Avons vs 17" Nitto NT555

[fastd]

thinking about going from 15" Avons to 17" NT555s for road racing - any opinions as to whether I'll notice a performance pick up?

[lippy]

Nitto's are probably a good tire but they may look a bit funky on an FIA. The Avons are pricey, but cheaper than Nittos plus wheels.

[ItBites]

I would go to the NT01, instead of the 555... The 555 is kind of a compromise. Going to the NT01, I guarantee you'll notice a performance gain above the Avons.

[vatdevil]

I run NT01s on 18 inch wheels. Very good road race tire...not the best ......but they do wear very well. So much so that I run them on the street and autocross. Make sure you properly heat cycle them.

[MJJ]

Toyo R888 or BGF G-Force if they have them in your size.

[fordracing65]

I have never driven a cobra with anything but 15 inchers, I would like to try out 18 inchers just to see the difference...

[vatdevil]

Originally Posted by fordracing65

I have never driven a cobra with anything but 15 inchers, I would like to try out 18 inchers just to see the difference...

I have 15 and 18 wheels and have run identical tires on them. So the 18s increase the effective spring rate, feels like at least 50 pounds. 18s are more responsive is transitions, especiallly noticeable in slaloms.

[fordracing65]

Originally Posted by vatdevil

I have 15 and 18 wheels and have run identical tires on them. So the 18s increase the effective spring rate, feels like at least 50 pounds. 18s are more responsive is transitions, especiallly noticeable in slaloms.

I want to get some 18 inchers and try it on my car, I'm sure I would like it I have driven other cars with them just not a Cobra, but I don't mind the Billboards that much, just always wonder how safe they are...

[lovehamr]

JMHO but 18s also look kind of funky on a Cobra. Similarly, I have 17s on mine with Goodyear Eagle RS tires and, though I like the performance, I'm looking for a set of 15s that'll fit my BDR for those times when I'm just going for the look.

Steve

[951mat]

NTO1s are a good track tire and will last a relatively long time. Treadwear 100. NT555 are a street tire. Will probably squeal all over the track. I got 25Kmiles out of them on my daily driver. Can't remember the tread wear.

NTO5s I'd say would be a good compromise. treadwear 200. A little soft and sticky for occasional track use and will do OK on streat as well. I'm sure you wont' get 25K miles from them though. I'd guess 10K, but just a guess.


Mat

[fastd]

what about the

g-Force T/A KDW 2(Ultra High Performance Summer) then? im looking for a good street and track tire. but if 15" avons are better than 17 or 18" alternatives ill stick with avons. having said that my avons are horrible in the rain. i got caught in a rain storm recently and my life passed before my eyes as i lost control and spun into the middle of an intesection.

full disclosure, going to keep 15s on my cobra. i am asking for my 68 fastback.

[vatdevil]

Originally Posted by fastd

what about the

g-Force T/A KDW 2(Ultra High Performance Summer) then? im looking for a good street and track tire. but if 15" avons are better than 17 or 18" alternatives ill stick with avons. having said that my avons are horrible in the rain. i got caught in a rain storm recently and my life passed before my eyes as i lost control and spun into the middle of an intesection.

full disclosure, going to keep 15s on my cobra. i am asking for my 68 fastback.

Avons are rated for rain....that should not hydroplane unless tread is too worn.

[fastd]

tread has worn down in fairness. around 5,000 relatively easy miles on them.

[itstock]

Originally Posted by vatdevil

avons are rated for rain....that should not hydroplane unless tread is too worn.

interesting theory.