Regarding the front fitment, 275's don't fit for all combinations of components. I used the spindles from my donor 2004 Mach 1. An adapter bracket from FFR was required to use the spindles from my donor. That said, I went for the 255/40-17s at the front. They barely fit and would rub some before a professional alignment was performed, so in my case 275 were out of the question unless I started to change my front spindles. If you can post what suspension parts you intend to use, those who have made the 275s fit can provide you guidance. One example of an extreme effort to make 275s fit was the work done by David Borden. He also went to the extreme of redesigning the front chassis structure as well, but he moved the control arm mounting positions to move the front wheels inboard as much as possible.
Then you have Fox width spindles but even with those 275s are pushing it on a Mk4. I prefer 255/40-17. With either 255 or 275 you need to be sure that your painter cuts back the wheelwell returns or the tire will get into the body when turning---obviously more so with the 275s
Your wheels are fine. The back space is the normal spec for the rears and is actually .2 inch more than usual (6.2 vs 6.0 or 5.94) for the fronts. That would help fit 275s.
The G2 is quite new, so additional sizes may be introduced soon (may include 255/40/17 but who knows). Might be worth a call to Nitto. Others have also used the NT05
If you want the 255/315 size combo don't discount the 555 out of hand. Many of us are running them with excellent results.
Have seen the 10 second improvement in the rain but not much on dry traction. Since with no roof rain traction is a non event for me would want to see some dry to dry comparisons.
FWIW it would appear the G2 are also an improved wear factor tire. General rule of thumb as the wear factor improves the dry traction factor decreases.
I wanted G2 275/17's in front but they were on back order everywhere when I purchased in March. I ended up with NT05s instead. I think the date was May for availability. I would call Discount Tire and ask. the website let me buy them but then they called with the bad news.
Think a common problem with the 275 size is they are very common to normal bodied cars that are DD & also use for weekend drag racing. These cars need something a lot better in the rain than the 555.
Resurrecting this thread...looks like Nitto still not offering the 255/40 on the 555G2. Option to match G2 at all four corners is either the 245/45 mentioned above, and they've added a 255/45. The 245/45 is the exact diameter as the 315/35, but a bit skinny on the 9" rim. The 255/45 will fit, but the overall diameter is a bit bigger than the rear.
I'm looking to replace by 10 year old 555/555Rs this spring. Could do the 555 up front, or maybe the NT05. Any new thoughts?
All this conversation I am assuming the original poster has a MK 3 or 4 with the SN95 rear?
I have a Fox-based MkII, and added those wheels, and had the inboard rubbing problem with the rear suspension. My solution was to add spacers for street use, and since I already have rear flares, the 315's fit. Otherwise, much modification is needed for the Fox cars. Up front, I added the SN95 spindles, everything fit.
FWIW or not worth. Took a tape measure to the NITTO 555R 245X45X17 & NITTO 555 255X40X17 tread & both looked like 9" across.
Measurement was taken 1/2 way up between the ground & tire top, not on the footprint. Did it this way because the 555R's are not mounted or weight loaded from the car.
This would suggest that any potential traction advantage the 555R might have is the 100 vs 300 treadware number.
Thanks guys. Wouldn't the 275 be a bit big in the front wheel well at almost an inch wider than the 255s? Visually, my fronts already look further out. I guess it can never hurt to have more meat.
As for rubbing, I get a bit on the rear every now and then (I'm not a racer). That's one of the reasons I'm sticking with the Nittos. I thought some of the other brands didn't fit well; at least back in the day.
Yes the 275s are large but I have run them for years on my MkII. I do run 2.5 deg negative camber which helps tuck them inside the fenders. I have the tires flipped on the wheels every 2 yrs to help even out the wear. I don't care if they hit the "F" panels.
What CraigS said . . . MKII with 275's up front since the car was first on the road (14 years ago). Yes, they touch the "F" panel when turning tight. Yes they touch the inner fender IF I take a bad dip in the road too fast.
But, after 14 years,I still the love the size for the fronts (315's in rear) and will continue to buy this size as tire replacement becomes needed. I love the Nitto's, they have been a reliable, predictable (in weather or season), and the ride is just what I was looking for when I changed from my old "TA's" years ago. First "benefit" I noticed was; no more tram-lining when on uneven roads - tires now just float right over any imperfections with ease. Old TA's would follow any line they could find, made for a very "darty" ride.
I read that the new G2 tire is harder and has a longer wear cycle. Also, that it was designed to work with the 555R on the rear, G2 on the front.
That will work well for me because the fronts are wearing faster than the rears, both 555R.
The Nut
Just as a head's up, Nitto is apparently listening and will offer 255-40-17 supposedly available May 1st. This is perfect timing as I am anxious to replace my aged Yokos. I'm going with 285 rear and 255 front. should be fun!
Just received my order for my Nitto 555 G2s from Discount Tire. They didn't have the 255s listed on their site but were able to order them direct from Nitto. Just sayin'.
Thanks for the update. Good stuff. Still haven't mounted by 275s yet! Hopefully in the next few weeks before open house.
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