(Nitto) Drag radials out back, but up front too?

[Jason Green]

I have a friend that wants to purchase Nitto drag radials tommorow (Friday).

He wants to go with 245/50/16 drags all around.

Any input on this? Disadvantages? Can this be done? Will the fronts stick out? How will this effect day to day driving?

 

[TheUser]

I've never heard of anyone putting drag radials on the front of a Stang...doesn't mean it hasn't been done. You'd have to question how well it would handle w/ drag radials up front....rain would probably be hell.

 

[ponyboy19]

I wouldn't do this on a street car. I know some have had good success with that set up on a road coarse or autocross setting but the sidewall is softer and you have to let the car settle before really attacking the corners from what I have been told. Your better off going with a regular 555 up front IMO.

 

[willys1]

Yeah,It will be hell when it is real cold out and he hits a puddle!! If he lives in a warm climate he wouldnt have a problem.I've heard of people doing this also.But I rather get autocross slicks then DR's up front!!

 

[86Cobra]

DRs have a soft sidewall and aren't made for handling. Really dumb to put them up front IMO.

 

[5spd GT]

I wouldn't do this on a street car. I know some have had good success with that set up on a road coarse or autocross setting but the sidewall is softer and you have to let the car settle before really attacking the corners from what I have been told. Your better off going with a regular 555 up front IMO.

Tell him not to go with drag radials up front...its to unpredictable and unsafe...he made a good choice about the tires for the rear though

David

 

[itltrot]

I wouldn't do this on a street car. I know some have had good success with that set up on a road coarse or autocross setting but the sidewall is softer and you have to let the car settle before really attacking the corners from what I have been told. Your better off going with a regular 555 up front IMO.

my thoughts too

 

[91gt5.0]

definelty not a good idea. if hes going to be doing autocross then go with the NT555RII with a stronger sidewall. if it is just a street car then just put them on the back. unless its a FWD

 

[Jason Green]

He doesn't drive it in rain. The car is barely driven for that matter.

As for the fronts, 555s are only made in one 16 inch size and thats 205/40/16, way small for the stang. What about Nitto 450's up front?

 

[HyPer-50]

I wouldn't put em up front simply because they wear out so quick. It's bad enough having expensive tires in the back, but all around with a average life of under 12k miles.... Nahh, I'll stick with my pirelli p7000's up front heh.

 

[BlownStangGT]

He doesn't drive it in rain. The car is barely driven for that matter.

As for the fronts, 555s are only made in one 16 inch size and thats 205/40/16, way small for the stang. What about Nitto 450's up front?

do they not make the nitto autocorss tires for the front?

 

[BlownStangGT]

ok, I see they dont...but does he HAVE to get nittos fro the front, there are a million and a half tires he can get for the front of htat car in a 245 size

 

[maverick0716]

Drag radials are meant ONLY for the drive wheels....and for going fast in a straight line, like a drag race (hence the name "drag radial") It would be very foolish to put drag radials on the front of a rear wheel drive car. Absolutely no benefits......and dangerous.

 

[BlownStangGT]

dangerous.

very

 

[Jason Green]

Must be 16 inch.

He wants the tread to match.

 

[5spd GT]

Must be 16 inch.

He wants the tread to match.

Just tell him to get the 555's...the tread pattern is very similar...

 

[Jason Green]

555s are only available in 205/40/16, too small. What about the 450s up front?

 

[jerry beach]

I have the 450's in 245/50/16 all around, they are a pretty good tire, but too wide of the pony wheel. Mine have been on the car 12,000 mi. and look new. My car was much more predictable in a corner with the BFG comp TA's in 225/55/16. Now it sways badly, I can feel the front jerk when I turn the wheel then 1/2 sec later the rear swings out like I hit some gravel. I swear the car was tight before. I called up the tirerack and told them the sidewalls felt softer and I was not happy. They simply told me the tire is too wide for the rim, thats why it flexes. If you look at the charts, its recommended that that tire is mounted on a 7.5-8.5 inch rim. I thought 1/2" was not a big deal, but it seems I was wrong.

 

[squeeeg]

I was thinking about Nitto 450's 245/50 in back and 225/55 215/55 up front. I shouldn't have any problem with that should I?

 

[85_SS_302_Coupe]

This is as silly as putting skinnies on the back. Get some 555s or 555Rs or something for the front.