I can certainly understand your concern. What I will say is that I've never heard of a failure with running this size tire on a stock 9.5" rim, and I've personally done a lot of searching the internet. Has a failure ever happened? Sure. But, I would say that the chances are very slim due to the .5" difference in recommendation. In addition, Nitto tires historically run slightly narrow.
Got Nitto 305/35/20 for the rears, Discount tire is saying it is to wide for the rim
- Thread starter smokin03
- Start date
I can certainly understand your concern. What I will say is that I've never heard of a failure with running this size tire on a stock 9.5" rim, and I've personally done a lot of searching the internet. Has a failure ever happened? Sure. But, I would say that the chances are very slim due to the .5" difference in recommendation. In addition, Nitto tires historically run slightly narrow.
The stock rims measure 10.5" across, but they are 9.5" rims. The proper way to measure a rim is from inside the lip where the bead is contacting the tire, hence the reason these cars are spec'ed at 9.5" rims.
There are rarely catastrophic failures with, say, putting a 305/35X20 on our stock rims. The issue is when you do this you actually reduce the amount of usable tread on the ground when putting too wide a number on. That defeats the whole reason for increasing traction with more tread on the surface of the road. A narrow rim with a larger tread contact patch will actually bow the tread, lifting the outside edges and thereby reducing usable tire tread. It's kind like robbing from Peter to pay Paul!
I can definitely see that. If Nitto offered a stock size 285/35 or a even 295/35 in the 555R, I would have went with that, but did not want to throw a more narrow 275/40 series tire on the car, which is the only other option.
In the future, I will most likely replace my stock wheels for something in the aftermarket, and will at the very least have a set of 305's which will fit a 10-11" rim.
Tire compound, tire height, and total amount of sidewall are typically more important than width when it comes to traction with these types of tires. Loosing a few mm of contact patch because its on a slightly narrower wheel is virtually inconsequential. In my experience, the 555R is an amazing tire for our cars and is a good mix of dry and wet traction, tread life, and handling (for a drag radial). Its currently one of the most well rounded tires we can run IMO.
If Nitto offered a few more sizes than we wouldn't have to argue about it. But I would say even though people would hesitate to run the 275/40, it is a taller tire and probably grips just as well if not better than the 305. However, it is 28.82" tall so I dont think I would run it on the stock 3.31 gears.
I will add, I think it is pathetic that the Discount manager tried to offer you the NT01 to replace the 555R. The NT01 is a road course tire with very stiff sidewalls and they are horrible in the rain. Talk about apples and oranges...
If Nitto offered a few more sizes than we wouldn't have to argue about it. But I would say even though people would hesitate to run the 275/40, it is a taller tire and probably grips just as well if not better than the 305. However, it is 28.82" tall so I dont think I would run it on the stock 3.31 gears.
I will add, I think it is pathetic that the Discount manager tried to offer you the NT01 to replace the 555R. The NT01 is a road course tire with very stiff sidewalls and they are horrible in the rain. Talk about apples and oranges...
Last edited:
Post of the week. :lol:
Thanks for all the input. Discount is treating me right I will say that. They are basically offering me any tire that is the official correct size for my rims. I decided to try the Toyo Proxes R888 285/35/20. I will post next week after I get them on. It seemed like a reasonable compromise.
They are good tires as well.
If they are offering any tire then have them pony up for the Michelins. I thought Michelins had the best reviews for these cars.
The Michelin Super Sports wont grip anything like the R888's or 555R's...Much different compound. They are very good tires though and last a long time, but for 600+ whp it just doesn't cut it. They are another decent choice as an all-arounder, but just not as grippy.
Personally I would stick with the 555R's, but if the OP is concerned then the R888's are also an excellent tire...just much stiffer sidewalls, better for cornering.
If they wouldn't budge on the 555Rs then I think you made the next best choice with the R888s
-J
- - - Updated - - -
If they wouldn't budge on the 555Rs then I think you made the next best choice with the R888s
-J
-J
- - - Updated - - -
If they wouldn't budge on the 555Rs then I think you made the next best choice with the R888s
-J
Why does everyone keep saying the R888's are a good option to the 555r's? The Nitto is a drag radial and the Toyo is a road course/autocross tire. Two different design purposes completely.
I think it's because there isn't much out there that is as sticky and streetable as those two tires. Streetable as in dry/wet traction, tread life, and overall street manors. Both of those tires excell in these departments.
The 555R is not a hardcore drag radial and the R888 isn't really a hardcore track tire. But they are both excellent tires and very grippy. Between these two - If you like going fast primarily in straight line, take the 555R. If you like going fast and hitting the corners, R888.
The 555R is not a hardcore drag radial and the R888 isn't really a hardcore track tire. But they are both excellent tires and very grippy. Between these two - If you like going fast primarily in straight line, take the 555R. If you like going fast and hitting the corners, R888.
With all due respect to Draiter, his understanding of rim width is incorrect.
+1. This is spot-on.
Last edited:
315/35/20s Nitto Nt05R here on my stock rims. A little more sway in the rear but completely drivable .
Here are the pics with the Toyo Proxes 888. They hook up very well and seem to be a much more controlled ride with them.
:banana:
Last edited:
Users who are viewing this thread
