[Z06] Nitto NT05 review - street wet and dry + auto-x
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 3,027
Likes: 137
From: Nashville TN area
Nitto NT05 review - street wet and dry + auto-x
Well folks, i know this is a well reviewed tire, but I offer my opinions as a direct comparison of the Nitto Invos that I replaced on my 2006 Z06 with NT05 tires recently.
I have had them on the car about a month, long enough to have good comparison of dry and wet weather street performance and yesterday autocrossed with them..
The Invo is hands down the better street tire, only giving up straight line, dry weather hard acceleration traction to the NT05. If you don't race off the line at stop lights, there is no benefit to NT05's for street duty. I call
on any review that says NT05 are good wet weather performers. Brand new, 1 day on the car, got caught in a rainstorm on the highway. I had hydroplaning at 70mph - bad. I hauled it down to 55mph and managed my way out of the storm. The Invos, even beyond half life, never exhibited this kind of hydroplaning behavior.
On the street, I never reached the cornering limit of the Invo.
So.. let's move on to autocross experience. Here, the NT05 is the clear winner (dry weather comparison). These things are probably as good as slicks were 5-10 years ago. Yesterday's course was about 40 seconds in size, favoring a high speed setup. I.e. nothing so tight that a cooper mini could use it's mini size advantage effectively. The configuration included a tough turn-around at the far end and a tight slalom before the finish, but found us deep into 3rd gear in the mid section (maybe 105mph?)
My car is an '06 Z06, stock except for a CAI and tune. I had a best lap of 38.3 seconds.
A race prepped C4 on slicks matched my NT05 times. A C6Z06 stock drivetrain but pfadt coilovers, carbotech brakes and full slicks bested the day at 35.8, only 2.5 seconds faster than my NT05 equipped car.
Those minis.. where were they you ask? Well even those who were tuned and equipped with slicks turned about 40.5 seconds - enough to keep pace with my buddy in his AMG C63 4 door sled (4000 lb mercedes!) shod with Invos.
Bottom line, if your car lives on the street with only occassional autocross or stop light racing, the Invo offers far superior all-conditions performance with only marginal trade in the dry.
If you auto-x once a month at least and you don't mind slowing down a little in the rain, the NT05 is today's choice.
Until I ran the autocross yesterday, I was really second guessing my choice to switch from the Invos.
I'll follow up on tire life a year from now
The Invos gave me 15000 miles of enjoyment, including 4 HPDE track days and a dozen autocross events.
Hopefully at least one person finds this write-up helpful.
OK, fast forward 9 months and that was the end of the NT05's. Unfortunately I did not record mileage exactly, but I'll estimate 8 to 10 thousand miles, 6 tough autocross weekends (100+ runs) and 1 HPDE. I think about half the life that I got from the original Invos all in all. Enjoyed the tires, but switched back to Invos for better life. Another set of wheels (used) and slicks (used) would be better for weekend duty. Spending $1350 twice as often for NT05's vs Invos does not make sense!! Used wheels and slicks would be a lot faster!
I have had them on the car about a month, long enough to have good comparison of dry and wet weather street performance and yesterday autocrossed with them..
The Invo is hands down the better street tire, only giving up straight line, dry weather hard acceleration traction to the NT05. If you don't race off the line at stop lights, there is no benefit to NT05's for street duty. I call
on any review that says NT05 are good wet weather performers. Brand new, 1 day on the car, got caught in a rainstorm on the highway. I had hydroplaning at 70mph - bad. I hauled it down to 55mph and managed my way out of the storm. The Invos, even beyond half life, never exhibited this kind of hydroplaning behavior.On the street, I never reached the cornering limit of the Invo.
So.. let's move on to autocross experience. Here, the NT05 is the clear winner (dry weather comparison). These things are probably as good as slicks were 5-10 years ago. Yesterday's course was about 40 seconds in size, favoring a high speed setup. I.e. nothing so tight that a cooper mini could use it's mini size advantage effectively. The configuration included a tough turn-around at the far end and a tight slalom before the finish, but found us deep into 3rd gear in the mid section (maybe 105mph?)
