The 2006 Saleen lineup was small in count but huge in ambition, centering on the S7 as an American-built supercar with exotic proportions and serious high-speed intent. Unlike a broad make with sedans, coupes, and trucks sharing one chassis family, 2006 Saleen focused this year around a purpose-built performance machine whose tire sizing reflects a staggered front-and-rear setup. Across the 2006 Saleen range, one model uses two distinct radial sizes rather than a shared all-around fitment, so the real choice comes down to confirming whether you are replacing the 19-inch front tire or the 20-inch rear tire. Before choosing a tire, verify axle position first and then match the exact size.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 2006 Saleen
Two tire sizes are used on 2006 Saleen vehicles, and they vary by position on the model rather than being interchangeable across the whole car. Because these sizes do not share a rim diameter, the first step is confirming whether you need the 19-inch front fitment or the 20-inch rear fitment. Understanding that difference before choosing a product saves time and helps you match the tire to the correct wheel.
Year(s): 2006|Fit(s): S7|Construction: Radial|Rim: 19 in
A 275/35R19 is a radial tire with a 275-millimeter section width, a 35-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 19-inch wheel. This front S7 size is available from BFGoodrich and Nitto, with blackwall sidewalls throughout and speed ratings that vary by product, including W up to 168 mph and Y up to 186 mph. Rim width coverage for this size runs from 9.0 to 11.0 inches where specified. Choose this size when your S7 needs the correct front fitment and you want a modern ultra-performance radial in the proper low-profile format.
Year(s): 2006|Fit(s): S7|Construction: Radial|Rim: 20-in rim
A 335/30R20 is a radial tire with a 335-millimeter section width, a 30-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 20-inch wheel. This S7 rear size is specific to the rear axle application, giving the car the wider footprint that matches its staggered wheel-and-tire layout. The practical takeaway is simple: this is the rear size, not a universal 2006 Saleen fitment, so replacement starts with confirming that your wheel is the 20-inch rear. Buyers comparing front and rear tires should treat this size as a separate decision from the 275/35R19 front tire.
One model is covered for 2006 Saleen. Tire size does not vary by trim family across the make, but the S7 uses different sizes front and rear, so identifying position matters just as much as identifying the model. Select the model below for model-specific fitment history and products.
2006 Saleen S7
The 2006 Saleen S7 stands apart from ordinary production cars as a low-volume American supercar developed around speed, aerodynamics, and a dedicated performance chassis. Its tire setup reflects that mission with a staggered arrangement, mounting the front tires on 19-inch wheels and the rear tires on 20-inch wheels. That means tire selection is tied to axle position as well as model identification.
Four products are available across two tire sizes for 2006 Saleen vehicles. The 275/35R19 front radial comes from BFGoodrich and Nitto in blackwall form; confirm front-versus-rear size first, and note that speed ratings vary within the 19-inch fitment.
These FAQs cover the staggered front-and-rear sizing used on 2006 Saleen vehicles, how to decode the modern metric radial sizes, what setup details matter before installation, and how to care for low-use high-performance tires on a collector supercar.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 2006 Saleen vehicles?
The 2006 Saleen range centers on the S7, which uses two different tire sizes: 275/35R19 at the front and 335/30R20 at the rear. Those are both radial sizes, and they are not interchangeable because they mount on different wheel diameters. The 275/35R19 fits a 19-inch wheel, while the 335/30R20 fits a 20-inch wheel.
That means a 2006 Saleen owner should confirm axle position before doing anything else. If you are replacing a full set, match front and rear exactly rather than trying to equalize sizes. On the front 275/35R19, products with stated wheel guidance fit 9.0- to 11.0-inch rims, which is useful when verifying wheel compatibility on a car that may have had wheels changed over time.
What does 275/35R19 mean on a 2006 Saleen tire?
On a 2006 Saleen, 275/35R19 is a modern metric radial size. The 275 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 35 is the aspect ratio, meaning the sidewall height is 35 percent of the section width, R identifies radial construction, and 19 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the S7, this is the front tire size.
That decoding matters because the front fitment is not just narrower than the rear; it also uses a different wheel diameter. If you are comparing products in this size, the examples available here are blackwall performance radials with W and Y speed ratings depending on product. Matching the exact 275/35R19 marking helps preserve the intended front-end geometry and steering response of the 2006 Saleen S7.
Do all 2006 Saleen models use the same tire size?
No 2006 Saleen uses a single all-around tire size. The S7 uses a staggered setup with 275/35R19 in front and 335/30R20 in back, so tire fitment changes by axle position. Even though there is only one core model in the 2006 Saleen range, there are still two distinct sizes to account for.
That distinction is especially important on a supercar, where front and rear tire dimensions are part of the chassis balance. A front tire order should never be based only on year and make if the rear size is still in view, and the same goes the other way around. Confirm the sidewall marking on the tire already on the car and verify the wheel diameter before selecting a replacement.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 2006 Saleen tires?
