Tire time, what to do, what to do.

[DMan]

So, should I just OEM PS2's and be done with it, or search and research for anything better?

I have one front PS2 brand new sitting in the garage, so I need 3 for a new set - weird swapping exchanges, long story, anyway ....

So I have new 6 spokes I'm putting on, going to go black on them, getting TPS from JonB, but thinking to just throw a set of PS2's, make use of the new front I have. Or, do something different to get something better, if that exists. I could throw the PS2 on my 5 spokes, which has one new front & one older front (long story), and I'm selling them when I mount the 6 spokes, so ... I could include that brand new PS2 for a nice matchedwheel/tire set to sell, or sell the PS2 alone, or use it on the new wheels and sell the 5 spokes as is.

I'm already worn out thinking about it just writing this.

 

[ViperGeorge]

I know the SRT Vehicle Dyanamics engineer. He was responsible for the tire/suspension package on the Gen 3 and Gen 4 Vipers and is currently working on many aspects of the Gen 5 (which of course he won't tell me about). He has told me on several occasions you cannot beat the PS2s (at least not until the new Pirellis come out for the Gen 5). The PS2s with the C1 designation (Viper specific compound) have the same compound as the Pilot Sport Cups which are stock on the ACR. Luke at Tirerack has also confirmed that the PS2s would be as good or maybe better than even the new Pilot Super Sports.

 

[ZYellow01RT]

Just make sure that you consider all options...

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[witz323]

since you already have one new ps2, it seems like an easy decision. If you've got money to burn, you might want to consider the pilot super sports. I'm considering those, but i'm waiting for the snow to melt and temps to rise in wisconsin.

 

[cubican]

The Nitto nt05 is a great looking tire for half the price. A frind has them on his Viper and loves them way more traction than the p2 plus better on wet.

 

[ViperGeorge]

since you already have one new ps2, it seems like an easy decision. If you've got money to burn, you might want to consider the pilot super sports. I'm considering those, but i'm waiting for the snow to melt and temps to rise in wisconsin.

See my post above, doesn't seem like the Super Sports will be any better.

 

[RCC]

I like Nitto Invos, I had them on a few different cars including my Viper. Will buy a another set when these wear out.

 

[FLATOUT]

I like Nitto Invos, I had them on a few different cars including my Viper. Will buy a another set when these wear out.

I'm with RCA I'm on about my fourth set of invos also and have been happy them.

Andy

 

[2005 SRT-10]

Not to hijack the thread, but those that use the Nitto Invo's... I have researched them but what is the real life mileage on these tires? Are you getting alot out of them for the price or do you get longer from the PS2's. I am also in the same boat

Invo (cheaper) vs PS2 (consensus says better tire but more $$)

 

[Paul Hawker]

Had Invo on my 09. Pretty wore out at 20K miles.

Put on Pilot Super Sports. They ride smoother, quieter, and do not tramline.

They do not look as good as the lower profile Invo.

Invo is a pretty good street tire, but does not compare to Michelin for track or higher performance duty.

 

[cubican]

lets not get the invo and the nt05 mix up two different tires. also the nt05R is a drag radial unlike the nt05.

 

[BLK04]

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PS2

 

[iownedu]

I've decided upon nt05 up front and nt05r out back. I want a drag radial since I have a paxton and will probly only put 1k miles a year on the car.

 

[malcoll]

Dman....I tried to send you a PM..... I am interested in your 5 spokes when you are ready to sell.... I don't need the tires as I need new tires anyway....maybe I could buy the one new PS2 cause I am going with PS2s...... shoot me a PM.. your box was full so I could not send you a PM....

Thanks,
Lance

 

[DMan]

Thnx guys. I saw the super sports pricing, I think it's between those two for me, the PS2 or SS's. Since I moved to the gen4 I've not had this viper to the track, ran my gt500 all last season, so my late winter goal is to get set for a few trackdays, I think the PS2 or SS options will be solid for street and occassional track.

Malcol - sorry about that, should be OK now. I'll probably be ready to sell these in like a month, plus or minus a week. I got my 6 spokes, I need to get the tires, do the wheels in black & mount 'em up.

 

[ulllose]

Correct me if im wrong, but everything I have read about the new super sport, they rate just as good as the ps2 and are cheaper, so that seems like a no brainer. I bought a set of the super sports but they were for my M3, and seem to be a great tire so far

 

[Bill Pemberton Woodhouse]

Not sure I agree with some of the posts about the new Pilot Super Sport, but read what Luke ( Tire Rack ) has to say about it and it not only appears to be quite a bit better, there are other distinct advantages. Basically reiterated ( in another post ) what Luke said ,as had heard some very positive things from friends at Michelin. After Luke posted recently it appears they claims are true and even better than I had heard. I knew the track times were substantially better ( heck 1.5 seconds faster is 15 car lengths on a 2 mile track ) , but was not aware of all the other pluses.

Check the recent posts here, as chatted with Luke yesterday also, and it looks like the new Super Sport is not only quite a bit superior to the PS2s, it is likely the tire to have, currently, on a Snake.

Respectfully Submitted,
Bill Pemberton
Woodhouse

 

[bmw2nv2000]

Invos FTW!!! Great traction (better than PS2's from my experience) and cant beat the price.

