Tires, what are you running...

[Stephen06GT]

Ol Paint is going to need a new set of tires this spring so I figured I would start my research early. He is no longer a daily driver, but will see the city and rural streets and three or four track days next year. My first inclination was the Nitto NT555 Gen II, but I wouldn't mind something a little more aggressive for the track (I'm willing to give up some street manners). At this time the budget does not allow for a dedicated set of track tires. So, that being said, or written, what have you got and what are your real world experiences.

[ZR]

Do you have a budget in mind?

[Stephen06GT]

Do you have a budget in mind?

Hoping to be in under $300.00/tire all in.

[Parkway Ford Lincoln SVT]

Stephen, right around your price cap you could get Continental's latest version of their top tier rubber, which is available in the 255/45R18 that I'm assuming you want:

https://www.continentaltire.ca/car/tires/car/summer-plt/extremecontact-sport

These are improved over the previous gen Extreme Contact DW, which were already very good. Had those on my 07 and was very impressed with them.


For less dough you can get the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 which is built off a Bridgestone carcass, excellent performer for the price range and also sold in the 255/45R18 size. This is the same model of tire I had on the 17 Mustang Ecoboost demo this past summer. Very strong grip dry and wet, only downside I noticed was more road noise on some older pavement surfaces compared to a premium tire. If you can live with that, performance-wise these are a bargain.

https://www.firestonetire.ca/tire/firehawk-indy-500

[hsousa88]

Pretty happy with my second gen 555’s... mind you, they are barely broken in yet.


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[RedSN]

The Firehawks Ed posted look like a great bargain for a street tire and allow you to save up for a track tire.


That said, I'm looking at either replacing my Nitto NT05's with the same, or try something new. Still a season left, but lots of chunks and cuts in them.
I really like them as a track tire, and never had any problems with them on the street.

[Stephen06GT]

If I can swing a track set of tires they would still have to be streetable to allow me to drive to the track.

[Parkway Ford Lincoln SVT]

Your factory width wheels are going to limit the choices you have for the type of rubber you're considering. Ideally you would get something from the "extreme performance" category which are the 180 to 200 treadwear rating street tires that are also trackable. But in 18" sizes that are tall enough for an S197, most are 275 width or larger which will require at least 9" wide wheels, 9.5 or 10" being even better. One exception is the Bridgestone RE-71R being available in 265/45R18 which could be squeezed on to your 8.5" wheels, but that's still a compromise.

[Stephen06GT]

Your factory width wheels are going to limit the choices you have for the type of rubber you're considering. Ideally you would get something from the "extreme performance" category which are the 180 to 200 treadwear rating street tires that are also trackable. But in 18" sizes that are tall enough for an S197, most are 275 width or larger which will require at least 9" wide wheels, 9.5 or 10" being even better. One exception is the Bridgestone RE-71R being available in 265/45R18 which could be squeezed on to your 8.5" wheels, but that's still a compromise.

I found the wheel size to be an issue as well. I wish I didn't like the wheels so much then I could look for a set of 18x9 or 18x9.5. What size were the wheels on the first gen S197 GT500s? If I can get a set of those cheap then I can get a set of track tires and make my existing Nitto's last one more season then get new street tires in 2019. Just thinking out loud.

[Parkway Ford Lincoln SVT]

The early GT-500 had 18 x 9.5" wheels. There is a young guy in Brampton named Martin (can't recall his screen name here, not a frequent poster) who has a set available for a good price that are a bit cosmetically challenged. I'll send you a message with his contact info. Then you could grab a used set of the Continental 275/35R18 slicks or something similar to use at track days.

[ZR]

^ That would be epic.

[1BAD92LX]

1 track day on slicks and you'll wonder why you didn't have them sooner

[RedSN]

that's what I'm worried about.

but then I might be able to keep up with you ;)

[Stephen06GT]

The problem, for me, with the slicks is getting them to the track.

[Parkway Ford Lincoln SVT]

And we can sell him more brake parts too!!

[Stephen06GT]

And we can sell him more brake parts too!!

You're a real pal Ed.

[ZR]

That new Continental is impressive looking, reviews suggest it's an excellent choice.

[ZR]

Pretty happy with my second gen 555’s... mind you, they are barely broken in yet.


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Not sure how they'll fee when pushed hard but first impressions suggest it's an excellent tire.

[Mellow Yellow]

I’m running the Continental Extreme DW on GT500 rims.
At the track day in fall of 2016, I was very happy with how they performed.
Steve you however are more experienced than I am on the track, so they may not be enough for you.

[FABMAN]

How about those wheels that ed posted last month?

https://lmr.com/item/SVE-1007FDDSK/m...tainless-05-14

18x10" with the right offset to do a square setup on an S197, and they clear the 14" Brembos. Perfect for putting 275 or 285 width tires on all around.

Looks like they are still available.

[98 Snake]

I have Michelin Pilot Super sports and I really like them. Excellent street tire that can hold their own on the track.

I like the Firehawk 500 for a street tire but don't think they will stand up too well when drivin at the limit

if your looking for something with more grip look at the Hankook rs3/rs4 or Potenza RE71R

[Ontariomystic]

Running the new Continental Extreme Sport on my Cobra. Awesome tire.

[Gr8Stang]

I have Michelin Pilot Super sports and I really like them. Excellent street tire that can hold their own on the track.

I like the Firehawk 500 for a street tire but don't think they will stand up too well when drivin at the limit

if your looking for something with more grip look at the Hankook rs3/rs4 or Potenza RE71R

MPSS gets my vote as well. They were a real improvement from my Pirelli P-Zero's on my 12 Boss 302 and performed even better on the track.

[ALLKHEINZ]

I really like the Nitto Invos, i have used them many times since they were first released and the ride quality is great....they actually hook up quite well in the warm weather aswell....currently im running them on my shelby 245/40/20 and 315/35/20....

[RAT ATK]

Been using the same set of Hankook RS3’s at the track for a few years. They have been great to me. Having said that, I really want slicks.