The 2006 Saleen fitments covered here use blackwall sidewalls. That suits the S7 well, since its tire sizing belongs to the modern supercar era rather than the whitewall or period styling cues associated with older collector vehicles. For a car with this level of visual aggression and low-profile fitment, blackwall is the expected look.
For most owners, that means the buying decision is driven more by exact size, speed rating, and brand preference than by sidewall appearance. The practical advantage is simplicity: there is no need to sort through period-style sidewall treatments that would clash with the design language of a 2006 Saleen. Focus on getting the correct front or rear size first, then compare the individual tire models within that fitment.
What brands make tires for 2006 Saleen vehicles?
The 275/35R19 front size for 2006 Saleen vehicles is available from BFGoodrich and Nitto. Within that front fitment, BFGoodrich appears in multiple series, including g-Force Comp 2 AS, g-Force Sport Comp 2, and g-Force Phenom T/A, while Nitto is represented by the NT555 G2. All of those are radial blackwall performance tires.
Brand choice should come after size verification, since the S7 does not use the same dimensions at both ends. Once the front 19-inch fitment is confirmed, comparing brands can help narrow the field by speed rating, load rating where stated, and series character. Owners trying to keep the car's visual presentation clean and contemporary will also find consistency here because the available front options stay within a blackwall format.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich g-Force Comp 2 AS and BFGoodrich g-Force Phenom T/A for the 2006 Saleen?
For the 2006 Saleen front size of 275/35R19, both the BFGoodrich g-Force Comp 2 AS and g-Force Phenom T/A are radial blackwall tires for 19-inch wheels, but their published details are not identical. The g-Force Comp 2 AS carries a 96W marking, while the g-Force Phenom T/A carries a 100Y marking and a stated maximum load capacity of 1,764 pounds at 50 psi. Their published weights also differ slightly, with the Comp 2 AS at 31 pounds and the Phenom T/A at 29.78 pounds.
Those differences matter most when you are narrowing choices within the same exact front fitment. A 2006 Saleen owner comparing them should look closely at the sidewall service description, the speed symbol, and the load information rather than assuming every 275/35R19 behaves the same. It is also wise to keep the tire choice consistent across the axle so the car retains a balanced feel from left to right.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 2006 Saleen tires require?
For the 2006 Saleen front size of 275/35R19, products with published wheel guidance fit rims from 9.0 to 11.0 inches wide. That range appears consistently across the front fitment where rim-width information is stated. The wheel diameter for that tire is 19 inches, so both width and diameter need to line up with the actual wheel on the car.
Wheel width matters because a low-profile performance tire can change shape and behavior if it is mounted outside its intended range. On a 2006 Saleen S7, the safest approach is to verify the wheel's stamped or measured width before installation, especially if the car has ever worn aftermarket wheels. The rear 335/30R20 should be checked the same way against the specific tire's manufacturer guidance before final fitment.
Do 2006 Saleen tires require inner tubes?
The 2006 Saleen front fitment shown here uses modern radial sizing without tube-type markings, and the available 275/35R19 products are tubeless-style performance tires. That matches what most owners would expect from a 2006 supercar application with contemporary low-profile radial construction. Nothing about this front size suggests a tube-type collector fitment.
Even so, tube use should follow the wheel and tire manufacturer's instructions rather than habit. A damaged wheel, an unusual custom wheel, or a specialty application can change the conversation, and a 2006 Saleen is the kind of car where exact setup matters. Check the sidewall service description and inspect the wheel condition closely before mounting, especially if the wheels have been refinished or replaced.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 2006 Saleen when the tires are fitted?
A 2006 Saleen should be stored in a cool, dry, dark space with the tires kept away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, welders, and other ozone-producing equipment. Tire pressure should be set correctly before storage, and the car should either be moved periodically or supported in a way that reduces long-term stress on one contact patch. Modern radial tires resist flat-spotting better than older bias-ply designs, but long static periods still age the rubber.
That matters on an S7 because its tires are low-profile, high-performance pieces that can suffer from neglect even if mileage stays low. Clean floors, stable temperatures, and simple tire cradles can help preserve shape during extended storage. If the car sits through an entire season, inspect the sidewalls and tread carefully before the first drive rather than assuming appearance alone tells the full story.
How long do tires on a 2006 Saleen typically last?
On a 2006 Saleen, tire age is usually a more important factor than mileage because many collector-performance cars are driven sparingly. A good rule is to begin evaluating tires closely once they reach about five to seven years of age, and to treat ten years as a serious replacement point regardless of remaining tread. The DOT date code on each tire is the starting point for that conversation.
A supercar that sees occasional use can fool owners into thinking the tires are still fresh because tread wear is minimal. Rubber hardens over time, and that can affect grip, ride quality, and heat tolerance long before the tread looks worn out. On a 2006 Saleen, age-conscious replacement is especially important because the car's speed capability can ask more from the tire than ordinary collector cruising ever would.
How often should tires on a 2006 Saleen be inspected?
Tires on a 2006 Saleen should be inspected before every drive, with a more thorough check before any longer outing or high-speed event. Look for pressure loss, sidewall cracking, impact damage, punctures, tread irregularities, and any bulging that suggests internal damage. Because the car uses different front and rear sizes, each axle should be checked independently rather than treated as a uniform set.