My car is an '06 Z06, stock except for a CAI and tune. I had a best lap of 38.3 seconds.
A race prepped C4 on slicks matched my NT05 times. A C6Z06 stock drivetrain but pfadt coilovers, carbotech brakes and full slicks bested the day at 35.8, only 2.5 seconds faster than my NT05 equipped car.
Those minis.. where were they you ask? Well even those who were tuned and equipped with slicks turned about 40.5 seconds - enough to keep pace with my buddy in his AMG C63 4 door sled (4000 lb mercedes!) shod with Invos.
Bottom line, if your car lives on the street with only occassional autocross or stop light racing, the Invo offers far superior all-conditions performance with only marginal trade in the dry.
If you auto-x once a month at least and you don't mind slowing down a little in the rain, the NT05 is today's choice.
Until I ran the autocross yesterday, I was really second guessing my choice to switch from the Invos.
I'll follow up on tire life a year from now
The Invos gave me 15000 miles of enjoyment, including 4 HPDE track days and a dozen autocross events.
Hopefully at least one person finds this write-up helpful.
OK, fast forward 9 months and that was the end of the NT05's. Unfortunately I did not record mileage exactly, but I'll estimate 8 to 10 thousand miles, 6 tough autocross weekends (100+ runs) and 1 HPDE. I think about half the life that I got from the original Invos all in all. Enjoyed the tires, but switched back to Invos for better life. Another set of wheels (used) and slicks (used) would be better for weekend duty. Spending $1350 twice as often for NT05's vs Invos does not make sense!! Used wheels and slicks would be a lot faster!
Last edited by mikey; Jul 9, 2012 at 10:30 PM. Reason: Exhausted the NT05's - update after end of tire life
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,911
Likes: 2,054
From: Cypress TX
I was contemplating switching to NT05s when my Invos were used up. I have about 16K miles on them with no AutoX and just a few 1/4 mile visits. Rears are about due for replacement. So it looks like I'll put on another pair of Invos since it is high probability of getting caught in the rain on occasion here.
Appreciate the feedback.
Appreciate the feedback.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 9,556
Likes: 288
From: Granbury Texas
Thanks for a great writeup!
On my 2004 Z06 my NT-05s lasted only (barely) 10,000 street miles with 6 track days. Like most track tires, they do require some heat before they stick, but once warm (especially when down to minimum tread) they stick VERY well indeed. However, when brand new, they are marginal in the wet, and when worn are TRULY dangerous, allowing wheelspin at 60 in 5th or even 6th in heavy rain
On the other hand, they are CHEAP! I paid only $870 delivered, in stock C5 Z06 sizes. I just drove my friend's Invo shod 2004 CE Z06 from California to Texas, and as you say, they are (in my opinion) the better street tire.
On my 2004 Z06 my NT-05s lasted only (barely) 10,000 street miles with 6 track days. Like most track tires, they do require some heat before they stick, but once warm (especially when down to minimum tread) they stick VERY well indeed. However, when brand new, they are marginal in the wet, and when worn are TRULY dangerous, allowing wheelspin at 60 in 5th or even 6th in heavy rain
On the other hand, they are CHEAP! I paid only $870 delivered, in stock C5 Z06 sizes. I just drove my friend's Invo shod 2004 CE Z06 from California to Texas, and as you say, they are (in my opinion) the better street tire.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,247
Likes: 7
From: Austin TX
been caught in the rain twice with NT05's. never had any issues. Don't blame a single hydroplaning episode on the tires. No tire will overrule the laws of physics 
I too had to make a decision between Invos and NT05's. the choice was clear as Invos were on backorder and $200 more than the NT05's. I had my NT05's in 285/335's shipped to my door overnight for $949.
I too had to make a decision between Invos and NT05's. the choice was clear as Invos were on backorder and $200 more than the NT05's. I had my NT05's in 285/335's shipped to my door overnight for $949.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 6,716
Likes: 70
St. Jude Donor '15
been caught in the rain twice with NT05's. never had any issues. Don't blame a single hydroplaning episode on the tires. No tire will overrule the laws of physics I too had to make a decision between Invos and NT05's. the choice was clear as Invos were on backorder and $200 more than the NT05's. I had my NT05's in 285/335's shipped to my door overnight for $949.
