Tire questions for my 2013 Shelby GT500. I'm currently running Nitto NT555 G2s with 285/35ZR20s in the back. Have the 265s up front.

[MustangSteve1965]

I cannot get traction. I know with this much power (648 RWHP) I'm going to struggle anyway, but it seems like even in 2nd gear I'm struggling to get traction.

The tires are practically brand new, so I'm not excited about spending money on 4 more new tires, so could I simply swap out the rears for the Nitto NT555 drag radials? If so, what size?

Or am I simply throwing money away trying to get better traction with tires and should I upgrade the stock suspension to better put the power down?

 

[Klaus]

could I simply swap out the rears for the Nitto NT555 drag radials?

yes.

If so, what size?

305s or 295s. You might get a little bulge with 305s.

Or am I simply throwing money away trying to get better traction with tires

No. Night and day difference between these and 285 G2s.

should I upgrade the stock suspension to better put the power down?

You should be fine on DRs.

 

[Norton]

I cannot get traction. I know with this much power (648 RWHP) I'm going to struggle anyway, but it seems like even in 2nd gear I'm struggling to get traction.

The tires are practically brand new, so I'm not excited about spending money on 4 more new tires, so could I simply swap out the rears for the Nitto NT555 drag radials? If so, what size?

Or am I simply throwing money away trying to get better traction with tires and should I upgrade the stock suspension to better put the power down?

To confirm, you're looking for traction from a 648 RWHP GT500 in Detroit in the winter?

What practically brand new tires are you running? In what road and weather conditions are you looking for traction? No insult intended but, how well-versed are you in winter driving and modulating right pedal input?

Suspension upgrades will definitely help.

 

[2011 gtcs]

Just get a set of 315/35R20 Nitto 555R2 drag radials, they fit perfect on stock wheels, I've ran them numerous times on all my GT500s.

 

[LS WUT]

Just get a set of 315/35R20 Nitto 555R2 drag radials, they fit perfect on stock wheels, I've ran them numerous times on all my GT500s. View attachment 1825874

I didn’t know we could fit 315’s on stock wheels? I’ve got the track pack wheels.

 

[MustangSteve1965]

To confirm, you're looking for traction from a 648 RWHP GT500 in Detroit in the winter?

What practically brand new tires are you running? In what road and weather conditions are you looking for traction? No insult intended but, how well-versed are you in winter driving and modulating right pedal input?

Suspension upgrades will definitely help.

No, I'm getting anxious for spring/summer. I don't drive it in the winter.

I'm running Nitto NT555G2s all around.

 

[MustangSteve1965]

Just get a set of 315/35R20 Nitto 555R2 drag radials, they fit perfect on stock wheels, I've ran them numerous times on all my GT500s. View attachment 1825874

Awesome and thanks!

So no problem with rubbing or anything with the 315s?

 

[MustangSteve1965]

I didn’t know we could fit 315’s on stock wheels? I’ve got the track pack wheels.

Same, I have the stock track pack wheels also.

 

[COOL COBRA]

If you’re not winter driving, Toyo 888 even in stock size will hook 648 wheel HP without the drawbacks of a drag radial.

 

[Norton]

I didn’t know we could fit 315’s on stock wheels? I’ve got the track pack wheels.

Base and Performance Pack wheels are identical in configuration. Differences are appearance only.

I'm not arguing with Steve's results but, with all due respect, I wouldn't run that large a tire on our stock (9.5") wheels. According to Nitto, the tire is designed for a 10.5"-12.5" wheel.

No, I'm getting anxious for spring/summer. I don't drive it in the winter.

I'm running Nitto NT555G2s all around.

That makes sense. Thanks for clarifying.

You might improve your situation with different tires (e.g., NT555 RII, Toyo Proxes R888, etc), but suspension upgrades are likely to yield the greatest benefits.