That routine is worth following even if the car was stored carefully and driven recently. A sharp-edged pothole, curb contact, or long period of sitting can create issues that are easy to miss until the car is at speed. The spare, if kept with the vehicle for transport or support equipment, should also be inspected on the same schedule so every tire-related component is ready when needed.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 2006 Saleen S7?
The 2006 Saleen S7 belongs to a modern supercar era, so radial construction is the correct foundation for original-style fitment thinking. The S7 uses a staggered setup with 275/35R19 in front and 335/30R20 in the rear, reflecting contemporary exotic-car practice rather than a vintage same-size arrangement. Original-equipment brand confirmation can vary by market history and individual car provenance, so size and construction are the first authenticity checkpoints.
For an owner pursuing accuracy, the key is to preserve the front-and-rear relationship and the low-profile radial character the car was designed around. Even on a newer collector car, judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts notice when wheel diameter, aspect ratio, or general tire type drifts away from what the car carried in period. For the last layer of originality, a Saleen specialist or marque historian is the best resource.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 2006 Saleen?
Correct tire fitment absolutely matters when showing a 2006 Saleen, even though the car is newer than the traditional concours field. Judges and informed enthusiasts will notice whether the car keeps its staggered stance, proper low-profile radial construction, and the right front-versus-rear sizing relationship. A mismatched diameter, oversized sidewall, or swapped front/rear proportion can alter the car's visual balance immediately.
That does not always mean every event demands one exact tire model, but it does mean the overall fitment should look appropriate to the period and the S7's design intent. Owners preparing a judged car should pay close attention to sidewall appearance, overall tire profile, and whether the wheel-and-tire package preserves the original character. Event-specific judging standards are still worth checking in advance because modern collector classes can vary.
What is the difference between BFGoodrich g-Force Sport Comp 2 and Nitto NT555 G2 for the 2006 Saleen?
For the 2006 Saleen front size of 275/35R19, the BFGoodrich g-Force Sport Comp 2 and Nitto NT555 G2 are both blackwall radial performance tires, but they do not carry identical service descriptions. The BFGoodrich example is marked 96W, while the Nitto NT555 G2 is marked 100W XL, indicating a different load designation within the same basic size. Their published weights also differ slightly, with the BFGoodrich at 30 pounds and the Nitto at 29.54 pounds.
That makes them worth comparing as separate choices rather than interchangeable names in one category. A 2006 Saleen owner chasing a factory-like visual presentation will still get the right general blackwall radial look from either, but the service description should be part of the decision. If authenticity and driving behavior both matter, compare the sidewall markings on the car now with the specifications on the replacement tire before mounting a pair.
Safety & Road Use
Are 2006 Saleen tires safe for highway driving?
Yes, 2006 Saleen tires in the 275/35R19 front fitment can be appropriate for highway driving when they are fresh, correctly inflated, and matched to a sound wheel. Available front tires carry W and Y speed ratings, which correspond to 168 mph and 186 mph ceilings. Those ratings sit well above normal U.S. highway speeds, although a high-performance car still depends heavily on suspension condition, alignment, and braking health.
The real issue is not whether the speed symbol looks impressive on paper, but whether the entire car is ready for sustained road use. Aged rubber, underinflation, impact damage, or mixed-condition tires can undermine safety long before you approach the tire's rated ceiling. On a 2006 Saleen S7, highway confidence starts with recent inspection, correct front-and-rear sizing, and a realistic assessment of the car's overall mechanical condition.
What inflation pressure should I use for 2006 Saleen tires?
Inflation pressure for a 2006 Saleen should be based first on the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations for the S7 and then checked against the tire manufacturer's service information for the exact tire chosen. In the 275/35R19 front fitment, one available tire carries a stated maximum load capacity of 1,764 pounds at 50 psi, but that is a maximum-rated figure for that tire, not a universal operating pressure for every 2006 Saleen application.
That distinction matters because maximum sidewall pressure and actual running pressure are not the same thing. A staggered supercar can be sensitive to pressure changes, and front and rear settings may differ depending on the car's original engineering. Use the owner's manual or factory placard as the baseline, then confirm the selected tire's requirements so you are not borrowing a pressure number from another size or another product.
What should I check before taking a 2006 Saleen on a longer drive?
Before a longer drive in a 2006 Saleen, inspect each tire for cracks, cuts, punctures, bulges, irregular wear, and correct inflation, and verify that the front 275/35R19 and rear 335/30R20 are in the proper positions. Check valve stems, wheel condition, and the age of the tires as carefully as you check tread depth. A low-mileage collector supercar can have tires that look acceptable at a glance while still being too old for confident use.
That tire inspection should be part of a broader pre-drive routine that includes brakes, fluids, cooling, and suspension, because the S7 is far more demanding than a casual weekend cruiser. If the car has been stored for a long period, bring it back into service gradually and pay attention to vibration or pressure loss in the first miles. A careful once-over before departure is easier than solving a tire problem far from home.