My F1s have lasted 22k now with about 8k of towing a 8000lb rig. They are dead. I need new tires, what should I get and where can I get the best price?

Nitto 305 DRs

F1s

Toyo RA1s 295s

I'd like to get the wider 305s, but I wonder how long they'll last and if they'll tow worth a damn. The F1s did fine in this duty.

Toyos I have the same questions about.

Advice and somewhere to buy?

Ron

 

I got the best price @ Discount here in Corpus Christi. Mine are 20" Kumho Ecsta 712. Got em for 1236.00 for everything including road hazard. I got 28K out of my last set(712s) and I tow a bass boat all the time. Not alot of burnouts or anything though.

 

You'll want to check the load rating of the tire you're considering. Stock size F1's are 1800 lbs. If you tow often I wouldn't think a drag radial is the right choice and they only last about 15k miles. A regular Nitto, Toyo or Hankook with a 300-400 treadwear rating is gonna last 30-40k miles.

 

I, along with the more informed members on this board, will recommend Nitto 555s (stock size) up front. In the back you gotta go Nitto 555Rs (305/45/18) Its not the cheapest combo, but the traction is great.

As of going wider then 305, I dont know of any tire that would be good. There are a few but 315s out there but they aren't as tall the 555Rs. So if you want to risk it thats your call. Also I dont know how wide you can go on the stock rim, so if you do decide to go wider, you might need to invest in wider wheels too.

31C

 

You got raped dude. You can find those tires on Ebay for about $600 a set. I know because I almost gave them a shot numerous times. And yes, I am talking about the 20" version.

I ended up going through Costco last couple tire purchases I have had. Got my BFG TA KDW2 295/45/20 for $950 or so with all the mounting, balancing, road hazard, etc. Really was handy since 2 days later I picked up a nail in the sidewall. Free tire for me, lol.

-Kimball

 

I have had the best experience with the Nitto 555r's for traction - there really is no comparison. I remember posts where dude's were claiming scratches on first gear shift and no control on launch.

Hell I had 496/562 at the rear with my '03 and yes I could light them up all day, but when I learned how to drive her she launched like nothing I have ever owned to this day.

My '99 that I own now with stock tires will light up, will scratch big time on first to second and second to third with a valve body switch on stock air pressure.

Where am I going with this - it depends on what you are looking for, towing or performance - find the middle ground and I say you can do the stock FI just lower the air pressure when you want to have fun!!!!

And if you want I have original F1's that I want to change out you can have them for $50 a tire, you take care of shipping (13,000 miles lots of tread!). I want my 555r's!!!!

D-Day

Good Luck!

 

I got the Hankooks on my ride and have been very happy with them.

 

Aside from the ZERO traction and HARDER than HELL, they're CHEAP !!!
I'm STILL trying to burn mine up ... can't stand the looseness in the rain
either ...

 

 

I have had the opposite then, traction isn't as great as f1's obviously, but they also cost much less, but grip in the rain has been much better for me than the f1's and I think I get a little bit more rain than you being in Florida.

 

I have hankooks on my truck and i cant seem to wear them out. Also i think i get good traction in the rain.

 

towing that much weight that often will eat those drag radials up quick no doubt. not sure if they're designed to handle that kind of weight. heck, the lightning is only rated to 5,000 lb towing. i'd hate to see your EGTs coming up a hill with an 8k load

 

Got my four hankooks for $600 balanced and installed from a small dealer in my area and no problems in the rain also.

 

anyone know of any good prices on the 555's? Im getting ready for a new set myself.

 

If you are serious and they have some tread I'll take them. I'll organize shipping, everything, all you gotta do is take my money, send me a picture of em, and I'll get them picked up. Let me know, rlearp@gt40s.com.

As far as EGTs up a hill, well, luckily where I tow has no hills! I go to VIR, CMP, Roebling Road, Lowe's, and Road Atlanta. Will race Daytona in 2006 for the longest tow but it is flat. The Lightning tows very well actually, the ratings, well, they are suggestions as far as I am concerned. Americans overtow big time. Come with me to the paddock at a race in England and you'll find people towing their race rigs with Audi V6 A4s and **** like that, and they get by fine.

Here are a couple of crappy camera pics of my buddy and I in England getting gas and towing his GT40 with an Audi 100. Worked fine for a four hour tow!





R