Z06_505

I recently got a set of 18" rims for the rear and I am now ready to purchase tires. I want a set that will give me the best performance on the track while enabling me to drive them to the track. I have previously been running Hoosier R6's (295/345) but I am tired of all the work at the track to change tires. I don't want to trailer the car either. Here is a list of options I am considering. I'm leaning towards the Nitto set, but wonder if I am going too narrow in the rear. I do get some push with the 295/345 Hoosier setup, so narrower tires in the rear may be the way to go. I'm still learning, so I am interested in other opinions.

..................................Front. ..................Rear....
Wheel size.................18" x 9.5".............18" x 12"..
Mich Pilot Spt Cup.....285/30ZR-18.......315/30ZR-18
Mich Pilot Spt Cup.....285/30ZR-18.......345/30ZR-18
Nitto Ext 555 RII........285/35ZR18.........305/35ZR18
Kumho V70A.............285/30ZR18.........335/30ZR18
TOYO RA-1'S............275/35ZR18.........335/30ZR18

Z06KahunaCanuck

I ran the Sport Cups on my C5Z06 and loved them...they aren't good in standing water (none on that list are), but ok on wet tracks once they heat up. The key is to be patient for the first few laps...very streetable. If they came in anything that would work in 19" sizing I would run them all the time.

Short-Throw

I ran 285F/345R-18 last year. Like Kahuna said, if you're patient for a few laps, you will be rewarded.

Here are the exact sizes you listed third on your list with the identical rim sizes:






Mike

allanlaw

I'm just finishing up my third set of Nittos, and would recommend them. They are really good on the track, the front/back size relationship seems to provide very neutral handling, and I've driven as far as 350 miles each way to get to the track and they're fine on the road. The spec may seem to be narrower in the back than stock, but the actual footprint is about the same. Note that you may have to turn TC off on the highway because of the different front/back diameter ratio compared to the stock RF's. I have friends who have had good results with the Toyo's. I don't know anyone who runs the Kumho's on a C6Z, but they sure do a good job on C5Z's at the track (virtually no tread, however, so be careful on the road). The Michelin's seem a bit pricey for what they are - the Nitto's are a much better deal. Finally, you might want to try the Nitto NT01's.

Z06_505

I like the looks of the NT01's too...but the size range won't accomodate a 12" wide wheel. As an FYI, here's what Nitto told me when I asked about deviating:

Car: 2006 Corvette C6Z06
Comments/Questions :
The rim size range for the Nitto NT01 315/30ZR-18 is 10.5 to 11.5. I
have 18x12 rims on the rear of my car for tracking purposes. Any chance
I could put this tire on a 12" rim and track it safely. My max speeds
are in the 150 range.

We do not recommend any fitments outside the approved rim width
range. The major concerns about fitting tires on unapproved rim widths
are abnormal wear, tire road contact, and bead seating. We apologize
for not being able to accommodate your current tire needs. We thank you
for your interest in Nitto Tires.
Thank you,
Nitto Technical Department

I agree that the 555 RII's seem like the best buy.

allanlaw

I know the specs from Nitto, but I think they will work on a 12" wheel - at least, I'd be willing to try. 1/2" is not that much of a stretch. In any event, you should like the RII's if you go that way. Set camber to -1.7 front, -1.3 rear, and the car will run like its on rails at the track. Compared to my C5, this setup feels like it will drive by itself. Flip the front tires around on the wheels after 3 track days for a little extra wear. Enjoy.

Z06_505

How do you think the RII's on the rear would track with the Hoosier's on the front? They still have a few events left on them.

I've been running -2.4 camber with the Hoosier's. Is that too aggressive for the RII's?

Thanks.

RoHo

Short throw - are those CCW wheels your running and are those 18x12's in the rear?

AU N EGL

May not be a good idea to run two differnt brands, let alone differnt age tires. Different rubber compounds and heat cycles.

Replace all your tires at the same time.

Hoosiers should not be driven to and from the event.

Short-Throw

The rims are FIKSE. Very very light and very durable.

The rear wheel size is as you stated, 18x12


Mike

Fast Yellow

[QUOTE=allanlaw;1559007722] The spec may seem to be narrower in the back than stock, but the actual footprint is about the same. Note that you may have to turn TC off on the highway because of the different front/back diameter ratio compared to the stock RF's. QUOTE]

What size rims are you running in the rear.

Would 18 X 10.5 with 315/30/ZR18 NT01 fit.

I want to keep the C6 Z06 style Compitiion Gray wheels and run a compition tire. If I run 19 inch on the rear, my tire budget gets to high.

I have been running Hooziers, but I get a push and if I adjust the tire pressure to eliminate it I get to much wear.

Roy1

I ran the Nitto RII for 4 years and it is a good tire . But switched to TOYO RA1 because TOYO's were cheaper. Although the RA1 is not as good as the RII when new (this is because of the deeper tread profile of the RA1) The RA1 will outlast plus once the tread gets down to about 4/32 it will out stick . Also It seems the RA1 can handle heat better then the RII .