[Z06] Different "Which tire?" Question...I swear!
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 106
Likes: 19
From: Ontario, California
When I first bought my '02 Z06 I replaced the very worn F1's with stock-sized Michelin PS2's, which were an immediate improvement. After almost 20,000 miles, I was very glad to get rid of the PS2's and replace them with NT-05's. The Nittos are (in my opinion) much better tires than the PS2's for the way I drive (spirited driving and occasional autocross). I have a Porsche 911 that we track, or I would have considered getting the NT-01's and doing DE's with the Z06.
The main problem I experienced with the PS2's, other than high initial cost, was that they were noisy and followed just about every rut and crack in the road and freeway. The Nittos are much quieter, have much better grip, and the car does not want to dart around on the freeway. As the old Mamas & Papas song goes, it never rains in Southern California, so I have no experience with the NT-05's in the wet.
Based on recommendations of local autocrossers, I wanted to try the new Kumho XS's, but they don't come in the stock rear size. Since I had corded all four PS2's at an autocross and could not wait a week to get the XS's, I decided to get the NT-05's at less than 2/3rd's the cost of replacement PS2's. I think the XS's would be a good choice too.
Rod
The main problem I experienced with the PS2's, other than high initial cost, was that they were noisy and followed just about every rut and crack in the road and freeway. The Nittos are much quieter, have much better grip, and the car does not want to dart around on the freeway. As the old Mamas & Papas song goes, it never rains in Southern California, so I have no experience with the NT-05's in the wet.
Based on recommendations of local autocrossers, I wanted to try the new Kumho XS's, but they don't come in the stock rear size. Since I had corded all four PS2's at an autocross and could not wait a week to get the XS's, I decided to get the NT-05's at less than 2/3rd's the cost of replacement PS2's. I think the XS's would be a good choice too.
Rod
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,000
Likes: 2
One thing I didn't mention about the Kumho XS's is a buddy of mine with a 08 Viper putting down around 680whp runs those tires on the street. It has a Quaife rear diff but even with that much power surprisingly it really can put it down. He really likes them on the road course too.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 34,124
Likes: 105
From: Pensacola FL
I was checking out the Nitto NT-05s and love the aggressive tread-pattern. I have yet to see any good sidewall pics, tho...anybody have some? I guess I could start a new thread for that...
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,028
Likes: 170
From: oregon
When I first bought my '02 Z06 I replaced the very worn F1's with stock-sized Michelin PS2's, which were an immediate improvement. After almost 20,000 miles, I was very glad to get rid of the PS2's and replace them with NT-05's. The Nittos are (in my opinion) much better tires than the PS2's for the way I drive (spirited driving and occasional autocross). I have a Porsche 911 that we track, or I would have considered getting the NT-01's and doing DE's with the Z06.
The main problem I experienced with the PS2's, other than high initial cost, was that they were noisy and followed just about every rut and crack in the road and freeway. The Nittos are much quieter, have much better grip, and the car does not want to dart around on the freeway. As the old Mamas & Papas song goes, it never rains in Southern California, so I have no experience with the NT-05's in the wet.
Based on recommendations of local autocrossers, I wanted to try the new Kumho XS's, but they don't come in the stock rear size. Since I had corded all four PS2's at an autocross and could not wait a week to get the XS's, I decided to get the NT-05's at less than 2/3rd's the cost of replacement PS2's. I think the XS's would be a good choice too.
Rod
The main problem I experienced with the PS2's, other than high initial cost, was that they were noisy and followed just about every rut and crack in the road and freeway. The Nittos are much quieter, have much better grip, and the car does not want to dart around on the freeway. As the old Mamas & Papas song goes, it never rains in Southern California, so I have no experience with the NT-05's in the wet.
Based on recommendations of local autocrossers, I wanted to try the new Kumho XS's, but they don't come in the stock rear size. Since I had corded all four PS2's at an autocross and could not wait a week to get the XS's, I decided to get the NT-05's at less than 2/3rd's the cost of replacement PS2's. I think the XS's would be a good choice too.
Rod
this is the problem with the XS, the 315 30 18 is a bit too short for the rear. i tested these back to back against falken 615s on a FWD autocross car that i own and was consistently a second faster on the XS. steering response is also better. at least the nitto NT05 is made in the correct or near correct c5 z sizes. the few people i have spoken with who have driven them LOVE EM
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 226
Likes: 2
rode in an extremely flat c5 caged out.. sparco seats, harnesses, pfadts.. i THINK he was running yokohama A048 or something along those lines..
anyhow that that car was pretty much stuck to the surface.. had to go absolutely silly speeds into a turn to even get it to begin to drift out of any groove you chose.
he runs those on the street.
ill search his name real quick and see if i can find him.
*correction. toyo R888's
anyhow that that car was pretty much stuck to the surface.. had to go absolutely silly speeds into a turn to even get it to begin to drift out of any groove you chose.
he runs those on the street.
ill search his name real quick and see if i can find him.
*correction. toyo R888's
Last edited by CoreyZ06; Oct 28, 2009 at 01:26 AM.
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 31,177
Likes: 406
From: Raleigh NC
If there is not - there should be a tire sticky.
I was searching for tires - and size was the biggest hurdle.
Stock 04 Z - 265/40/17 and 295/35/18
I wanted NT-05's - or something similar w/ a 200 ish treadwear rating. They are for limited street - and maybe wet track use.
I bought
275/35/17 (typical +1 sizing - good...)
and
295/35/18
So I don't fubar active handling / abs etc - at least that's the plan.
I will get them Friday - the car is track/play only.
-ken
I was searching for tires - and size was the biggest hurdle.
Stock 04 Z - 265/40/17 and 295/35/18
I wanted NT-05's - or something similar w/ a 200 ish treadwear rating. They are for limited street - and maybe wet track use.
I bought
275/35/17 (typical +1 sizing - good...)
and
295/35/18
So I don't fubar active handling / abs etc - at least that's the plan.
I will get them Friday - the car is track/play only.
-ken
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Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,028
Likes: 170
From: oregon
yes, the 888 and ao48 from yoke are both track tires that perform best over 100deg
the neat thing about the nitto nt05 is that it's a real street tire and can be had in near stock sizes as stated above. 275/295 won't mess with the active handling like other combos can
the neat thing about the nitto nt05 is that it's a real street tire and can be had in near stock sizes as stated above. 275/295 won't mess with the active handling like other combos can
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 226
Likes: 2
i dont know that they are a cut race tire? bc i dont know what cut means. but they are a tire that bridges the gap between street and track.
http://toyotires.com/tire/pattern/proxes-r888
more track than street. they would perform best hot but what tire wouldnt? we just left the driveway went and hit the local clover leaf and did work on the turns.. didnt have to do any special tire heating or anything. just for information's sake.
http://toyotires.com/tire/pattern/proxes-r888
more track than street. they would perform best hot but what tire wouldnt? we just left the driveway went and hit the local clover leaf and did work on the turns.. didnt have to do any special tire heating or anything. just for information's sake.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,028
Likes: 170
From: oregon
cut race tire is another word for grooved slick. the 888 is a great tire, just has a treadlife that may be a bit short for some members. the nitto nt01 is another tire just like it and has a treadlife around the 7500 mile mark
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 14,999
Likes: 312
From: P-town Baby! Virginia
i just went thru this with a set of stock size rims....went with the firestone's. tireracked 'em in and had em mounted balance...etc at firestone w/an alignment. got a good discount by slapping everyting on their creditcard. They are a good tire for the money. I have driven on them in wet and dry conditions...and i like them.
