Recommendation needed 17 Tire choices

priobe · #1 (**permalink**) 08-02-2021, 05:50 PM

Hello all
I have been researching my next tires for my car. I am just coming off the Nitto NT 05r tires. The issue I had with the 05r is 1. They did not last very long. 2. These tires are absolutely no in wet conditions. 3. For the risk these tires bring, I personally don’t think they are worth the risk for what you get.

I think this time around I would rather move into a street tire that handles better in a wet condition. I don’t drive in wet weather but would hate to get caught in a wet section in the road from a road trip.

I’m leaning toward the PS2, but curious to see what else is comparable at lesser cost.
Looking to do rear 315x35x17 or 335
Front 245x45x17 or close.

Looking for advice of tires used for recommendation.

Thanks in advance

undy · #2 (**permalink**) 08-03-2021, 07:07 AM

Looking on Tire Rack for your rears there's only two choices, Pirelli P Zeros or Michelin PS2s. The P Zeros are $638 ea. and the PS2s are $398 ea. Both are about as good as you can get in a true street tire.

Performance tires for 17" are getting harder to find as any recent new performance vehicles have larger wheel sizes. Simply put, the market's drying up.

I'm running M/T ET Street drag radials, 315/35/17 and I don't drive in the rain. The better traction well out paces any reason(s) not to have them, JMO.

Jim Vander Wal · #3 (**permalink**) 08-03-2021, 07:27 AM

I've run Michelin PS2s 275 front 335 rears on a Superformance. These are my 1st choice for the current FFR build. Planning on R7s for track duty.

I agree with your "wet" analysis. There are many very good tires available but most lack wet performance. If you need more dry traction for the street than PS2s you're pushing really hard and I've pushed them hard & fast in the wet. I've run PS2s on the track and been quite happy. Probably the best balance between dry & wet traction that I've used.

Others that I've run are the Goodyear GS-D3s and Vredestein Ultrac Sessantas both were very good wet and dry but now discontinued or very difficult to find.

Tire Rack's evaluations have been very good, certainly worth considering.

Jim

H-Rod · #4 (**permalink**) 08-03-2021, 07:57 AM

315 35 17 & 245 45 17 here.

I have the Nitto NT555 G2`s.
Got caught driving in rain from the Texas Cobra Club spring meet back in 2019.
Easy on the throttle in the downpour and I didn`t spin my tires one bit.

They are a 300 treadwear tire so it is a little harder compound which doesn`t help out in our 2400 lb cars.

priobe · #5 (**permalink**) 08-03-2021, 10:32 AM

Jim
275 for the front seems pretty big in my opinion. Do you have and issues with the tires grabbing the road when you hit a bump or uneven patch in the road?

I’m thinking of maybe using a different brand tire for the front, maybe a 245 45/17

The PS2 only come in 255 or 205 from what I see.

Jim Vander Wal · #6 (**permalink**) 08-03-2021, 12:33 PM

Priobe,

The fronts all depend on clearances. On the SPF cars at full lock either direction they would rub a bit on the front frame rail but this was at lock and not a problem. Only place you get there is in parking lots.

An E-M is probably different.

Factory Fives have similar issues but few actually care or will put travel limiters on the steering rack, not my idea of a good plan. But many FFR guys run 245/255.

Never had a driving/wandering issue attributed to the 275 width other than there was little or no understeer at speed.

I wouldn't consider less than 275 and a FFR friend was running 315s in the front but he was big into autocross.

Tires are the only thing holding your cheeks to the ground. Make wise selections.

PM for more. I'm happy to talk.

Jim

Tom Wells · #7 (**permalink**) 08-03-2021, 01:25 PM

priobe,

I've a 20 year old E-M using 275-40-17 front and 315-35-17 rear and use it in all weather conditions with Nitto NT-05 (note, not "R") and it's OK in the dry, marginal in the wet as long as I'm respectful of the throttle.

I think almost any 200 wear rating tire might be OK; I used Dunlops before these and switched because the reviews were a little bit better for the Nittos in the wet.

Tom

priobe · #8 (**permalink**) 08-05-2021, 05:01 AM

Thanks Tom
Are you also running the NT 05 in the front or are you using the 555g2?

Tom Wells · #9 (**permalink**) 08-05-2021, 05:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by priobe

Thanks Tom
Are you also running the NT 05 in the front or are you using the 555g2?

All four on the cobra == NT05 (second set)

I also use four 245-45-17 (I think) NT05 on my '81 Zephyr wagon with the 557. It does well with those at Daytona and also for runs to Lowes...

Tom

scootter · #10 (**permalink**) 08-07-2021, 08:58 AM

PS2 275 front and 335 rear.

priobe · #11 (**permalink**) 08-07-2021, 05:40 PM

Tom
Which front suspension are you running in the front?

I’m reading a lot of good reviews about the 05s even compared to the PS2s. Not saying they are better just saying they compare depending on the use.

Tom Wells · #12 (**permalink**) 08-07-2021, 06:02 PM

priobe,

I have the Mustang II front suspension/Jag rear.

Tom

raybones · #13 (**permalink**) 08-08-2021, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Wells

priobe,

I've a 20 year old E-M using 275-40-17 front and 315-35-17 rear and use it in all weather conditions with Nitto NT-05 (note, not "R") and it's OK in the dry, marginal in the wet as long as I'm respectful of the throttle.

I think almost any 200 wear rating tire might be OK; I used Dunlops before these and switched because the reviews were a little bit better for the Nittos in the wet.

Tom

I'm using the same tires. Bought them this year and like them so far.

Ray