 

[DMan]

Yea, Bill, saw that post last nite, got my attention big time too, thnx. I'm thinking ******* those.

I hear great things on the Invos, and then also bad things, so opinions vary, this particular time I'm not into the risk of liking or not liking, so I'm a little skiddish of trying them this time. The PS2s are a sure thing, but the SS Luke info has me thinking that there's no real risk there on those, almost sound too good to be true.

 

[Bill Pemberton Woodhouse]

Have seen plenty of posts , and some of those knocking the Nittos were from folks that did not sell them, but the reality is it depends on what you want from the tire. One of the advantages of instructing at two different tracks is getting to try out alot of tires and getting subjective views on each. The Nitto, for many drivers is a very good alternative, as it is a bit less expensive, rides okay, is pretty good in the rain, and not bad on the track. It does seem to work a bit better when it is really cold out, but one often wonders what folks really are doing out there when the weather is in that attitude. It is about the same generation tire as the PS2. On the track it is not as fast as a PS2, have seen some chunk out at times, and they go away faster, but ....................who cares if you drive your car on the street more. They seem to wander a bit more in ruts than the PS2s and are noisier. Again, when it comes down to it, if the majority of drivers just cruise , it is a viable alternative.

With the new PSS , it is really quite a jump ahead of the PS2 , is a new generation , and should blow both of the others away. One gets lucky and hears things, but I am always a bit late to chat about stuff until it is actually out and things have been verified. Luke is probably one of the straightest guys I know, and he has told people about things that benefited the Viper community for years and years. He told folks about a specific branded Viper Michelin tire over 10 years ago when folks thought they ( the MXX3) were all the same ---- he did his research and proved it to all the Viper faithful on this website. Pretty strong integrity when he could have kept his mouth shut and just sold us tires of the correct size and basic model.

Heard rumors, as noted , about the new PSS, and it was nice to see the Tire Rack and Luke post the info in full -- more than many of us knew as we just got tidbits. Paul Hawker is another straight shooter and has had many a Viper and if he says the PSS is a vast improvement it comes from the heart. Paul doesn't mince words, but he will give praise when due.

So , since Bill is getting to be a windbag again, let's conclude that :

1. Nitto is not a bad tire and it is a bit cheaper
2. Nitto is more than sufficient for cruising , etc. and okay on the track though it gets greasy soon.
3. Might even be a bit better in the rain than a PS2
4. Rides a bit rougher and is noisier, doesn't track as well.

All in relation to a PS2, and from the data from Luke, Paul, etc. I think the money spent will be advantageous to get a set of Pilot Super Sports, but if the items listed are no big deal , get the Invos. You are the only one that really knows what you want out of the tire and as you have already seen, opinions vary, ha,ha.

 

[FLATOUT]

So a salesman from tire rack wants us to buy the more expensive tire? Got it

 

[bmw2nv2000]

If the PSS really last 50% longer and are just as sticky as Invos I would try a set of the 19/20's on my new wheels BUT the rear that is offered is a 345/30-20 and that is 1.3"'s taller than the 345/25-20 so thats a big NO for me. I like to sit low and a taller tire is not best for that. Hey Luke when they make a 345/25 rear let me know.

 

[Sonoman]

So a salesman from tire rack wants us to buy the more expensive tire? Got it

For whatever reason, Tire Rack has the Pilot Super Sport front (275/35-18) listed at only $295.00, compared to the PS2 at $408.00 in the same size. SS 345/30-19 rears are about $537.00, about $40 bucks more than a PS2. So you do save some money by going with a full set of Super Sports, at least right now.

 

[FLATOUT]

Dman it's a pretty easy choice really. Buy a tire that best suites your needs. Quarter mile, buy a drag radial, road course buy a cup sport type tire, street car buy a street tire. If you do a little of all choose based on your needs.

 

[bmw2nv2000]

Dman it's a pretty easy choice really. Buy a tire that best suites your needs. Quarter mile, buy a drag radial, road course buy a cup sport type tire, street car buy a street tire. If you do a little of all choose based on your needs.

Bingo

 

[DMan]

Yea, that's pretty much where I started on my post, which just takes me to the PS2, no question for street & road course, it's top shelf, plus OEM. Just wanted a sanity check since I have a lil unusual thing with not replacing my stockers but new tires for my new rims, or swapping tires all around, etc Nice timing though on the PSS pricing coming out and the perf ratings, and being "next gen" to PS2, I see no risk in trying them, so I thnk I'm set, already got my cart loaded at tirerack, lol.

 

[mattdillon]

So, guys is the kuhmo's not even in the debate? just wondering.

 

[Sonoman]

So, guys is the kuhmo's not even in the debate? just wondering.

I believe Kumho stopped producing a 345/30-19 (or any aspect 345/19).

 

[mattdillon]

I believe Kumho stopped producing a 345/30-19 (or any aspect 345/19).

Thanks Sonoman, I knew last year I bought the 345/30zr-19's (rear) & 275/35zr-18's (front) from JonB.

 

[ViperGeorge]

I also spoke to Luke in the last couple of days. He said go with the PS2s. I'm running One Lap again and the tires will only be good for the week so its not like I'm going to keep them for a while. SRT engineer says PS2s as well, not the Super Sports.