I too had to make a decision between Invos and NT05's. the choice was clear as Invos were on backorder and $200 more than the NT05's. I had my NT05's in 285/335's shipped to my door overnight for $949.
My NT-05's have performed great while driving in sustained heavy rain.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 11,087
Likes: 990
From: Sierra Foothills CA
That's a well written review. I don't need or want to drive my Z06 in the rain so I didn't buy my NT05s with that in mind. However, in fairness I just want to make a quick remark. If you got caught in the rain on the first day you had the tires the odds are the protective coating they put on new tires wasn't yet worn off. Even in the dry you can't expect great grip on new tires until that coating is gone and you're on good rubber. Although I've been caught a couple times in the rain on them I can't speak to how good or bad they are because I wasn't pushing it at all.
I don't need or want to drive my Z06 in the rain so I didn't buy my NT05s with that in mind. However, in fairness I just want to make a quick remark. If you got caught in the rain on the first day you had the tires the odds are the protective coating they put on new tires wasn't yet worn off. Even in the dry you can't expect great grip on new tires until that coating is gone and you're on good rubber. Although I've been caught a couple times in the rain on them I can't speak to how good or bad they are because I wasn't pushing it at all.
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Team Owner
Joined: May 2004
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From: SoCal
Well folks, i know this is a well reviewed tire, but I offer my opinions as a direct comparison of the Nitto Invos that I replaced on my 2006 Z06 with NT05 tires recently.
I have had them on the car about a month, long enough to have good comparison of dry and wet weather street performance and yesterday autocrossed with them..
The Invo is hands down the better street tire, only giving up straight line, dry weather hard acceleration traction to the NT05. If you don't race off the line at stop lights, there is no benefit to NT05's for street duty. I call on any review that says NT05 are good wet weather performers. Brand new, 1 day on the car, got caught in a rainstorm on the highway. I had hydroplaning at 70mph - bad. I hauled it down to 55mph and managed my way out of the storm. The Invos, even beyond half life, never exhibited this kind of hydroplaning behavior.
On the street, I never reached the cornering limit of the Invo.
So.. let's move on to autocross experience. Here, the NT05 is the clear winner (dry weather comparison). These things are probably as good as slicks were 5-10 years ago. Yesterday's course was about 40 seconds in size, favoring a high speed setup. I.e. nothing so tight that a cooper mini could use it's mini size advantage effectively. The configuration included a tough turn-around at the far end and a tight slalom before the finish, but found us deep into 3rd gear in the mid section (maybe 105mph?)
My car is an '06 Z06, stock except for a CAI and tune. I had a best lap of 38.3 seconds.
A race prepped C4 on slicks matched my NT05 times. A C6Z06 stock drivetrain but pfadt coilovers, carbotech brakes and full slicks bested the day at 35.8, only 2.5 seconds faster than my NT05 equipped car.
Those minis.. where were they you ask? Well even those who were tuned and equipped with slicks turned about 40.5 seconds - enough to keep pace with my buddy in his AMG C63 4 door sled (4000 lb mercedes!) shod with Invos.
Bottom line, if your car lives on the street with only occassional autocross or stop light racing, the Invo offers far superior all-conditions performance with only marginal trade in the dry.
If you auto-x once a month at least and you don't mind slowing down a little in the rain, the NT05 is today's choice.
Until I ran the autocross yesterday, I was really second guessing my choice to switch from the Invos.
I'll follow up on tire life a year from now
The Invos gave me 15000 miles of enjoyment, including 4 HPDE track days and a dozen autocross events.
Hopefully at least one person finds this write-up helpful.
I have had them on the car about a month, long enough to have good comparison of dry and wet weather street performance and yesterday autocrossed with them..
