Hey guys, it's getting to be that time on my (new to me) 2002 C5Z and I've been looking at charts and researching tires for a few days now. It seems like everyone thinks highly of the Nitto NT05's. I probably won't track the car (if I do it'll be once or twice a year at most for now) but I do go canyon carving about 3-4 times a month and i do some straight lines on the highway.

Right now the car is lowered on stock bolts with the front bushings cut and the rears removed so it's sitting quite low. The only power mod on the car is a dual intake (not sure what brand even). The car is on stock C5Z rims.

I'm looking for a tire that will have some decent tread life and road noise and be grippy. If I had to put a number on those three things then I'd say grip ranks highest, then tread life, then noise/comfort.

My one concern for the NT05's are the sizes they come in.

Front: 275/40

Rear: 295/35

I'm very afraid of the car looking goofy by having taller tires up front. If anyone has these on their vettes I'd love to see some pics, especially if it's lowered. I'd also like to see what people think of these tires and to know if any other tires would suit my needs.

Thanks for any help in advance guys!

 

I don't know the exact total diameter of the 275-40/17, but if it's actually taller than the rear, you should have a problem with the TC and AH computer. Besides, it'll look stupid. If you don't mind a non-R compound tire, that's sticky, look at the Nitto Invos. They're grippy, quiet, and good in rain. You should be looking for a tire with a 35 aspect ratio, if the rear you've chosen is stock height. Just keep the fronts around 1/2" shorter in diameter than rears, no matter which brand you choose. I know the stock fronts are 40's, but for some reason, going up to 275 width in the tire you chose, is way taller than a 265. I've bought my last two sets of tires at our local Discount Tire store, and they were very helpful. GL, Dave.

 

You'll be fine with 275-40-17's up front. Their diameter is only 25.66" versus 25.34" for the stock 265mm tire. The rears (295-35-18) are 26.12", so TC/AH will be happy.

 

From my research I saw that TC/AH would be happy with the sizes. I guess by bigger concern would be how they look. I would really love a pic of these on someone's vette if available.

zeevette: I looked a the INVO's and they do look like a good fit but it looks like I'll be paying more for less grip. Did I get the wrong impression?

 

I run 555 R2 Extremes. Love them. Same compound as the NT-05s I believe. Stick like glue and ride nice enough for long trips / running errands

 

Now it seems like I'm settling upon two tires:

Nitto NT05's OR Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta's

I'm over the size difference as I found some picture and you can't even tell there's a difference. According to Nitto's site it's only a .49" difference in height.

I'm getting good reviews on both sets of tires, the Vredesteins look like they cost a bit more but not enough to make a difference in my decision. To put it in perspective I live in sunny southern california and DD the car. I will be driving it in rain, although there's almost none here and when it rains it's not really much anyway. Think of it as summer all year round lol.

 

Nt05's have waaaaay better grip, but the vredesteins will last way longer.

 

Based on tread rating and tread pattern, I'm willing to make an educated guess that the NT05's have more dry grip than the Vredesteins. If they're also cheaper then you don't really have much of a decision to make.

 

FWIW, I also:
1) live in SoCal
2) DD my Z06
3) canyon carve 3-4 times per month
4) do straight lines when I get the chance
...and I love my NT05's.

If you live in or near L.A. I can recommend a guy that gave me a great price for mounting and balancing them.

 

I do live near LA actually, and I grew up in hollywood and am around west hollywood pretty often. I'd really appreciate someone with good prices/service.

If he can do alignment as well it would be awesome. I've never owned a lowered car so i'd want to see if there's anything off with my suspension.

Looks like i'll have a new set of NT05's within the comming month!

Thanks for all the help guys!

 

NT05s suck in the rain.

 

Maybe in the east coast rain they do, but we don't get many downpours in SoCal like you do over there. Most of our rain storms would classify as a drizzle to you guys... I know because I lived on the east coast for 20+ years.

 

I run the Vred's onmy 02Z.(F)275/35/18 & (R)295/30/19.

Set was $800 shipped from Wcoast to Ecoast.

Very good dry & wet grip

\db2
carolina

 

Check out Toyo proxes T1Rs. Good price, great looking tread, great grip, great in rain. I'm in SW Fla where we have lots of summer downpours and these are great in the rain. I don't track my car but they're every bit as good as the F1 Goodyears that come stock on the car. They are also quieter than the goodyears and cost less.

 

No, not really. The Invos are a great all-around tire, that perform well in the wet, too. They're very quiet, and should wear well, but ultimately, aren't the finest track tire. The 05s excell there, and IMO, would be better than the Vreds. Sorry to sound so authoritative, because I've owned neither tire, take all that with a chunk of salt.

 

Thanks for all the input guys. Skyavonee was right though, we don't get much rain here in SoCal so I'm not too concerned with wet performance. As long as teh tires don't kill me at the slightest drop of water, I'll be fine lol.

 

how would the Vreds stack up against the Invos?

 

I've got a reprint of a German magazine tire test with 8 major brand tires. The Vredesteins were rated overall #1 and were far ahead of all when it came to wet performance.

 

German mag . . . german tires . . . lol just saying.

Where they compared agains the NT05's?

 

NT-05's and you'll be happy for dry grip and cornering, they just wear fast but you have to decide between grip or wear. They are cheaper then most other tires so your not really losing much money over it once they wear out.