 

[MustangSteve1965]

If you’re not winter driving, Toyo 888 even in stock size will hook 648 wheel HP without the drawbacks of a drag radial.

Thanks.

Would I need to replace my front tires though?

I know the Nitto drag radials can be used with my existing Nitto NT555s up front.

 

[MustangSteve1965]

Base and Performance Pack wheels are identical in configuration. Differences are appearance only.

I'm not arguing with Steve's results but, with all due respect, I wouldn't run that large a tire on our stock (9.5") wheels. According to Nitto, the tire is designed for a 10.5"-12.5" wheel.
View attachment 1825915


That makes sense. Thanks for clarifying.

You might improve your situation with different tires (e.g., NT555 RII, Toyo Proxes R888, etc), but suspension upgrades are likely to yield the greatest benefits.

Going to ask Lidio what his thoughts are.

I'm going to have him put in a new rear end in the spring and based on peoples recommendations here, going with 3.73s.

I'm also now itching for more horsepower, after saying to myself that 650 to the rear wheels is enough. I'm thinking I may want to get to 700 at the wheels, but of course, where does it end? LOL!

That's the fun of it!

 

[COOL COBRA]

Thanks.

Would I need to replace my front tires though?

I know the Nitto drag radials can be used with my existing Nitto NT555s up front.

Nope. You can run whatever you wish on the front.
Have you ever ran a drag radial? They do hook well for dry straight line traction. I’ve got them on one of my cars. The drawback is they are deadly slick on the wet. Also I found them to be a bad choice if you do any fast or even semi-fast cornering.
The Toyo has the best of both worlds. They hook & also let you corner like it’s on rails.

 

[1Kona_Venom]

Toyo R88R outback
MPSS4's up front
Basic Bolt on suspension upgrades

715rwtq w/ 3:73's
Pavement must be warm
Toyos aired down to 27psi on fun trips
Can drive safely in rain

 

[Vinnie_B]

I cannot get traction. I know with this much power (648 RWHP) I'm going to struggle anyway, but it seems like even in 2nd gear I'm struggling to get traction.

The tires are practically brand new, so I'm not excited about spending money on 4 more new tires, so could I simply swap out the rears for the Nitto NT555 drag radials? If so, what size?

Or am I simply throwing money away trying to get better traction with tires and should I upgrade the stock suspension to better put the power down?

Wider...........the better......Its not always about the size of the rubber........its how you lay it down........

 

[MustangSteve1965]

Nope. You can run whatever you wish on the front.
Have you ever ran a drag radial? They do hook well for dry straight line traction. I’ve got them on one of my cars. The drawback is they are deadly slick on the wet. Also I found them to be a bad choice if you do any fast or even semi-fast cornering.
The Toyo has the best of both worlds. They hook & also let you corner like it’s on rails.

Good to know and thanks!

Other than by accident, I'll never be out in the rain.

I'll definitely check out the Toyo.

 

[MustangSteve1965]

Toyo R88R outback
MPSS4's up front
Basic Bolt on suspension upgrades

715rwtq w/ 3:73's
Pavement must be warm
Toyos aired down to 27psi on fun trips
Can drive safely in rain




View attachment 1825925

Also, love the look of the exhaust. What exhaust is it?

 

[Norton]

Also, love the look of the exhaust. What exhaust is it?

I can't speak to what Kona's running in front of it, but what you see in the rear is 2013-2014 Shelby GT500 Super Snake Borla Exhaust.

 

[MustangSteve1965]

I can't speak to what Kona's running in front of it, but what you see in the rear is 2013-2014 Shelby GT500 Super Snake Borla Exhaust.

Thanks! Looks great!

 

[MustangSteve1965]

Thanks! Looks great!

Any issues with either the Toyo or the Nitto "cracking" in cold weather? I live in Michigan and my car is stored in an unheated garage. I do have it parked on an armor all floor covering and the car will not be driven in the winter. I have it parked and hooked up to a battery tender.