Sumitomos vs. Nitto DR's, BOTH "cut small"???

**rel3rd** · 02-23-2009, 01:30 PM

Has anyone had BOTH a Sumitomo HTRZ and a Nitto Drag Radial in the same exact size? I'm curious as to which one is "cut" smaller, if any?

I have FOUR Torque Thrust 2's in 17x9.5's and two in 17x11's.
Right now, (2) 17x9.5's have 275/40 Sumitomos, and (2) 17x11's have 315/35 Sumitomos on them. I have a pair of 315/35 Nitto Drag radials and am trying to figure out whether to run the drag radials on the 17x11's, or the 17x9.5's? Drag Radials will only be on the car if headed to the track, so it's not a huge deal.

Just curious????

.
p.s. I KNOW Nitto's site says that you need at least a 10.5" rim for the 315/35's, but I also KNOW they are VERY generous in their tire width specs as well...Tread width actually measures 10.5" tops.

**Mr. Luos** · 02-23-2009, 01:35 PM

I thought the Sumihomo's were wider than the Nitto DR's.
Both were 315's.

Sumihomo's didn't hold for shit. Getting wildly loose into 4th gear isn't fun.
I currently have 315 Nitto DR's on the 17x11 TTII's. There is a lip because of how thin they run.

**rel3rd** · 02-23-2009, 01:40 PM

Originally Posted by Mr. Luos

I thought the Sumihomo's were wider than the Nitto DR's.
Both were 315's.

Sumihomo's didn't hold for shit. Getting wildly loose into 4th gear isn't fun.
I currently have 315 Nitto DR's on the 17x11 TTII's. There is a lip because of how thin they run.

That's my first thoughts too, but with the Nittos unmounted it's hard to get an accurate idea, ya know? I know the Sumitomos are pretty much worthless as far as even daily driver traction, so that may make the decision easier.

Do you have any pics showing how close the tire's sidewall is to rim bead?

I have a few of Frost's car which show the rims actually wider than the tires, but could use a better shot if you have any.

**Mr. Luos** · 02-23-2009, 08:47 PM

Originally Posted by rel3rd

Do you have any pics showing how close the tire's sidewall is to rim bead?

I have a few of Frost's car which show the rims actually wider than the tires, but could use a better shot if you have any.

Best I got....

**rel3rd** · 02-24-2009, 01:13 PM

They actually don't look too bad on your car.

You have TT2's, right?

**Mr. Luos** · 02-24-2009, 01:19 PM

Originally Posted by rel3rd

They actually don't look too bad on your car.
You have TT2's, right?

Yup...at least for that picture.

There is a lip for sure that isn't on the front (275 BFG KDW's on 17x9.5").

17x11 rears with the Nitto DR 315...

**rel3rd** · 02-24-2009, 01:36 PM

rut-roh, I see it now, lol...

I'd be tearing my wheels up...using them as curb feelers, haha.

Now I KNOW that the Nittos will be going on the extra pair of 17x9.5's. When they either wear out, or I get disgusted trying to hook with them, then I'll have to break down and get a new pair of 315 Mickey's for the 17x11's.

I assume you have no clearance issues with that setup and the Stranos?

Thanks for the pics...

**Mr. Luos** · 02-24-2009, 01:42 PM

Originally Posted by rel3rd

I assume you have no clearance issues with that setup and the Stranos?

Thanks for the pics...

Sure.
And no clearance issues.

I just went out and snapped a couple pics...but like an idiot I took them in RAW and have to run. I'll post them later this evening for you.

**rel3rd** · 02-24-2009, 02:16 PM

Good deal.

**Mr. Luos** · 02-25-2009, 05:58 PM

Originally Posted by rel3rd

Good deal.

Sorry....got a little too drunk last night and forgot...

**rel3rd** · 02-26-2009, 11:57 AM

Originally Posted by Mr. Luos

Sorry....got a little too drunk last night and forgot...

Me too, LOL...

I couldn't wait another day, so I swapped on my TT2's with the Sumitomos...
I'm going to throw the Nittos on an extra pair of 17x9.5's and call it a day.

Thanks again for all the pics. I appreciate it.

**karpetcm** · 02-26-2009, 02:15 PM

The only thing i can add is when i had the nitto's it would be hard to find any traction on my 01 SS M6 with 17x9.5 rims but the Sumitomos on my 01 Z M6 that are 315's grip better to me for sure but doesnt feel as soft as my nittos did. When thing i really noticed about the nitto's was the ride was extremely soft and braking got better. I might buy 315's out back nitto's and im sure that tire size will do alot better then the 275's i had a few years ago.

**Mr. Luos** · 02-26-2009, 04:03 PM

Originally Posted by karpetcm

The only thing i can add is when i had the nitto's it would be hard to find any traction on my 01 SS M6 with 17x9.5 rims but the Sumitomos on my 01 Z M6 that are 315's grip better to me for sure but doesnt feel as soft as my nittos did. When thing i really noticed about the nitto's was the ride was extremely soft and braking got better. I might buy 315's out back nitto's and im sure that tire size will do alot better then the 275's i had a few years ago.

I had both tires....

Nitto's will hold a 1st gear roll.
Sumihomo's would break loose on a 3rd gear roll.

**allbaugh_04** · 03-02-2009, 06:19 AM

I can agree for the nittos, they aren't bad, and they do run small

**architect7** · 03-18-2009, 04:34 PM

Originally Posted by Mr. Luos

Best I got....

Did you roll your fenders? if so, where can you rent that tool?

Thanks

**allbaugh_04** · 03-18-2009, 05:12 PM

Originally Posted by architect7

Did you roll your fenders? if so, where can you rent that tool?

Thanks

I didn't roll mine, i doubt he did

**Mr. Luos** · 03-18-2009, 06:28 PM

Originally Posted by architect7

Did you roll your fenders? if so, where can you rent that tool?

Thanks

No mods to the car to fit the skinny Nitto DR's.

Actually...no mods to fit the wide 27x11.5x15 Hoosier QTP's either.
Sits on Strano springs.

**architect7** · 03-18-2009, 06:57 PM

Originally Posted by Mr. Luos

No mods to the car to fit the skinny Nitto DR's.

Actually...no mods to fit the wide 27x11.5x15 Hoosier QTP's either.
Sits on Strano springs.

Good deal. I'm looking at 335's in the BFGoodrich G-Force KDW's and am wondering what size can of worms I might be opening...

Thanks for the info.

**Mr. Luos** · 03-18-2009, 07:02 PM

335's will NOT fit without a bunch of work.

**Hi-Po** · 03-19-2009, 07:52 AM

Just bought some Nitto 555r's yesterday. Too bad the engine is ripped apart, Im interested in seeing how they perform on the street. Have to be better then my really bald KDW's.