I need to replace my Advan A048's in the next week or so. I use these for HPDE's only on stock AP2 wheels, but I also want to drive them to and from the track (about 90 freeway miles one way). I have a GC/Koni suspension but at stock ride height. Will I have any fitment problems with the 225/255 Nitto NT01 combination? Are stock wheels wide enough for these tires without creating sidewall or other problems at the track? I'd appreciate feedback from someone who has actually tracked the NT01s. Thanks.

 

After I read the sticky on this forum (re tire sizes for my04+) I became even more confused about staggered sizes and preserving the stagger "ratio" of the stock RE050s. The thread indicates a ratio of 74% front to rear tread width, while almost every aftermarket tire in stock sizes ranges from 80% to 86%. So it seems almost every combination in the aftermarket has a narrower rear tread relative to the front. The tread widths of my current worn-out Advan A048s in stock sizes are 8.3"/9.8" for a ratio of 84.6%.

I took these ratios to the Nitto website and looked at the NT01. Unfortunately Nitto only discloses an "overall" tire width on their site, but looking at the tire it appears that tread width is almost as wide as the sidewall width. For the 225/255 combination, the widths and ratio is/are 8.86"/10.35" or 85.6%. Substituting a narrower front tire, the 215/255 ratio is 8.38"/10.35" or 80.1%. Substituting a narrower but taller 245/45-17 rear tire, the 215/245 ratio is 8.38"/9.72" or 86.2%.

So is the stock ratio just an aberration? Is it that important? So many choices... so little time...

Ron

 

I think you'll just reduce understeering by having less of a stagger between the front and rear.

 

you can fit 225/255 on stock ap2 wheels no problem. since you can adjust the handling of the car with your konis, i wouldn't worry about the stagger being a little off. with the nt01's, also keep in mind that although the tread depth is 6/32, once you get down to 4/32 the tire is basically a slick with 2 grooves running around the tire- no rain channels. for the track and in the dry this is great, but if it rains any on the way to the track i don't think i'd wanna be driving on them.

 

Thanks sspicollo8. If its raining on the way to the track odds are it will also be raining at the track and I'll be on street tires. Have you tracked your S on the Nittos? If so what are your impressions?

 

nope, all i've tracked on is bridgestone re01r, and one track day at that. i've been trying to decide between the nt01 and the toyo ra1 for this next season and everything i've read so far has me leaning more toward the ra1. the nt01 is a great tire but 1. has the previously mentioned tread depth problems 2. seems to wear out a little quicker 3. doesn't come in as good a size for 16" ap1 wheels.