R888 vs. NT-01?

[zvtran]

How do Toyo R888 compare to Nitto NT-01? I am running NT-01 now, but have had no experience with R888. Thanks.

Zung

[docwyte]

NT-01's are basically the same as the Toyo RA1's. From what I've heard, the RA1's are better tires than the R-888's. They're faster, wear longer, etc, etc.

So I'd stick with the NT01's.

[Weston]

The common perception is that the NT01's are similar to RA-1's, which is a good thing. Several of us will be testing that with our next set of tires...

R888's are garbage. I tried drinking the koolaid and sticking up for them early on, but I got tired of being on crap tires most of the time, because they only last a few heat cycles. We got burned bad on that deal.

[Dillon]

NT-01s are FAR better than R888s. I would never go back after racing on both. The NT01s so far feel like they never die. In the 2 hour endurance race at PPIR, they didn't skip a beat...in fact I think they might have gotten better as time went on. I've never driven on RA-1s but I'd venture to say that NT-01s are just as good, if not better. Bottom line: Don't get R888s.

[docwyte]

I've confirmed with Toyo at Natl's last year and with Pete@Tire Source that NT01's are the same as the RA1's.

You just don't have to shave the NT01's.

[bpanther]

Depending on how hard you push an NT-01, you will need to shave it in order to not destroy it. Driving them at the limit will bubble them. Or you need to heat cycle them really well before pushing hard (i.e. track shave them). Get details from Todd Bellwood.

[docwyte]

Ah, didn't know that. Thought that since they come at 4/32's already you didn't need to shave them.

[bpanther]

They start at 6/32. Most feedback I've seen recommends shaving them to 3/32 - 4/32 for best performance.

[zvtran]

Thanks all for the good information! Looks like I'll stay with the NT-01s for Nationals.

[chris_venturini]

When I drove Dillon's car in the enduro with near new, unshaved NT-01's I thought they felt better than my shaved RA-1s. I Cant say the same for R888's. R888's are great fresh out of the box for a fast qual lap,that's about it.

[Coloradomark]

And they (the R888's) are better in the rain, as evidenced by the only overall 1st place I got in the spec e30 (at Hastings).

[fhudsonjr]

Congratulations, Mark.

[docwyte]

I recall passing lots of people that day on my street tires! It was raining cats and dogs, people spinning like tops...

[svochuck]

insert video of Weston ! :)

[dkmura]

I recall running the R888 at Mid-Ohio for the '08 Nationals. There were a couple of full wet sessions and I wasn't impressed with it as a full wet tire. I think a full tread RA-1 would be a better choice.