Should I get Bridgestone RE-11's or Nitto NT-05's?

cossie1600

Yes I ran 265 in the front last year, 285 now. The car drives like a completely different car. I was expecting a small difference, but the car just turns and sticks so much better in the front end. Gone is the plow (it gets worse once your tires get old), now I am actually greet with the rear end stepping out from time to time, being able to rotate with the throttle and overall a much more balance car.

If you don't track, just get the 265 for safety reason. It does fit the front wheels better.

spearfish25

The 265/285 f/r setup is excellent for tracking the car on road courses. I do not understeer on road courses. It's also an improvement over the stock sizes for autoX. As cossie has said, 285 square may be best for autocross for minimizing understeer, but I wouldn't recommend it on a daily driver. Also, you could have 400 width tires in the front and you'll still understeer if you don't slow enough for a turn. Driving technique is a key player here.

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2013 Cadillac V-Wagon, RIP Z

cossie1600

It's an improvement on and off the track. The only reason why I would stick with the 265 is because 265 is a safer fit than the 285 on the 9" rim. It is also quieter and provides better rain traction. For drivers who are not as experienced, it would also be a safer drive too.

285 all around is better than the 265/285, track or autox, car is a lot more neutral and it turns in so much nicer. The plow is only going to get worse as the front tires wear out.

Endgame

I assume all of your comments on 265 up front still apply if the wheels are 9.5 inches??

cossie1600

If the wheel was 9.5, I would feel a lot better doing it since the tire wouldn't be pinched like the way they would on a 9". Other than that, it really is for safety and maybe road noise. I am not joking when I say this. It was easier for me to get my Prius sideways last year than the Z. With the new tires, the car drives more like a Miata than a Corvette. For those who owned a C6, you will know they tend to plow unless you force the issue with the gas pedal. THat's what the car felt like last year.

Not sure if they help, but I just took these pictures







for sale!!



the way my 265 wore and what they look like after about 9000 miles





what 265 looked like on the front

V8Killer

Cossie,

I gotta say man your knowledge with the tires based on your exp. is good to go man. From all the information you have displayed you helped me make my decision on 265F/285R RE-11s on my 19" Rays. I do the drag strip once and a while but it's mostly my dd when I am in country. You get some rep. from me bud

cossie1600

No problem. These tires or any tires in this size cost way too much, I wish there is a revolt and people can just tell them to shove it

wh1te370z

cossie1600 is great with this stuff. Ive been talking to him for a while about setting my car up for the track. I have 285/30/18 all around for the track and the 285 up front really wakes up the handling of the car.


Oo cossie1600 btw those tires and rims worked out great. I put them on the car the other day and the tires are actually in ok shape. they handle much better then the stockers the way they are. only thing is they gota little shake to them. think they have to be balanced. Thanks again!

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1998 BMW 328is... Track Build
2010 White 370z.... sold

Endgame

Thx Cossie! I think I will be doing 265 up front and 285 in rear (RE11s). Good stuff!

cossie1600

you feel how the balance has changed right? the car no longer wants to plow constantly with the square setup. i am glad you like the wheels. you might not be able to get rid of the shake completely as they are a little feathered. did u try the juice on the tires or u waiting till the track day?

atropine

wow. great info cossie. that answered all my questions. gonna go 285 all around and try to get out to auto-x more often.

cossie1600

np and be safe