I'm in the market for a set of tires(all 4) to replace my worn goodyears. I don't drag race very often or autox, no burnouts either, but want to get a good handling, sticky tire for the street. The tires will need to last around 15,000-20,000 miles.

Are the Nitto 555RII extremes a good choice or is there something better? I don't want to spend a ton of money either. I was also looking at the Firestone Firehawk SZ50EP's and also Yokohama avs es100's, any good?

Thanks guys

 

If you don't race on them they will last up to 15-16K miles, but will be thin at the end. You won't find a stickier tire short of a purpose built R compound tire like Victoracers.

 

I'd second that opinion.

 

I have no experience w/ Nitto's. However I've had experience w/ lots of other street tires. by far and away the SZ50EP's were the best tires I've ever had. used the 285/45/17 size. not only did they stick great for street driving but were just unbelievably awesome in the rain. this is in comparison to BFG's, Goodyears, Continentals, SZ50's (not EP's), Kumhos, and a few others which escape me. all 275/45/17 sizes
just MHO.

md

 

another real good tire is the bfg kd. it is one of the sticky tires you are looking for. the nitto is still new enough, that no one has a report yet, but i would say it will be a great tire

 

The 555R2 has been out for over a year now in 275/40/17. Many of us have run on them for track days and autoxing and I haven't heard a negative feedback yet except for the first heat cycle or so. Until you break them in they're a bit squeamish.

Keep in mind the 555R2 is track day tire that can be driven on the street. The BFG KD and Firestone SZ50 are street tires with a performance bias.

 

so how long will this nitto live on the streets? i might want to give this one a try.

 

See above.

 

ok....let me thin that response down. i drive to the track, 160 miles each way. then i spin at speed 80 miles on the track (at speed) throw in a couple autocrosses here and there, and i know how many miles the brand-x tire will go....what'ca think i can get from brand y? com'on?

 

Now you're trying to ask a very tough question aren't you? Once you start getting out on a track with a tire how fast they wear depends HEAVILY on your driving style, but I think a safe bet is 10K or less. 10K would be if you didn't power slide around corners or overdrive them consistently.

 

I have been using the RII's for street tires for well over a year. I am on my third set. The firsty two sets lasted 10-11K miles, were thin but not completely bald at the end. Both sets were autocrossed on, drag raced and had a little road course time.