Alright, I'm running SSR GT2's 18x9's with Hankook RS2's 265/35R18's front and rear. Originally I wanted to keep tire balance front to rear. Now I'm having issues with traction in 3rd gear when I get into the powerband . I plan on running at least 100 whp more than current ~400 whp. So I guess now I'm looking for new rear tires to keep up with the power. I have been looking at NT555r's, R888, RA1's, Ecsta XS tires in a 275 (not sure I can stretch a 285. Car is not driven in the rain so wet traction is not an issue. Any suggestions would be great.

 

RA1's were discontinued and replaced with the R888's. The R888's have the same compound but a different tread design which is supposed to reduce tread squirm compared to the old style.

The toyos are supposed to be the most street friendly dot-r out there..I've got a set waiting for my car if it even gets done :P

 

I like the 555r's, but don't have a lot of experience with them. Have heard great things about the R888's as well.

 

You might want to talk to Goodfella. He has run the RA1s, RS2 and the XS in 275 rears

 

i used to auto x with r888's on my MSP, they are good street tires but take a bit to warm up to full temp. probably almost a whole lap run before i would be able to stop worrying about the sudden "tail swap" that r compounds are notorious for. you know the whole, not knowing where the limit is. ive heard that 555's are a little more "verbal" than the 888's and let you know when your about to go into slipping. i know personally i like to hear the tires "talk" to me by the little scratching sound they get right before going into spin. so you might want to consider that as well in your tire purchase.

 

The NT555RII, RA1 and R888 are r compound road race tires. They are not the worst r comps to drive on the street but I would not do it because traction varies way too much with temperature. Not to mention you're having a problem with traction going forward and these tires are for traction going sideways. So if you're going to use a non-street tire, based on what you've said I think drag radials will work better. That would be the NT555R.

 

I think he will be fine. I drove up into the mountains with a 500hp 911 turbo on RA1s all around. We drove on snow. It was fine as long as you didn't try to do anything dumb.

 

My only issue with the NT555R's is that with the 18x9's the closest size is a 285/35R18 which is a bit much for the 18x9. Any thoughts on how wide the Nitto's run. My 265 Hankooks were definitely small in width.

 

Yea im looking for tires as well spinning is not winning.