[Vettethret]

I am going in for a 2650 build on Thursday, but have an existing problem with my 1LE. It only has an intake and exhaust, so basically stock at this point. If I punch it when the tires are warm at 25mph, it spins (Auto). I raced a GT3 from a stop, got a decent launch but was all over the place until top of 2nd. Of course I passed him by the top of third (I didnt expect to out launch a GT3).

I know I am looking for something that most likely doesn't exist, but Im trying to get close. I DO NOT want to run drag radial and take away the point of the 1LE. Im trying to find a happy medium. I'm really surprised the R888's aren't doing more, but seeing a couple of threads on them, I now understand. Anyone with experience in putting a Nitto 555 r2 on back and keeping the R888s up front? Im wondering how negatively it would effect handling (Street only for the sake of argument).

[SOCAL.M6.ZLE]

Originally Posted by Vettethret

I am going in for a 2650 build on Thursday, but have an existing problem with my 1LE. It only has an intake and exhaust, so basically stock at this point. If I punch it when the tires are warm at 25mph, it spins (Auto). I raced a GT3 from a stop, got a decent launch but was all over the place until top of 2nd. Of course I passed him by the top of third (I didnt expect to out launch a GT3).

I know I am looking for something that most likely doesn't exist, but Im trying to get close. I DO NOT want to run drag radial and take away the point of the 1LE. Im trying to find a happy medium. I'm really surprised the R888's aren't doing more, but seeing a couple of threads on them, I now understand. Anyone with experience in putting a Nitto 555 r2 on back and keeping the R888s up front? Im wondering how negatively it would effect handling (Street only for the sake of argument).

Hey buddy. I was at the same point as you. Loved my R888R's but once I passed 700rwhp... they really couldn't keep up, and I was frustrated.

I was also reluctant to switch to the Nitto 555R2 but honestly, they are much better in traction, and I dont think they are bad in the corners. I run the Nitto NT 555G2 up front and they work great. At your power level I think you would love then. Food for thought.

[2023_ZL1-AUTO]

I love my Nitto R555R2's ! I went with rears and fronts. But, as SOCAL.M6.ZLE said, I could have and should have went with G2's up front. These tires corner really good and hold to the pavement. I do get tire spin, when really "having fun", but, I feel for non drag radials. These tires are as close as you'll get for the best traction possible. I love mine and they are quiet! Not that it matters when I run 100% open NNP all the time!). Summary: They are quiet, grip the corners extremely well and they get the best traction I've experienced with a street tire.

Good Luck

[dreksnot]

Does running those Nitto 345 in the rear require anything special to keep them from rubbing? Do you have 315 or 305 up front?

[JSH]

Originally Posted by Vettethret

Anyone with experience in putting a Nitto 555 r2 on back and keeping the R888s up front? Im wondering how negatively it would effect handling (Street only for the sake of argument).

My 555Rii in 325/50R15 works OK on the street after you learn what you can and can't do with them.

I tried the R888, which was good on my build at low power on dry pavements but awful on wet and cold. However, the 888 is definitely not a strip tire. In fact, Bandimere had essentially banned it by the time the track closed.

[Z OH 6]

In fairness, you bought a track package car with super stiff suspension which means it won't transfer weight to the rear tires as good as the standard ZL1 so asking for maximum traction in a straight line from a car that was built to go around corners is a big ask. The Nitto 555R2s will give you great traction in a straight line and still be very serviceable for taking turns although the 555R2 isn't going to match a road racing tire like the R888R or even a high performance summer tire like the PS4S through the turns.

[JSH]

I softened it up long ago by changing shocks, and using the softest sway bar settings, and of course, the 15" conversion allows the 325/50 tire

[Vettethret]

Originally Posted by SOCAL.M6.ZLE

Hey buddy. I was at the same point as you. Loved my R888R's but once I passed 700rwhp... they really couldn't keep up, and I was frustrated.

I was also reluctant to switch to the Nitto 555R2 but honestly, they are much better in traction, and I dont think they are bad in the corners. I run the Nitto NT 555G2 up front and they work great. At your power level I think you would love then. Food for thought.

Thank you gents. I will try the 555R2 for the rear

[BlueinTN]

Originally Posted by JSH

My 555Rii in 325/50R15 works OK on the street after you learn what you can and can't do with them.

I tried the R888, which was good on my build at low power on dry pavements but awful on wet and cold. However, the 888 is definitely not a strip tire. In fact, Bandimere had essentially banned it by the time the track closed.

R888 are junk, were junk and we pretty much told you they were a junk tire.


To to the original poster performance tires age out quickly esp if they get cold even if sitting in a garage...yeah I know the people selling them used, say otherwise but they do.

[JSH]

Originally Posted by BlueinTN

R888 are junk, were junk and we pretty much told you they were a junk tire.


To to the original poster performance tires age out quickly esp if they get cold even if sitting in a garage...yeah I know the people selling them used, say otherwise but they do.

Yeah, I chunked the 888s and now have three tires. The Rii, and MT.ETS.R in 325/50R15, and Proxes R in 345/30R19. The Mickeys grip the best but I don't like that feel on the street. The Proxes grip at least as well as the Rii.

I've gotten a lot of good advice here on mods and have followed the vast majority. Now, I'm just relaying my personal experiences.

[KamZL1]

555r2 out back, 555g2 in front; don't look back

[Forbaken]

Just a heads up: once you go 345, you're going away from street tires. Which means rain makes roads into a friction-less ice rink. My brother went with the 555r2s and spun out at a low speed.
Just a safety warning! I've been looking into the super sports because of this.

[Vettethret]

Originally Posted by Forbaken

Just a heads up: once you go 345, you're going away from street tires. Which means rain makes roads into a friction-less ice rink. My brother went with the 555r2s and spun out at a low speed.
Just a safety warning! I've been looking into the super sports because of this.

I live is SW Florida and have been caught in torrential rainstorms with the R888s. My pie hole has been a cigar cutter more than once!!!!

[SOCAL.M6.ZLE]

Originally Posted by Z OH 6

In fairness, you bought a track package car with super stiff suspension which means it won't transfer weight to the rear tires as good as the standard ZL1 so asking for maximum traction in a straight line from a car that was built to go around corners is a big ask. The Nitto 555R2s will give you great traction in a straight line and still be very serviceable for taking turns although the 555R2 isn't going to match a road racing tire like the R888R or even a high performance summer tire like the PS4S through the turns.

Can someone please frame this quote? Well said Z OH 6!