Time for new tires

Flade · Nov 7, 2025

The tires on my 94 GT have hit their age limit and it’s time to replace them. I have a set of new bullet rims ready to go: 9x17 front & 10.5x17 rear.

The car is pretty stock now but I have a room full of go fast stuff ready to add (TW170 heads, Ported cobra intake, larger MAF & TB, Hooker shorty headers, off road H-pipe, magna-flow cat back exhaust, cam, 3.55 gears, etc.). I am guessing around 300hp when it’s all together.

I live in FL so wet weather grip is essential. Don’t want those wide rears turning into surfboards.

What is the current go-to tire with excellent wet weather behavior?

I’ve been thinking Nitto NT555 G2. Is there a better choice?

For the Front I am thinking 245/45R17

For the Back I am thinking 315/35R17

Daryl · Nov 8, 2025

Correct on all accounts! But for peace of mind, do a Google search on both sizes, see what other brands offer them (Toyo, Michelin). then compare wet traction ratings & reviews, paying particular attention to the most recent.

Flade · Nov 8, 2025

Looks like the Nittos and Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 4 are the two best rated with tires in the sizes I need

anyone have experience with either on a Mustang?

cobrajeff96 · Nov 9, 2025

I for one am a repeat buyer of Continental tires since 2012. I sometimes can't believe how long they last with the kind of grip they deliver in all environments. I've tried their ExtremeContact DWS for my time in Europe (about 12 years now) but I've also tried their DWS06 which I wasn't too impressed with. But a crazy value for the money. I haven't ran Nittos since late 2000s.

gatorblue92 · Nov 9, 2025

I run Nittos on my F250 and have been very happy with them. Also had them on my prior trucks so will be getting those when I get new wheels and tires for my 98 GT in the spring. Had Michelin Pilots on my 86 SVO when I got it and they were good as well but just old so I replaced them with some cheap General Altimax tires which were adequate at best.

weendoggy · Nov 9, 2025

I run Nitto NT555 G2 275x40/17 square setup on 9" rims and they have plenty of grip for street. Handle well in wet too.

Daryl · Nov 9, 2025

I’ve had Nitto’s since I bought the package from LMR and have no complaints wet or dry.

FWIW, I just put a set of Continental’s on my Ram 1500 a few months back. Always noticed a lot of high-end SUV’s run ‘em so must be something to it. Did the research and pulled the trigger. Quieter ride than the Bridgestone’s. Grip feels solid. Sport tires likely have a different compound but just thought I’d throw it in since cobrajeff mentioned Conti’s.

Bronco2Fan · Nov 9, 2025

I run continental on everything but the ZJ and SN95. All terrain on the ZJ, Nittos on the SN95. Not Impressed with the Nittos wet traction.

RAU03MACH · Nov 9, 2025

running 305 45 17 on the rear Nitto
running 245 45 17 fronts Nitto

Flade · Nov 9, 2025

RAU03MACH said:
running 305 45 17 on the rear Nitto
running 245 45 17 fronts Nitto

I don’t see 305/45R17 for sale.

Flade · Nov 9, 2025

Looks like michelin pilot sport 4s are available in both sizes and are better rated than the NITTOs. Anyone running them?

cobrajeff96 · Nov 10, 2025

RAU03MACH said:
running 305 45 17 on the rear Nitto
running 245 45 17 fronts Nitto

Damn, that's a helluva rake you got going. No ABS I'm guessing.

I_LIKE_TURTLEZ · Nov 10, 2025

Flade said:
Looks like michelin pilot sport 4s are available in both sizes and are better rated than the NITTOs. Anyone running them?

My Cobra makes around 315rwhp and I can't get traction at all with the G2's. Wish I had gone with the 555R's or a stickier compound in general.

Granted it's still on 245's but the suspension is entirely new, it still kicks the rear end out from first to third gear. It's like driving on snow at all times.

I'm sure the G2's are a good all-around weather tire but in my experience they simply don't hook in a straight line. The Cooper RS3's I replaced never lost traction by comparison.

The Pilot Sport 4's are widely considered the best tires on the market.

RAU03MACH · Nov 11, 2025

cobrajeff96 said:
Damn, that's a helluva rake you got going. No ABS I'm guessing.

No problem at all
I have all the abs hooked up

RAU03MACH · Nov 11, 2025

Plus the front is dropped about 2 inches

RAU03MACH · Nov 11, 2025

there is just a little room at the top rear
and the front about 1/4 fender over tire

RAU03MACH · Nov 11, 2025

a little better view

cobrajeff96 · Nov 11, 2025

I think maybe your ABS is not even functioning at all. With that much of a difference in tire diameter, you should be getting an ABS light on the dash.