Nitto NT555RII Drag Radial
Unlock straight-line traction you can feel with the Nitto NT555RII. This street-legal drag radial pairs a soft, warm-weather compound with a directional tread and a wide contact patch to put power down cleanly from a stop. Built for rear-axle duty on high-output cars, it delivers the compliance to drive to the track and the bite you want when the lights drop. If your build is all about launches and 60-foot times while staying road legal, the NT555RII fits the brief.
Key Features
The NT555RII is tuned for forward bite without giving up street legality. A soft, warm-weather compound conforms quickly for strong off-the-line grip, and a directional tread keeps the contact patch stable under throttle. Broad shoulder blocks support hard launches, while a continuous center rib adds straight-line stability. Circumferential channels help evacuate water for day-to-day use, but this tire is optimized for dry conditions and carries DOT approval for public roads.
Performance & Street Use
Heat is your friend with this drag radial. When warmed and used on the driven axle, the NT555RII hooks quickly and tracks straight in dry, warm weather. Like most drag radials, grip drops in cold temperatures and heavy rain, so leave extra distance and drive conservatively if the pavement is wet. For best results, avoid winter use, allow a brief break-in, manage heat cycles, and keep alignment in spec, rotating side to side on the same axle if your setup allows.
Sizes & Fitment Guide
Popular NT555RII sizes for street/strip builds include 305/45R17, 275/60R15, 305/35R19, 305/35R20, and 315/35R20. Aim for an overall diameter close to stock to preserve speedometer accuracy and clearance. Staggered setups are common, with drag radials on the rear axle and a compatible performance tire up front. Always confirm wheel width and offset, fender clearance, and suspension geometry, and start with the OE size listed on your driver door jamb label before upsizing.
Price, Availability & Buying
NT555RII pricing varies by size and current inventory. Larger and specialty fitments often cost more due to construction and demand. Select your size to view live pricing, ETA, and shipping options, with fast delivery and installer checkout available at participating shops. For value, watch for seasonal promotions, replace valve stems, schedule a performance alignment, and order a matched pair for the rear axle to keep production dates consistent.
NT555RII vs Alternatives
Your choice comes down to priorities. If maximum straight-line traction with DOT legality is the goal, the NT555RII is built for it. If you want daily drivability, wet-road confidence, and cornering grip, a traditional ultra-high-performance summer tire will serve you better. Whatever you choose, match brand, model, and size on the same axle for predictable handling.
NT555RII vs Nitto NT05R
Both are DOT-compliant drag radials designed for straight-line traction. The NT555RII balances street usability with launch grip, using directional tread geometry and channels that make fair-weather driving more manageable. It is a popular pick for modern street/strip builds that need to drive to and from the track. The NT05R leans more toward dedicated drag use for aggressive setups, so choose it if your time is spent mostly at the strip.
NT555RII vs Nitto NT555 G2
The NT555RII is a drag radial focused on launches and straight-line acceleration. The NT555 G2 is an ultra-high-performance summer tire built for daily driving, cornering, and wet-road manners. If you often visit the strip and need DOT-legal traction off the line, run the NT555RII on the rear axle. If you want balanced handling and everyday versatility, the NT555 G2 is the better match, and many builds pair G2 fronts with NT555RII rears with installer approval.
