Nitto NT05 275/40-20 all four corners. Pressure: 33psi Cold, 36psi post clover leaf Weather: Dry Temp: 56 Break In: After installing the tires I put 300 miles of semi spirited driving in and around the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area and here in San Diego to break them in a bit before testing them out. Once the mold release agent was scrubbed off, the braking and turning felt very stable. I had them Hunter Road Force balanced at local Ford dealership. They were shipped to my door for $900. Installation and balancing was $50. $950 total. Initial Response: The steering response is quick reacting to its initial steering input even with the 275's up front. Due to the fact that the tires aren't warmed up to optimal temperature, the rubber friction was lower then one would see on the track. That's why I started at 33psi when I've heard of folks starting them at around 28-30psi cold for track use. Stability: The lateral feel is predictable and flat. They give you ample warning that they are getting close to slipping. These are a stickier version of the Vreds. Our cars need a stiffer sidewall for lateral handling and the NT05's abide!! Noise Harshness Vibration: I have not noticed any humming at all. They seem extremely quiet so far. I am really surprised with how comfortable these things are. I was expecting something completely different. Straight Line Traction: Three days ago with my Toyo Proxes 4's I would sit and spin off the line. I could not spin the tires today with the NT05's. My typical 3500rpm/1st gear (20mph) launch which typically leaves me spinning halfway through 2nd gear with other tires. I only got a chirp with the NT05's. These things hook!! Buds "litmus test": There is a clover leaf pictured below that I take home from work everyday so I've done multiple tests in varying conditions. The Proxes could do it at 47mph, Vredesteins 49mph, and the NT05's did it at 52mph on my first test with a hint of tire squeal. I'm confident I have another 1-2mph's to go. I barely scrubbed the tire diamonds also pictured below. Interstate 905 east to Interstate 805 north interchange Tire Diamond Wear Bottom Line: If you want to bring your car to the next level of handling and off the line traction for daily driving these tires are the deal.
One thing to note. The 275/40/20s are XL, the 255/45/20s are not. Don't know if the rating is more to do with size or if there is an actual effective difference. Rick, they will stay just as quiet until they get down to the wear bars. They have a very slight singing at 50 or 60 mph. You have to listen for it. As they approach the wear bars they will feel a touch harder on straight line (maybe it's the compound getting harder with age). It's kind of strange in that, just cruising they feel really really soft like you're running them way under inflated. p.s. you didn't get a triangle in the pic...
