335 Tire Decision
 

I need some advice on choosing a rear tire. I want to run a 335/30/18.
I'm leaning toward a Kumho Ecsta V700 but I'm concerned about tread life. Nitto claims the NT-555R has a 15,000 mile life expectancy on the street, but I'm guessing will give up some handling. I can't find anything else that compares in price. I have a 67 Chevelle with a twin turbocharged Arizona Speed and Marine 454. I'm planning on a TH400 with a GV unit, and a 4.11 rear. If I cant get the GV I have a Frankland Quick Change rear. What experiences have you guys had with these tires and can you recommend any other manufacturers in the sub $300 range.

Thanks,
Kevin

Hi Kevin, welcome to the site. You car sounds great.

As for a tire, finding a high performance tire in that size for that price point could be tough. It's also something that I'm thinking about and Steve has pointed out the Toyo RA-1.

The RA-1 Toyos are great tires, but the 335/30/18 will set ya back $350 to $370 each.. The R-compound is pretty soft so I wouldn't expect much over 12k miles on them (give or take)

The reviews on the tires are great though, guys are very happy with the performance and how they grip. They even seem fairly happy about the wear.

I found some 335/30/18 g-Force T/A KDWs for $305 each. I think I want to go with a harder/ more street oriented tire for my first set so I don't feel so bad about roasting them. One of the first things I'm going to do is make an 1100 mile round trip with the car and I don't want to be constantly worrying about the tires. Do you guys have any experience with these tires?

Thanks,
Kevin

I had BFG KDW's when I had 17's. They were 275/40's and held up great, nice road tire, but they certainly didn't have any bite. My little 434 could roast them from a 50 mph roll. Kinda cool, but not exactly the way to get from point A to point B quickly.

what about some Pirelli's, the Rosso are nice

The Toyo Proxy R's are the best tire I ever used in Autocrossing and SCCA racing events. I no longer race, but after going though dozens of tire companys, nothing was better for the track and street then these tires. You will get about 12k at best with these on the street, but it will be the best 12k ever.

Thanks for the advice guys. I ordered a set of toyos last night. I found 335/35/18's for $315 each from www.bmwwheels.com/bmwwheels_toyo_tires.asp

Kevin

Dude, than you for posting this! I didn't realize that they made this size, and I have been deliberating about which tires to put on my 68 Satellite (big car, big wheelwells, big motor = big tires with decent sidewall). This will work perfect, I almost bought a set of Pilot Sports just yesterday, perfect timing. Couple hundred bucks cheaper too!

Don't worry about wearing them down, once you get used to the fact that good tires are expensive, and that they wear out, you won't have too much issue spending the dough on them.

Mark

Mark,
I found prices on tires of this size vary wildly. The cheapest I found was a Kumho for 249 ea. I found the same Kumho somewhere else for $550ea. The most expensive one around here was $725 ea for P-zeros.

Kevin