Im looking to upgrade from stock tires with only >5k miles... for some Nitto 555. If I buy them is it good to buy nitto on all 4 considering front 2 have hardly any wear... could i just replace back 2 for basically racing and keep front 2 stock tires for now? or will that feel weird on handling and smoothness etc....

 

Don't mix tire brands.

 

im not trying to mix brands im just saying is it really necessary to buy 4 tires when the front 2 have over 90% tread...

 

He says this for a good reason. If you have VDC or TCS, replacing just the front or rear tires, regardless if they are worn or not, can play hell with the traction control systems. This is primarily because differnet brands have differnet sidewall heights and mixing brands will set off the VDC and TCS.

I have direct experience with this. I replaced the OEM rears only at 12k miles and found that high speed braking and even semi-agressive cornering would cause the VDC to "auto-brake" the fronts because VDC sensed the fronts spinning faster due to higher sidewall heights. NOT the situation you want while driving at highway speeds and cornering. Replacing the front immediately made this problem go away.

Don't be cheap and just replace the rears. The Z is a sports car, and the general rule with sports cars are to replace all 4 tires at once. I didn't believe this maxum at first, but I am a believer now. Don't put yourself at risk and find yourself in a dangerous situation when you least expect it by comprimising the handling of the car you paid good money for.

 

wow.... well said. Eh im 19 and learning, this is first car im buying for myself so im basically learning. Never delt with such power, had a 5speed 92 camaro before this, was fun, but not nearly as luxurious and powerful. but i have drivin my fair share of mustangs cobras and vettes... all fun as well so i was just wondering thank you