Big Power + Rubber
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Joined: Jun 2007
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Yep, there will be a compromise somewhere at your power level, but like you say, keeping the laterial handling integrity of car intact is safe/important to you, which I also feel is important with this car personally. This is where expanding the width of a typical extrm summer or R comp can serve you better I feel for overall balance in traction in both strait and cornering. A 255 no matter what will fall short. I modified my rpf1 to accommodate a 295/35/17 in the rear for these reasons as camuman knows 
Running an over fender set up in the rear with a new set of 18" may be something for you to consider. You could go as high as a 315/30/18. Or run up to a 295/30 without over fenders if you can land the specific offset wheel, or have a set custom widened like I did.
The RA1 Camuman mentioned is a great R comp, probably be one of recommend for you as well, however I think they have been discontinued for some time now? The replacement being the R888 which is a more wide block hard nose dry tire in comparison. Anyway, you have some better options than what your doing now, just have to explore and ask the right questions, and really decide how much money you want to invest. This is kind of an important arena to consider after all you have invested in the output of your engine.
-And I agree, having a tire that will hook in 1st/2nd gear is asking for trans/rear end failure, I dont think you will run into this 'problem' if you stick to a conventional high performance street/R comp tire. This is a case where some slip in the lower gears will help alleviate some stresses and het is still safely manageable. I still had issues breaking lose in second gear with my set up but I could manage it at those speeds.
But how you drive and just some luck will also dictate your success at your power level. Ive been through 3 rear ends and 3 trans with less power then you. I bet ive put a lot more miles on the car though in the 12 years ive had it so I guess its relative.
Running an over fender set up in the rear with a new set of 18" may be something for you to consider. You could go as high as a 315/30/18. Or run up to a 295/30 without over fenders if you can land the specific offset wheel, or have a set custom widened like I did. The RA1 Camuman mentioned is a great R comp, probably be one of recommend for you as well, however I think they have been discontinued for some time now? The replacement being the R888 which is a more wide block hard nose dry tire in comparison. Anyway, you have some better options than what your doing now, just have to explore and ask the right questions, and really decide how much money you want to invest. This is kind of an important arena to consider after all you have invested in the output of your engine.
-And I agree, having a tire that will hook in 1st/2nd gear is asking for trans/rear end failure, I dont think you will run into this 'problem' if you stick to a conventional high performance street/R comp tire. This is a case where some slip in the lower gears will help alleviate some stresses and het is still safely manageable. I still had issues breaking lose in second gear with my set up but I could manage it at those speeds.
But how you drive and just some luck will also dictate your success at your power level. Ive been through 3 rear ends and 3 trans with less power then you. I bet ive put a lot more miles on the car though in the 12 years ive had it so I guess its relative.
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2008
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From: Around
From what I have read a drag radial will hold the power but not be ideal for a guy carving corners. A summer extreme tire will handle well but def not hold that power. I'm not sure of you could ever go full throttle lol. Maybe in third or fourth gear. Boost by gear would be nice. R comp in a fatty size should be nice. Will hold better then summer extreme. Will wear a lot faster but if you only drive a few thousand miles a year it's not bad. I have had mine for 5 years now and 20k ish miles. I will only buy r comps. Either toyo ra1 or pilot sport cup tires. I like full thread r comps. The aggressive thread ones will be horrible in the rain. And let's face it you can get caught in it.
The car has never seen the rain since I've owned it
So that isn't a concern, obviously not a daily, given my previous statement and earlier comments on mileage.I will have to take a look at those as well, my cousin told me alot of the Vette guys are running the Toyo R888's I think it was.
Boost by gear is already setup, but I've got a 13lb spring in the gate, so it makes some power in 1st and 2nd, nothing I can do about that, lol. I typically just take it somewhat easy anyway in those gears, and then rail 3rd on.
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Los angeles
Joined: Jan 2012
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From: Tolland, Connecticut
M&H Racemaster Drag Radial... HANDS DOWN. I have done alot of research on this and everyone I have personally talk to that ran these love(ed) them. They hook better than the Mickey ET Streets and last longer as well. As far as any of the R888 or NT-01`s I feel from research and first hand experience they go in this order
1. M&H Drag Radial
2. Mickey ET Street
3. BFGoodrich G-Force Drag Radial
4. Nitto NT-01
5. Toyo R888
And keep in mind this is for straight line traction with higher HP. Not cornering or longevity. Let us know what you end up going with!
1. M&H Drag Radial
2. Mickey ET Street
3. BFGoodrich G-Force Drag Radial
4. Nitto NT-01
5. Toyo R888
And keep in mind this is for straight line traction with higher HP. Not cornering or longevity. Let us know what you end up going with!
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Joined: Sep 2010
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I had good luck with the Mickey Thompson ET Street Radial. 275/40/17
On the track you can get pretty aggressive with ramping boost in. On the street it's a bit more finicky. But overall a very good multi purpose tire for street/strip.
Longevity was a season. But I raced and drove the car a lot! Which means lots of burnouts because burnouts are fun. And necessary.
On the track you can get pretty aggressive with ramping boost in. On the street it's a bit more finicky. But overall a very good multi purpose tire for street/strip.
Longevity was a season. But I raced and drove the car a lot! Which means lots of burnouts because burnouts are fun. And necessary.
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 750
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I have 275 NT01s on now and the work great at my power level ~500/400. They're inexpensive, grip well, and the only downside might be lifetime but given you don't drive a lot it probably doesn't matter. If you're looking for absolute best straight line grip I'd pick up a second set of tires (probably MTs)/wheels for that type of use.
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2008
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From: Around
I'm leaning towards the NT-01's at this point.
One of the few I think that comes in the size I need, 255/40/17.
As for the Nitto's, I was told they run "small", any truth to this? Meaning, should I step up a size perhaps to get the same physical size tire I have now?
One of the few I think that comes in the size I need, 255/40/17.
As for the Nitto's, I was told they run "small", any truth to this? Meaning, should I step up a size perhaps to get the same physical size tire I have now?