/55/R18 109V NITTO NT 420s

From http://1010tires.com/
Richmond BC Canada

There is still a lot of meat on the rears but with Mo's tune & Cams,The tires are losing traction all over the place :eek: & I need something that will grip better.


Thanks! I'm tempted to go with the NT555 front/rear. This Hankook combo is a close second:

Hankook Ventus V12 evo K110 245/45 18s up front and Hankook Ventus ST RH06 295/45 18s in the rear

Almost time to bring the Marauder out again. Too bad it's supposed to snow on Saturday.:mad2:

[WPG_Merc]

Thanks! I'm tempted to go with the NT555 front/rear. This Hankook combo is a close second:

Hankook Ventus V12 evo K110 245/45 18s up front and Hankook Ventus ST RH06 295/45 18s in the rear

Almost time to bring the Marauder out again. Too bad it's supposed to snow on Saturday.:mad2:

What would you recommend for street strip tire.
The Rear tire size 255/55/R18 is a standard size & stock rims & with the photo radar you can get a ticket easy if not careful.

The Rodder is still locked up in the garage safe,I am planning to do a high stall & degree the cams so it will be ready for MV 12. :beer:

[gdsqdcr]

I run 555's on all 4 corners. 245's up front and 265's in the rear. I really like them. They handle well. My rears last ~20K miles; whereas the fronts are getting me closer to 40K.

[ARodmarauder]

I run 555's on all 4 corners. 245's up front and 265's in the rear. I really like them. They handle well. My rears last ~20K miles; whereas the fronts are getting me closer to 40K.



Are your rears widened or are they stock?

[ajdereicup]

I'm going to be getting new tires all around soon and I'm planning on getting MT Street Comp tires. It's a newer tire IIRC so I'm kinda just hoping they are nice and sticky. I love MT strip tires though so hopefully they have some of the same qualities.

Just another tire to possibly look into

[camelgrundle]

You can fit 265's easy on stock wheels if that's what your asking arod.

[gdsqdcr]

Are your rears widened or are they stock?

Stock. :cool:

[ARodmarauder]

You can fit 265's easy on stock wheels if that's what your asking arod.



Ok cool yeah that's what I was asking . Thanks camel

[Sully008]

What would you recommend for street strip tire.


For street/strip you really can't beat the MT ET Street Radial IIs. I had no problems driving in the city with them rain or shine. You just need to be aware that deep puddles can make the rear squirrely, and keep control of your right foot. With that being said, I'd never drive on the highway in the rain with them.

[WPG_Merc]

For street/strip you really can't beat the MT ET Street Radial IIs. I had no problems driving in the city with them rain or shine. You just need to be aware that deep puddles can make the rear squirrely, and keep control of your right foot. With that being said, I'd never drive on the highway in the rain with them.

OK I wonder if M/T has the size 255/55/18
Any thoughts on these

http://www.mickeythompsontires.com/street.php?item=StreetComp

http://www.mickeythompsontires.com/strip.php?item=ETStreetRadialI I

[Sully008]

OK I wonder if M/T has the size 255/55/18
Any thoughts on these

http://www.mickeythompsontires.com/street.php?item=StreetComp

http://www.mickeythompsontires.com/strip.php?item=ETStreetRadialI I


I would love to run this combo:

Street Comps up front in 245-45-18 and the ET Street IIs on the back 305-45-18. If I wasn't worried about longevity now. Hmm....

[jwibbity]

After research and other's comments decided on Nitto Motivos front & back within the next month, is a definite before Carlisle, with carfixers alignment. Can't beat the 60,000 mile warranty and tread depth. No hijack intended but tires have decent tread but dry rotted on sidewalls & would pass inspection, anyway, want to have some fun & burn them up prior to disposal, stock with tune & so does not do good, if any, burnouts. What does all suggest to smoke them ? Straight bleach/bleach & water combo ? Any way to limit the rubber residue in wheel wells & rear fenders with something ?

Thanks

i was told this at MV11 at the drag strip by the people who worked there, spray wd-40 or any type of lube on the bottom of the bumper, the rubber will still be on the bumper but it will rub right off

[fastblackmerc]

After research and other's comments decided on Nitto Motivos front & back within the next month, is a definite before Carlisle, with carfixers alignment. Can't beat the 60,000 mile warranty and tread depth. No hijack intended but tires have decent tread but dry rotted on sidewalls & would pass inspection, anyway, want to have some fun & burn them up prior to disposal, stock with tune & so does not do good, if any, burnouts. What does all suggest to smoke them ? Straight bleach/bleach & water combo ? Any way to limit the rubber residue in wheel wells & rear fenders with something ?

Thanks

Either use PAM (vegetable oil spray) or get blue painters tape and tape up the rear fenders.

[Sully008]

Well, after almost a year of debating with myself I've gone with the following:

Nitto NT555: 255-45-18/295-45-18

I need a little more longevity and a little less ultimate grip now. The MT combo was a very close second. Placed my order with 1010tires.com as they have free ground shipping right now.

[1Marauder]

Motives all around. Perfect.

[camelgrundle]

NT555 for a while now and love them.

