Trj

Looking for something I can drive to the track... RA1s are out of stock. Any feedback on the Kumho Ecsta XS? Thanks

SamGrant951

Nitto NT01?

Potomac-Greg

I don't know if it's internet folklore, but Nitto NT01s are emerging as the "new" Toyo RA1s. Great grip, long lasting, and relatively inexpensive. I just bought a set and can't wait to use them.

Rumor is that they use the same construction and rubber compound as the RA1. As an added bonus, the NT01 has big enough tread blocks that they are as grippy at full tread as they are shaved.

Trj

Where did you buy your Nittos? I called Merchants tire here and they did not carry them??? They are listed as a distributor.

M758

Since Nitto is owned by Toyo I would not be shocked to learn the Nitto NT01 is really a an RA-1 with a new tread. Remember the R888 was supposed to be Toyos new tire. So why not take proven tire and "give it to Nitto" with new cool looking tread.

Toyo just never counted on the R888 sucking as much as it has. (which is why the RA-1 is back in production in some sizes).

Potomac-Greg

I ordered them at onlinetires.com. Or was it tiresonline.com?

There are a few online resources that carry Nittos.

Paddy

I still don't understand why so many people hate the R888. The R888 has better grip than a RA1, but doesn't last as long. I guess people figure R-compound tires should last years...

Also, it seems the p-car crowd hates the R888 except for the SPBOX fellas. The NT01 is exactly the same formula as the R888 just a different tread pattern.

333pg333

I agree. I have always had a good experience with the R888s. Had 3 sets. I think it's important for people to qualify a few things when they make comments, if only to help the rest of us in making our choices. I have also used Bridgestone RE55s which you don't get in the US, and Hoosier R6 & A6.

-Car model
-Weight and power
-Type of track: eg long fast sweeping, vs tight twisty. Also road surface and general weather conditions.
-Style of events: Sprints vs Enduros vs Auto X
-Style of driving: Momentum driver or late braker or over/understeerer etc
-Even things down to brakes and braking habits. It all adds up.

And what other types of tyres have you used in the past to compare Brand X to?

So...

Porsche 951 w KWs and Motorsport LSD
3000lbs approx. w 1/2 tank fuel / no driver - Power varies between 300 to 340whp U.S.
Mostly shorter twisty tracks and varying surfaces from smooth to a bit rough.
Climate is usually pretty warm Down Under even though it's in the cooler seasons when we race.
We mostly do SuperSprints. i.e. 1 outlap, 3-4 full on laps, 1 cooldown lap.
Bit of a late braker and Trailbraker
R888s, RE55s, R6, A6. Next on the list Nitto NT01 from www.onlinetires.com
Sizes have been from 255-285 fronts and 285-295 rears.

Obviously the Hoosiers were a step up from the others, but not by as much as you'd think. I definitely did better times with them but I can't say that it was all down to the tyre. In fact I know it wasn't. Suspension setup definitely helped too. I have found the R888s to get to heat very quickly and stay there. The Bridgestones felt better on the track than I'd expected but maybe not quite as quick as the 888's. I'll be running 275s all round on the Nittos so lets see what they're like. Seems to be only positive feedback on them though.

Potomac-Greg

It's not whether they "should" last longer. It's just that they DO last longer and that's a big benefit to folks who only do occasional track days. If you wear your track tires out before they clock-out, then your point is valid.

PS: I'm sure it's all folklore, but rumor is that the NTO1 uses the RA1 compound and the R888 is distinct. Only a chemist in Japan knows for sure.

M758

Every 944 spec runner has run the same or better lap times on RA-1 as compared to R888's. In fact at the national championship the top cars all ran RA-1 (except for me stuck on R888). I was doing all I could to get the R888's to work and the RA-1 guys when out and drove. If the R888 was faster it would have been the tire of choice. It was not and most guys went a after RA-1.

I have now moved back to RA-1 this year and in 4 races have run faster than I ever did on R888's. Plus the car is less sensitive to a slide on RA-1.

On top of all that the RA-1 lasts longer than the R888. So what good can you say about R888.
The R888 is no faster, not as driveable, no cheaper and does not last as long as the RA-1. This is why the 944 spec guys, spec E30 guys and spec miata guys preffer the RA-1.

TedA

T Roy, I instructed a guy with Nittos this past weekend and was impressed by their grip (even if off line). RA1s grip and will last a long time. However, based on your previous experience you will be tracking Hoosiers shortly....I have room in the truck to bring them to the track for you.

Trj

Thanks Ted, I need some track wheels and am trying to decide what to buy. Right now I only have one set so I need a road track combo. ..... Or new wheels.