What a HUGE difference!
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Downers Grove IL
St. Jude Donor '15
What a HUGE difference!
I know it's been stated here a million times before, but today was my first drive without the runflats. I put on some Nitto 555 Extremes, and the difference in ride quality is night and day! I've read many threads about ditching the EMT's, and now I see why it's a good idea. Compressor and plug kit will be purchased soon. 
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2001
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From: Chicago (Naperville) IL
Originally Posted by Freestyler
what do they go for roughly in stock sizings (18 rear , 17 front) -
allup spend = ??
allup spend = ??
).My set of four cost me around $750, from Discount Tire.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 47,647
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From: Queens, New York Life begins at 183 mph....
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
I just got a set of Nitto 555 RIIs and I love them!! They are as soft and quiet as the michelin PS2s but feel more solid in corners and have a better grip. In the last few months, I went from stock runflats to Michelin PS2s to KDWs to Nitto 555 RIIs and I have to say, they are my favorite tires.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: "Man been singin' the Blues, since he began to till the ground"...Vancouver, USA WA.
Originally Posted by Chicago
I know it's been stated here a million times before, but today was my first drive without the runflats. I put on some Nitto 555 Extremes, and the difference in ride quality is night and day! I've read many threads about ditching the EMT's, and now I see why it's a good idea. Compressor and plug kit will be purchased soon.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 10,295
Likes: 4
From: Downers Grove IL
St. Jude Donor '15
Originally Posted by Freestyler
what do they go for roughly in stock sizings (18 rear , 17 front) -
allup spend = ??
allup spend = ??
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Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 10,295
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From: Downers Grove IL
St. Jude Donor '15
Originally Posted by herringchoker
Make sure you have flatbed tow truck coverage, you'll be lucky to make it from the left lane to the "E" lane w/out shredding your sidewall. "Air & Goop" kit will not help. I know!
Yeah man, that's the one thing I truly dread about making the switch. My insurance covers towing, and I'll probably get AAA just to be safe. Hopefully, it will be a long time (knock wood) before it happens.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,210
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Originally Posted by Chicago
From Discount Tire Online, I got them out the door for $592 (free shipping!) My local tire shop put them on my new wheels for another $100 (road force balanced, and used tape weights instead of the crappy weights from the factory.) As an added bonus, I swapped the batteries in the sensors, and they work great. 22 bucks versus 370 for new ones. Sweet!
sweet!
what batteries and where did you get em for $22 i need to / should do this too... have you thought about putting a 'how to' together?
did the wheel shop not mind you fussing around the tire while they did their stuff? - still scratching my head where the sensor is but...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,210
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Originally Posted by Alex1217
I just got a set of Nitto 555 RIIs and I love them!! They are as soft and quiet as the michelin PS2s but feel more solid in corners and have a better grip. In the last few months, I went from stock runflats to Michelin PS2s to KDWs to Nitto 555 RIIs and I have to say, they are my favorite tires.
sounds like NITTO 555 RII's ...are the bollocks then.
stock sizings?
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 47,647
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From: Queens, New York Life begins at 183 mph....
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Originally Posted by Freestyler
cheers for the feedback-
sounds like NITTO 555 RII's ...are the bollocks then.
stock sizings?
sounds like NITTO 555 RII's ...are the bollocks then.
stock sizings?
Nah, I got a new set of CCW SP500s mounted on 285/35/18s in the front, 305/35/18s in the rear.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,409
Likes: 34
From: St. Louis Missouri
Originally Posted by Freestyler
sweet!
what batteries and where did you get em for $22 i need to / should do this too... have you thought about putting a 'how to' together?
did the wheel shop not mind you fussing around the tire while they did their stuff? - still scratching my head where the sensor is but...
what batteries and where did you get em for $22 i need to / should do this too... have you thought about putting a 'how to' together?
did the wheel shop not mind you fussing around the tire while they did their stuff? - still scratching my head where the sensor is but...
