Firestone Firehawk Indy 500, Nitto 555G2, or something else?

[pyroguy]

As the title states, I'm looking at new tires since after 7 years and 30k+ miles mine are pretty shot. I'm trying to decide what to get. The car gets occasional road trips so I want to have something that won't die after 10k miles, but I also don't need to break the bank with some high end Michelin tires (even though I know Michelin tires are awesome). The two that I've been thinking about are Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 and Nitto 555G2. What are people's personal experience with these two, which would you choose, and why would you choose one over the other. Also, if you have tried these in the past and you don't like them, why didn't you like them and what would you choose instead?

[larry_g]

I have the Firestone Indy 500s and they are a good all around tire for a daily driver. Treadwear seems decent and they do ok in the wet. That said, they suck for autocrossing so it really depends on your intended use.

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[pyroguy]

Thanks larry. I plan on using the car for the occasional road trip, trips to car shows, and the occasional "spirited" drive along the road. My wife doesn't want me to race the car so I'm not going to (officially), but I don't want a tire that will wear out immediately or not be able to hold the power effectively enough. I have a BTR stage 2 NA cam and supporting mods.

[Clarkstar]

I've had both the indy 500's and the nittos. I like the indys better...

[Avenging Orange]

There are so many choices these days. Even all season performance tires are pretty stout. I really like my Cooper Zeon RS3-S. Taken several road trips on them and they are quiet and have worn well. I dont think Cooper is making them anymore....so you might find some cheap.
Never used them but have always heard good things about the Firestone's.
Good luck

[pyroguy]

Originally Posted by Clarkstar

I've had both the indy 500's and the nittos. I like the indys better...

Looking at your signature you have quite the mod list. Did you have both or either of these tires with a power level at or above 450rwhp? I'm around that mark with an automatic trans currently.

Originally Posted by Avenging Orange

There are so many choices these days. Even all season performance tires are pretty stout. I really like my Cooper Zeon RS3-S. Taken several road trips on them and they are quiet and have worn well. I dont think Cooper is making them anymore....so you might find some cheap.
Never used them but have always heard good things about the Firestone's.
Good luck

I appreciate the input. I see that Cooper indeed doesn't make the RS3-S anymore and I'd rather have a tire that I know will be as new as possible. I don't get violent with the car, a.k.a. no big smokey burnouts or anything, so I want something that will last a while, hold my current power level reasonably, and isn't old on the shelf so that I don't have to replace them again anytime soon.

As for all season tires, I have some all season tires on now. Continental Extreme DWS on the front and some cheaper off brand name on the back that have held up overall well over the years. However, the Continentals are a little pricey and the others are just cheap. They got some good miles, but they're not great for much else.

[Clarkstar]

Originally Posted by pyroguy

Looking at your signature you have quite the mod list. Did you have both or either of these tires with a power level at or above 450rwhp? I'm around that mark with an automatic trans currently.



I appreciate the input. I see that Cooper indeed doesn't make the RS3-S anymore and I'd rather have a tire that I know will be as new as possible. I don't get violent with the car, a.k.a. no big smokey burnouts or anything, so I want something that will last a while, hold my current power level reasonably, and isn't old on the shelf so that I don't have to replace them again anytime soon.

As for all season tires, I have some all season tires on now. Continental Extreme DWS on the front and some cheaper off brand name on the back that have held up overall well over the years. However, the Continentals are a little pricey and the others are just cheap. They got some good miles, but they're not great for much else.

Both above 500hp... the indys have better grip

[pyroguy]

Originally Posted by Clarkstar

Both above 500hp... the indys have better grip

Excellent, thanks! How many miles did you get out of them?

[fireman1153]

I had the Indy 500's on my car (actually still have them on the front) and I make over 900whp. Obviously I don't get great traction but that's what the radial are for when I see the track. But for what I paid and compared to other tires, they actually did hook better than most that are not a true drag radial. I was very happy with them. I put about 20k on the rear tires and the fronts are still on with about 25k on them and still look pretty good.

[Tomsusername]

For a 'budget' performance tire, the Indy 500's seem hard to beat. The last time I looked at tires, they were really appealing. It sounds like they punch pretty hard above their price point.

[Camaro2ss2010]

I have the NT555G2 and like them. They perform great on dry and wet roads

[Pearlj10]

I’m glad that so many people like the Indy Firehawks. I bought a set for my 2011 based on all the good reviews and price, but had them removed two days later. To me, the sidewall was just too soft for a vehicle of this weight. You can feel how soft if you compare it to other unmounted premium summer tires. And the tires screeched like all hell when cornering. I’ve seen many other owners comment on the cornering noise, so I don’t think it’s as simple as I just got a bad set. Not trying to bash a product many are happy with, just relaying my experience.

[d kings z28]

Great information thanks

[pyroguy]

Pearlj10, thanks for the info. What did you get as an alternative? It's interesting that on Firestone's webpage they say the Indy 500's don't fit these cars, but they have the necessary tire sizes to fit the stock replacements.