wide 17" DE tire choices?

[vmb]

I'm trying to decide on new shoes for 9&11 x 17" wheels. Will use for fun DE days, not competition. For street I'll be keeping my 7 & 9 Fuchs.

I've found available:
Kumho Ecsta XS in 245/40-17 and 295/35-17 and 315/35-17
Kumho Ecsta V700 in 245/40-17 and 315/35-17
Toyo R888 in 245/40-17 and 315/35-17

Anyone have experience with these tires? The Ecsta XS is listed as both an "extreme performance summer" and a "competition tire, suitable for autocross" and wonder about lifespan. I do like the 295/35 option given overall diameter and that I don't have a "monster" motor (PO said 350hp).

I know that Hoosiers make a suitable tire as well, but the above are cheaper. Am I missing any other options? Any experience/opinions are appreciated!

[varyat]

Also check the Nitto web site. Some have had good things to say about them.

[WinRice]

I haven't pulled the trigger yet, but I've been looking at the Nitto NT-05

[Noah930]

I'm using the NT-05 on a stock motored street car. 235 front (9" front wheel) and 275 rear (11" rear). They also come in the 255/315 sizing, IIRC. I'm very happy with them, so far. But if you're looking for a harder core tire, see what sizes their NT-01 comes in.

[vmb]

Thanks. I didn't know about the Nitto. Just looked up the NT-01, rear is good in a 315/35-17, but the best front tire is a 255/40-17. IIRC, I've seen some posts reporting that 255's can rub the fender.

According to the Nitto site, the NT-05 is a drag radial. Not sure how that would do in a DE, I'm guessing cornering and braking aren't priorities with that form of racing?

[vmb]

correction: the NT-05R is the drag radial. But the NT-05 comes in 235 and 255 for the fronts, not 245.

[Noah930]

I didn't realize the NT-05 was marketed as a drag tire. I haven't seen that. Instead, the Nitto site shows a video of presumably an NT-05 BMW slaloming through some esses. From a seat of the pants perspective, I'm very happy with the tires for street driving. And that includes turning and stopping for me.

255 is supposed to fit with minimal, if any rubbing.

[aschen]

while the xs are really ultra high performance street tires. They are actually the lowest performing tires in your group.

XS awsome street tires will work well on track and autocross. Durable by DE standards

R888 are really streetable R compounds great grip wont last too long on the street, near R compound (or are R compound depending on who you aske)

V700 pretty much track only that happen to be street legal. Lifespan measured in hours...huge grip

[911st]

The Nitto NT01 is probably the best of the drive to the track and run tire.

[vmb]

exactly the kind of opinions I was looking for, thanks guys! Any other personal experiences? (with these tires)

[xbmwguy]

stay far far away from nt555 GARBAGE

[varyat]

XBMWGUY- Why not the nt555? What did you not like about them? I was planning on getting a set!

[hoyabear]

BFG G-Force TA/KDs have worked great for me...

[xbmwguy]

the tires are for crap! they look great when parked in 245 and 315 on 17s and honestly are ok at best on the street, but i did a de at palm beach intl raceway just after installing and even after 13 or so years of racing found myself doing everything known to man to try and drive my turbo with any kind of "controlled anger" for the same $ you can go with sumitomos htr for a better/stickier tire

[SCHNELE]

Goodyear Eagle F1 DSG I am running 245/45/zr17 and 315 in the rear.

[Arrccod]

Toyo RA1's they're *****in!

Bill