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 10,295
Likes: 4
From: Downers Grove IL
St. Jude Donor '15
Originally Posted by Freestyler
sweet!
what batteries and where did you get em for $22 i need to / should do this too... have you thought about putting a 'how to' together?
did the wheel shop not mind you fussing around the tire while they did their stuff? - still scratching my head where the sensor is but...
what batteries and where did you get em for $22 i need to / should do this too... have you thought about putting a 'how to' together?
did the wheel shop not mind you fussing around the tire while they did their stuff? - still scratching my head where the sensor is but...
Here's a link on how to change the batteries:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...9&page=1&pp=20
The sensor is built into the valve stem. It takes a little time, and you have to be careful. I did my fronts as an experiment, and they both work fine. The CR 2477 battery is really tough to find right now. I got mine from BatteriesPlus. $5 per battery. They will weld the tabs on the battery for you. Some have used rubber to seal them, I used epoxy. The epoxy is permenant, but I figured that if the sensor didn't work then I'd buy a new one anyway. Get your tires dismounted early and replace the batteries then. I had my car up on jackstands in the garage while I was putting everything together.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 10,295
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From: Downers Grove IL
St. Jude Donor '15
Originally Posted by waupachino
I would like to know the above also. If you are able to change the batteries in the sensors, then why is everybody buying new sensors?
The batteries are buried in a "potting" material. You have to dig it out of the back of the sensor, then pry the battery out. They didn't put in a little "door" to swap the batteries like you would in your remote control. This seems too much of a pain for some folks to try, so they opt to pay the Vette tax for a set of new sensors. Since I have access to an electronics shop, I figured I'd give it a try. If you don't have access to an electronics shop, all you need is some patience, a new battery (with tabs welded on) and a soldering iron. The instructions in the link above are fantastic.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,210
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Alex1217
I just got a set of Nitto 555 RIIs and I love them!! They are as soft and quiet as the michelin PS2s but feel more solid in corners and have a better grip. In the last few months, I went from stock runflats to Michelin PS2s to KDWs to Nitto 555 RIIs and I have to say, they are my favorite tires.
(275/40/ZR18) for $196
<<but NO nitto>>'s
discounttiredirect.com has the Nitto
for $200 for 275/40ZR-18 (they just call em Nitto NT 555 Extreme Performance --> not sure if they translate to your RII's
The question - should I get the Nitto's (are they 'the ones you like' ?) on the rear with my GY OEM runflats on the front (bit of tread left in em , maybe 4/32nds or 5/32)
or the Eagle F1 GS's
-i am happy to move off runcraps for a throw and see how they go, but given the cost, will need to move the rear soonas, then the fronts in a month or so what do youguys think?
Cheers
Freestyler
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 47,647
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From: Queens, New York Life begins at 183 mph....
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Originally Posted by Freestyler
i see tirerack.com has the Goodyear Eagle F1 GS rear sizing
(275/40/ZR18) for $196
<<but NO nitto>>'s
discounttiredirect.com has the Nitto
for $200 for 275/40ZR-18 (they just call em Nitto NT 555 Extreme Performance --> not sure if they translate to your RII's
The question - should I get the Nitto's (are they 'the ones you like' ?) on the rear with my GY OEM runflats on the front (bit of tread left in em , maybe 4/32nds or 5/32)
or the Eagle F1 GS's
-i am happy to move off runcraps for a throw and see how they go, but given the cost, will need to move the rear soonas, then the fronts in a month or so what do youguys think?
Cheers
Freestyler
(275/40/ZR18) for $196
<<but NO nitto>>'s
discounttiredirect.com has the Nitto
for $200 for 275/40ZR-18 (they just call em Nitto NT 555 Extreme Performance --> not sure if they translate to your RII's
The question - should I get the Nitto's (are they 'the ones you like' ?) on the rear with my GY OEM runflats on the front (bit of tread left in em , maybe 4/32nds or 5/32)
or the Eagle F1 GS's
-i am happy to move off runcraps for a throw and see how they go, but given the cost, will need to move the rear soonas, then the fronts in a month or so what do youguys think?