The Invo is hands down the better street tire, only giving up straight line, dry weather hard acceleration traction to the NT05. If you don't race off the line at stop lights, there is no benefit to NT05's for street duty. I call
on any review that says NT05 are good wet weather performers. Brand new, 1 day on the car, got caught in a rainstorm on the highway. I had hydroplaning at 70mph - bad. I hauled it down to 55mph and managed my way out of the storm. The Invos, even beyond half life, never exhibited this kind of hydroplaning behavior.On the street, I never reached the cornering limit of the Invo.
So.. let's move on to autocross experience. Here, the NT05 is the clear winner (dry weather comparison). These things are probably as good as slicks were 5-10 years ago. Yesterday's course was about 40 seconds in size, favoring a high speed setup. I.e. nothing so tight that a cooper mini could use it's mini size advantage effectively. The configuration included a tough turn-around at the far end and a tight slalom before the finish, but found us deep into 3rd gear in the mid section (maybe 105mph?)
My car is an '06 Z06, stock except for a CAI and tune. I had a best lap of 38.3 seconds.
A race prepped C4 on slicks matched my NT05 times. A C6Z06 stock drivetrain but pfadt coilovers, carbotech brakes and full slicks bested the day at 35.8, only 2.5 seconds faster than my NT05 equipped car.
Those minis.. where were they you ask? Well even those who were tuned and equipped with slicks turned about 40.5 seconds - enough to keep pace with my buddy in his AMG C63 4 door sled (4000 lb mercedes!) shod with Invos.
Bottom line, if your car lives on the street with only occassional autocross or stop light racing, the Invo offers far superior all-conditions performance with only marginal trade in the dry.
If you auto-x once a month at least and you don't mind slowing down a little in the rain, the NT05 is today's choice.
Until I ran the autocross yesterday, I was really second guessing my choice to switch from the Invos.
I'll follow up on tire life a year from now
The Invos gave me 15000 miles of enjoyment, including 4 HPDE track days and a dozen autocross events.
Hopefully at least one person finds this write-up helpful.
DH
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,110
Likes: 7
From: Pottsboro; Sometimes Dallas Texas
St. Jude Donor '12
I just bought new rubber and went with Invo. Never comsidered the NT05's.
I suppose itwas b/c not made in size I needed (19x10 20x13).
So farI do like the Invo though. First set I've ever had.
I suppose itwas b/c not made in size I needed (19x10 20x13).
So farI do like the Invo though. First set I've ever had.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,279
Likes: 5
From: Germantown TN
My Nt05's have been fine in the rain on the highway I am on set number 3. I also get really good results at hpde's. I will say that they heat up a lot on the track you must keep track of tire pressure or they do get greasy as the psi climbs.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 14,600
Likes: 5,515
From: AZ
I have the NT-05's and hope that I don't have to find out if they are as good as the OEM GY's in the snow (not good at 3/32" tread on the back, but no accident)! Good stick at HPDE's. No rain driving yet on them.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 14,600
Likes: 5,515
From: AZ
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,899
Likes: 0
Im running NT05s on my C5 FRC - it allows me to apply all 345 blazing horsepowers to the road surface 
. straight line acceleration is 0 drama...im in Southern Cali, when it does rain heavy ( and it does believe me ) the car stays in garage. Although 2 hour trip from San Diego to LA in the rain keeping speeds below 75 was fine.
. straight line acceleration is 0 drama...im in Southern Cali, when it does rain heavy ( and it does believe me ) the car stays in garage. Although 2 hour trip from San Diego to LA in the rain keeping speeds below 75 was fine.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: Corona Ca
Nice write-up! I agree the Invos are way better on the street than the NT05s and they last waaaay longer (25k+ v. 10k). I hit a large pool of water at about 80mph w/the NT05's and it was pucker city as I "skated" on top of the water. The NT05 are NOT good tires for wet roads.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,279
Likes: 5
From: Germantown TN
Nice write-up! I agree the Invos are way better on the street than the NT05s and they last waaaay longer (25k+ v. 10k). I hit a large pool of water at about 80mph w/the NT05's and it was pucker city as I "skated" on top of the water. The NT05 are NOT good tires for wet roads.
not hardly at least not for me probably more like 5K and a couple of HPDE's
