Drag Radials Front And Back?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 900
Likes: 0
From: New Bern NC
Drag Radials Front And Back?
Finally made a decision to use Nitto 555R drag radials on the rear 18x10.5 wheels. Should I use the 305-35-18, or 305-45-18? After that, should I use the drag radials on the front, and if so what size, and if not what type tire that kind of matches.
I'll be glad to get past this tire issue. thanks for your patients and time.
97Rob
PS the front wheels are 17x9.5
I'll be glad to get past this tire issue. thanks for your patients and time.
97Rob
PS the front wheels are 17x9.5
Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 12,952
Likes: 0
From: Greer SC
Cruise-In II Veteran
Just curious. Do you run at the dragstrip a lot? We run Nitto NT-555RII Road Race Tires. Excellent off the line traction for me (500 RWHP & 525 RWTQ) but from what I have read, a lot better than the drag radials for aggressive cornering. We run 285/35 ZR18 & 305/35 ZR18.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 900
Likes: 0
From: New Bern NC
No, I realy don't have plans of spending much time at the drag strip. The main thing I want to accomplish is to have the tire stick @ heavy acceleration. Will the 555rII accomplish this? If so it would be a well rounded tire, and i may have to call and change my order in the morning. I order 305-35-18 back & 275-40-17 front.
97 R
97 R
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,979
Likes: 281
From: Tulsa OK
You would be better off with the RII in front. It is the same compound with a stiffer side wall. Personally, I went with the 305/35/18 drag radials in back and opted for a better street tire for the fronts....Michelin PS2. I have been running this combination for almost 6 months now and love it. 
Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 12,952
Likes: 0
From: Greer SC
Cruise-In II Veteran
Originally Posted by 97Rob
The main thing I want to accomplish is to have the tire stick @ heavy acceleration. Will the 555rII accomplish this?
Before changing your order I would post this question over in drag racing & road racing sections for additional input. Just remember, Nittos do not run well in the rain. Good Luck.
Pics of our car with Nittos...
Cherish your Hopes...
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 13,074
Likes: 236
From: West Palm Beach FL
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07
StuzVette
Nitto 555R autocross (not drag)
...theyre very similar but the side walls are firmer
front 285 35 18 on 18X9.5 wheel...
rear 305 35 18 on 18X10.5 wheel...
Like Sully said...they stick like glue...
Nitto 555R autocross (not drag)
...theyre very similar but the side walls are firmer
front 285 35 18 on 18X9.5 wheel...
rear 305 35 18 on 18X10.5 wheel...
Like Sully said...they stick like glue...
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Cherish your Hopes...
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 13,074
Likes: 236
From: West Palm Beach FL
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07
twisties
Originally Posted by ls1vette97
I was wondering the same, how do the 555R's handle the twisties?
...they straighten the road out...
Originally Posted by Sully C5
Just curious. Do you run at the dragstrip a lot? We run Nitto NT-555RII Road Race Tires. Excellent off the line traction for me (500 RWHP & 525 RWTQ) but from what I have read, a lot better than the drag radials for aggressive cornering. We run 285/35 ZR18 & 305/35 ZR18.
