Maxrev's Nitto NT01 Review @ Streets
 

As some of you know or not know, I recently purchased a set of Nitto's new NT01 R-compounds for my S. I originally wanted to try the Yoko A048 but decided against it due to the high price ($200+ a tire!).

http://maxrev.net/Icons/Nitto/images/IMG_0075.jpg

I was planning to test the tires out at Speedventures Buttonwillow event but since the configuration will be using the newly expanded section (13CW to 13CWa?), I would not be able to compare any data with any of my past runs.

So... I took advantage of having a day off on Monday and headed out to Streets of Willow for some testing. No major changes to my car since Big Willow except new wing and new tires.

http://maxrev.net/Icons/Review/sow0132si.jpg

The Nitto NT01 was fast straight out of the box. I didn't heat cycle or shave (6/32" starting tread) these tires and my lap times was consistent at 1:28 with the passenger seat. In the afternoon, I took out the passenger seat and did four attack laps which resulted in two 1:27 laps with 1:27.45 being my best lap.

The weather was sunny and cold so it felt like my car was pulling exceptionally well that day.

http://maxrev.net/Icons/Nitto/images/IMG_0088.jpg
Front
http://maxrev.net/Icons/Nitto/images/IMG_0092.jpg
Rear

More:
Maxrev's Nitto NT01 Track Review

http://maxrev.net/Icons/Nitto/images/IMG_0080.jpg

Overall, I was pleased on how quick the tires were freshly mounted and found the tires to be more predictable and controllable. Also these tires will alleviate my headache of trying to find a local shop whom will shave my R compounds for a decent price ($100?).

Oh yea. There were no rubbing with 245/45/17 mounted on 17x9 et63 volks. Ofcourse I am maxed out in the cambe for the front and back. ;)

How do they compare to RA1s?

"In terms of absolute grip level, the Nitto's are identical to Toyo RA1 but the Nitto was significantly faster lap time due to improved control characteristics."

What was the wear like? Think they'll last any longer than an RA?

To me, RA1s only lets you drive it one way.. classic grip style driving"

The Nitto allows more progressive slide and its very controlled. I was able to dive deep into corners and flick the car a little to have a natural "zero counter" oversteer out of the corners. Once you exceed the limit, the tires will slide but its smooth and recovers smoothly also.

I also noticed this type of handling from the Yoko A048 that I drove once.

I presonally like it more. It bring back the "Fun" in the R compounds for me.

Treadwear rating is 100. (I know, its not a useful index for comparison)
Hard to tell at this point.

These might be an alternative, but they cost more too. I am curious why you moved away from the RA-1s?

Its fun to try out diffrent parts. ;)

Interesting...

"Famed Pierre Kleinubing of Real Time Racing recorded a high 1:28 in a supercharged S2000 with DOT race tires at the same track and he's worth at least a second/lap over Jeff or I (Pierre also recorded a 1:31 in a stock 05 S2000). A good driver in a stock EVO will typically go 1:33-1:34, so we're certainly near our goals."

Humm, I also did a 1:31 in a stock 04 S2000 and 1:27 in my MOD class S2000.

LINK

You beat me to my edit!

Well I thought that the RA1s actually recovered well and slid well. If the Nittos are actually easier to control when things go wrong....hmmm, we could have a competitor to the RA1s. It'll be interesting to see your segment comparison times at BW. Are the Nittos your commute tire, too? It'll be interesting to see what kind of resistance they have to heat cycling.

So did these get greasy at any point?

Krazik did 1:26s (both directions) with an NA AP1 at 100%rev :LOL: ...Kleinubing has HIS autograph ;)

88% What are you talking about :yikes:

RA1s HAVE to be slid. :thinker:

Slicks not so much. But anytime the wheel isn't point straight some tire is slipping.