2008 18" tire recommendations

Shaker1

Walkin' on Sunshine
Established Member
Joined
Sep 8, 2002
Messages
1,262
Location
Algonquin IL
Wheels are 10" in rear and 9" in front. Currently have Nitto 555R on back and 555 in front.
305/35-18 & 275/40-18. Around 540 rwhp.

Looking to stay with current wheels and wonder if there is any non-DR combination that might be recommended and not lose too much traction. Like to stay close to oem diameter (27") or a bit smaller. Current setup is appx 26.4" diameter.

So far I have found Continental Extreme Contact Sport in OEM sizes. And Nitto 555G2 also in oem sizes.

Anyone have any recommendations or comments on the above? I'd like to go as sticky and wide as possible and keep some wet weather margin of safety. TIA
 

da5deuce

heatsoaked
Established Member
Joined
Jun 16, 2010
Messages
8,722
Location
compton
Is this your daily? If not then I'd stick with a drag radial. 540hp is still power that you wana make sure gets to the ground and what better way to do that than with a DR. I had to daily my Shelby for about a month through California rain and my Mickey thompsons did great. If you only cruise your car, then by all means get the continental tire, or a similar nitto street tire.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
 

Shaker1

Walkin' on Sunshine
Established Member
Joined
Sep 8, 2002
Messages
1,262
Location
Algonquin IL
Thanks, no not my daily, but I usually put around 4000 miles on it during the summer driving to work. Yeah, I should probably just replace the 555r in the back and maybe upgrade my 555 up front to 555G2 and call it a day. Pretty sure I will lament the loss of traction otherwise and the only time it sees rain or cold weather is if I fail to check the weather across my commute thoroughly.
 

Brutal Metal

Well-Known Member
Established Member
Joined
Feb 2, 2009
Messages
10,571
Location
Largo Florida
Firestone Firehawk Indy 500. Just bought a set for my Cobra, fricken excellent tire, lots of other members here agree plus the price is very fair compared to Michelin/Bridgestone.
 

Brutal Metal

Well-Known Member
Established Member
Joined
Feb 2, 2009
Messages
10,571
Location
Largo Florida
Thanks, no not my daily, but I usually put around 4000 miles on it during the summer driving to work. Yeah, I should probably just replace the 555r in the back and maybe upgrade my 555 up front to 555G2 and call it a day. Pretty sure I will lament the loss of traction otherwise and the only time it sees rain or cold weather is if I fail to check the weather across my commute thoroughly.
You wanna put crap Nittos back on? Hell No! I gave the 555's 2 chances never again..
 

IronTerp

Mid-Atlantic Cobra Assoc.
Moderator
Joined
Nov 5, 2003
Messages
17,654
Location
State College, Pa
Continental Extreme Contact DW's. Significantly better than stock, reasonably priced. Michelin PS if money is not a concern.
 

Shaker1

Walkin' on Sunshine
Established Member
Joined
Sep 8, 2002
Messages
1,262
Location
Algonquin IL
Continental Extreme Contact DW's. Significantly better than stock, reasonably priced. Michelin PS if money is not a concern.

Thanks.

It looks like the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 is the more expensive tire. Is that the one you are referring to? As opposed to Pilot Super Sport or PS3? I don't mind paying up for the best traction possible (on a street tire).

And the Continental Extreme Contact Sport looks to be the upgrade from the DW. Better traction I am assuming. Thoughts?

Both come in 295/35-18 (about .9" shorter than oem and a bit wider). Any reason these 26.1" tires would be a problem on my 18x10" rear rims, other than adjusting tire revs? The Conti's come in oem sizing too.
 
Last edited:

Shaker1

Walkin' on Sunshine
Established Member
Joined
Sep 8, 2002
Messages
1,262
Location
Algonquin IL
It looks like in order to match front tire diameter to rears I would need to go with PS2s on rear and PS3s on front (F:295/35-18 & R:255/40-18). Any real problem with that?
 

me32

BEASTLY SHELBY GT500 TVS
Moderator
Premium Member
Joined
Sep 6, 2005
Messages
18,457
Location
CA,NorCal
I would recommend staying with the setup you have. At that power level the DR helps put the power to the ground.
 

Shaker1

Walkin' on Sunshine
Established Member
Joined
Sep 8, 2002
Messages
1,262
Location
Algonquin IL
I would recommend staying with the setup you have. At that power level the DR helps put the power to the ground.

Thanks. I am currently leaning that way. Thought I'd plan out the alternatives before making a final decision.
But, your point is well taken.
 

Users who are viewing this thread



Top