[lji372]

Well, after almost a year of debating with myself I've gone with the following:

Nitto NT555: 255-45-18/295-45-18

I need a little more longevity and a little less ultimate grip now. The MT combo was a very close second. Placed my order with 1010tires.com as they have free ground shipping right now.

Agreed: 555R's just don't last for as much as I drive her

[jimbok1951]

After research and other's comments decided on Nitto Motivos front & back within the next month, is a definite before Carlisle, with carfixers alignment. Can't beat the 60,000 mile warranty and tread depth. No hijack intended but tires have decent tread but dry rotted on sidewalls & would pass inspection, anyway, want to have some fun & burn them up prior to disposal, stock with tune & so does not do good, if any, burnouts. What does all suggest to smoke them ? Straight bleach/bleach & water combo ? Any way to limit the rubber residue in wheel wells & rear fenders with something ?

Thanks

Last May went with Motivos, after got flags removed, and 2x's going back carfixers specs got dialed in. Had a blast burning the old ones up, as Mr. Man said power brake & mash the gas, cooked em, pam spray was the ticket to remove the rubber. Thanks

[WPG_Merc]

Well, after almost a year of debating with myself I've gone with the following:

Nitto NT555: 255-45-18/295-45-18

I need a little more longevity and a little less ultimate grip now. The MT combo was a very close second. Placed my order with 1010tires.com as they have free ground shipping right now.

Where's the "like button":D
I recently got rear NT 555 265/50/18 from http://www.1010tires.com/Tires/Nitto
But I may need 555RS as the tires are still slipping.:eek:

[Chevyguy]

Well, after almost a year of debating with myself I've gone with the following:

Nitto NT555: 255-45-18/295-45-18

I need a little more longevity and a little less ultimate grip now. The MT combo was a very close second. Placed my order with 1010tires.com as they have free ground shipping right now.

Nice choice, I have been driving myself crazy to find a good combo for my stock wheels. I have GT-500 18x9.5 on my beater so I really like those 255/45/18 front tires

http://i348.photobucket.com/albums/q329/folingo/2004%20Crown%20Victoria%20LX/GT-500%20Wheels/20140328_112911_zps5sjx9ppo.jp g (http://s348.photobucket.com/user/folingo/media/2004%20Crown%20Victoria%20LX/GT-500%20Wheels/20140328_112911_zps5sjx9ppo.jp g.html)

http://i348.photobucket.com/albums/q329/folingo/2004%20Crown%20Victoria%20LX/20140802_123123_zpstforr5x1.jp g (http://s348.photobucket.com/user/folingo/media/2004%20Crown%20Victoria%20LX/20140802_123123_zpstforr5x1.jp g.html)

I found a unique rear size 265/50/18 really ideal for stock wheels, pairs for a good stock stagger with 255/45/18 for the fronts

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/nit-182880/overview/

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/nit-181960/overview/

Great reviews

http://www.tirebuyer.com/tires/nitto/nt555/p/style/36257#.VRICb_nF-So

[Sully008]

Got tire?

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p59/Sully008/Homage/Marauder/5A146AFF-0C73-47E2-8D33-32909AC062A9_zpskusxi0zs.jpg

Hopefully I'll be able to get these mounted in the next couple of weeks.

[WPG_Merc]

Got tire?

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p59/Sully008/Homage/Marauder/5A146AFF-0C73-47E2-8D33-32909AC062A9_zpskusxi0zs.jpg

Hopefully I'll be able to get these mounted in the next couple of weeks.

Coolness :bows:

We'll have go to the track sometime this summer & have fun,I haven't had much time to really work the rebuilt trans hard yet.:rolleyes:

[1Marauder]

Nitto Motivos Rock

[Finally]

Got tire?

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p59/Sully008/Homage/Marauder/5A146AFF-0C73-47E2-8D33-32909AC062A9_zpskusxi0zs.jpg

Hopefully I'll be able to get these mounted in the next couple of weeks.

So is that for the stock rim and won't mess up the trac control ? They look great and might be what I should be putting on mine,local shop is trying to put with a set of Cooper but not sure if I like them.

Tony

[Sully008]

So is that for the stock rim and won't mess up the trac control ? They look great and might be what I should be putting on mine,local shop is trying to put with a set of Cooper but not sure if I like them.

Tony

They are stock wheels, but the rears have been widened to 9.5". I know some members have run the 295 on a stock width wheel with no issues, though. YMMV. I'm pretty sure the traction control will be okay. I turn it off anyways.:D

[Logizyme]

295/45 and 255/45 NT555 are such a perfect combo for our cars

They perfectly emulate the size of the OE tires so no issues with TC or ABS or speedo.

Awesome all around grip, affordable price, and good looks. Also as a bonus, the NT555 in 295/45 and 255/45 are extra load rated, which is helpful to our heavier cars.

[Lowndex]

In the winter, I run Motivo front and rear. In summer, 555 for back. My tires are smaller than yours, but the car rides like a dream.
Front: 235/50/18
Rear: 255/55/18

From some of the replies, maybe I should consider a bigger front tire.

[Sully008]

Looks like I made a good choice in these tires. I was thinking about running the 555R's on the back, but I don't need ultimate grip any more. Plus they were almost $100 more per tire. These have to last for awhile.

[camelgrundle]

I love my nt555 and they are holding up better than I thought.