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Nitto 555R 305-35-18 vs. 305-40-18 real world experience and opinions needed.

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Old 10-02-2011, 05:48 PM
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hardcore4sure
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Default Nitto 555R 305-35-18 vs. 305-40-18 real world experience and opinions needed.

In 3 weeks I will finally have my H/C/I installed I have hankooks rs-2
315-30-18 now and they aren't bad but won't be able to hook the new power (440/400 est.) Having Z06 suspension,bilsteins and DTE brace installed. I'm in the city and roads are rough so I'm considering the 40 series to soften the ride up and maybe a little more side wall at launch but mostly for DD Ive run Nittos before 305-35 and have pretty good results Any real world experience with both. Opinions welcome, and yes I know the some of the other DRs hook better but again I'm DD this car.
Old 10-02-2011, 08:33 PM
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AU N EGL
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315-40 that is a tall tire
Old 10-03-2011, 10:58 AM
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silver408z
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When I ordered my tires I was accidently sent 305 40's and I didnt catch till I was at the store having them put on. The 40's would not go on without hitting the rear air ducts. They are very tall like stated above and the profile didnt look right.
Old 10-03-2011, 01:36 PM
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hardcore4sure
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Good to know, that is exactly the type of info I was looking for. Thank you 305-35's it is. Thanks again
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Old 10-03-2011, 01:47 PM
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QUICKSLVR
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305/35/18 Nitto 555R 2's...........incredible dry traction when warm.
Horrible ride, primarily a road racing tire , if you want traction other than a drag radial, this is the tire. Awesome handling , I ran about 22 psi in the rear , my car would dead hook on a moderate launch (432 rear wheel)

down falls......they wear out quickly (7k)
definately NOT a wet weather tire. ( scary)

Old 10-03-2011, 02:46 PM
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Blue Angel
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I will offer a more positive outlook on the 305/35-18 RII.

I have daily driven this tire in the rear (with the 285/35-18 in the front) for seven years ('02Z bought in spring '04, switched to RIIs in '05). In my opinion, a better all around tire does not exist for a daily driven 'Vette when performance expectations are HIGH. No 200+ treadwear rated tire will come close.

Yes, standing water and heavy downpours are to be driven in with COMMON SENSE which generally means slowing down. Wet roads and light rain are no problem whatsoever.

Ride comfort and noise performance are both significanlty better than the Goodyear F1s the car came with. The sidewall of the RII may be stiffer than some tires, but it's softer than the F1 SC and FAR softer than runflats. It's soft enough that I run -0.75 degrees of camber and have even wear on both inside and outside tread through the life of the tire with no track days (100% street driving, 70% highway).

I get ~12000 miles out of a set, with the rears going first. I have toe set close to zero front and rear, which helps tire wear.

I wouldn't hesitate to reccomend the RII for daily driving. Handles acceleration/braking very well for a tire that can handle so extreme in the corners.
Old 10-03-2011, 05:27 PM
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I may just consider the RII but was really looking at the DR , they are mainly the same with the R2 having a stiffer sidewall. I guess wear will be the same.

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