Straight and to the point - I have already done enough searches and I am still undecided.

Its about time for new tires - I love the grip and handling of the BFG KDW2s (although the noise after the break in drives me nuts sometimes). I run 255/18 fronts with 285/18 rears and want to maintain that. The BFGs are really expensive for the rears so was looking at other options - for price range, I find myself looking at them or Nitto 555Rs. Both are treadware 300s - the Falken 615s in 295/45 are nice but are like a 220 rating and did not stand up to SC abuse the last time.....

I would go with the Nittos as I know others who have them.... (I had them on my N/A 05 and liked them) - and they would be much easier on my wallet. BUT it all comes down to the difference of pushing 420/440 to the rear wheels and if they would hang in like the BFGs have and give me the same performance. [I guess if I had to pay $40 MORE a rear to get what I needed I should do it....]

Lemme hear from F/I folks (twin screwed more specifcially but all input is welcome) and cast a vote - remember this is 98% STREET driving in Florida so cold weather is not an option and handling in WET weather surely IS.

Thanks and Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone.

Dave

 

FWIW I've been pretty happy with my Nittos, 555 in 275/40/18. Sure I can break them loose easily in 1st and 2nd but with the amount of power that I have along with 4.10 gears, every tire I've tried can get sketchy except for the M&H 325 drag radials, but I will not run a DR on the street.

 

I run 555Rs on the rear, and have had no issues with them. I've driven a couple times in the last week in the rain, and they performed well.

 

I have been very happy with my nittos.

 

Thanks for the replies so far guys

Also please note - shouldn't have typed 555Rs (which I believe are the DRs)

I just meant the normal 555 Nittos

 

Of the reviews I've read, the KDW2s are one of the very best WET weather performance tires out there. If the road noise really does bother you, the 555s might be the route to go. Either way, at 400+rwhp not many tires are going to feel very sticky

 

+1 to what Tom said.
My set up is currently
Manual
3.55s
285/40x18 Nitto 555
475rwhp/425rwtq

They stick pretty good but under boost in 1st it's pretty useless. Previously when I was at 455rwhp 2nd was no problem at all, now it's sketchy unless the street is absolutely dry. I've run my M&H 325/50x17s on the street and they're not a ton better and they sidewall takes away every bit of cornering confidence, even on & off ramps on the freeways. Won't do the DRs on the street unless it's a short drive to the track. Otherwise my 555s are just about perfect.

Oh yeah... rain. If you're stupid like me sometimes you leave the TCS off even after it rains. Car pretty much gets no traction to 3rd if you're trying just a little bit. Any amount of power and a painted stripe and it's sideways city. So leave the TCS on, unless you want to have fun

 

Thanks

Yeah stomping it first will pretty much break them loose no matter what I have run on the back

I do NOT mess around at all in the rain in this car so I know what you are talking about Habu

wet ground and that hp plus no TC on equals the 'time to make the donuts' recipe


Well considering the money I can save, I think I might go with the Nittos this time out......

 

I have the Nitto 555's 275/40R18's on all 4 corners. No problem unless I get into the blower hard in the lower gears. Since mines pretty much a play toy I have only been caught in the rain twice. Not sure I would like driving it in the rain very often with the Nitto's.

 

I run 275/40/18 Bridgestone RE050A Pole Positions. They are a "max" performance summer tire that are rated very highly by tire rack. Dry traction is great, but first gear gets wheel spin due to 475whp. In the wet, the tires are downright amazing. I can tell you that the 555's aren't the greatest wet traction tire out there. In my opinion, I'd stay away from them since they are an old compound and tread pattern.

 

i say the 555's i have them on my 20's and drove them in rain on the highway and on the street cold and hot weather...... great tires really good handling, very quiet tires and they look great also...... you cant go wrong good looks good handling and great driveability you wont be disappointed

 

I drove my Nitto 555s in the rain recently and they were fine. Just don't go nuts and you're fine.