Cheers
Freestyler
You should never mix tire brands, ever!!! Mixing tire brands with different tread patterns, compound materials, and especially footprints can lead to instability and even an accident.
I have the Nitto 555 RIIs which are competition tires. They are still DOT rated for the street but have a shorter tread lifespan and aren't recommended in the rain (a few forum members have mentioned that they perform well under rainy conditions but its still not recommended). The Nittos you showed me are their standard DOT tires, they have a bit less grip but better overall weather performance and treadlife. I've heard they are very good tires as well.
I would go with the Nittos on all 4 wheels. Just remember to get a small air compressor with them.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,210
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Alex1217
You should never mix tire brands, ever!!! Mixing tire brands with different tread patterns, compound materials, and especially footprints can lead to instability and even an accident.
I have the Nitto 555 RIIs which are competition tires. They are still DOT rated for the street but have a shorter tread lifespan and aren't recommended in the rain (a few forum members have mentioned that they perform well under rainy conditions but its still not recommended). The Nittos you showed me are their standard DOT tires, they have a bit less grip but better overall weather performance and treadlife. I've heard they are very good tires as well.
I would go with the Nittos on all 4 wheels. Just remember to get a small air compressor with them.
I have the Nitto 555 RIIs which are competition tires. They are still DOT rated for the street but have a shorter tread lifespan and aren't recommended in the rain (a few forum members have mentioned that they perform well under rainy conditions but its still not recommended). The Nittos you showed me are their standard DOT tires, they have a bit less grip but better overall weather performance and treadlife. I've heard they are very good tires as well.
I would go with the Nittos on all 4 wheels. Just remember to get a small air compressor with them.
by the way discounttiredirect has the Nitto NT 555 fronts on sale for 107$
http://www.discounttiredirect.com/di...86&rd=17&ar=45
thats $614 shipped for a set!
about ready to jump in but the last line on their page states:
Z-speed rated.
This tire is especially popular with drifting enthusiasts. For more information, visit the Discount Tire/America's Tire Drifting Team website.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 47,647
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From: Queens, New York Life begins at 183 mph....
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Originally Posted by Freestyler
sweet - i agree its dangerous, just wondering if , for that reason the nonfunrat GY Eagle's would be an OK choice to pair with the runcraps up front for now...seems its time to just bite the bullet tho
by the way discounttiredirect has the Nitto NT 555 fronts on sale for 107$
http://www.discounttiredirect.com/di...86&rd=17&ar=45
thats $614 shipped for a set!
about ready to jump in but the last line on their page states:
Z-speed rated.
This tire is especially popular with drifting enthusiasts. For more information, visit the Discount Tire/America's Tire Drifting Team website.
by the way discounttiredirect has the Nitto NT 555 fronts on sale for 107$
http://www.discounttiredirect.com/di...86&rd=17&ar=45
thats $614 shipped for a set!
about ready to jump in but the last line on their page states:
Z-speed rated.
This tire is especially popular with drifting enthusiasts. For more information, visit the Discount Tire/America's Tire Drifting Team website.
If you're gonna stick with the Goodyear Eagles, you might as well get the runflats. The difference in sidewall stiffness may be a problem. BTW, the Z rating just means that the tire is rated for speeds up to 155+ mph (have to check the exact speed but should be close). As for it being a popular tire for drifting, that would kind of freak me out. The Nitto 555 RIIs I have are extremely sticky tires, they are a combo of street tires and drag radials. The 555s sound like a good overall tire for you. I don't know why they would say that the standard 555s are good for drifting, I don't know much about what makes a good drifting tire anyway.
Have you looked at other options?? The Michelin Pilot sport runflats are quieter than the the goodyears and get good reviews, if you want to stick with runflats. I don't know how much they go for though. The BF Goodrich KDW IIS I had were really good nonrunflat tires and the price wasn't too bad. There are so many choices in stock sizes, it all depends on what you want.
Last edited by Alex1217; Mar 27, 2006 at 04:08 PM.