The Nittos are worse. Like driving on hard plastic, even after they're warm. Toyo's R888's are the best non-slicks available. They're not drag radials, they're road course tires, and they hooked better than anything else I've used. I could get the 500 to make turns at speeds I thought were unreachable without Hoosiers.

Just don't drive very fast in the rain.

 

I did not know they were made in China. You'd think for a name such as "Mickey Thompson" they'd be proudly American made.

So much for that.

I was considering them to replace my Nitto NT555R Drag Radials. I wanted to go for MT Drag Radials (ET Street?)

 

Sadly, I have to agree with you on this. The Nittos I thought were good, but at my power levels (600whp), they spin way too much. I can spin them through 3rd. And we all know spinnin' ain't winnin'...

 

Burton, if you're not dragging your car, you might as well at least consider the Toyos. They'll be better on the street as far as traction anyway, and since you never drive in wet conditions their one downside will never affect you. They're not cheap, but their performance on the S197 is in my opinion unmatched by all but the highest performing tires from Michelin--and even those won't help you turn like the 888's will. I may be wrong about this, but I believe the 888 is the only D.O.T.-approved tire that does not have a separation from the inside shoulder to the outside one. The tread is extensive, but it's staggered, which allows the tire to maintain a solid lug around the entire circumference. There are no sections divided by tread grooves. It's all one piece. It's why it behaves a little bit like Hoosier's R7. Different compounds and of course the R7's are actual slicks, but for a street tire, there is none better in my opinion for the money. Michelin's cost too much for the performance they offer.

Besides, I think the tread on the 888's is attractive anyway.

 

Thanks for this piece of information nugget! You know, I've always liked Toyos. Back when I had my TT RX7, they had Proxes on them, and they rode really nice with great grip.

So I researched those R888's just now... it looks like it's their most sticky tire that's road legal? Problem is, for 20's, they only come in 285 and 315. My Niche Milans are 20x10 and I currently have 305 Nittos. I was hoping to stay 305 or 295 at the least. 285 might be too narrow for me Unless I go 285 all the way around... but my front Milans are 20x8.5.

 

The 285's will perform better than what you've got in 295 or 305, especially the 555's. The 285 will fit very well on a 10" rim. And yes, they are sticky.

 

hmmm that's interesting. I'll be getting new tires this year. I'm sick of those Nittos. At least for the rear. The fronts are the 555 also. I wonder if I should just replace those too. Would it be bad to go with 285's on the front 20x8.5 and the rear 20x10??? Do I need to stick with 255 R888s for the front?

 

Ohhh....I was thinking you had 10" rims on the front! I had the 285's on the front of mine, the 315's on the back. Hm. 285 is going to be a little too wide to work properly on an 8.5" rim...I can't speak to the effectiveness of a 255, but if the front tires are similar size (which I assume they are), then the 255's will be a significant improvement anyway. I don't know that I'd go with the 315's on a 10" rim. Too much over-hang. It will change how the tires line up with your fender though, because 285 is a decent reduction in width from a 305. And yes, if you're running 555's on the front, definitely the 888's will make a difference. Honestly Burton, I'd get the fronts done first if you have to do one or the other. The S197 needs help turning, and those 888's will definitely make it turn.

 

I definitely want the rears though, because on significant power application I spin like a drunk college student at a bar.

I agree the 285 is too wide for the fronts.

So perhaps I can go R888s, but 255 on front, 285 in rear. If I went with 315's, I couldn't put it on the 20x10 Milans, because the offset is 40mm (or is it 45mm? can't remember) - either way, it will cause rubbing. You're able to fit 315's in yours because your TrueForged probably have a good offset of 50 or 55....

 

255/285 R888s would be a good combo. Not only will the tires help, but the closer stagger will help your handling too. That's literally the same sizes they put on the Boss, though most Boss owners end up going square. You'd be able to lower the rear a little bit more too.

 

The rear offset is -55, yes.

I'd go with the 255/285 and run with it. You'll be surprised how well the front handles with them on there.

 

Thanks man... next task: I need to price them out (tires only), then I'll need to price out the mounting as well. I'll have to find a good shop here locally that can unmount/mount CAREFULLY on 20's.

hmmm

 

Haha, can't help you with that part.